Resources
Resources
The nurseries, databases, and official lists we rely on. Start with a Long Island native nursery and the New York invasive species list.
Where to buy native plants on Long Island
Native plant sources. Ask each one whether a plant is the straight species and whether it was grown with pesticides, neonicotinoids included. Call ahead for hours and stock.
Long Island Natives ↗
Grows a diverse selection of woody and herbaceous species suitable for conservation projects across the Northeastern U.S. Filter the catalog by Long Island native range.
Dropseed Native Landscapes ↗
Nassau County's only native plant nursery. Visit them in Malverne on Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm.
North Creek Nurseries ↗
Wholesale propagator of native perennials and grasses; ask your local garden center to order from them.
Native plant organizations and finders
Research a plant before you buy it, and find what is native to your exact area.
Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) ↗
Protects Long Island's genetic plant diversity and grows local-ecotype seed and plants.
New York Flora Atlas ↗
County-level distribution maps for every plant in New York, native and introduced.
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder ↗
Reliable growing details for thousands of species and cultivars.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center ↗
The national native plant database, searchable by state, light, soil, and bloom time.
National Wildlife Federation ↗
Native Plant Finder ranks plants by how many caterpillar species they host in your zip code.
Pollinator Partnership ↗
Free regional planting guides by ecoregion.
Homegrown National Park ↗
Doug Tallamy's call to turn yards into habitat; add your garden to the map.
EcoBeneficial ↗
Ecological landscaping education and plant profiles.
Invasive species lists for New York and Long Island
What not to plant, and what to remove. Use our Invasive Species tool to see what is already spreading near you.
New York State Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Plants (DEC) ↗
The official 6 NYCRR Part 575 list. Prohibited species may not be sold, transported, or planted.
Suffolk County Do Not Sell/Transfer List ↗
Suffolk's local list of plants that may not be sold or transferred.
Nassau County Invasive Species Information ↗
Nassau County's guidance on invasive species in Nassau and Suffolk.
Alternatives to Ornamental Invasive Plants (Cornell NYS IPM) ↗
A sustainable solution for New York State: native swaps for common invasive ornamentals.
NY iMapInvasives ↗
Report an invasive species sighting so land managers can respond.