Ohio Native Plants

why native?

A healthy and diverse ecosystem is important for clean air and water, soil stability and provides critical food and shelter for wildlife.
Whether adding a few native plants to your landscape or substituting them in for exotic species, there are many benefits to going native! The interest in native gardening is increasing, so check with your local nursery to determine what’s available and which plants are best suited to your landscape needs.

So, why plant native species?

Good for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies
Costs less and saves time due to lower maintenance requirements
Saves water because natives are best suited for an Ohio climate
No need for fertilizers or pesticides
Native plants control erosion and filter storm water
Great for rain gardens

Ohio native plant resources

Go Native for Pollinators!

This is a regional guide about planting for pollinators funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant Conservation Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

PlantNative

This is a "starter" list of native plants for Ohio and Indiana. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

BACKYARDS FOR BUTTERFLIES

Find out what plants attract and support the more than 140 species of butterfly that have been recorded in Ohio. Learn gardening tips and seasonal growing recommendations.