Native Plants Grown Locally in Cincinnati, Ohio

My native plants are carefully cultivated right here in Cincinnati. Each plant is available for just $4.00.

Convenient and Sustainable

Plants are grown in specialty reusable tubes. Your plants are removed from these tubes, carefully protected in foil wraps for easy transport. By following this process, the price to the consumer is very affordable! The specialty tubes are cleaned and used to replant.  This also reduces plastic waste, no extra pots to pay for and it uses less growing medium.

Focus on Native Genotype Plants

Most of the plants I grow are of a native genotype to SW Ohio. Some plants, while native to Ohio, I am unable to grow from native seed for several reasons. 1. They are endangered in the state of Ohio thus cannot be grown from native Ohio seed. 2. The plant is extirpated from Ohio and so there are no Ohio genotype seeds available anymore. 3. The plant is native to a state adjacent to Ohio However it has never been found in Ohio. In these cases, I may purchase the seed from another state or collect the seed from an adjacent state to Ohio to make them available. In these cases, I will distinguish these non-Ohio-native genotype plants on my plant list by using Italic print on the plant name and scientific name.

Plant Species Available

See my online plant list below which features over 200 species of plants with plans to continue to expand in the future. While I try to introduce new species to the list of available plants, I will not be able to grow all the species every year because of space restraints.   (please note, we do not ship plants)

My Journey

In 2021, I began growing native plants for my own yard. Now, that I have honed my propagation process, I am excited to share them with you to encourage native plantings on your property.

Come Visit!

Feel free to make an appointment to view and purchase plants. I also plan to have at least one open house day where no appointment is needed. The best way to contact me is either through Facebook Messenger or you can call or text me at 513-748-9003

Stay Updated

Check our online plant list below for updates throughout the spring and summer on availability. You also invited to follow our Nature’s Ark Facebook page for the latest news.

My Mission

Is to provide affordable native plants for homeowners and those involved in community education projects, like pollinator gardens.

A Call to Action for Homeowners and the Urgency of Change

In the U.S., 40 million acres are devoted to lawns (that nearly twice the size of the state of Ohio in unproductive grass!) Homeowners can help the environment by planting native species and reducing lawn areas.

Currently, more money is spent on lawn chemicals and water than any other type of landscaping. In fact, fertilizer and pesticide use on lawns is ten times greater than on all agricultural land combined. This approach is unsustainable.

A Critical Moment

Recent news highlights a consensus among climate scientists and conservationists: we may face a mass extinction event within the next two decades. Sadly, some environmental research is saying we are rapidly approaching the point of no return. However, we must continue to do our best!  The more we can do as homeowners and landowners by planting native species and ridding our yards, woodlands and grasslands of invasive species, we can reduce the negative impact.  We can make a difference!

Neonicotinoids our bad for pollinators

Neonicotinoids are widely used in the plant industry and are highly toxic to our pollinators. These insecticides are absorbed in the plants and end up in the pollen of flowering plants and is devastating our native pollinators. There is a push to get them removed however if you buy plants from your local garden store you might enquire if they use these chemicals on there plants before you buy. For more information about these insecticides please read the following articles.

https://xerces.org/publications/periodicals-articles/neonicotinoids-in-your-garden

https://www.xerces.org/pesticides/understanding-neonicotinoids

As a native plant grower as well as a supporter of nature in general. I do not spray insecticides of any kind on my plants. If I would need to for some reason I would try to find one that is free of Neonicotinoids. If we loose our pollinators we will have to pollinate everything by hand and that would effect our food supply greatly.

A Collective Responsibility

We must confront the reality that we are at risk of losing much of the natural world. It’s time to take action and continue to work for our future and the future of our planet.

Starting Your Native Plant Project

Need Guidance?

If you’re unsure how to start your native plant project, you’re not alone. Many people seek help to navigate this rewarding journey.

Expert Recommendation

I highly recommend Austin Miller of Birdsong Landscaping. He specializes in landscaping with native plants. His skill can make your project a success.

Services Offered

Austin offers a range of restoration services. These include custom prairie seedlings and pollinator gardens. He also provides invasive plant removal and habitat management.

Customized Solutions

Whether you want to enhance your garden or restore a larger habitat, Austin can tailor solutions to meet your needs. His knowledge ensures that you choose the right plants for your area.

Importance of Native Plants

Using native plants is crucial for local ecosystems. They support wildlife, promote biodiversity, and requires less maintenance. Austin’s work helps you contribute positively to the environment.

