Native plants play a very important role in our ecosystems. They support local wildlife such as bees and butterflies - which pollinate approximately 75% of the worlds flowering plants and 35% of the world's food crops. Native species have evolved over hundreds or thousands of years for survival. Consequently, they tend to be more naturally adapted to local growing conditions and often require less fertilizer, water etc. for successful establishment. That means less maintenance and more time to enjoy your yard!.
When we talk about native plants, we often feel the need to talk about weeds as well. The problem with weeds is that they compete against other more desirable plants for resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients and space. The good news is that as we introduce more native plants to our yards, we introduce its seeds to the habitat as well. Eventually, these native species will repopulate and be able to compete with the invasive species that fill these spaces. Lobelia and Vernonia noveboracensis aka New York Ironweed are perfect examples of native plants that can thrive in the same spaces that the worst weeds could.
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| Native Lobelia | New York Ironweed |
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