The NC State Extension Plant Toolbox is one of the best resources for selecting plants for local landscapes.   Click here to enter the Toolbox and get info such as sun vs shade, size, water needs, and more on 1000s of plants.   Once you enter the Toolbox, enter the common or scientific plant name in the Search Bar.

From thousands of plants contained within this database, homeowners can browse photos, descriptions, videos, and even garden designs to evaluate different planting materials for their property. This database is a great way to select plants that meet your specific growing criteria, helping to promote sustainable landscapes with the proper plant in the proper place.   Database filters can narrow down plants to growing regions and climates, sun and shade, wet and dry, flower season and color, and even wildlife value.