How you can help

By planting native plants on your property, you are directly contributing to environmental conservation. The transition from a traditional lawn to a more eco-friendly landscape has a powerful impact. It reduces the need for harmful chemicals and excessive watering, and it helps support the biodiversity that is critical for our ecosystems.

Conclusion

Starting your native plant project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, you can transform your outdoor space into a thriving habitat. Do your own research using these experienced and qualified agencies such as the National Chapter Wild Ones. visit their website for more information https://wildones.org/

Plants for sale	Price per plant	Sales time line
Home Owners & Community Education Projects	$4.00 each	Anytime by appointment
Growers & Sellers of Native Plants	$10.00 each	October-November by appointment

Payment options:  I can accept credit cards, however cash is preferred on purchases of less than a dozen plants.

About Native Plants

We try to categorize plants into groups to better understand growth patterns and the habitat which they typically grow in. What we often overlook is how adaptable these plants really are! Throughout time plants have adapted to changing landscapes and that’s why we enjoy such a wide range of native plants today.

There are many ways to group plants. I have chosen to use habitat categories. This grouping is more descriptive than just a sun or shade preference and hopefully helps you make better decisions when choosing plants. My habitat description may be different than what you have seen before and have been altered to fit my narrative that plants are more adaptable based on my experience.

Plant Type Descriptions

Bog: grows in acidic, nutrient-poor wetlands

Prairie: Prefers full sun but will tolerate a half a day of sun or partial shade

Wet prairie:   These plants prefer their feet wet. They also prefer full sun but will tolerate a half a day of sun and can be found along habitat edges

Wet Woods/ Prairie: These plants like their feet wet and will grow in shade to full sun.

Wet Woods: Prefers moist shady areas like floodplain forest and swampy woodlands

Open woods: Usually likes partial sun and can be found along woodland edges.

Open woods/ Prairie:   A plant that will tolerate partial shade to full sun

Woodland: Prefers mostly shade, however it may do well in partial shade

Woodland/ Open Woodland:   A plant that will tolerate more shade or partial shade

Woodland/ Prairie: Plants that can be found in full shade to full sun

Woodland/ Spring Ephemeral: Perennial plants found mostly in forest. They bloom and set seed in early spring before the tree leaves come out. These plants then die back and are not visible the rest of the season. Some species will tolerate full sun.

Oak Woodland: Moderate amount of moisture and prefers oak-hickory trees and acidic soils.

List of Plants

Graminoid/Grasses

Common name	Scientific Name	Availability	Habitat Type	Color	Plant Height	Picture Link
Big Bluestem	Andropogon gerardii	Not this year	Prairie	Green-red	4-8′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/big-bluestem
Canada wild-rye	Elymus canadensis	Out of Stock	Prairie	Blue green	2-4′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/canada-wild-rye
Common Woodreed	Cinna arundinacea	Not this year	Woodland	Green	2-5′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/common-woodreed
Eastern Bottlebrush grass	Elymus hystrix		Woodland	Green	2-5′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/bottlebrush-grass
Florida Paspalum	Paspalum floridanum	Not this year	Prairie	White, Green	4-7′	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paspalum_floridanum
Little Bluestem	Schizachyrium scoparium	Out of stock	Prairie	White	2-4′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/little-bluestem
Prairie Dropseed	Sporobolus heterolepis	Out of stock	Prairie	Pinkish	2-4′	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporobolus_heterolepis
Sideoats Grama	Bouteloua curtipendula	Out of stock	Prairie	Purple	1-3	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/poaceae-grass-family/sideoats-grama
Switch Grass	Panicum virgatum	Not this yesr	Prairie	Reddish-purple	3-7′	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panicum_virgatum
Tall Dropseed	Sporobolus compositus	Out of stock	Prairie	White	2-4′	https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/tall_dropseed.htm

Sedges/Rushes

Common Name	Scientific Name	Availability	Habitat Type	Color	Plant Height	Picture Link
Broad loose-flowered Sedge	Carex laxiflora	Out of stock	Woodland	White-Green	6-12″	https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/carex-laxiflora-broad-loose-flowered-sedge/
White Bear Sedge	Carex albursina	Out of Stock	Woodland	Green	6-24″	https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/carex-albursina-white-bear-sedge-test2/
Whitetinge Sedge	Carex albicans	Out of Stock	Woodland	White	15-20″	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/cyperaceae-sedge-family/whitetinge-sedge
Wool-grass	Scirpus cyperinus		Wetland	Green

