https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

Will tell you the plants that support the greatest number of species. These keystone species are really good for biodiversity. I think goldenrod and asters were some of the best flowers for Maryland. Oaks are the best overall, but it doesn't sound like you're looking for a giant tree.

You should look for a MD native plant Facebook group and plant swap groups! I belong to a couple VA groups and have given away a ton of natives! Gardners are (usually) the nicest people and are usually happy to share, especially pollinator friendly plants!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cone flowers, bee balm, and lavender are super easy, mega pollinator attractors.

Lavander isn't native but non-native honeybees sure seem to like it

Omg who friggin cares about what is native or not. Apples aren't native to the US either.

Native plants people are certified horticultural Nazis. Bees loooooove lavender, period. A non-native plant is fine as long as it doesn't exhibit invasive characteristics, which lavender does not.

1. Throwing the word Nazi around really minimizes the horror the inflicted during WW2.
2. OP specifically asks for native plants.
3. Are you ok?

+1

Imagine recommending natives when OP asked for natives. What monsters we are.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you all for the wonderful resources and advice. I’m off to a great start!

I’m so excited for you. I’m in a completely different region (Midwestern prairie) so sharing my exciting discoveries of natives is not useful, but if you get really into the weeds (ha) there are all kinds of crazy and rarer plants that you can uncover over time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cone flowers, bee balm, and lavender are super easy, mega pollinator attractors.

Lavander isn't native but non-native honeybees sure seem to like it

Omg who friggin cares about what is native or not. Apples aren't native to the US either.

Native plants people are certified horticultural Nazis. Bees loooooove lavender, period. A non-native plant is fine as long as it doesn't exhibit invasive characteristics, which lavender does not.

1. Throwing the word Nazi around really minimizes the horror the inflicted during WW2.
2. OP specifically asks for native plants.
3. Are you ok?

The "are you ok" insult is played out, we get it you use to call someone crazy

OP, before you start buying up everything, make sure you know your garden conditions! Sun/part sun/part shade/full shade. Also make sure you know whether where you're planting is going to get grazed by deer. It will save a lot of time and money in the long run if you don't buy plants that won't work where you put them!

^these

I have one of year gardens planted by a prior owner. Almost everything in the garden produces fruits, berries or flowers. Lots of vines, birds love the berries year round.

OP here. Thank you all for the wonderful resources and advice. I’m off to a great start!

PP again. Here's one coming up through Brookside:

Ecological Gardening: Supporting Native Habitats in The Home Landscape

*Live Zoom lecture

Thursday, April 25 / 7 – 8:30pm ET

Fee: $15 / FOBG: $12

Christopher Elenstar, Brookside Gardens staff

Whether you’re looking to create a new garden or blend in plants with your existing one, this lecture will help you develop a habitat that attracts and supports a range of wildlife year-round. Learn how to make informed plant selections based on their characteristics and how they uniquely sustain birds, butterflies, and pollinators. A deeper understanding of local ecosystems will inform design strategies for layering plant combinations and placement to create a functional and beautiful landscape. Plant lists provided.

I've attended several classes through Brookside Gardens. The ones I took were all virtual. Here's their latest schedule.

https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/brookside-gardens-cultivate-magazine-spring-summer-2024.pdf

You can also call the Adult Education Manager 301-962-1470 to get on their mailing list. It makes it easier to register. I thought the classes were well done and the cost is minimal.

I'm in VA, but our natives should be similar.

My gardens are about 60% native plants, but I'm aiming for 75% or more.

I grow a lot of flowers and plants to benefit the pollinators. A few include:

Bee balm
Butterfly weed
Swamp milkweed
Whorled milkweed
Joe Pye weed
Aster
Jacob's ladder
Coral honeysuckle
Larkspur
Liatris
Evening primrose
Virginia spiderweb
Common violets
Moss phlox
Garden phlox
Goldenrod
Green and Gold
Bottle gentian
Wild columbine
Threadleaf coreopsis
Silky dogwood
Rue
Sedum
Virginia bluebells
Wild geranium
Sunflowers
Winterberry
Yarrow
Giant hyssop
Tall Campanella
Rudbeckia

I also grow rue, parsley, and fennel for the swallowtail butterflies, and Hollyhock for the painted lady butterflies,

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cone flowers, bee balm, and lavender are super easy, mega pollinator attractors.

Lavander isn't native but non-native honeybees sure seem to like it

Omg who friggin cares about what is native or not. Apples aren't native to the US either.

Native plants people are certified horticultural Nazis. Bees loooooove lavender, period. A non-native plant is fine as long as it doesn't exhibit invasive characteristics, which lavender does not.

1. Throwing the word Nazi around really minimizes the horror the inflicted during WW2.
2. OP specifically asks for native plants.
3. Are you ok?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cone flowers, bee balm, and lavender are super easy, mega pollinator attractors.

Lavander isn't native but non-native honeybees sure seem to like it

Omg who friggin cares about what is native or not. Apples aren't native to the US either.

Native plants people are certified horticultural Nazis. Bees loooooove lavender, period. A non-native plant is fine as long as it doesn't exhibit invasive characteristics, which lavender does not.

Anonymous wrote:Cone flowers, bee balm, and lavender are super easy, mega pollinator attractors.

Lavander isn't native but non-native honeybees sure seem to like it