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.    

Receive 20 % off Tess Taylor’s new book Leaning Toward Light in time for the holidays!

Members receive 20 % off Tess Taylor’s new book Leaning Toward Light in time for the holidays! Just log in and the code will be there on your member landing page. Caring for plants (much like reading a good poem) brings comfort, solace, and joy to many—offering an outlet in difficult times to slow down and steward growth. In Leaning toward Light, acclaimed poet and avid gardener Tess Taylor brings together a diverse range of contemporary voices to offer poems that celebrate that joyful connection to the natural world. This book reminds us how gardening is a healing practice, both for ourselves and the spaces we tend. The gorgeous hardcover package with ribbon bookmark makes this anthology a distinctive gift. Tess Taylor, an avid gardener, is the author of five acclaimed collections of poetry, including Work & Days, which was named one of the 10 best books of poetry of 2016 by the New York Times. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Kenyon Review, Poetry, Tin House, The Times Literary Supplement, CNN, and the New York Times. She has also served as on-air poetry reviewer for NPR’s All Things Considered for over a decade. She will be featured in episode 8 of The WildStory Podcast.

Fall 2023 Conference Videos Online

The recording of our Fall 2023 Conference, Hidden in Plain Sight: the Outstanding Natural Diversity of New Jersey is now available for viewing on Youtube. Visit the Fall 2023 conference page here.

New School Guide Created by Essex Chapter 

NPSNJ is pleased to announce that the Essex Chapter has published a first-ever Native Plant School Guide. The project was led by NPSNJ members Sarah Paulsen, Mary Ann Villanueva, and Deb Ellis, with the help of other members, teachers, and even Doug Tallamy, who sent photos. Sarah Paulsen explained: “it took over a year to bring this Guide to fruition, but it was worth it because we believe that helping kids learn about native plants is crucial to the planet’s future!” Designed for parents and teachers, the 12-page Guide explains what native plants are, why they are important, and gives practical advice about how to plant and maintain a school garden that provides food and habitat for pollinators and birds. Click here to learn more or here to obtain the PDF.

Events List

Upcoming Events

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

Clematis – New page

Clematis virginiana – Clematis, Virgin’s Bower

These feathery fruit heads are now releasing their seeds. They are the native clematis vine.

Clematis produces lots of small white flowers in the summer with separate male and female plants.

The plant is toxic if ingested but does support wildlife.

This is very similar to the invasive C. terniflora.

Read about Clematis virginiana here

Native Shrubs – Red Berries

See our Autumn Foilage Colors

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