Plants native to an area will establish quicker, naturally be hardier, and more resistant to diseases than non-natives. Plus, they're lower maintenance and usually require less water! Native Perennials also create wildlife habitats right in our own backyards by providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
Every yard should have a few plantings of Native Perennials. Not sure where to start? How about Asclepias tuberosa, commonly called Butterfly Milkweed. It's a gorgeous, orange flowering Native Perennial that's vitally important to the survival of Monarch Butterflies! Without Asclepias, Monarch Butterflies will go extinct.
Keep in mind when planting for pollinators the larger the patch, the better they can see it. Visibility is key! For example, start with 3 Asclepias tuberosa plants. Plant them in an area receiving 6 or more hours of direct sun, that doesn't flood or hold water (so avoid downspouts). Space them 18 inches apart in a triangle like shape. Don't forget to mulch! If all goes well, you should have flocks of Monarch's the following season!
See our full list of Native Perennials below.
2024 Native Perennials List - Printable