why native?

A healthy and diverse ecosystem is important for clean air and water, soil stability, and 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, including:

• 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
  ​

Check with your local nursery to determine what’s available and which plants are best suited to your landscape needs!

ADDITIONAL resources

GO NATIVE FOR POLLINATORS

View regional guides about planting for pollinators provided by the  Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

PLANT NATIVE​

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.