Why Use Native Plants?

Agrecol’s native plants are grown from their wild relatives; their flower colors, flower size, nectar flow, pollen production, leaf colors and other characteristics have not been altered, except by natural genetic evolution. The benefits of using native plants compared to horticultural varieties include longer life spans, less need for fertilizer and insecticides, increased nectar flows, increased aroma, drought resistance, winter hardiness, disease resistance, and increased desirability to birds, bees, and butterflies. Native plants are species that were growing on this continent before European settlement, more than 300 years ago. Almost every plant you see is NOT a native plant, except for some trees. Most were brought here from Europe and Asia. Native plants are further defined by the local area in which they grow. For example, a botanist may suggest that the same native plants growing in the southern deserts are native to that area and not native to the northern prairies, and vice versa. The prairies were climax plant communities, meaning that they were self-sustainable until the next major disturbance, such as a glacier, plow, bulldozer, or herbicide application. As a consequence of their long, hardy life, they are also slow growing. Native perennials build a large, strong root system (some species reach depths of more than 20 feet) before they make lots of leaves, stems, and flowers. It is this large root system that gives native plants so much environmental strength. In almost any traditional landscape, there is likely a native plant that can be substituted for any non-native plant. Native prairie plantings will require occasional maintenance, but once established natives require much less maintenance than traditional landscapes. Native plants can be established in many types of soils under many different moisture and sun conditions – solving most landscape challenges – this is what Agrecol calls ‘Ecosolutions’. Let Agrecol help you build your Forever Landscape™.

Eco-Regions - According to The Nature Conservancy Native plants are increasingly being used for: • Storm water management and flood reduction • Increasing biodiversity • Pollution assimilation • Reducing land maintenance costs • Rooftop landscapes • Bioengineering • Phytoremediation • Conservation neighborhoods

Key benefits of using native plants:

1. Great year-round views of blooming flowers, waving grasses, and wildlife.

2. Residential lots with adjacent conservation areas are typically valued at 1.5 times the value of a similar lot – even though they are generally smaller in size.

3. Provide critical habitat for our native wildlife. Native landscapes provide food, nesting, and breeding grounds for most animals.

4. Becomes a carbon sink helping to offset the carbon released by burning fossil fuels. Carbon sinks are becoming increasingly important to offset global warming.

5. Increases purification and infiltration of rainwater and runoff so that our aquifers, from which we draw our drinking water, remain full and pure.

6. Leaves a legacy for future generations to enjoy.