Site Conditions

A plant label such as “clay tolerant,” “shade tolerant,” or “wetland plant” does not describe a whole planting site. This category helps you observe how light, soil, water, runoff, salt, roots, and available space interact, then use those observations to screen regionally native plants.

Start with the site

• Use the site assessment worksheet to record conditions before looking for plants.
• Learn what soil reports and field checks can establish—and where their limits are.
• Check when planting is not enough for slopes, flood-prone ground, suspected contamination, utilities, and poor infiltration.

Match a region and a constraint

• Native plants for clay soil in Michigan separates clay texture from compaction, ponding, pH, and seasonal water.
• Native shrubs for wet shade in Ontario compares moisture patterns with shade and distinguishes a garden from a possible wetland.
• Native plants for dry shade in Virginia considers low soil moisture, tree roots, and irregular rainfall.
• Native plants for compacted urban soil in Toronto separates compaction, limited soil volume, pavement runoff, and salt exposure.

Protect existing trees and wet areas

• Before adding plants below a mature canopy, read how to work around established tree roots.
• If an Ontario site stays wet, check whether it is a wet garden or a possible wetland before changing its drainage or vegetation.

Native status, site tolerance, mature size, and planting conditions are separate checks. A regional example can help you build a shortlist, but it cannot guarantee that a plant will fit every property.