Why native plants are important

The benefits

When you plant native there are some major benefits to your local ecosystem. You provide a great source of food for the insects whether it be the nectar or foliage of the plant. If local wildlife has access to the food sources they have had for millennia, they are sure to thrive. Additionally, when natives and pollinator plants are used, this increases local biodiversity. Having biodiversity means things like oxygen production, productive ecosystems, and healthy and stable soil. These benefits create a better, long-lasting environment for all of us to enjoy.

Impacts of Non-Native Species

 While adult insects will eat non-native plants, they only reproduce on certain native plants that they have reproduced on forever. A well-known example of this is monarch butterflies and their host plant, milkweed. Adult monarch butterflies will eat most anything, however, monarch caterpillars will ONLY eat milkweed.

Most insect species are only able to eat specific plants as babies. Additionally, songbirds will only feed their offspring insects and caterpillars. If insects in our local ecosystem do not have access to their preferred/necessary food source, then they won’t be able to reproduce. This will cause reproduction issues for songbirds as well because there will not be enough food for their young.

In conclusion

Native plants are the foundation of our local ecosystem, and they provide a natural beauty to your landscape. Incorporating them into your garden means taking another step towards healing our environment.