Vines

Common Name	Scientific Name	Availability	Habitat Type	Color	Plant Height	Picture Link
American Bittersweet	Celastrus scandens		Woodland	White	10-30′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/celastraceae-bittersweet-family/american-bittersweet
Common Moonseed	Menispermum canadense	Not this year	Woodland	White	8-15′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/menispermaceae-moonseed-family/common-moonseed
Purple Passionflower	Passiflora incarnata	Out of stock	Open Wood/ Prairie	Blue	8-20′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/passifloraceae-passion-flower-family/purple-passionflower
Trumpet Vine	Campsis radicans	Out of stock	Open Woods/ Prairie	Orange-Red	30′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/bignoniaceae-trumpetvine/trumpet-vine
Yellow Passionflower	Passiflora lutea	Out of stock	Open Woods/ Prairie	Greenish Yellow	6-20′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/passifloraceae-passion-flower-family/yellow-passionflower

Woody

Common Name	Scientific Name	Availability	Habitat	Color	Plant Height	Picture Link
American Bladdernut	Staphylea trifolia		Woodland	Greenish-White	8-15′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/staphyleaceae-bladdernut-family/american-bladdernut
American Crabapple	Malus coronaria		Open woods/ Prairie	Pink	30′	https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/malus/malus-coronaria/
American Hornbeam	Carpinus caroliniana		Woodland	Yellow-green	20′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/betulaceae-birch-family/american-hornbeam
American Plum	Prunus americana	Out of stock	Open Woods/ Prairie	White	15-25′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/american-plum
Black Gum	Nyssa sylvatica		Woodland	Yellow-green	30-50′	https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/nyssa/nyssa-sylvatica/
Buttonbush	Cephalanthus occidentalis		Wet Woods/ Prairie	White	3-8′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rubiaceae-matter-family-1/buttonbush
Carolina Allspice	Calycanthus floridus		Woodland/ Prairie	Maroon	6-12′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/calycanthaceae-strawberry-shrub-family
Dwarf Hackberry	Celtis tenuifolia		Woodland/ Prairie	Greenish white	7-40′	https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/celtis-tenuifolia/
Eastern Leatherwood	Dirca palustris		Woodland	Yellow	7′	https://buchanansplants.com/plant-library/shrubs/leatherwood/
Eastern Wahoo	Euonymus atropurpureus		Woodland	Purple	12-20′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/celastraceae-bittersweet-family/eastern-wahoo
Flowering Dogwood	Cornus florida		Woodland	White	5-40′	https://mtcubacenter.org/plants/flowering-dogwood/
Fragrant Sumac	Rhus aromatica	Not this year	Open Woods/ Prairie	Yellow	6-12′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/anacardiaceae-sumac-family/fragrant-sumac
Lanceleaf Buckthorn	Rhamnus lanceolata		Open woods/ Prairie	Greenish-yellow	6′
Mapleleaf Viburnum	Viburnum acerifolium	Out of Stock	Woodland/ Open Woods	White	3-6′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/adoxaceae-moschatel-family/mapleleaf-viburnum
New Jersey Tea	Ceanothus americanus		Open woods/ Prairie	White	2-3′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rhamnaceae-buckthorn-family/new-jersey-tea
Ninebark	Physocarpus opulifolius		Wet woods/ Prairie	Pinkish-White	3-10′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/common-ninebark
Redbud	Cercis canadensis		Open Woods/ Prairie	Pink	20-30′	https://mtcubacenter.org/plants/redbud/
Running Strawberry Bush	Euonymus obovatus	Out of stock	Woodland	Pale-green	6-18″	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/celastraceae-bittersweet-family/running-strawberry-bush
Shrubby Cinquefoil	Dasiphora fruticosa		Wet Prairie	Yellow	1-4′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/shrubby-cinquefoil
Smooth Rose	Rosa blanda	Out of stock	Prairie	Pink	2-6′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/smooth-rose
Steeplebush	Spiraea tomentosa		Wet Prairie	Pink	2-4′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/steeplebush
Wafer Ash	Ptelea trifoliata		Open Woods	Greenish-white	15-20′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rutaceae-citrus-family/wafer-ash
White Meadowsweet	Spiraea alba		Wet Prairie	White	4-6′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/rosaceae-rose-family/white-meadowsweet
Wild Hydrangea	Hydrangea arborescens	Out of stock	Woodland	White	3-9′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/hydrangeaceae-hydrangea-family/wild-hydrangea
Winterberry	Ilex verticillata		Wet Woods/ Prairie	White	5-15′	https://naturesarkphotography.com/wildflowers-plants/nggallery/aquifoliaceae-holly-1/winterberry