Woman holding binoculars Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Woman holding binoculars Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed

Plants in Massachusetts

Crawling vines, sprawling shrubs, blooming wildflowers, and more. The plant life in Massachusetts is both beautiful and ecologically beneficial. 

How can you support plant life in Massachusetts? 

For one, you can learn to recognize the difference between native plants, those that have evolved alongside other species found in Massachusetts, and invasive plants, those that were introduced to our area and outcompete native species. 

You can also support the insects and birds that pollinate plant life and allow them to grow back year after year. Recognize species that preform essential ecological functions, like pest deterrent and flood management, to sustainably steward land for years to come. 

Once you look a little closer, you'll see each garden, forest, and field is made up of a patchwork of plant life that, when supported correctly, benefits all life. 

Learn about Plant Life in Massachusetts

Spotted Joe-pye Weed with bee
Spotted Joe-pye Weed

Native & Beneficial Plants

Get to know native and wildlife friendly plants.

Garlic Mustard Plant in Sun
Garlic Mustard flowers

Invasive Plants

Learn to recognize these damaging species. 

Featured Stories

  • Butterfly on flower

    The Power of Pollinators

    Pollinators are small but mighty! These essential birds and insects make plant life possible. 

  • Caterpillar crawling on milkweed plant
    Milkweed at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary

    Don't Weed the Milkweed

    Milkweed is an incredibly beneficial plant that should be encouraged to grow. 

  • Sundew plant
    Sundew ©Mark Rosenstein

    Carnivorous Plants Found in Massachusetts

    Carnivorous plants may seem like the stuff of science fiction. But these fascinating plants exist. Better yet, you can find them here in Massachusetts.

  • Three leaved poison ivy growing on ground

    How to Recognize Poison Ivy

    Here's what to look for to avoid a potentially itchy situation. 

garden with sign that says butterfly and hummingbird garden with nature center in background
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet

Visit a Demonstration Garden

Search for inspiration at one of our pollinator, rain, or accessible gardens across the state.

Find a Garden