Native Plants are What Nature Intended
I. Both nature and humanity depend on native plants
Native plants are the foundation of healthy natural ecosystems. Plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms have evolved together over millions of years to create perfectly-calibrated systems. Their intricate web of relationships determines what survives and thrives in a given place.
Human activity has altered landscapes on an unprecedented scale, making the protection and restoration of native ecosystems essential.
For people, planting native species creates resilient, low-maintenance landscapes that support pollinators, increase biodiversity, and help protect the ecosystems that sustain us.
Bolstering the Food Web
Pollinators—including birds,
bees, and butterflies—sustain local ecosystems and pollinate much
of our food supply. Many rely on native plants to complete their life cycles.
Many Insects Need Specific Plants
Many insect populations are declining across much of the world. One major reason is the loss of the plants they need to survive. Because insects pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, and provide food for countless other animals, these declines threaten the health and resilience of entire ecosystems.
In order to support and save insects, we need to protect the plants they rely on. Because native plants evolved alongside local insect pollinators, they provide the precise nectar, pollen, and host plants those species require.
Many pollinators need specific types of native plant groups to complete their lifecycles:
- 25% of New England's bee species depend on pollen from particular plants groups to reproduce
- Most butterflies and moths require particular host plants during their caterpillar stage, even though the adults visit many kinds of flowers
- Insects that feed on native plants—especially caterpillars—are the primary food source for roughly 96% of terrestrial backyard birds raising their young.
Read on to learn why birds have a vital, unique role in ecosystems.
Birds: Specialized Adaptations and Eco Services
Many birds have coevolved with particular native plants and possess specialized features—such as the hummingbird’s long, curved bill and hovering flight—that allow them to reach into flowers insects cannot penetrate. They provide the only means for certain plant species to reproduce.
Birds overall provide singular ecosystem services like insect control and long-range seed dispersal that insects generally do not, helping to protect biodiversity.
Ecosystem Resilience
Native plants are naturally adapted to local climates and soils. They are better able to withstand weather extremes and changing climate conditions than most non-native ornamental plants. They are critical for many other species surviving climate change.
II. Native Plants Have Additional Benefits for You
Save Water and Money
Because they evolved in your region, native plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil conditions, and require less supplemental irrigation or watering.
Avoid Chemicals
Once established, native plants require far less fertilizer than turfgrass or many non-native ornamentals. They also reduce the need for chemicals that can harm people, pets, and pollinators.
Do Less Maintenance
Native plants have natural defenses against local pests and climate fluctuations, greatly reducing ongoing maintenance.
Ready to explore adding native plants to your garden? Click on the "How to Create A Native Garden" link below.
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