What does "Native" Mean?
A native plant is a plant that has evolved to a particular set of conditions for a specific location, including geology, temperature, moisture, and light. Plants that are native to your area are those that could be found growing in the wild before humans began living there. Most plants that you buy at the store and add to your garden or landscaping are nonnatives in that they were originally adapted to live in other parts of the country (or even the world) and have been cultivated for growing in gardens.

Why are Native Plants Important?
Because they have adapted over thousands of years to be able to thrive in their local ecosystems, native plants are better able to withstand conditions that might damage or kill plants that aren't  native to the area. For instance, in Grayling, MI, it is extremely hot and dry in the summer and cold in the winter, with sandy soils that do not hold water. Trees like the jack pine and many prairie grasses and flowers grow here because they can handle both. Palm trees from tropical areas need water in the ground and in the air and year-round heat, so they wouldn't be able to survive here.

In addition, many insects and animals have evolved right along with the plants, some even to the point where specific plants are their only source of food. The Karner Blue butterfly, an endangered butterfly that lives only in the prairies of western Michigan and other spots around the Great Lakes, feeds exclusively on the native wild lupine plant. When native plants start to disappear, the animals and plants that depend on them will also decline.

Benefits of Native Plants for Ecological Landscaping
Native plants have some special properties that give them an advantage in holding soil in place, preventing erosion and absorbing pollution from rainwater runoff.

1. Native plants have much larger root systems than many nonnatives, especially turf grass. While the roots of a typical lawn grass only extend a few inches into the soil, native grass roots grow several feet deep. Because of this, the plants can reach more water and hold more soil in place. 
2. Native plants are hardier than most nonnatives and can withstand greater extremes in conditions for the areas they're adapted to.
3. Native plants are more resistant to disease and pests that exist in their native ecosystem because of immunity and defenses evolved over time.
4. Native plants require less maintenance than nonnatives—once established, native plants don't require extra watering or fertilizing.
5. Native plants don't become invasive like many nonnatives because they are already a part of the natural, balanced ecosystem.
6. Native plants are beautiful: there are all different shapes and colors of foliage and big, showy blooms that attract wildlife and people alike.

Where Can I Buy Native Plants?
Many native plant species are available at local nurseries, especially common plants like black-eyed Susan or purple coneflower. For more rare native plants, try looking online for a native plant nursery near you. Ask the nursery owner if their stock is from a local source--plants from states that are far away may not be hardy enough for your climate and might introduce diseases or genetic differences into the local gene pool. And, stay away from invasive species!