Why is it so important to grow native plants? Native plants are foundational to our ecosystems, supplying food and habitat for wildlife. They maintain soil health, filter water, clean the air and support biodiversity. They also generally require fewer resources to thrive. They are a sustainable choice for gardening, landscaping, and creating low maintenance green spaces that are an alternative to high maintenance lawns.
Native plants support a greater diversity of life, contributing to a more resilient and healthy environment. They provide food and habitat for many songbirds, hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife and support local ecological networks. Native plant species co-evolved with the other plants and animals of the area. This means the species have adapted to one another to form survival relationships. Certain species such as many butterfly species are dependent on very specific native plants to complete their life cycle.
Native plants are those that were indigenous to the area prior to European settlement. They are adapted to local conditions and well-suited to the region. They are more resilient to pests, disease, and weather events of the region, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Native plants also reflect the natural heritage and beauty of a region.
Lawns do not support local ecosystems, and the remaining isolated natural areas are not large enough to support wildlife. Exotic plants sever the food web and some may become invasive, outcompeting native species and degrading habitat. They are high maintenance, requiring more pruning, mowing, fertilizer, and pesticide use. They also require large amounts of water to maintain. By contrast, native plants generally require little upkeep once they are established, which saves time, money and resources.
As local habitats become fragmented by human development, it is more important than ever to include native plants and trees in our home landscapes to help reconnect natural areas. We can create native plant corridors by planting just a few native plants in our yards. By doing so, we can help reconnect wild areas.
Incorporating native plants into our gardens, landscapes, and public spaces is more than just a nod to local beauty – it’s a vital step toward supporting biodiversity, conserving water, and creating resilient ecosystems. These plants have evolved alongside local wildlife and with the climates, making them uniquely suited to thrive without excessive maintenance or resources. By choosing native species, we’re not only nurturing our environment but also investing in the long-term health of our communities. Small choices in our own backyards can have a big impact, and native plants are where the change begins.