Native and Non-Native Plants

photo: Marsh milkweed

Almost all plants provide shelter or food in some way for wildlife. However, planting native Illinois plants in your backyard habitat will deliver more benefits to you and wildlife year after year. Native plants naturally adapt providing shelter and food to native wildlife more consistently, even in the most extreme weather climates including drought or freezing conditions. You'll find that planting native flowering species will provide an abundance of nectar, whereas non-native, novelty counterparts do not. Native plants are beautiful, hardy, much less expensive and easier to maintain, as well as beneficial to the environment. Once you have established your native habitat you will save time and money, as well as reduce air pollution by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water and lawn maintenance equipment.

Recognizing A Bully

photo: Garlic Mustard

Non-native plants, also known as invasive, exotic or weedy, are plants that have been introduced into an area where they did not originate or evolve from. Many European settlers brought non-native species with them when they came to America for many reasons, including medicinal and ornamental.

Some non-native plants are aggressive and typically do not have any enemies or controls to prevent their spread. As these plants bully their way into complex native plant and wildlife communities things become more simplified. In the end, non-natives usually win the battle and eliminate most native plant species that make up native wildlife habitat.

photo: Buckthorn

Some common species that have crept their way into Illinois are purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) or glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). For a complete list of non-native species invading Illinois visit http://www.ill-inps.org/index_files/Page815.htm. Forest Preserves and other natural resource agencies work hard at restoring and preserving native habitats. They implement such techniques like brush cutting and controlled burning to eliminate non-native, bullying species. But they need your help. Create a native backyard habitat and spread the word to your neighbors and friends.

Natives

The Landscaping with Native Plants section of this Web site lists a variety of plants and shrubs suitable for almost any backyard. Not only will you discover what types of native plants you can add to your yard, you'll also learn what conditions are most suitable for each plant and whether your yard can provide for such conditions. Each plant draws in a number of wildlife, from butterflies and songbirds, to chipmunks, deer and beneficial insects.

 E-mail to a friend