Georgia Native Plant Society
@ganativeplants.bsky.social
Our mission is to promote the stewardship and conservation of Georgia's native plants and their habitats. We grow people who love native plants!
Learn more at www.gnps.org.
Learn more at www.gnps.org.
This is downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens). Native range is mostly in the upper half of the state per USDA. This one also blooms in the summer but the leaves are present year-round. The delicately veined leaves are quite beautiful. #nativeplants
December 11, 2025 at 1:14 PM
This is downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens). Native range is mostly in the upper half of the state per USDA. This one also blooms in the summer but the leaves are present year-round. The delicately veined leaves are quite beautiful. #nativeplants
This single leaf orchid is widespread throughout the state – it is known as cranefly orchid (Tipularia discolor). The leaf is green on top and purple underneath and is evergreen over the winter but absent in the summer when the plant blooms. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
This single leaf orchid is widespread throughout the state – it is known as cranefly orchid (Tipularia discolor). The leaf is green on top and purple underneath and is evergreen over the winter but absent in the summer when the plant blooms. (1/2) #nativeplants
In the interests of education, today we show a berry-laden plant that you might see in yards, along roadsides or in vacant lots - but it is not a native plant. This is ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana), often called ‘Bradford’ pear. Over the last 20 years, it has become a pest. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM
In the interests of education, today we show a berry-laden plant that you might see in yards, along roadsides or in vacant lots - but it is not a native plant. This is ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana), often called ‘Bradford’ pear. Over the last 20 years, it has become a pest. (1/2) #nativeplants
How about a tree with great fall color that doesn’t get any respect? Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) has fantastic colors – often on the same tree! Yellows, pinks, oranges, purples – what a kaleidoscope of color. Liquidambar is the sole genus in the Altingiaceae family. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 8, 2025 at 1:14 PM
How about a tree with great fall color that doesn’t get any respect? Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) has fantastic colors – often on the same tree! Yellows, pinks, oranges, purples – what a kaleidoscope of color. Liquidambar is the sole genus in the Altingiaceae family. (1/2) #nativeplants
Two oaks which show up in Georgia but which are not native to Georgia: sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) which is native to Asia, and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) which is native to Alabama and Tennessee. Both have acorn caps with fringes but the leaves are quite different. #nativeplants
December 7, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Two oaks which show up in Georgia but which are not native to Georgia: sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) which is native to Asia, and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) which is native to Alabama and Tennessee. Both have acorn caps with fringes but the leaves are quite different. #nativeplants
The last of the native Georgia oaks we’ll feature is blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica). We include a picture of the page in the Eastern North American field guide for reference. Fall color can be rich but the leaves tend to hang on the trees, only falling once they are brown. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The last of the native Georgia oaks we’ll feature is blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica). We include a picture of the page in the Eastern North American field guide for reference. Fall color can be rich but the leaves tend to hang on the trees, only falling once they are brown. (1/2) #nativeplants
Oglethorpe oak (Quercus oglethorpensis) is a medium-size oak named for Oglethorpe County Georgia where it was identified in 1940. It is found in only a few areas of Georgia and surrounding states, in wet to moist areas. It is a member of the white oak group. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 5, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Oglethorpe oak (Quercus oglethorpensis) is a medium-size oak named for Oglethorpe County Georgia where it was identified in 1940. It is found in only a few areas of Georgia and surrounding states, in wet to moist areas. It is a member of the white oak group. (1/2) #nativeplants
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is the state tree of Georgia and an iconic symbol of the Coastal South. It is an evergreen native to the Coastal Plain but will grow more inland. It is a fast-growing member of the white oak group, often growing more wide than tall. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is the state tree of Georgia and an iconic symbol of the Coastal South. It is an evergreen native to the Coastal Plain but will grow more inland. It is a fast-growing member of the white oak group, often growing more wide than tall. (1/2) #nativeplants
