Hello! Taylor here again from Prairie Restorations.
You hear a lot about “planting native” – but what does that even mean? What makes a plant “native”? I’m here to break it down for you so you can make educated decisions regarding habitat restoration.
Defining native plants is a bit varied depending on what organization you ask. When we are talking about native plants, we are referring to species that have been in our region for thousands of years, or more specifically, well before European settlement. These plants evolved with our climates, soils, and local ecosystem of insects and animals – long before roads, lawns, and city centers.
But how do we know which plants are native?
Scientists, botanists, and ecologists have determined which plants are native using a combination of herbarium specimens, fossil records, historical records, and early explorer or settler accounts. These records help us keep track of which plants were growing in a region before modern agriculture, landscaping, or the global plant trade changed the picture.
It’s also important to understand that “native” exists on a scale. A plant might be native to North America but not to Minnesota – or native to Minnesota, but only in certain counties or habitats. That’s why we often refer to local ecotypes, which are genetically adapted populations of a plant species that have evolved in a specific place over time. The more localized the plant origin, the better it will support the specific insects, soil microbes, and seasonal patterns of that area.
So, now you know what a native plant is. But what does non-native mean? Or invasive?
Non-native plants are plants that have been introduced by humans, intentionally or unintentionally, to a region where they didn’t exist before. Not all non-native plants are invasive, though. Invasive plants are those that are non-native and have detrimental effects on the ecosystem – by spreading aggressively and displacing natives and reducing biodiversity.
The Minnesota DNR further defines invasives as plants that are non-native and cause economical, environmental, or human harm, by outcompeting native species and impacting ecological relationships.
European Buckthorn is an important example of an invasive species that should be eradicated due to it’s aggressive nature. Need help removing this invasive species? We can help.
Native landscapes are living, breathing systems built on thousands of interdependent relationships. In a healthy native ecosystem, plants feed insects, insects feed birds and small animals, and those animals contribute to soil health through decomposition and nutrient cycling. The soil, in turn, nourishes the plants. It’s a closed-loop system that has evolved over millennia.
When native plant diversity is lost – whether from development, monoculture plantings, or the spread of invasive species – that web of life begins to unravel. Insects like native bees, butterflies, and beetles can’t find the specific plants they need to feed or reproduce. Birds lose food sources and nesting habitat. Soil health declines as microbial communities and root systems become less diverse and less effective. These ripple effects weaken the entire ecosystem and make it more vulnerable to disease, pests, drought, and erosion.
That’s why planting a variety of native species (grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees adapted to your specific region) is one of the most powerful things you can do for biodiversity. Native plants evolved in partnership with native wildlife and are uniquely suited to support them. A diverse planting doesn’t just add beauty; it builds resilience from the ground up.
Choosing the right natives makes a huge difference in how your project will unfold in the years to come. As mentioned, native plants are adapted to the soils, climates, and ecology of the local area and thus will be better suited to your environment. This will ensure your project lasts – saving you time, money, and effort. Our Presto tool helps you with species selection based on your site location and conditions. Use this tool to receive your own custom list of species for your seed mix or planting project, bringing the best natives to your restoration. And, as always, Prairie Restorations staff is here to help you with any questions you may have. Stop into our retail stores to chat with our experts and learn the power of planting native!
