Native Plants
Below you'll find basic information and growing information useful to the new gardener. Right now it's new. We've included a good assortment of plants to get started. As our website grows, this will be the place to find interesting information on the native plants of the Prairies and Northern Canada.
About Native Plants
Native plants are species that have long since existed in the local environment without the need for human introduction or cultivation.Every region of the world has native species of their own. These plants thrive where they are found and can make excellent additions to any garden space. They are adapted to and benefit from the environment in which they originate, making them better suited to survival and bolstering the health of the home garden.
Native plants can include anything from mosses to the biggest trees, foods, medicines, and ornamentals. They provide food, shelter, and various ecosystem services to the wide range of insects, animals, and other organisms that live alongside them.
Not Just For Gardens!
Native Plants hold more than just physical space, they hold cultural and historical significance to people all across the globe. Many of these plants provide value beyond their appearance, from ceremonial to medicinal to everyday uses.
Native Plant Selection
NOTE: It is never okay to dig plants from the wild, even if they are growing on private land. The only exception to this is if they are going to be paved under or sprayed with herbicides; then you might try to rescue some.
Native plants are not like your typical greenhouse plants. Here are some of the most important differences to consider:
- It is never okay to dig plants from the wild, even if they are growing on private land. The only exception to this is if they are going to be paved under or sprayed with herbicides; then you might try to rescue some. The success rate is low, and depending on where you live, you may still need a permit to do this.
- Many native plants can be propagated from seed or cuttings. This is an easy (and fun!) alternative to digging them from the wild and has a much higher success rate.
- Most native plants have deep root systems and will take some time to get established. They are not plants for those who want instant gratification.
- Some plants refuse to be cultivated (probably due to critical, unique mycorrhizal relationships) and are best enjoyed in the wild. This includes Indian paintbrush, coralroot, and beargrass.
- Some plants behave differently in a garden then in the wild. Place accordingly.
- A native plant garden is still going to need some maintenance, such as deadheading, weeding, and occasional watering. It should not be left to its own devices or it will become shabby and look unkempt.
- Some people are afraid that native plants will become weeds or “take over”. This is rarely the case, though some spread faster than others. Like any group of perennials, some plants can be invasive under certain conditions, but most are not.
- Most “wildflower” seed mixes are comprised of plants that “appear” wild, but are not actually native to your area. Be very discerning (and suspicious) of this type of packaging.
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Please note that this is a complete list of native plants on our site (so far!) and it does include tree and shrubs. However, we've sorted the information about trees and shrubs on our Trees and Shrubs page.
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