Purpose: To encourage the understanding, development and use of underutilized native plants. Established to encourage the development of research, documentation, and teaching skills in the field of horticulture. History: Established in 2017 in cooperation with the family of Montine McDaniel Freeman utilizing surplus funds from the Montine M. Freeman Medal account. The Freeman Medal is awarded annually to a North American native plant worthy of special recognition. It was established in Mrs. Freeman’s honor by her son and daughter- in-law, Louis and Judy Freeman in 1995. The award is given to an outstanding native plant which is underutilized but possesses superior ornamental and ecological attributes. The goal of the Freeman Medal is to encourage the propagation and planting of thes