A Sampling of White Blooming Native Shrubs

Native plants are becoming more and more popular as the idea of xeriscaping and environmental awareness come into focus. To add the nice crispness of white to your landscape, consider planting some white blooming native shrubs from the list below to your next gardening project.

Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush buckeye)

This shrub grows from 6-12 feet high and prefers shady locations. It has four-petal white flowers that give off a honey like fragrance, and fruits that have a nutlike appearance. This was used as a treatment for colic and whooping cough traditionally. Its wood is used for packing crates.

Agarista populifolia (Pipestem leucothoe)

Also known as Fetterbush, this evergreen shrub is highly toxic if ingested. Fetterbush grows from 8-12 feet tall and will produce bell shaped cream flowers from May to June. Plant in shady areas for best color show and remember this is a drought intolerant shrub.

Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)

A deciduous shrub, the Buttonbush grows up to 18 feet tall. It will flower tiny white blossoms from June to September and fruit from September to October. The Buttonbush has traditionally had its bark used as a laxative and to cure skin ailments, but be highly cautious of this tradition as the bark contains cephalanthin poison that produces convulsions and paralysis. Bees will use the shrub in its honey making endeavors.

Chionanthus virginica (Grancey Grey-beard)

This incredible deciduous shrub (or can be pruned to a small tree) is known for its light wispy fringe. This fringe is due to the airy white flowers that will come in May. It is very slow growing but will eventually top out around 15-20 feet. You'll love its adaptability and ease in your garden, just be sure you give it full sun or partial shade.

Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)

This shade tolerant deciduous shrub will grow up to 8 feet tall. It has lovely reddish-brown bark. This shrub is mainly used purely ornamental due to its incredibly fragrant white flowers that appear July to August. It will fruit from September to October, but has little value to livestock and deer.

Crataegus triflora (Three-flower hawthorn)