Minnesota's native plants built the state's landscapes before European settlement, supported generations of pollinators and wildlife, and remain the most reliable, lowest-maintenance options for Twin Cities yards. This guide covers why native planting matters, what's available in the Three Timbers Minnesota catalog, and how to use natives to qualify for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes rebate program.
Why Plant Natives?
Ecological value. Doug Tallamy's research (Bringing Nature Home, Nature's Best Hope) established that native plants support dramatically more insect, bird, and wildlife species than non-natives. A single native oak supports 500+ butterfly and moth species.
Low maintenance. Natives evolved for Minnesota conditions — clay soil, -30°F winters, summer humidity, variable rainfall.
Financial incentives. Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program offers rebates (up to $350) for homeowners converting turf grass to native pollinator plantings.
Minnesota Native Shrubs
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The iconic Minnesota native shrub. Winter red bark, white spring flowers, blue-white summer berries that feed birds, tolerates wet clay. Zone 2 hardy.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Minnesota native with excellent wildlife value. 'Diabolo' is a dark-foliage cultivar that retains native ecological function while adding ornamental burgundy color.
Nannyberry Viburnum (Viburnum lentago)
Underused MN native with exceptional four-season value. Spring flowers, edible summer berries, fiery fall color, smooth gray winter bark. Excellent buckthorn replacement.
Minnesota Native Trees
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Keystone wildlife native — supports more butterfly and moth species than any other MN tree. Top ash-replacement choice.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Small flowering tree, native throughout MN. Spring white flowers feed early pollinators, summer berries feed songbirds, brilliant fall color.
Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata')
Cultivar of native white spruce, selected from Black Hills populations for dense form.
Minnesota Native Perennials
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Native pollinator powerhouse. Monarch butterflies, native bees, goldfinches. 10 weeks of bloom.
Black-eyed Susan 'Goldsturm' (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Classic MN native perennial, reliable returns every year, deer and rabbit resistant.
Bee Balm / Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Hummingbird magnet, native pollinator plant, deer-resistant aromatic foliage.
Using Natives in Your Landscape
- Structure: Native shrubs (Nannyberry, Red Twig Dogwood, Ninebark) as hedges and mid-layer anchors
- Accent: Native small trees (Serviceberry, Redbud) as focal points
- Color: Native perennials (Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm) as borders and mass plantings
- Texture: Native grasses (Little Bluestem) or near-native cultivars like Karl Foerster
Qualifying for Lawns to Legumes
- Apply through the Board of Water and Soil Resources program
- Plant at least 50% native species in the converted area
- Submit photos and documentation after installation
- Receive reimbursement up to $350
Native vs. "Nativar" (Native Cultivars)
A "nativar" is a selected cultivar of a native species — 'Diabolo' Ninebark from the native Physocarpus opulifolius, 'Goldsturm' Black-eyed Susan. Most nativars retain the ecological value of the species while adding ornamental traits.
Browse the MN Natives Collection
Three Timbers Minnesota's Native Plants collection is the place to start. Every plant is zone 4b–5a hardy, ecologically functional, and appropriate for Twin Cities conditions.