2018 Photo contest winner:
Janice Wells Annunziata:

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7-26-18 Pike County - Ghost Plants/Indian Pipes (Monotropa uniflora) rising out of the earth 

Congratulations! and Thanks to all who submitted photos -  Click here to see all of them. 
CAN’T WAIT TO GET THOSE SEEDS IN THE GROUND?
You can plant now! Milk jug greenhouses is the solution. Many Pa native plant seeds need cold stratification (seed dormancy is broken in order to promote germination). This can be accomplished by planting them in the fall or keeping them in the refrigerator for a couple months then planting them in the spring. Another way that has proven to be very successful is to plant them in winter using “milk jug greenhouses.” Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County created a flyer for step-by-step instructions: milkjug_greenhouse.pdf.

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Landscape ideas requested! 
We are planning on creating a webpage to help with native landscaping suggestions and ideas.  We are looking for examples of your native landscape successes along with your tips and experiences.   Please email information to webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org

Photo by Diane Albright of Betsy Whitman's house
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Nonnative plants reduce population growth of an insectivorous bird
Desirée L. Narango, Douglas W. Tallamy, and Peter P. Marra

New research article confirms a direct correlation between the presence of native plants in the landscape and bird populations.

Click here to read an Abstract or to purchase the entire article

Photo by Ron Crandall

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:

The Eastern White Pine, Pinus strobus (L.), is the tallest native conifer in the Northeast, and was called the "Tree of Peace" by our native Iroquois Indians.  Growing typically 75-100 ft tall, it is a nice tree to plant to create a forested area.  And it is a rapid growing conifer, reaching 40 ft in around 20 years of age.

Also know as the soft pine its flexible needles are held in bundles of five. With some regular prunings, it can be used for outdoor bonsai plants, or even sheered regularly to form a hedge row of evergeen. 

Pinus strobus is a very long-lived pine tree reaching 200-400 years of age, with some older than 450 years. One of the largest collections of tall Eastern white pines resides near Clarion, Pennsylvania, at the National Natural Landmark that is Cooks Forest State Park. With its cathedral of more than 100 trees over 100 ft tall, it is a national treasure that provides a glimpse into the past with this impressive stand of virgin white pines and hemlock.


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

Photo and article by Keppy Arnoldsen

Upcoming Events

February 23, 2018 - Winter Woody Plant Identification at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Petersburg, PA.  Hosted by Eric Burkhart.  Event is free, but please register - click here to register
March 16, 2018 - Citizen Science at the PAC Herbarium, 1-3 pm, 10 Whitmore Lab, Penn State University Park campus - Explore the history of botany at Penn State, become acquainted with the herbarium and its collections, learn about the services the PAC provides for Penn State and the larger community, and hear about current research projects. Refreshments will be provided.

May 4, 2019 - Central Pa Native Plant Festival and Sale, 10am - 3pm, Boalsburg Mansion.  Click here for details.

As Spring approaches, let us know of any Native Plant Sales in your area and we can add them to our Calendar - email webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org.  Check out our listing of Native Plant Sales to find ones in your area.
Check our Complete Calendar for other upcoming events

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

Volunteer -Your help is needed!

There are always opportunities to help, regardless of your level of expertise.   Click the button to see what volunteer opportunities area available.  
We accept financial donations by Paypal, credit card or by check.  For PayPal or credit card, click the Donate Button above.  For checks, please send to our mailing address:
PO Box 807, Boalsburg, PA 16827.

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

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Join our Facebook forum to share photos, events and opportunities related to natives plants and our mission. Our group is closed and you must submit a request to join. We do this to help us keep out spam and maintain this group as a respectful forum for people interested in native plants.  You must submit a request and answer 2 simple questions to join, even if you are added by a current member.

We are over 6,000 members strong and growing!

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....