Prairie plants are perennials that do not require replanting every
year like many herbaceous ornamentals.
"Prairie plants are nearly free of disease and insects. Bluegrass lawns
and ornamentals like roses and other flowers require constant care,
including mowing and the application of fungicides, fertilizers, and
insecticides."
"Due to their extensive root systems, prairie plants are resistant to
drought and dry conditions. Bluegrass, other turf grasses, and most
ornamental plants are usually very susceptible to drought, often
requiring frequent watering."
"Native prairie shrubs are resistant to cold winter temperatures, unlike
cultivated roses and other ornamentals which are killed or severely
injured, especially if left unprotected."
"Considerable variation may be found in the heights, leaf sizes and
shapes, flower color, and flowering times of prairie plants compared to
the monotonous uniformity of traditional plantings."
"A prairie landscape is educational. Few areas of prairie remain, so
these plantings help individuals to learn about these plants. Prairie
plants attract butterflies and other interesting insects.
"Prairie grasses are spectacular during the fall when they assume their
russet, yellow, bronze, and orange colors. Many non native ornamental
plants do not have any fall color."
"Prairie plants, including shrubs, have ornamental features other than
flowers that make them attractive throughout the year." "Using prairie
plants will reduce noise, conserve gasoline and oil, reduce pollution,
and help to reduce accidents associated with lawn mowers."
"Prairie plantings provide valuable habitat for certain insects, birds,
and other animals that live in grasslands." Prairie plantings can serve
as valuable benchmarks for the comparison of soils and soil organisms
with sites having other uses."
"Using native plants to restore the landscape or as a substitute for
exotic ornamental plantings can help to reverse the trend of species
loss. Although the methods may differ, native plants require the same
level of care in installation and establishment as do ornamental plants.
If the environment has been altered significantly through human
activities, some work will be necessary to recreate an environment more
hospitable to natives. However, in the long run, natives will, in most
cases, form self-sustaining plant communities that do not require much
maintenance. Because they are adapted to a local region, they tend to
resist damage from freezing, drought, common diseases, and herbivores if
planted in that same local region."
"Native plant species provide the keystone elements for ecosystem
restoration. Native plants help to increase the local population of
native plant species, providing numerous benefits. There specific
associations of mycorrhizae with plants, invertebrates with woody
debris, pollinators with flowers, and birds with structural habitat that
can only be rebuilt by planting native plants."
Native Plants add beauty to the landscape and preserve our natural
heritage, they provide food and habitat for native wildlife. Serve
as an important genetic resource for future food crops or other
plant-derived products. Help slow down the spread of fire by staying
greener longer.
Decrease the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance.
Require very little long-term maintenance if they are properly planted
and established
Produce long root systems to hold soil in place.
Protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderating floods
and droughts.
"Unlike aggressive introduced plants such as purple loosestrife and
European buckthorn, natives will not threaten to take over natural
communities."
"Native landscaping generally costs less over time. Given 100 sq. ft.,
compare the cost of 100 annuals X 10 years or more to the initial cost
of 100 native plants, or seed. For non-native perennials, compare
initial plant price and mulch, if used. On large areas, compare long
term maintenance costs."
"Native plants are used by beautiful and diverse native butterflies and
insects. In contrast, many common horticultural plants require insect
pest control to survive."
"Native plants and plant communities provide habitats and refuges for
wildlife, especially birds."
"Native grasses protect soil between wildflowers while root systems
spread and grow deep for excellent erosion control. This combination
reduces water runoff compared to monoculture ground covers such as
bluegrass or purple crown vetch."
Native legumes (peas and beans) fertilize naturally by enriching the
soil with nitrogen.
Drought tolerant after they are established, cold tolerant, even in
years without snow cover and cold temps. Native plants are excellent for
erosion control due to their extensive root system and
naturally resistant to many pests and diseases.
"They provide nectar, pollen and seed for bees, butterflies and birds."
"Help open up tight soils so water can penetrate, reducing runoff".
"Native plants worked for the toughest conditions, dry shade, wet soils,
very dry soils, and heavy clay."
Natives Increase infiltration rates due to their extensive root system.
Other benefits of native plants are:
1. Reduces sheet flow into surface water.
2. Allow nutrients to return to the soil.
3. Regulates water temperature.
4. Creates natural habitats for wildlife, like songbirds and butterflies.
5. Filters sediment and pollutants from runoff.
6. Encourages infiltration, recharging groundwater aquifer.
7. Reduces runoff volume and peak flows.
8. Slows runoff velocities
9. Extensive underground biomass caused by the root systems.
10. Grasses stabilize slopes, preventing erosion."
"Natural vegetation is drought resistant, adapted to the soil and
climate conditions, and resilient to local insects."
You can help to restore plant diversity in your yard or field!