Plants, especially native plants, have an innate ability to:
- adapt to regional stresses
- offer preferred provisions to local pollinators, helping to contribute to increased yields
- support local birds and beneficial insects year-round that can dramatically reduce pressure from mischievous insects
- and more!
When we talk about native plants, in addition to determining* what plants are native to the area, it is helpful to determine what plants are suitable to each eco-region.
*One source is USDA Plant Database, which lists (using the advanced search) native plants by state.
For example, in my home state, there are five main eco-regions – spanning plains to plateau – encompassing approximately 20 specific eco-regions. This EPA site displays eco-regions across the continental U.S., along with their characteristics.
Beyond this, additional details, including site-specific soil conditions (pH, etc.) as well as light and hydrologic conditions, are important in understanding which native plants should do well. Of course, we can alter conditions somewhat – for example, soil can be amended – but when we instead, work with the inherent conditions as much as possible, our workload over time can decrease. For additional plant ideas, this HNP site provides keystone plants that are native to the area.
For additional information on native plants that are edible or therapeutic, or are great dynamic accumulators or nitrogen fixers, or that help deter mischievous insects or microorganisms, etc., please see the sub-menu items under “Native Plant Marvels” under “Partner with Plants” on the home page.