Native plants are essential components of a balanced ecosystem, providing food, shelter and water sources for wildlife while creating an interdependent network of living communities of plants, insects and birds.
However, nonnative plants that invade can disrupt this delicate equilibrium. Therefore, native species have seen increased demand in gardens, landscapes and natural areas as people search for ways to restore it.
Utilizing native plants helps decrease our need for additional irrigation, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in our landscapes. Natives plants are well adapted to local soils, weather conditions and environmental influences and thus reduce our need for additional inputs such as irrigation hoses or pesticides – something which has lasting positive impacts on both our environment as well as water quality in local rivers, lakes and streams.
As opposed to ornamental nonnative plants that need regular irrigation for aesthetic reasons, native species have evolved to be drought tolerant once established, needing far less water once established than their nonnative counterparts. This is particularly true of ground covers, perennials, shrubs and vines which tend to require much less maintenance or pesticide/herbicide treatments compared with others that need ongoing treatments for disease or insects.
Native plants provide valuable wildlife habitat. Honeybees, hummingbirds and other pollinators rely on them as food sources; providing seeds, berries, nectar and pollen to sustain themselves. Studies have revealed that oak trees can host over 500 different caterpillar species compared to only 10 on landscape trees such as ginkgo or larch trees.
Planting native plants not only offers wildlife shelter and places to raise young in urban settings, but their deep roots also stabilize soil, prevent erosion and help keep our rivers, lakes and streams clean while decreasing stormwater runoff.
When selecting native plants for your garden or landscape, it is essential that they come from your region and ecoregion ideally. Plants bred specifically for ornamental value may be more effective than ones with specific environmental requirements or those suitable for other regions.
Another consideration when planting native species is their need for time to become established and produce flowers or fruit, so it is a good idea to plant in stages over several years with the goal of having a mature landscape. Also be patient when caring for new native plantings by mulching with weed-free material and cutting rather than pulling weeds so as to not damage plant roots.
Consider supporting local native plant societies and nurseries that specialize in native species. Such organizations often possess expert advice about where best to plant natives, which might include listing natives that will perform well on your property and adapt well with its climate and soil conditions.