Get Involved!

Becoming a member of PNPS helps to support our mission of advocating conservation of native plants and their habitats and promote the increased use of native plants in the landscape
   Your help is needed!!
You've probably noticed that exotic shrubs are increasing in abundance in deciduous forests and tend to have a different leaf phenology than native shrubs. We're starting a citizen science data collection effort called Shady Invaders through the National Phenology Network to track these differences regionally.  For more information, or to participate, contact:

Erynn Maynard, PhD Candidate,
Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology  eem212@psu.edu

Volunteer Opportunity

The Penn State Arboretum at University Park is seeking volunteer stewards to help with the development of their Hartley Wood Wildflower Trail -http://arboretum.psu.edu/programs/conservation/

All Interested should contact:
Vasiliy Lakoba vtl106@psu.edu
Shari Edelson ske13@psu.edu

Why Natives?

Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, and less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants.  Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten out our native plant species.

Read More....

What is a Native?

A native plant is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. We consider the flora present at the time Europeans arrived in North America as the species native to the eastern United States. Native plants include all kinds of plants from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. 

Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, require less maintenance such as watering, and are less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants.  Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten to crowd out our native plant species.  Incorporating native plants in your home landscape will encourage birds, pollinators, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. 
Read more.

In Bloom:

 Common or Eastern Ninebark - Physocarpus opulifolius.

This native shrub is gaining in popularity in landscapes.  It sports white flowers in late spring/early summer, nice color in the fall, and winter interest with its peeling bark.  Flowers are attractive nectar sources for butterflies and other pollinators and are followed by dark red seed clusters that are attractive to birds.
 
Ninebarks have a graceful, upright, arching shape and can grow to 10-12’.  Basically low maintenance, they tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, are cold and drought tolerant, and can work well for privacy screening. 
 



If you have a favorite plant or photo, send it to webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org for a future publication.

Photo courtesy of Terry Melton

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We are over 1,000 members strong and growing!
We accept financial donations by check. Please send to our mailing address:
PO Box 807, Boalsburg, PA 16827.

PNPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.