What it does
The NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox provides plant descriptions, photographs and filters for landscape selection. It focuses on plants growing in and around North Carolina.
The Plant Toolbox makes site conditions a useful starting point. Its Find a Plant filters can narrow choices for factors such as a shaded position or clay soil, rather than asking you to choose from attractive photographs alone. Search by common or scientific name when you already have a candidate.
The resource also includes a glossary and help pages for unfamiliar plant terms. Its regional focus is a strength for North Carolina gardeners, but it should be kept in view when using the database elsewhere. The site cautions against treating its edibility information as consumption or self-medication advice; use it for landscape research.
Strengths
- Plant filters support site-specific landscape research
- Glossary and help pages explain the reference tools
Best for
- Choosing landscape plants for a defined growing site
Sources
- Home | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (Oct 26, 2026)