The Benefits of Native Plant Species
What is a native plant?
Native plants are species that naturally grow in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without the aid of human intervention. Native plants were present in their particular region following the most recent glacial period and prior to European contact.
Native plants can be delineated by ecological regions or physiographic provinces. Each ecological region has a specific character and can be differentiated by climate, geology, and topography. The entirety of the Perkiomen Creek Watershed falls within the Piedmont Province, much of the Watershed residing specifically in the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section.
Monarch butterfly caterpillars devouring Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata
Why use Pennsylvania Native Plants?
Native Plants are great for the environment
Native plants are great for wildlife! These species provide local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife with food and vital habitat resources. Many local wildlife species rely directly on native plants and cannot survive without them.
Native plants possess long and robust root systems which allows them to filter and infiltrate water. This helps recharge our important groundwater systems and reduces stormwater runoff and flooding.
Improve air quality by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide while producing oxygen.
Assist in healthy soil production and reduce soil erosion.
Lessen negative impacts of stormwater runoff by trapping sediment, litter, excess nutrients, and slowing runoff before it enters waterways and storm drains.
Native plants require less maintenance and inputs
Image Credit: Alliance for the Cheaseapeake Bay
Evolved and adapted to our local climate reducing the need for summer watering and protection from cold in winter.
Little to no mowing required. Dormant perennial tops can be trimmed, but managing for wildlife during the winter and early spring months is great. Allowing seed heads to stand in winter provides seed sources for birds, while only trimming dormant perennial tops down to 18 inches provides overwintering sites for local insects.
Robust and deep root systems increase tolerance to drought and reduce need for fertilizers.
Tend not to grow invasively allowing for reduced yard maintenance costs and lessen time spent weeding.
Native plants are part of our ecological system and have developed resistances to local pests, requiring little to no pesticide use.
Native species thrive in a variety different habitats, allowing homeowners to find plants for the shady & wet, the sunny & dry, and all other areas of the yard.
Nodding Onion, Allium cernuum, with Dense Blazing Star, Liatris spicata, and Black Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, in the background
Native plants are beautiful
Native plants can provide seasonal interest such as flowers, beautiful foliage, fall color, attractive winter bark, seed heads, or fruits.
Provide seasonal blooms; different native species bloom throughout the year and provide a wide variety of flower shapes, colors, and fragrances.
Hundreds of PA native plants to choose from, each possessing its own unique characteristics.
Create a sense of place within the landscape or celebrate regional heritage.
Native plants are economical
An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail nectars on native Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa.
Provide a potential sources of medicine and food products.
Greater survival rates and longevity compared to non-native plant species.
Native plants tend to not be invasive, unlike some non-native plants. Organizations like PennDOT or DCNR are forced to spend time and money removing invasives from roadside corridors or environmentally sensitive landscapes.
Planting native species has a positive impact on surrounding properties. Try to avoid planting invasive species that will spread into nearby open spaces, parks, yards, or woodlands.
Still have Native plant questions?
Reach out to our Director of Ecology, Beth Myers, or sign-up for an upcoming Native Plant Work Day!