Under the leadership of Mary Tucker, GNPS initiated an annual plant of the year program. This program promotes the recognition of outstanding native plants and encourages further appreciation of desirable native plants by providing pertinent information including plant culture. GNPS members are encouraged to submit nominations for Plant of the Year. After the nomination process has ceased, the nominations are posted on this website. Members in attendance at the November monthly meeting vote on their choice for the award. Allowance is made for those who can't attend the meeting with voting by email. Below are links to the annual winners and some photos of the winning plants.
| 2008 - Christmas Fern | |
| 2007 - Virginia Sweetspire | 2006 - Cardinal Flower |
| 2005 - Downy Serviceberry | 2004 - Sourwood |
| 2003 - Foam Flower | 2002 - Wax Myrtle |
| 2001 - Piedmont Azalea | 2000 - Oakleaf Hydrangea |