Native plants are perfect for any garden to make it beautiful, abundant and bountiful. Native plants adapt to the particular conditions in their natural environment without chemicals. Individuals can design their gardens to mimic this plant life by only utilizing native species appropriate for a specific area. Some of the best native plants to use in your garden are:
Swamp Milkweed
This is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies and birds. This plant can grow naturally around ponds, marshes, swamps, and wet woods; that would be perfect. It can also grow wildly along roadsides, riverbanks and low areas where it receives several hours of sun each day. This plant is low-growing, ideal for the regions naturalized found in home landscapes. The small white and purple flowers are in full bloom from July till October. Individuals can use the seeds of this plant to feed monarch butterflies from September to November.
Cattails
Cattails are a valuable part of any wetland or pond area; therefore, it would be best if you don’t eliminate them from your property. This plant can be used for decoration and edible purposes by harvesting the young shoots, which can be cooked and eaten. Individuals can also use them to add some color and interest. If you are going to use them, plan to do so in moderation.
Stinging Nettles
Stinging nettles are one of the best native plants for attracting bees and butterflies. They produce some of the best nectar for these insects, so don’t be surprised if you hear a hummingbird or butterfly buzzing. It is a very effective way to attract wildlife to its habitat. These plants can grow wild in almost every area of the country. They are also great for healing, and individuals can use them externally, but always wear gloves when pulling them from the ground.
Blue-Eyed Grass
This is another type of plant that attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. It produces showy plumes of small white, yellow and blue flower clusters in late spring and early summer. This low-growing native has a delicate appearance that is perfect for cutting and bringing inside. You can find this plant in meadows, pastures and along the edges of woodlands.
Mountain Mint
Mountain mint will attract beneficial insects to your garden by producing sweet nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The small purple-tinged white flowers bloom from July until frost, making this a great plant to attract wildlife into your garden during the summer months.
Yellow Coneflower
This is a showy perennial that grows wild along roadsides, pastures, and creeks. It can grow up to two feet tall and has a vibrant bright yellow color in full bloom during the summer months. The seeds of this plant are used to attract birds into the garden area by providing them food to eat during the winter months. This plant can be used either in the landscape or in containers, so be sure to use it when setting native plant gardens on your property.
Conclusion
There are many native plants to choose from when selecting plants for your garden. Each country’s area is different, so you should explore which native variety would be best suited for your garden. It is essential to research which one would be the most effective and beneficial to wildlife in your area.
