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What is a native plant ? Native plants have always been here, they were not introduced from other parts of the world through the activity of people. Why not call them wildflowers? Many of our most common wildflowers are not native plants, but invasive exotic ones. This group includes a number of plants that have caused harm to our natural plant communities, or have the potential to do so, such as Japanese Honeysuckle, Kudzu, and Miscanthus Grass (from Asia), Queen Anne’s Lace, Coltsfoot, and Bladder Campion (from Europe).
Why plant natives? T h e y a r e b e a u t i f u l ! & they’re well-adapted to our region’s conditions and climate * they often require less maintenance than exotic plants * they’re the best plants for wildlife because they evolved or were created with the native wildlife- either way, native plants and animals belong together for reasons that we may not fully understand * they’re uncommon, sophisticated and interesting * they can be great additions to any landscape * their preservation is important, and planting natives allows a sense of being a good steward of your property, not just a property owner
Native plants include woodland and sun-loving wildflowers, mosses, flowering and evergreen shrubs, trees of all sizes, ornamental grasses, cacti, vines, and ferns. For almost every exotic plant that you like, chances are there is a native that you would like just as well, that would fill the same niche. No one expects everyone to plant natives exclusively, but, it would be great if more people looked for native alternatives when plant shopping.
Shy Valley Native habitat Nursery & herbary 423/348-6570 www.shyvalley.com
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