What are Native Plants?

Native plants are those that occur naturally within a defined area. Native plants include trees, shrubs, vines annual and perennials. They have evolved in harmony with the local climate conditions, geology, flora and fauna.

Why care about Native Plants?

Of course, native plants are fascinating, beautiful and, by definition, well suited to thrive in the local landscape. But most importantly they serve an essential role in biodiversity. Butterflies, moths, bees and other insects rely on specific native plants for nectaring and as a necessary food source for their caterpillars and larvae. These insects and their larvae sustain local and migrating birds, bats and other wildlife. Native plants are the foundation of biodiversity!

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the shortened form of two words “biological” and “diversity”. It refers to all the variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms). Ecosystems are comprised of all these organisms interconnected in a complex, stable and sustainable network of life. The more species diversity there is in an ecosystem, the healthier and more stable it will be under stress.

How many Native Plants do I need to make a difference?

Studies tell us that every time that you add a productive native plant to your landscape you improve your local food web. Moreover, woody plants (trees and shrubs) support more wildlife species than herbaceous plants but nectaring plants are necessary for pollinators. The important thing is to get native plants of all types into your landscape. Since most of our suburbs contain around 90% lawn that provides neither food nor shelter, even small additions of native plants benefit wildlife.

How do I start?

Creating a biodiverse landscape with native plants is a rewarding step by step process. Start planting a few natives at a time. Remember it is a work in progress. As you add more plants they will begin attracting butterflies, moths, birds and more! The important thing is to get started. The National Wildlife Federation has a website that provides keystone species for your area just by entering your zip code at https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/