What are Native Plants?
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, lichen and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Native plants include all kinds of plants from mosses, lichen and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Why Native Plants?
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 crowd out our native plant species.
There is also a strong, ecological connection between native plants and the insect and animal world, especially the bird population. These populations have evolved with the native plant population and have become dependent upon certain plants. For example, an oak tree can support over 500 species of moths and butterflies, amongst other insects, while a Bradford Pear (a common ornamental non-native) supports fewer than 100. The more insects, the more bird food available. Most terrestrial birds feed their young insects. So although you might be providing food for the adult birds with ornamental non-native plants, you won't be providing food for their babies, which will ultimately impact their population.
Benefits of planting native plants in your garden:
As with any plant that you want to grow, however, the right plant must be matched with the right spot. There are a myriad of native plants that thrive in every type of habitat imaginable. It's your job to do some research to find the best species for your hot, dry slope, that wet swale in the back, or the dry shade under your oak tree.
For even more insight, read a summary of Dr. Doug Tallamy's presentation at one of our annual meetings, written by PNPS member Jim Green.
For plant recommendations and landscaping help, please consult our Helpful Resources
For a copy of the Native Link poster, click here.
- Better suited to our climates, conditions and diseases
- Erosion control due to deep and varied root systems
- Drought tolerance.
- Provide food and shelter for wildlife, especially birds and the insects they depend upon.
- Help contribute to biodiversity, ensuring successful ecosystems for the future.
As with any plant that you want to grow, however, the right plant must be matched with the right spot. There are a myriad of native plants that thrive in every type of habitat imaginable. It's your job to do some research to find the best species for your hot, dry slope, that wet swale in the back, or the dry shade under your oak tree.
For even more insight, read a summary of Dr. Doug Tallamy's presentation at one of our annual meetings, written by PNPS member Jim Green.
For plant recommendations and landscaping help, please consult our Helpful Resources
For a copy of the Native Link poster, click here.