The Ecological Benefits of Native Plants
Native plants are an essential part of our natural ecosystems. They are species that evolved over thousands of years to thrive in a specific region, coexisting with local wildlife, climate, and soil conditions. In Illinois and the local Great Lakes region, native plants have adapted to the unique prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. They are an ideal choice for home gardens, parks, community spaces, and other large natural areas.
Planting native plants within your natural area is an essential way to help the local environment thrive. Let’s take a further look at what native plants are and how to use them within your local ecosystem.
Planting Native Helps the Local Environment
Native plants occur naturally in a specific region without human introduction. They form a harmonious relationship with their environment, unlike non-native or invasive species. They support local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
For a plant to be considered native, it must have existed in a particular area before European settlement. This distinction is significant because native plants are uniquely adapted to the local soil, water, and climate conditions, making them more resilient and sustainable than their non-native counterparts.
Some examples of native plants in the Illinois and Lower Great Lakes Region Include:
How Do Native Species Differ from Non-Native Species?
As discussed above, native plants are any shrub, tree, or flower that grew naturally in a specific area before humans cultivated the land. These plants naturally thrived in the area for centuries and can lead to healthy ecosystems.
Many non-native plants on the other hand, were introduced by settlers. Contemporary gardeners, landscapers, and nurseries can lend a hand in the spread of non-native plants by buying or selling plants from outside their region. These are plants that can become overly aggressive and crowd out their native counterparts, leading to more erosion and an unbalanced ecosystem.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of going with native plants in your landscaping and gardening choices.
Why Plant Natives?
Planting native plants offers several environmental, gardening, economic, and aesthetic benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to prioritize native species:
Environmental Benefits
- Biodiversity Support: Native plants provide essential habitats and food for local wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds. Pollinators, such as butterflies or bees depend on native plants for survival.
- Erosion Control: The deep root systems of many native plants stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and improving water infiltration.
- Water Conservation: Native plants are naturally drought-tolerant, requiring less irrigation compared to non-native species.
- Reduction of Chemicals: Because they are well-suited to local conditions, native plants often thrive without the need for fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, reducing chemical runoff into waterways.
- Maintains Ecological Balance: Native plants help maintain the balance of local ecosystems, ensuring that no single species dominates or harms the environment.
Gardening Benefits
- Low Maintenance: Native plants adapted to local conditions, requiring less pruning, fertilizing, and pest control.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Native plants have evolved to resist local pests and diseases, making them a heartier choice for any specific planting region.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Native plants offer unique, natural beauty, and can be used to create stunning, low-maintenance gardens.
Economic Benefits
- Lower Costs: Native plants require less overall care, saving time and money for homeowners and municipalities.
- Increased Property Value: Landscapes with well-maintained native plants can enhance curb appeal and attract environmentally conscious buyers.
Aesthetic and Cultural Benefits
- Natural Beauty: Native plants reflect the unique beauty of the region and create a sense of place in your landscape.
- Educational Opportunities: Native gardens provide a living classroom for learning about local ecosystems and conservation.
Additional Benefits
- Climate Change Mitigation: Native plants can help sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
- Improved Mental Health: Spending time in nature, surrounded by native plants, can improve mental health and well-being.
By planting native plants, you can contribute to a healthier environment, support local ecosystems, and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden. They are a great choice for many different planting applications.
Using Native Species to Address Regional Challenges
The lower Great Lakes region encompasses states such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The region boasts a rich diversity of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. But it’s not without its challenges.
Invasive species around the area such as garlic mustard or phragmites can aggressively overtake natural areas. The right amount of native plants can help outcompete these invaders and restore the ecological balance of the region.
The area has also undergone a significant amount of habitat loss in urban and agricultural areas. By incorporating native plants into our landscapes, we create valuable habitat for animals and help to mitigate the negative impacts development has had on the environment.
How To Find the Right Native Plants in Your Area
Finding the right native plants for your local area involves researching the plants that have already adapted to your local climate, soil, and ecosystem. There are several ways you can find this information. The local nursery, such as Pizzo Native Plant Nursery, can help you to understand what plants are native to your region.
Other sources include Audobon.org, which allows you to enter your zip code and find native plants that benefit local wildlife. USDA PLANTS also includes a filter to look for native plants by state or region. The Illinois Native Plant Society and the University of Illinois Extension office both have some plant identification resources that might be helpful.
Common Native Species in Illinois
Illinois is home to a diverse range of native plants suited to its prairies, wetlands, and forests. Below are some popular varieties and their uses:
Prairie Plants
- Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): A tall grass that provides food and shelter for wildlife while adding texture to landscapes.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A vibrant flower that is drought-resistant and thrives in sunny areas, and is also a favorite of pollinators.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A bright flower with yellow petals and dark centers that blooms all summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Wetland Plants
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): A plant that is crucial for monarch butterflies and thrives in moist soils, while offering stunning pink blooms.
- Blue Vervain (Verbana hastata): Provides an excellent height for in the back of a shoreline border.
- Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This plant is a towering perennial that attracts pollinators and thrives in damp conditions.
Woodland Plants
- Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): A shade-loving plant with red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds.
- Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): A unique plant that forms dense ground cover and produces umbrella-like leaves.
- Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): A plant known for its unusual flower structure, and adds intrigue to shaded areas.
How to Use Native Species in Your Landscape
Integrating native plants into your garden or public space can be rewarding and environmentally beneficial. You’ll want to evaluate your soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels in the areas you’re looking to plant. This information will guide your plant selection and help ensure that you have long-term success.
You’ll also want to choose the right native plants for your specific garden or landscape area. For example, purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan thrive in sunny and well-drained areas. The wetland plants listed above are more ideal for moist soils.
Once you understand the dynamics of the area you are planting and have your native plants selected, there are more steps you can take to ensure their success.
Group Plants Strategically
Plant species with similar needs together to simplify maintenance. Consider layering heights and textures to create visual interest.
Create Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
Include a variety of native flowers that bloom at different times to provide a continuous food source for pollinators. Avoid using pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
Manage Invasive Species
Replace invasive plants with native alternatives to restore balance to your landscape and prevent the spread of harmful species.
Use Mulch and Ground Cover
Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while native ground covers like wild ginger or mayapple reduce erosion and add visual appeal.
Educate and Advocate
Share your knowledge and experience with neighbors and community members to promote the benefits of native plants. Organize tours or workshops to inspire others.
Buy Your Native Plants from a Trusted Local Nursery
Native plants are an invaluable resource for enhancing our landscapes and preserving the environment. Their ability to thrive in local conditions, support wildlife, and reduce maintenance costs makes them an excellent choice for gardeners and land managers alike.
In Illinois, the rich variety of prairie, wetland, and woodland plants offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful, sustainable spaces. By understanding the benefits of native plants and incorporating them thoughtfully, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient future for our communities and ecosystems. Our trusted team can help you answer any questions you may have about incorporating native plants into your next project. The Pizzo Native Plant Nursery encompasses 40 acres of restored wetland and prairie habitat in Leland, Illinois. Visit where to buy to learn more about ordering native plants for your project.