Native plants create beauty and interest with a progression of flowers and fruits, and they furnish food and cover for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. They have the advantage of being adapted to our climate, soils, and typical rainfall. In short, they’re a natural!
The local native plants have been here since the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. They have evolved with the Ozark geology, climate and wildlife. Many wildlife species prefer native plants for habitat and depend on them for survival.
Well-established and maintained native plant communities help resist invasive non-natives that threaten wildlife habitat and crops. Native plants help preserve our natural diversity.
Thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation. *Jack-in-the-Pulpit image by ANPS member Sid Vogelpohl.
Resources
Thinking about adding native plants to your home landscape?
This article in Missouri Life Magazine by Susan Atteberry Smith (April 7, 2020) provides a thoughtful introduction for gardeners. She explores the questions of why you would want to plant more natives, how to replace your non-native plants, how to choose what natives are best for you, the reality of the patience and work that this process takes, how to find native substitutes for landscaping, and her viewpoint on the Top Ten performing native plants. Read Article.
Jane Gulley, Arkansas Master Gardener, created these pdf download resources on native plants from Audubon Arkansas: Pruning of Select Native Plants lists 100 native shrubs and wildflowers and tips for pruning; Gardening with Natives Q and A lists native plants for particular purposes (erosion control, ground cover, rain gardens, window boxes, hummingbirds) and a list of resources (books, online resources and plant sellers); Plants for Birds explores the Audubon Arkansas database resources. Also see www.audubon.org/nativeplants for more info.
The Arkansas Native Plant Society is dedicated to preserve, conserve, and study the native plants of Arkansas. Their resources include books, articles on native plants, and sources for buying local plants.
Wild Ones is a national organization that, “promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities.” Web Site. Check out their Summer 2021 Journal for great articles on a variety of topics.
Ozark Soul in Southern Missouri is a great native plant source for area gardeners. This PDF File lists all of their native plant stock available for Spring 2020. Contact information is on the file or at their web site.
Well Behaved Natives for Landscaping is a PDF file by Lissa Morrison (Updated 9-19-2019). It is a comprehensive list of plants categorized into native large trees, understory trees and large shrubs, shrubs, ferns and groundcover, perennials, grasses, vines and plant resources. Each plant is identified by common name, botanical name, average height, sun/shade and moisture requirements, and notes.
The Summer 2021 Journal of the Ozark Chapter of Wild Ones featured an article by Lissa Morrison, “Taming the Wild and Supporting Wildlife.” She describes her personal garden style as “natural and messy” and goes on to list Ten Suggestions to help native landscapes appear more intentional and tidier… and still support a healthy environment. Check it out.
*False Solomon’s Seal image is by ANPS member Sid Vogelpohl.
Native Plants For Your Landscape Native Plants for Your Landscape, a PDF file from the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. This 12-page pamphlet includes tips on planning for natives in your landscape: specifics on catering to wildlife – birds, pollinators, frogs; how-to’s on rain gardens; plant recommendations for sunny/shady locations; and a list of resource publications that they offer. *Bloodroot image is by ANPS member Sid Vogelpohl.
The Benton County Arkansas Master Gardeners produced a PDF file on 2015-Plant-Recommendations-for-Benton-County-Arkansas. It includes both natives and non-natives in a handy listing of plant types, all linked from the table of contents. Just pick topic and click. *Cardinal flower image is by ANPS member Sid Vogelpohl.