What are Native Plants?

Violet is the host plant to the Great Spangled Fritillary caterpillar.

What are native plants? Native plants are ones that have developed over thousands of years in a particular geographic area.

Throughout this length of time they evolved and adapted to the soil and climate while forming inter-dependent relationships with the other plants and wildlife that are also native to the region. After growing together for thousands of years - the plants and animals (along with the land and climate of the geographic area) form a finely balanced system - an ecosystem.

If plants or animals who evolved outside of the ecosystem are brought into the ecosystem (introduced), the ecosystem can be thrown off balance. Depending on how off balance the ecosystem is thrown, it can eventually topple and fall - taking many species with it.

If reading about native plants bores you, try seeing them in action!

I planted natives in my northern NJ landscape, and then watched as my garden went from barren green desert to well-spring of life. From cocoons and chrysalises, to beetles, butterflies and birds - when I wander my native plant garden, I never know what I’m going to find.

Try it yourself, and see who shows up!