Native plants are plants that have grown in specific areas for thousands of years. The benefit of living that long in one location is that the plants can evolve and change over time to thrive in the conditions that locale has to offer. Sunlight, rainfall, soil conditions and other factors unique to an area have an effect on the genetics, chemistry and physical aspects of the plant. As the native plant adapts, it contributes to the ecosystem. Native plants sequester carbon and provide nutrients for insects, birds and mammals. Pollinators depend on the nectar to thrive. Over time, both plants and animals evolve together and become dependent on one another for survival. Plants depend on animals to disperse their seeds, while birds, insects and mammals depend on the food the plants can provide. Together, the ecosystem thrives.
Native plants require less care than other plants not adapted to your environment. They do not require pesticides to protect them as many of them have ways to protect themselves. They do not require fertilizer because they are able to utilize the existing nutrients in the soil. They also require less watering because, again, they are used to whatever rainfall is local for them. Native plants help prevent erosion as many of the plants have deeper root systems.
If you want native plants in your yard, determine which plants will fit best in the space based on the local conditions. Decide which plants you want to purchase to create a habitat that will support the insects, butterflies, bats or birds you want to attract. Different animals require specific plants. Native plants can be purchased online or at local plant nurseries. Find local stores by searching online for where to buy native plants near you.
One website that can assist you in determining which plants are native to your location is https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are listed according to zip code. Each plant has a photo and description for those plants that are unfamiliar to you. The benefits they provide are listed along with a list of the animals that benefit from them and the conditions the plants prefer. This tool can help you plan and plant a garden this year.
A garden filled with native plants is an attractive addition to your yard. It can help alleviate the stress locally as many areas are stripped and cleared for parking lots, roads or to build neighborhoods. The blooming flowers and healthy shrubs invite many new inhabitants by providing homes and food. Many of the insects attracted to the plants become a gourmet diet for birds and ensure the survival of new families. Bees get nectar from native blooms to make honey. Many of the plants will seed themselves and grow back in the spring making it easier to maintain your native plant garden. Another benefit of native plants is that seeds and berries are consumed by birds who rely on foraging throughout the winter. Planting native plants supports the local environment.