Many people have probably heard the term ‘native plants’, but what really are native plants and why are they important to our environment? Native plants are plants that naturally grow in the environment. Neighboring regions often have overlap in their species of native plants, however there is a category of native plants known as ‘endemic plants’. Endemic plants are a species that has adapted to an environment to the point that it becomes its own variety. This new variety of the species isn’t found naturally anywhere else in the world, so it becomes something noteworthy in the environment in question. Non-native plants are ones that are transported to different parts of the world for various reasons. Some of these reasons include that they are intended to be used for food, resources, or aesthetic purposes. These plants, however successful they may grow, are not considered native plants. While the intent behind this is often good, in some cases the non-native plants can do more harm than good. All of this to say- what is the importance of native plants in our environment?
Native plants are important to our environment for various reasons. In general, plants grow in a specific area for a reason, it’s the perfect growing conditions for the plant. The next reason is biodiversity. Another important aspect of the environment that native plants play an important role in is the soil.
Landscape architects recommend using native plants for planting designs due to the fact that they will grow reliably. This is because the growing conditions for that plant are perfect. For example, a plant that typically grows well in the desert probably won’t grow well in your backyard without requiring a substantial amount of maintenance. While a plant that naturally occurs in the forests around your home will grow beautifully and once it is established, will require very little upkeep. This also helps the consumer and the environment due to the amount of energy and water that will be saved in result.
Biodiversity is a term that seems a bit daunting to understand. Biodiversity simply put is a balanced ecosystem. This is important to maintain the flora and fauna in the ecosystem and for balancing climate change. Plants and animals alike need the ecosystem to find a harmonious balance for survival. Animals count on a variety of plants for shelter and food. Some people may think “well I don’t want to plant a native plant if deer are going to make a meal out of it”. While that can be true, there are a number of plants that have developed their own defense mechanisms against such. In addition to having a balanced ecosystem biodiversity can play an important role in climate change. Efficient use of resources like water and nutrients in the soil is a large part of climate change. Plants can also help with the heating and cooling of earth, and having the right balance of plants in the ecosystem can help maintain that desired climate.
Soil is important because it’s the base for how everything grows. All of our food comes from the soil, so it’s important it is properly taken care of. For example, some plants can deplete the micronutrients in the soil. However native plants that are growing in native soil are adapted to grow well without depleting the soil or needing fertilizer. Another reason native plants are important for soil health is because they can help prevent soil erosion. Their root density can help to lock the soil into place and keep it from tearing away during runoff events.
Non-native plants aren’t always harmful, but in many cases they can be. It’s important to know the risks that non-native plants can reap on the environment. The first, as mentioned before, is that they can require vastly different growing conditions, which results in large amounts of upkeep. It’s also interesting to note that a plant that is considered an annual in western Pennsylvania may be considered a perennial in a tropical environment.
In the situation where that is not the case that the plant requires immense amounts of upkeep to grow well, the plant in question can actually thrive in a non-native environment. It is possible the non-native plant will grow uncontrollably and become invasive. This is dangerous because native plants that are helpful to the environment can be choked out. This would be counterproductive to improving the environment’s health.
It is true that anyone can do the research and discover what plants are native and non-native to make informed decisions before choosing plants for their landscape. However, that can take a lot of time which most people don’t have. Landscape Architects have received a degree for their education. This education has a focus in native and non-native plants. Check out our project Rustic Retreat to see how we use native plants in our designs! Landscape Architects are experts in distinguishing between native and invasive plants and can ensure that we won’t plant anything that can harm the environment in your backyard. So, when you’re planning out your plants this summer, consider doing a little research- or better yet consult a professional.
