There’s been a lot of talk of invasive species in the United States. Right now, the Northeastern part of the country is facing a boom in spotted lanternflies, an invasive insect. While most people know that animals can be invasive, did you know that plants can be, as well? As such, it’s important that native plants are used when landscaping. If you’re looking for the best native plants for your Missouri landscaping project, look no further! We have a list of the best plants for your next project below!
Why Native Plants?
Native plants provide a variety of benefits over non-native plants. They promote the growth of native species and native ecosystems. They shelter other species that otherwise wouldn’t be able to live. Invasive plants tend to compete with the native plants, causing them to die or suffer. Because nothing native to the area eats invasive plants, they can easily choke out the native plants that should be providing life to other species that rely on them.
Pollinators Need Native Plants
Many pollinating insects rely entirely on single species of plants. Monarchs only feed on milkweed plants, while zebra swallowtail caterpillars only eat pawpaw foliage. As these plants are choked out, they stop supporting the pollinators. As the pollinators die off, the biodiversity in the area suffers. Native plants can’t reproduce without the pollinators that rely on them. It’s one big cycle.
Native Plants You Should Be Landscaping With
If you’re looking to use native plants and help preserve native wildlife, check out these great options. All of them are attractive, hardy, and long-lived. Best of all? They’re made to thrive in Missouri, of course!
American Beautyberry
American beautyberry is a gorgeous native shrub that you can plant in your landscaping project. It stands anywhere from 3 to 5 feet tall, and has pink flowers during the summer. In the fall, the bush sports purple berries that a variety of native animals feed on. People can eat them, too, but only in small quantities. Consider using beautyberry in any applications where you need a shrub.
Indian Pink
A very pretty perennial flower, Indian Pink can be used as an ornamental plant wherever flowers are used. The plant flowers in June in most areas, and likes to be planted in moist soil with partial shade. Consider using Indian Pink anywhere that you need perennial flowers.
Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed is a small, clumping grass that can be used as a great edging in commercial landscaping applications. It has a fine texture, and grows to be about 2 feet tall. It does best in full sun.
Wild Hydrangea
Wild hydrangea comes with gorgeous, creamy white flowers in the summer months. The flowers last for weeks at a time, and pollinators love them. They’re best used in applications where shrubs are needed, and they grow to be about 5 feet tall. They’re happy in almost any instance, and are highly adaptable.
Conclusions
Here at Bluegrass Landscape, we care about keeping the native plants thriving in the areas that we serve. We understand the importance of preserving native life, and the first step to doing that is landscaping responsibility. If you’re ready to start a new landscaping project, come to us for all of your needs!
