Planting native vegetation on your property can add vibrancy to your outdoor area while boosting the ecological welfare of your land. Indigenous plants can thrive in your native plant nursery without human intervention. Here are seven native plants to consider adding to your property in 2023:
Milkweed
Milkweed is an indigenous flora that can bring elegance and environmental advantages to your property. Milkweed can serve as a host plant for monarch butterflies, whose population has diminished in recent years. The sweet nectar of this plant provides sustenance for adult monarchs and is the sole source of nourishment for their offspring. Adding milkweed to your property can help support monarch butterfly populations and promote biodiversity.
Wild Lupine
Wild Lupine is a beautiful, easy-to-grow native plant that can add color and texture to your property. It also functions as a host plant for the endangered Karen blue butterfly. Wild Lupine plants prefer well-drained, sandy soil and require little maintenance. Adding Wild Lupine to your property can support the recovery of the Karner blue butterfly population and other pollinators.
American Beech
The American beech tree is a local deciduous species. This tree can grow up to 70 feet high and spread as wide as 40 feet. American beech trees supply wildlife inhabitants, like birds, squirrels, and deer, with shelter and nourishment in the form of beechnuts. American beech trees have smooth grey bark and golden-yellow foliage in the fall. Plant this shade tree to support the local wildlife and boost the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbuds are small trees native to the east coast of the United States. These trees have stunning pink and purple flowers that bloom in early spring before their leaves appear. Eastern redbuds are an excellent tree for attracting pollinators. This tree is also a host plant for the Henry’s Elfin butterfly. Eastern redbud trees thrive in well-drained soil and partial shade.
Spicebush
Spicebush is a shrub native to the Midwestern U.S. area. It has fragrant leaves and stems and is a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. The spicebush also provides food and habitat for birds. This shrub grows bright yellow flowers in the spring. Once all its leaves have dropped in the fall, the spicebush’s red berries can be accessed and eaten by birds. Spicebush shrubs grow well in moist soil and partial shade.
Wild Ginger
Wild ginger is a native ground cover and a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. This native plant also provides food and habitats for small mammals and birds. Wild Ginger has heart-shaped leaves and prefers moist soil and partial-to-full shade. This plant can spread across your property in every direction over the course of several years. These plants can be challenging to grow from seed, so consider purchasing wild ginger from your local native plant nursery.
New England Aster
New England aster is a native perennial flower that can add color and ecological benefits to your property. It blooms in late summer and fall and can grow tall. New England aster provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. New England aster flowers can be purple, pink, and white. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Purchase Your Plants From a Native Plant Nursery
Adding native plants to your property can enhance its ecological health and beauty while supporting local wildlife and pollinators. Milkweed, Wild Lupine, American beech, Eastern redbud, spicebush, wild ginger, and New England aster are just a few examples of native plants to consider adding to your property in 2023. Purchase your native plants from a reliable native plant nursery to make sure they have been sourced safely and legally.
