Natives: Just One Can Make a Difference

The popularity of native plants has grown considerably in recent years as more people recognize their importance in supporting local ecosystems and pollinators. Articles and social media posts are constantly promoting the benefits of native plants—and for good reason. Native plants aren’t just a trend—they truly make a difference.

But why are they so important? And do non-natives deserve the bad reputation they sometimes get?

Native yellow Coreopsis (Tickseed) with non-native Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

The Benefits of Native Plants

Native plants support biodiversity

Native plants have evolved over thousands of years, adapting to local conditions like climate, soil, and seasonal rhythms. Native insects, birds, and mammals have co-evolved alongside these plants and rely on them for food, shelter, and nesting. This intricate relationship helps preserve a healthy ecosystem. For example, many native flowers are shaped specifically to accommodate local pollinators’ feeding habits and anatomy, making them a more efficient and reliable food source.

Native plants reduce the need for pesticides

Because they’re adapted to local pests and diseases, native plants often require little or no chemical intervention. Many also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and hoverflies—nature’s pest control squad. These predators feed on or disrupt the lifecycles of harmful insects, reducing the need for sprays. Keep in mind: even organic pesticides can harm these beneficial allies, so a healthy balance is key.

Native plants promote water conservation and erosion control

Once established, native plants usually thrive without supplemental watering because they’re adapted to the region’s natural rainfall patterns. Many have deep root systems that help them survive drought and also stabilize the soil, reducing runoff and erosion—especially important on slopes or during heavy rains.

The Benefits of Non-Native Plants

Not all non-natives are bad. In fact, many are not only beautiful but also solve specific garden challenges. When chosen thoughtfully, non-native plants can complement a native garden without harming the ecosystem.

Nepeta (Catmint) is a low maintenance, long blooming and pollinator friendly non-native plant.

They extend bloom times

Many non-natives—especially cultivars and hybrids—have been bred to bloom for longer periods than their native counterparts. This extended bloom time adds more consistent color and visual interest throughout the growing season, while also supporting pollinators in early spring and late fall. For example, Salvia ‘May Night’ and Nepeta (Catmint) bloom from spring through frost with minimal care—and pollinators love them.

They increase variety in garden design

Non-natives can offer foliage textures, flower shapes, and growth habits not found in native plants, making them valuable for achieving specific styles like cottage gardens, tropical looks, or formal symmetry. They add contrast, structure, and uniqueness to planting designs.

They can solve site-specific challenges

Some non-natives thrive in difficult garden conditions and still offer great aesthetics. Take Helleborus (Lenten Rose), for example—it blooms in early spring, thrives in dry shade, and keeps its evergreen foliage year-round with very little maintenance. Or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, which loves poor, rocky soil and looks great through the seasons.

They provide year-round structure and form

Non-natives like Yucca and Hinoki False Cypress add visual structure, are well-behaved and offer strong year-round presence.

The Trouble with Some Non-Natives

While many non-natives are well-behaved and garden-friendly, others can pose problems for local wildlife. Some may offer lower nectar content or be inedible to native insects and pollinators. But that doesn’t mean all non-natives should be avoided.

The real concern lies with invasive species which are non-native plants that spread aggressively and harm ecosystems. They outcompete natives for light, nutrients, and space, and they often lack natural predators to keep them in check. Over time, they can take over landscapes, reduce biodiversity, and degrade habitats. It’s best to avoid and remove these if you can.

Some examples of invasive species are:

• Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) - This shrub spreads aggressively into forests and displaces native understory plants. Yet it’s still sold because of its gorgeous fall color and it’s easy to grow.

• English Ivy (Hedera helix) - This vine smothers trees and native groundcovers, climbs and weakens structures and trees. Yet it’s still sold because it is a fast-growing, evergreen groundcover.

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) - This shrub spreads aggressively by seed in many regions and offers no value to butterfly caterpillars. However, it is still sold because it attracts adult butterflies and has showy flowers. 

• Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) - This ornamental grass spreads by seed and can escape into the meadows and roadsides. Yet it’s still sold because it is tall, ornamental and beautiful in the fall.

• Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) - This shrub spreads by seed into natural areas, changes soil chemistry and harbors ticks. It’s still sold because it’s deer resistant, drought-tolerant and comes in lots of beautiful colors. 

Native woodland phlox enjoying a shady spot with some non-native blue siberian bugloss

So What’s the Takeaway?

Native plants offer incredible benefits and absolutely belong in our gardens—but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for non-natives. It’s about balance. The more native plants we can incorporate, the better. But thoughtfully chosen non-natives can help support pollinators, solve tricky garden challenges, and bring beauty and structure to the landscape without causing harm.

Even adding just one native plant to your garden can make a difference. And that’s a great place to start.