Native Plants (indigenous) are local plants that have been growing in a specific habitat and region. These plants, shrubs, and trees are well adapted to the climate, light, and soil conditions that represent their ecosystem. They have evolved essential relationships within this system with other plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria present to keep that particular ecosystem stable.

Native plants host a greater number and variety of insect species than non-natives. These insects are the sole food source for nestling birds. And, along with butterflies and moths, a few birds, bats, and other animals, they are important in pollinating flowering plants, vegetables and other crops. Our native pollinators are dependent on our native plants, and vice versa.

Some of the native plants I recommend planting in your garden are;

Perennials – Echinacea (Purple Coneflower), Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Monarda (Bee balm), Solidago (Golden Rod), Liatris (Blazing Star), Phlox, Asclepias (Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed), Eupatorium (Joe Pye Weed), Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England aster)

Shrubs -Smooth Hydrangea, Lindera (Spicebush), Cephalanthus (Buttonbush)

Trees – Quercus (Oak tree), Cornus Dogwood, Cercis (Eastern Redbud). Betula (Birch)

Not all plants in your garden need to be native. But, it would be really beneficial if 70 percent of them are native.