What is a Native Plant?
Native plants are indigenous plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. They have adapted to the geography, hydrology, and climate of that region. Native plants occur in communities, that is they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies. (information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Why Should I Use Native Plants?
Native plants provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance landscape while benefiting the environment. Native Plants, once they are established, save time and money. By landscaping with native plants, we help restore natural environments and habitats.
Native plants do not require fertilizers.
Vast amounts of fertilizers are applied to lawns. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen (the main components of fertilizers) run off into lakes and rivers causing algae growth which depletes oxygen harming aquatic life.
Native plants require less water.
The modern lawn requires significant amounts of water to thrive. In urban areas, lawn irrigation uses as much as 30% of the water consumption on the East Coast and up to 60% on the West Coast. The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and flooding.
(Note: Recommended reading Lawn Wars: The struggle for a New Lawn Ethic by Lois Robbins) Native plants help reduce air pollution.
Natural landscapes do not require mowing. Lawns, however, must be mowed regularly. Gas powered garden tools emit 5% of the nations air pollution. Forty million lawnmowers consume 200 million gallons of gasoline per year. One gas-powered lawnmower emits 11 times the air pollution of a new car for each hour of operation. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air.
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Native plants require fewer pesticides.
Nationally, over 70 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns each year. Pesticides run off lawns and can contaminate rivers and lakes. People and pets in contact with chemically treated lawns can be exposed to pesticides. Native plants save money.
A study by Applied Ecological Services of larger properties estimates that over a 20 year period, the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses.
Native plants provide shelter & food.
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife by providing natural, diverse habitats and food sources. Closely mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife.
Native plants promote stewardship of our natural heritage.
Native plants are a part of our natural heritage. Right now in the U.S., 20 million acres of lawn cover more land than any single crop. Natural landscaping is an opportunity to re-establish the diverse native plants, thereby inviting the birds and butterflies back home. (photo by Chad Hughson, Hidden Savanna Nursery)
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Some Native Plant Books
For more information:
Springfield Township CD
Native Plants CD-ROM and Homeowner's Series: a searchable database containing photos and information on more than 230 plants native to Springfield, MI. Popular not only with Springfield’s back-yard gardeners and developers, but also with consultants, municipalities and landscape architects throughout the Midwest and beyond. It is a painless, cost-effective way to protect our lands and waters and have fun while doing it. The CD-ROM is available by order from the Springfield Township Clerk’s Office or on loan from the Springfield Township Library. The Homeowner’s Series and database (without the search function) can also be viewed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's web site.
Prairie Nursery - Native plants & seeds for prairies, woodlands and wetlands.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
More information on native plants, grasses, trees, shrubs
More information on native plants, grasses, trees, shrubs
