Why grow native?

What is a native plant? Native plants are plants that have grown in a certain location or habitat for thousands of years. In the United States, we consider a plant as native if it was growing here before European colonization. 

Why are native plants important? Native plants have changed over time to adapt to the types of soil, light, and climate unique to their location. Likewise, many types of plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals have evolved to have unique relationships with native plants. When native plants disappear from a location, these relationships can fall apart and have negative consequences for the life that depends on these species. For example, many insects rely on native plants to survive. Once the plant disappears, the insects that eat the plant may also disappear. Songbirds and other animals that eat those insects may not have enough food to survive and their populations may decline.

Why are we so concerned with growing native plants? Settlers from other countries cleared much of the land for farming and other development. In many cases, the habitats that native plants needed to survive were changed such that they could no longer thrive. Both settlers and modern gardeners also introduced different plant species that were not native to the United States (called non-native plants). Many of these non-native species adapted quickly to their new environment, taking over habitats and pushing out the native species – these types of non-natives are called invasive plants. We are only recently learning the toll these non-native, invasive plants have taken on our ecosystems and understanding that reestablishing native plant communities is critical for keeping our environment healthy.

Are all non-native plants bad? No! Non-native plants provide many benefits to humans, as beautiful specimens in the garden or as fruit and vegetables. Some may also provide food and shelter for our local wildlife. However, many do not. While a non-native plant may not necessarily harm the environment, it often doesn’t provide the same value to wildlife that native plants provide. There are many beautiful native flowers, shrubs, and trees that can provide benefits to both humans and wildlife.

Non-native invasive plants are a different story, though. These species are introduced and often have no natural predators in their new environment. As a result, they quickly can take over a field, wetland, or forest, choke out native species, and completely alter plant and wildlife communities. Some examples of non-native, invasive species are burning bush, purple loosestrife, tree-of-heaven, and oriental bittersweet. While some of those invasive species look very pretty, and even provide food for wildlife, they can be extremely disruptive to the environment. 

What can I do to help? Learn about and plant native plant species! Choose native plants over non-native ones. Turn part of your lawn into a meadow! Simply stop mowing in the spring and watch the wildflowers take over. Plant a pollinator garden or a rain garden! The good news is that there is a lot of information about native plants on the internet and in books, and many garden centers are now selling native plants. Ask your local garden shop or nursery if they can stock native plants. It’s also important to learn what NOT to plant – learn to identify and safely remove non-native and invasive species at your home.

Where can I get more information about growing native plants?

Native Plant Trust – lots of great information! https://www.wildflower.org/plants-main

Grow Native Massachusetts: https://www.grownativemass.org/  

Go Botany – Plant identification database: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/

Audubon Native Plants Database: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants  - Best plants for birds

MA Department of Agricultural Resources: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/choosing-pollinator-friendly-native-plants-in-home-gardening-or-landscaping - Info on native plants for pollinator gardens.