Native plants are defined as those that grow naturally in a region or ecosystem where they have originated, providing essential biodiversity-enhancing ecosystem services and supporting all forms of life on our planet. Without healthy native plant communities, birds, insects and other wildlife that co-evolved with them cannot survive; additionally they serve as an aesthetic and utilitarian benefit to human life as a sustainable habitat solution.
Native plants are uniquely adapted to our climate and soil conditions, which reduces the need for frequent applications of fertilizers to protect our groundwater sources, lakes, ponds and coastal embayments. Furthermore, their reduced pesticide runoff will further protect these environments.
Many species of native plants have become adapted to their environment over time, drawing in certain insects and animals to pollinate and reproduce with them. Not only do they provide food and shelter for wildlife, but their presence helps contribute to an eco-system’s healthy functioning, like nitrogen fixing, soil erosion prevention or flood control.
Blueberries, wildflowers and ferns are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require pollinators for pollination. But native plants often need assistance from bees, flies, butterflies, moths or other insects in order to produce fruit, seeds or spores that produce their fruit or seeds.
As native plant species have co-evolved with specific flora and fauna, they’re more capable of adapting to local conditions and withstanding disturbances like wildfire or flooding – providing sustainable landscaping solutions in response to our rapidly shifting climate.
While a landscape with native plants requires less maintenance than non-native species, it’s still essential that native material be selected and planted with care to ensure its success. The old saying, “right plant in its place”, rings especially true with regard to natives; for instance, plants that flourish under a forest canopy won’t do as well in direct sunlight or wetland areas.
Native plants tend to be more resilient against drought and heat than exotics, however it’s still best to plant them in areas with plenty of rainfall so the soil can settle properly and establish roots quickly. They will require extra irrigation in their first weeks after planting to get established properly and establish roots quickly.
Native plants outshone exotics at holding water thanks to their thicker and rugged leaves that help retain moisture when it rains or during extended dry spells, particularly important in urban and suburban landscapes where hard surfaces often obstruct soil’s ability to do its job of holding moisture.
When selecting and planting a native garden, be wary of introducing species not adapted to our climate or soil conditions. In addition, it’s crucial that native species with flowering/fruiting times that coincide with wildlife species in your local area – otherwise their presence could interfere with ecosystem function by providing unneeded food sources to other organisms in your ecosystem.