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What are native plants and why are they important? Native plants evolved naturally (over thousands or even millions of years) in the area where they are growing. They evolved along with native insects, birds and other wildlife, so the plants and animals are adapted to and dependent upon each other. For example, some species of butterflies will only lay their eggs on one species of plant, because their young can only eat that particular plant. If the plant disappears, the butterflies disappear, too. Native plants are low maintenance. Because they are adapted to the local climate and soil, they need minimal watering and no pesticides or fertilizers. |
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What are introduced plants?
Introduced plants were imported from another country or another region of the US. Some were imported hundreds of years ago and some were imported more recently. Introduced plants did not evolve in the region where they are growing. In other words, they are not native. Typically, introduced plants are less able to support native insects, birds and other wildlife. Here are some examples of imported plants that you may have in your yard:
* Japanese maple tree - native to Japan, Korea, Mongolia and southeast Russia
* Boxwood - native to Europe, Asia and Africa
* Burning Bush - native to China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia
* Barberry - native to China and Japan
* Heavenly Bamboo - native to eastern Asia and India
* Hosta - native to China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia
* English ivy - native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa
* Pyracantha - native to Europe and western Asia
Some introduced plants are invasive and tend to crowd out native plants that wildlife needs to survive. Other native species are neutral, meaning that they don't actively harm the environment. Keep in mind that if an introduced plant is neutral, it is still taking up space that could be used by a beneficial native plant.
Introduced plants were imported from another country or another region of the US. Some were imported hundreds of years ago and some were imported more recently. Introduced plants did not evolve in the region where they are growing. In other words, they are not native. Typically, introduced plants are less able to support native insects, birds and other wildlife. Here are some examples of imported plants that you may have in your yard:
* Japanese maple tree - native to Japan, Korea, Mongolia and southeast Russia
* Boxwood - native to Europe, Asia and Africa
* Burning Bush - native to China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia
* Barberry - native to China and Japan
* Heavenly Bamboo - native to eastern Asia and India
* Hosta - native to China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia
* English ivy - native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa
* Pyracantha - native to Europe and western Asia
Some introduced plants are invasive and tend to crowd out native plants that wildlife needs to survive. Other native species are neutral, meaning that they don't actively harm the environment. Keep in mind that if an introduced plant is neutral, it is still taking up space that could be used by a beneficial native plant.
How to Gradually Transition
It takes time to transition from conventional landscaping to healthy wildlife habitat. Start by removing invasive species like English ivy. Then, gradually replace some of the introduced species like burning bush with natives such as potentilla and golden currant.
To support wildlife, it's not necessary to have all native plants in your yard.
If you have 50 - 70% native plants, you are doing great. You may want to add more native plants over time.
If you have 70% or more natives or more, you are doing an outstanding job. Congratulations!
It takes time to transition from conventional landscaping to healthy wildlife habitat. Start by removing invasive species like English ivy. Then, gradually replace some of the introduced species like burning bush with natives such as potentilla and golden currant.
To support wildlife, it's not necessary to have all native plants in your yard.
If you have 50 - 70% native plants, you are doing great. You may want to add more native plants over time.
If you have 70% or more natives or more, you are doing an outstanding job. Congratulations!