The use of plants native to a given region is crucial in habitat restoration. In a landscaping project, native plants offer many advantages and help to create a self-sustaining, low maintenance habitat over time.
Native plants are drought and disease tolerant, require little maintenance once established, attract butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, beneficial insects, help restore plant diversity, and help stabilize and restore soil. They are hardier than many of their non-native, cultivated cousins. Many native species are long-lived perennials which survive for decades. Native plants also serve vital functions in absorbing excess nutrients from runoff and are the preferred choice in buffer strips, filter strips, vegetated swales and rain gardens.
Although native plants require the same care and attention as non-native, cultivated varieties in their first couple of years, once established, native plants should survive and thrive for many years with little maintenance.
