Native plants in the nursery are often hybrid, with native species intersecting with ornamental products. While beautiful, they may not play a true native ecological role in the garden. Even among native species, there are usually several important plants that provide heavy lifting of the environment, providing food and shelter for most of the local fauna. Learn about Nativa that can lift the environmental profile of your garden.
The plants suitable for each spot in the landscape are goal-dependent, but considering how each plant contributes to the landscape as a whole, you can maximize ecological benefits.
Natibal
Hybrid varieties of native plants are often referred to Natibal. These plants are often flashier than the true natives, with double or more colorful flowers and diverse leaves. However, the same elements that make them visually appealing in a human landscape can reduce their usefulness for pollinators. Even if they do not play a true native ecological role, they are often more suited to local temperature and rainfall patterns than exotic species. This makes it valuable for low-maintenance gardens with strong local aesthetics.
Pollination natives
Many plants sold for pollinator gardens are non-native, not supporting pollinators like native plants. for example, Budreiabutterfly bushes are Asian shrubs. It feeds mature butterflies, but not caterpillars. Meanwhile, planting native species like milkweed feeds all life stages.
Pollenato seeds often contain non-native or invasive species. The wild flower mix, which is unique to the area, is excellent for planting Select individually The seeds are best. Online learning programs called New England pollination He teaches about effective native pollinator gardens in the area. Many states have native plant societies. Check out the national list of Local Native Plants or Plant Associations To find your local Nativa community.
Bird Native People
Birds benefit from eating native fruits and insects. However, they are less particular about their food sources than pollinators. The Audubon Society hosts native plant recommendation tools It identifies the plants that are most beneficial to birds against all postal codes in the United States. Beyond plant selection, gardeners must be aware of additional considerations to welcome birds. Birds need water to drink and bathe. They need predators and cover from safe nesting sites. Artistic bird shops are an attractive addition to your garden, but if you want to attract birds to your garden, install feeders and nesting boxes that meet the bird’s biological requirements.
Wildlife natives
Raccoons, deer and snakes are usually less welcome in the garden than birds. Even environmentally conscious gardeners are more interested in humane removal than inviting them. But all species need a home, Some creatures are beneficial For the scenery. Consider proofing your garden as a wildlife habitat. It is a simple process that includes inventory of your gardening habits that will help improve your outcomes and create local wildlife habitat.
If you really have enough space for a wild garden, or if you are willing to open your backyard to an animal, it turns out that the creature has Preferred native plants Too much. There is no guarantee that you will plant lots of Canadian golden rods, gems, or wild grapes (whitetail native diet) deer) Keep them away from your precious horticultural specimens. But you provide them with healthy and natural nutrition.
Heavy lifter
There are some lovely natives who grow up in most of the United States. However, every ecoregion has its own heavy lifter. A handful of plants provide food for most insects and animal species in each biome. These plants also offer more than a share of ecological services, such as providing shelter and nesting materials and modifying soil chemistry. These species tend to be very localized. Keystone species in the coastal biome differ from keystone species in the mountainous regions of the same state.
for example, Robinia Pseudoacaciathe black locust tree feeds 64 species of caterpillars in the Allegheny Mountains. However, in the US and elsewhere overseas, black locusts are invasive. Consider planting in the Pacific Northwest Red AlderIt supplies 227 species of caterpillars, settles in erosion-prone bare areas, fixes soil nitrogen, covers deer and birds, and correlates with more robust fish populations in forest rivers.
your Local Native Plants or Botanical Society It is an invaluable resource for finding these plants, National Wildlife Foundation We aim to identify heavy lifters across the country.
balance
However, don’t feel like you have to make every plant in your garden a thick lifter. Set an overall landscaping goal and provide food and shelter for all life stages of the species you want to encourage: pollinators, birds, and/or other wildlife. Avoid chemical pesticides if you absolutely need fauna in your garden.
Editor’s Note: Good ideas never expire! This article was first published on August 20, 2018 and updated in March 2025.
