The Native Plant Society of New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation, protection, and study of the native flora of New Jersey. Founded in 1985, we have over a thousand members across the state, and are organized into county and regional chapters. Our members include gardeners, horticulturists, naturalists, landscape designers, students, and native plant enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Our mission is to promote the appreciation, protection, and study of New Jersey’s Native Flora.    

Advocacy Alert: Check Your Town’s Tree Removal and Replacement Ordinance

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued a requirement for New Jersey towns to adopt ordinances for tree removal by May 1 and replacement in order to comply with stormwater permits. However, there are concerns that these ordinances may limit tree species diversity and include non-native or invasive species, which goes against ecological best practices. It’s recommended to review local ordinances for the diversity and appropriateness of tree species and to advocate for amendments if necessary. Read more here.

2024 NPSNJ Grants

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey welcomes new project proposals for two types of grants as well as for a student video fellowship. All applicants must be residents of New Jersey and, except for student video fellowship applicants, must be members of the Society. Non-profit organizations may join as non-profit members or apply through a member sponsor. find out more and apply here

Learn about Beech Leaf Disease with Ecologist Jean Epiphan

Jean Epiphan, Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent (Assistant Professor) of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County spoke to the Somerset County Chapter about Beech Leaf Disease which is ravaging New Jersey’s beech population Find out more here.

Meet NPSNJ’s 2025 Incoming Officers

Every year, at the annual meeting, the NPSNJ membership votes on a slate of officers for two-year posts. This year, we have a number of positions and some shuffling around on the board. We are delighted to announce the slate of incoming officers. Meet them here.

Events List

Upcoming Events

Flowering Early Spring

Round lobed Hepatica – Hepatica americana

These delightful flowers of pastel pinks and blues will be blooming soon. We have seen them as early as April 6.

On a sunny day on the trail hepaticas will dot the brown forest floor along with bloodroots. Already up (3/28) are spring beauty and spicebush flowers.

Round lobed Hepatica is not a spring ephemeral. It has evergreen leaves that over winter.

It forms new leaves after flowering. Another aid to survival, it will self-pollinate if cross pollination fails. Bloodroot also does this.

Read about Round Lobed Hepatica here

See our Spring Plant Profiles & Photos

SPRING is in the AIR

Twinleaf – Jeffersonia diphylla

As you are out looking for early spring flowers you would be lucky to spot one of these showy white flowers. These flowers have a distinctive way of shedding their pollen. Their distinctive leaves gives it the name ‘Twinleaf’

Twinleaf is critically imperiled (S1). However, they would be a fine addition in a shady spot in your garden. Twinleaf is not an ephemeral and its leaves will make a distinctive ground cover in the summer.


Keep this rare plant alive in NJ; plant one this year. Blooms mid April.

Read more and photos on Twinleaf .

Also see our ‘Gardener’s News’ article ‘Flower For A Day‘ .

SPRING is in the AIR

Broom Crowberry – Corema conradii

Broom crowberry is a ground-hugging, shrubby plant. It needs open, sandy areas to grow and has specialized wildfire needs.

In NJ it exists only in the Pinelands. It is G4, S2. The NJ DEP is attempting to restore habitat for this plant.

It blooms mid March to early April. We have the best photos of the male and female flowers. See what the Broom Crowberry flowers look like!.

In central and north Jersey, skunk cabbage is starting. In our winter walks we have already have seen spring beauty leaves peeking above the leaf litter. Soon spring beauty and bloodroots will be blooming.

See our Spring Plant Profiles & Photos

A Christmas Wish

Castilleja coccinea – Scarlet Indian Paintbrush -New Page

Did you know that there is a indian paintbrush (Castilleja) in the east and is native to NJ?

At one time it was found in almost every county in NJ!

It has not been seen in NJ for years! It would be wonderful to see this showy plant again in NJ! 

Read about Scarlet Indian Paintbrush here

2023 Native Plant of the Year
Category: Backyard Perennial

Pycnanthemum muticum
Clustered Mountainmint
Learn more
2023 Native Plant of the Year
Category: Rare and Special

Claytonia virginica var hammondiae
Hammond’s Spring Beauty
Learn more