Why Native? Here's Why

Sitting down to write something about native plants feels like trying to write something about plants.

It’s far too broad a subject. And one, on which, I have a lot to learn. Luckily, I’ve had the pleasure to get to know a few native plant enthusiasts and I want to share some about what I’ve learned about native plants so far.

Many of us know that plants native to a specific area grow particularly well, because they are genetically suited to the specific growing conditions having evolved over centuries to prosper in that specific climate. It is right plant, right place cubed. We’ve heard the arguments that natives are easier to grow.

We also know that because native plants naturally prosper, they require no chemicals to thrive. Good arguments for natives can be made on a purely economical basis. Native plants cost less over time because they don’t require chemicals or, once established, as much or any watering.

Some just prefer the aesthetics of native plants. Little brush strokes of purple from native Redbud flowering, can be seen though our Pennsylvania woodlands right now. Successful landscapes often draw inspiration from nature. A beautifully fragrant and graceful flowering Clethra alnifolia fits much better in a wooded landscape as compared to a Hydrangea paniculata sporting 12 inch blooms. In some ways, we’ve bred our plants to be showy to the point of gaudy.

But it seems protecting nature, both by avoiding chemicals and providing food and shelter to wildlife, is igniting passion right now and convincing folks that gardening with native plants is crucial for our ecosystem.

From the soil, to the birds, to the insects, “Nature contains incredible layers of relationship.” Said Jan Getgood, of Meadowood Nursery, an all-native plant nursery near Hummelstown, PA.

Getgood says as we’ve re-arranged mother nature in our developed areas by introducing non-native species, we’ve impacted the biodiversity that has historically relied on native species.

Boiled down, certain insects only feed on certain plants. Birds for instance, search for certain insects; often in spring, caterpillars. Native oak trees, for example, support the most butterfly and moth species, over 500, who lay their eggs in oaks. Those eggs become caterpillars and feed the majority of migrating birds.

Birds need the protein provided by insects to feed their young. While birds gain sustenance from seeds and berries, that’s not enough to support their offspring.

Native shrubs can also benefit birds. “Spicebush is a Mcdonalds for birds”, said Judy Bono, a York County Native plant expert during a talk at Penn State Master Gardeners “Garden Wise” seminar. Spicebush is also a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.

Butterflies and other insects search out only select plants – known as host plants- to lay their eggs. The monarch butterfly only lays in milkweed.

Bottom line is, fewer native plants, mean fewer insects, which means fewer species of birds.

It is a complex system. Luckily, Doug Tallamy is in town to explain. Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature home” will be at the Manada Conservancy’s Native Plant sale hosted by Meadowood Nursery. The sale is Saturday, May 2, 2009, free and open to the public. There is a Friday night event at the Nursery for members.

More on starting with Native Plants and Doug Tallamy to come.