What are Native Plants?
Native plants can be trees, shrubs, ferns, vines, grasses, annuals, biennials, perennials, and bulbs. A native plant can be defined as one that grew in North America before European settlement, but the closer the plant is to its native range, the happier it will be and the more wildlife benefit you will get. Nursery plants may be labeled "native" if they are native to the United States, but a plant native to Arizona, or even Missouri, may not be appropriate for a garden in Chester County. When choosing native plants, be sure to ask whether they are native to our area.
Native plants have evolved over centuries with the insects, animals, fungi, and other life forms occupying the same area. By using native plants, you help maintain a healthy biodiversity.
Why Plant Native Plants?
- Native plants are suited to our climate and to the whims of nature frequently encountered here. In times of drought, they may be the only plants doing well. In seasons of excessive moisture they may not do as well, but may still outlast exotics (non-native plants).
- Native plants are beautiful. For nearly any exotic (non-native) plant, there is a native plant alternative that provides similar color, texture, or habit.
- Native plants attract wildlife. If you enjoy birds, butterflies, bees, small mammals, and other creatures, plant native plants. These plants provide their food, shelter, and nesting areas.
- Native plants are cheaper to maintain. Once established, they do not need additional water or fertilizer and can generally tolerate indigenous insects without substantial damage.
- Native plants require less maintenance. Unlike many exotic plants, they generally do not need pruning, deadheading, watering (once established), or fertilizing.
Think Communities
In nature, plants grow together in communities, based on the soil, light, and moisture conditions. By observing what native plants tend to be found together in natural areas, you can get ideas for your own garden. Plants that naturally grow together often benefit each other as well as provide a good environment for our native wildlife.
Get Creative
Once you see how many wonderful native plants there are, think about the many ways you can use them. Here are some suggestions:
- Replace lawn with low-maintenance native groundcovers
- Create a butterfly garden that provides food for caterpillars as well as nectar for adult butterflies
- Replace invasive and exotic plants with native substitutes
- Use native plants in wet areas, rain gardens, or areas prone to run-off
What can be done to Protect Native Plants?
- Work to protect and preserve native habitats. Rampant and unwise development destroys thousands of acres of open space each year, along with the native plants, animals, and insects in these habitats.
- Don't poach native plants from the wild. It is acceptable to collect seeds from roadsides and public lands. In areas already destined for destruction, it is acceptable to rescue plants.
- Educate yourself. Consult field guides such as Newcomb's and Peterson's Wildflower Guides to identify native plants. There are also native plant societies and seminars you can attend to learn more about native plants.
- Buy nursery-propagated plants. Ask your nursery about its source of natives to insure that the plants have been legally propagated and not collected from the wild.
- Avoid the use of invasive plants. These plants aggressively spread into natural areas, destroying native plant and animal communities.
- Choose the right plant for the right spot. Natives, like any plants, should be matched to the appropriate sites and conditions. Woodland plants will not do well in dry, sunny conditions. Bog plants will need constant moisture. Plants needing drier conditions will not be happy in wetland areas
Sources for Information on Native Plants
For reliable, unbiased information on native plants or any horticultural topic, consult university or government publications and websites. These sources provide research-based information and advice. You can also visit native plant nurseries or institutions and preserves such as Mt. Cuba Center and Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve that maintain native plant gardens.
Gardening magazines and books can also provide information on native plants. Lists of native plants are available from your Penn State Cooperative Extension office.