Water oak (Quercus nigra) is perhaps the most widely distributed oak in Georgia. It is widely tolerant of soil conditions, from wet and swampy to sandy soils and red clay. Its rapid growth has made it a fine tree for the landscaping of homes. (1/2) #nativeplants
December 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Water oak (Quercus nigra) is perhaps the most widely distributed oak in Georgia. It is widely tolerant of soil conditions, from wet and swampy to sandy soils and red clay. Its rapid growth has made it a fine tree for the landscaping of homes. (1/2) #nativeplants
It's simple: We need native Plants for Pollinators and People. GNPS will take on operations of a second Community-supported Propagation site called Boy Scout Road Nursery in middle Georgia. Our goal for #GivingTuesday is to raise $7,500 to support this work. Will you help us? vist.ly/4gxvt
December 2, 2025 at 10:58 PM
It's simple: We need native Plants for Pollinators and People. GNPS will take on operations of a second Community-supported Propagation site called Boy Scout Road Nursery in middle Georgia. Our goal for #GivingTuesday is to raise $7,500 to support this work. Will you help us? vist.ly/4gxvt
On Georgia Gives on #GivingTuesday, we are raising money to expand our Community-Supported Propagation program. GNPS is taking on operations of a second propagation site! Your generosity can help get more native plants out to the community. Our goal is to raise $7,500. Are you in? vist.ly/4gve7
December 2, 2025 at 3:58 PM
On Georgia Gives on #GivingTuesday, we are raising money to expand our Community-Supported Propagation program. GNPS is taking on operations of a second propagation site! Your generosity can help get more native plants out to the community. Our goal is to raise $7,500. Are you in? vist.ly/4gve7
Cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) is found in four scattered counties per the USDA map, but the SERNEC database has numerous reports. It is described as one of the largest and fastest growing of the Southern red oaks, reaching up to 130'. It resembles Southern red oak (Q. falcata). #nativeplants
December 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) is found in four scattered counties per the USDA map, but the SERNEC database has numerous reports. It is described as one of the largest and fastest growing of the Southern red oaks, reaching up to 130'. It resembles Southern red oak (Q. falcata). #nativeplants
Tomorrow is Georgia Gives on Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity. GNPS has an exciting new strategic plan calling for us to expand our Community-Supported Propagation program. Our goal is to raise $7,500 - Will you help? vist.ly/4gsay
December 1, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Tomorrow is Georgia Gives on Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity. GNPS has an exciting new strategic plan calling for us to expand our Community-Supported Propagation program. Our goal is to raise $7,500 - Will you help? vist.ly/4gsay
Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) is native to bottom lands, along streams and borders of swamps in mixed hardwoods, this oak stands tall with beautiful leaves and large acorns to support wildlife. Native throughout much of the state, but more so in the Coastal Plain per USDA. #nativeplants
December 1, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) is native to bottom lands, along streams and borders of swamps in mixed hardwoods, this oak stands tall with beautiful leaves and large acorns to support wildlife. Native throughout much of the state, but more so in the Coastal Plain per USDA. #nativeplants
Georgia Gives on #GivingTuesday is right around the corner! This year we are happy to offer a volunteer workday ON Giving Tuesday!! What a great way to check out the second Community-Supported Propagation site coming online for GNPS. Boy Scout Road Nursery is located in Byron, GA. vist.ly/4gjt4
Boy Scout Road Nursery Workday - GNPS
The Boy Scout Road Nursery (BSRN) offers a weekly opportunity to learn about native plants and contribute to the GNPS Community-Supported Propagation program. Plants grown will find their home in land restoration projects, educational gardens or chapter and other nonprofit plant sales. The community-supported propagation effort goes on all year…
gnps.org
November 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Georgia Gives on #GivingTuesday is right around the corner! This year we are happy to offer a volunteer workday ON Giving Tuesday!! What a great way to check out the second Community-Supported Propagation site coming online for GNPS. Boy Scout Road Nursery is located in Byron, GA. vist.ly/4gjt4
Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a large oak in the red oak group that resembles red oak (Q. rubra). It seems to be tolerant of a range of soils. Widely distributed in Georgia, it grows to 50-110' tall, depending on conditions. Leaves mostly turn a yellow/brown in fall. (1/2) #nativeplants
November 28, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a large oak in the red oak group that resembles red oak (Q. rubra). It seems to be tolerant of a range of soils. Widely distributed in Georgia, it grows to 50-110' tall, depending on conditions. Leaves mostly turn a yellow/brown in fall. (1/2) #nativeplants
