Choosing native plants is crucial when designing a garden that promotes the diversity of your local environment. Whether you’re starting a landscaping project to enhance your garden’s aesthetics or want to know why planting native species matters, this guide can assist you in rejuvenating your outdoor space.
What are Native Plants?
Native plants are a type of species that you’ll find naturally occurring in your region. You’ll have probably seen them on nature walks near you or in local parks. So, why are native plants important? These plants have developed to thrive in your local environmental conditions, adapting to your typical weather patterns or soil pH. Your local wildlife, such as insects and birds, rely on these native plants for food and shelter, making them an essential part of the ecosystem. Thanks to their ability to adjust to the soil and climate of their region, native plants can withstand changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
Why are Native Plants Important?
By planting indigenous flora in your garden or local area, you’re not just enhancing the beauty of the space but also contributing to environmental conservation, promoting local wildlife, and maintaining a sustainable and stress-free gardening routine. Here are the key advantages of cultivating flowers that are native to your region:
1. They Are Versatile
Native plants are well suited to the specific climate, soil composition, and environmental conditions of their habitat. They require minimal assistance to thrive as they have evolved to adapt naturally to their surroundings.
2. They Encourage Local Wildlife
Indigenous plants offer essential food sources and habitats. It supports pollinators like bees and butterflies. Without native flora, they would face challenges in finding the necessary resources for survival.
3. They Require Little Maintenance
Once established, native plants do not demand extensive care. They resemble the laid-back companions of your garden – content as long as they receive what they need from their environment.
4. They Are Eco Friendly
Due to natural adaptation to their surroundings, native plants do not rely on excessive water, fertilizers, or pesticides for growth. This leads to reduced pollution and waste resulting from gardening activities.
5 Native Plants Add Beauty to Your Space
Adding native plants to your garden enhances its appeal. These plants offer a unique beauty that rivals even the most exotic flowers or shrubs typically found in garden stores.
They add a sense of natural allure to outdoor spaces and play a vital role in fostering varied ecosystems.
So, Why Plant Native Plants in Your Garden?
Native plants will easily grow in your climate and soil since they’ve evolved to live there, making them simpler to cultivate and care for compared to non-native species. You’re also able to play a part in supporting your local wildlife, like birds and bees, as you’re giving them the vital food and habitats they need.
Choosing native plants for your outdoor area doesn’t just make it look more natural – you’re actively contributing to the preservation of your local ecosystem and the species that rely on them to survive.
30 Plants That Are Native to North America
Wondering what to include in your garden? Here are 30 plant species that are native to North America.
Trees
Local ecosystems rely heavily on native trees as they offer crucial support by serving as homes, food sources, and protection for birds, insects, and mammals. Here are trees that are native to the US:
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Flowers
Native flowers have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, therefore, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance once established. Listed here are some easy-to-grow and very attractive native flowers worth planting:
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
- Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
- Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
- Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Shrubs
Native shrubs offer a diverse range of colors and textures, adding visual interest and beauty to your garden. Native shrubs to the USA include:
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
- Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Grasses and Sedges
Native grasses and sedges have extensive root systems that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Their dense root networks hold soil in place, reducing the risk of runoff and soil loss. Here are some native grasses to plant if you’re in North America:
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)
- Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
- Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
3 Tips for Native Planting
Select the Right Native Species for Your Garden
Selecting the right native species for your outdoor space can be tricky, especially with so many plant options to choose from. Ideally, start by researching which flora flourishes in your specific region, paying attention to the climate and type of soil they need. Tip: Observe which type of plants grow well in nearby gardens or yards as this is a good indication of which varieties are ideally suited to your environment.
Plan Your Garden Layout Carefully
Planning your garden layout involves considering the typical sunlight and soil drainage in your garden, and the space you have available. Take a look at your plant list and arrange them in groups depending on their water and sunlight needs. Choose spots in your garden that best suit these requirements. Once you’ve established where your plants are best suited, you can start to think about creating focal points and visual interest by mixing up your colors and textures. If you’re using planters or pots, play with different heights to create more depth.
Maintain Your Native Plants
Remember to water and mulch your newly planted native plants regularly to help them grow strong roots. Keep an eye on your garden for pests and diseases and deal with them as needed. Embrace organic gardening methods like composting and mulching to support the health of your plants and soil. Don’t forget to trim and remove weeds from your garden to maintain its beauty. Giving your native plants the care they need will help them not only flourish but add beauty to your landscape in a sustainable way.
Final Thoughts
Opting to plant natively not only brings advantages to your garden but also to the wider environment. Our tips for native planting will help your garden thrive and boost the environment. Choosing species that thrive in your area’s climate and soil conditions, thoughtfully arranging your garden design, and tending to your native plants with proper upkeep will help you maintain a lively and eco-friendly outdoor area that helps the local wildlife and enriches the biodiversity of your garden.
Whether you have experience in gardening or are just beginning, integrating native plants into your yard is an impactful way to conserve the natural beauty of your area.
Are indigenous plants easier to maintain compared to indigenous ones?
Yes, typically, indigenous plants are simpler to tend to as they’re well-suited to the environment and need minimal upkeep once they’ve settled in. They also tend to have more resistance against pests and diseases and demand less water and fertilizer than nonindigenous varieties.
Can I still cultivate a beautiful garden with native plants?
Yes, indigenous plants come in a range of different hues and textures, enabling you to craft a pleasing and varied garden that draws in birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. With careful planning and selection, you can create a captivating landscape using native plants.
Where can I acquire native plants for my garden?
You can source plants from nurseries, native plant sales events, botanical gardens, as well as online vendors specializing in indigenous species. Conservation groups in your local area may also provide programs and resources dedicated to helping you find and plant native flora in your garden.
Will planting flora attract pests or wildlife to my garden?
While planting species may invite some pests and wildlife into your garden, they also entice insects and birds that help with pest control and flower pollination. In general, native plants significantly contribute to an ecosystem that sustains a variety of life.
Do native plants need fertilizer?
Native plants are well suited to the soil conditions of their surroundings. Typically, they don’t need special soil enhancements or fertilizers. However, it’s important to pick plants that match your soil type and occasionally mulch them to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Can I grow plants in spaces or containers?
Yes. Many native plants, like grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs, can thrive in containers or limited spaces. Use dwarf varieties that suit the size of your containers or garden plots and ensure they receive the right amount of sunlight and water.
Do native plants adapt well to all climates?
Native plants in your area will thrive in your climate zone but will struggle outside their natural habitat. It’s crucial to choose plants in your area that align with your climate conditions so you can cultivate a successful garden.
