Native plants are species of wildflowers, trees and shrubs growing in a region in which they have evolved prior to European settlement in North America around 1600 AD.

Plants evolve over time in response to local climate and soil and interactions with other species inhabiting the community. They come to possess certain traits that make them uniquely adapted to local conditions. They have adapted to local soil and climate conditions and have evolved with the local bird, mammal, butterfly and insect populations.

Benefits to Using Native Plant Species

• They do not require watering or chemical fertilizers and pesticides in order to thrive.
• They can thrive in poor soils.
• Local flora and fauna support them and in turn they provide food and habitat.
• Growing them improves biodiversity and creates a local seed source.
• Planting native species and connecting existing green spaces provides migration corridors for urban wildlife.

We rely on plants for sustenance, beauty, shelter, clothing, medicines and all manner of products. From the cereal you eat in the morning, to the wood frame of your house, the cotton shirt on your back, the moisturizer on your face and the cold medication in your cupboard, plants are fundamental to our lives.