Native Garden Benefits

Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plants provide nectar, pollen and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. They also provide nesting areas and safety for these animals.

Unlike natives, common horticultural plants (cultivars) do not provide beneficial food for their animal visitors. Cultivars often require pesticides, fertilizers and additional water to survive.

See Lakeside’s Native Gardens

Native Garden Advantages

• Native plants are beautiful and increase scenic values.

• Native plants do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than lawns or cultivars.

• Native plants require less water than lawns and cultivars and help prevent erosion and flooding.
The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil’s capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding. 

• Native plants help reduce air pollution.
Native plantscapes do not require mowing. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air. 

• Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.

• Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.

For more on growing native plants in this area, visit these resources:

Native Landscape Plans, Grow Native, Missouri Prairie Foundation

Deep Roots

Missouri Prairies, Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Native Plants, Missouri Botanical Gardens

Native Plants, US Forest Service

Missouri Native Plants, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Pollinator Friendly Native Plants, Xerces Society

Native Plant Database, Audubon Society

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