Native plants are plants that have been in this region for hundreds of years and have evolved to withstand the local climate and ecological pressures. They naturally reduce polluted runoff.
Among their benefits, native plants are:
- well-adapted to local environmental conditions
- maintain or improve soil fertility
- reduce erosion
- require less fertilizer and pesticides
Native plants provide food and shelter for many of Minnesota’s insects, birds and animals and often prefer them over non-native plants.
Native plants come in all shapes and sizes. You may already be familiar with many of them. Black-eyed Susan, columbine, and bee balm are all native to Minnesota. They are easier to maintain than non-native plants and will typically save you time and money.
For more information:
- Find a plant through Blue Thumb’s interactive guide for native plants
- Learn more about what you can do to provide a healthier environment for birds from the Audubon
- Learn more about benefits of native plants from the Environmental Protection Agency