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! #nativeplants
November 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! #nativeplants
Another heavily used parking lot tree is pin oak (Quercus palustris). Considered a medium-sized oak (up to 70'), it is naturally found in lowlands and bottomlands - but in only one county in Georgia. It appears to tolerate pollution and have a reasonably good growth rate. (1/2) #nativeplants
November 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Another heavily used parking lot tree is pin oak (Quercus palustris). Considered a medium-sized oak (up to 70'), it is naturally found in lowlands and bottomlands - but in only one county in Georgia. It appears to tolerate pollution and have a reasonably good growth rate. (1/2) #nativeplants
Another oak popping up in planned landscaped areas is Nuttall oak (Quercus texana). According to USDA, this one has no native presence in Georgia, but you’re sure to see it if you start looking around. It has gorgeous fall color, striped acorns and a good shape. #nativeplants
November 25, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Another oak popping up in planned landscaped areas is Nuttall oak (Quercus texana). According to USDA, this one has no native presence in Georgia, but you’re sure to see it if you start looking around. It has gorgeous fall color, striped acorns and a good shape. #nativeplants
One oak that is getting use in parking lots and urban areas is Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii). It has a scattered range in Georgia, but apparently does well in urban environments. It has also has good fall color and the acorn crop is pretty good, but they do take two years to mature. #nativeplants
November 24, 2025 at 1:14 PM
One oak that is getting use in parking lots and urban areas is Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii). It has a scattered range in Georgia, but apparently does well in urban environments. It has also has good fall color and the acorn crop is pretty good, but they do take two years to mature. #nativeplants
Post oak (Quercus stellata) is a member of the white oak group with thick, lobed leaves and small, oval-shaped acorns that ripen in a single year. This medium-sized tree is found throughout Georgia. The leaf shape is interesting... (1/2) #nativeplants
November 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Post oak (Quercus stellata) is a member of the white oak group with thick, lobed leaves and small, oval-shaped acorns that ripen in a single year. This medium-sized tree is found throughout Georgia. The leaf shape is interesting... (1/2) #nativeplants
Southern red oak (Quercus falcata), a large and handsome shade tree with an attractive shape, is widely distributed throughout Georgia. The large leaves are glossy and variable in shape in terms of size and number of lobes but are pubescent (has small hairs) on the back. (1/2) #nativeplants
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Southern red oak (Quercus falcata), a large and handsome shade tree with an attractive shape, is widely distributed throughout Georgia. The large leaves are glossy and variable in shape in terms of size and number of lobes but are pubescent (has small hairs) on the back. (1/2) #nativeplants
Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) is distinctive for the way the cup of the acorn almost completely encloses the nut itself. Also known as swamp post oak, this species is found on poorly drained southern river flood plains, but is adaptable and gets some use in landscaped areas... (1/2) #nativeplants
November 21, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) is distinctive for the way the cup of the acorn almost completely encloses the nut itself. Also known as swamp post oak, this species is found on poorly drained southern river flood plains, but is adaptable and gets some use in landscaped areas... (1/2) #nativeplants
This is scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea). Compared to Northern red oak (Quercus rubra), scarlet oak has reliably better fall color, deeper sinuses on the leaves, and acorns with concentric rings around the apex of the acorn. (1/2) #nativeplants
November 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
This is scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea). Compared to Northern red oak (Quercus rubra), scarlet oak has reliably better fall color, deeper sinuses on the leaves, and acorns with concentric rings around the apex of the acorn. (1/2) #nativeplants
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) are similar looking species with overlapping ranges in Georgia (all of the upper half of the state). Both can have excellent fall color. Deep, vibrant reds that seem to glow in the fall sun are showing up now. (1/2) #nativeplants
November 19, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) are similar looking species with overlapping ranges in Georgia (all of the upper half of the state). Both can have excellent fall color. Deep, vibrant reds that seem to glow in the fall sun are showing up now. (1/2) #nativeplants