Using Native Plants In Your Landscapes

Why Use Natives?

In the lush and diverse landscapes of Massachusetts, there exists a treasure trove of plant species that have thrived for centuries. Native plants, uniquely adapted to the region's climate and soil, hold a special place in our ecosystem and offer an array of benefits for both homeowners and the environment. In this blog post, we delve into the world of native plants in Massachusetts, exploring their significance, advantages, and how incorporating them into your landscape can contribute to a harmonious and sustainable outdoor space.

The Significance of Native Plants: Native plants are species that have evolved and naturally occur in a specific geographic area. In Massachusetts, these plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife over time, making them resilient and well-suited for the region. Their importance extends beyond aesthetics, as native plants:

  1. Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide essential food sources and habitats for native birds, insects, and other wildlife, fostering a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem.

  2. Conserve Water: Adapted to the local rainfall patterns, native plants typically require less water once established, reducing the need for irrigation and promoting water conservation.

  3. Resist Pests and Diseases: Native plants have evolved alongside local pests and pathogens, often displaying greater resistance and reducing the need for chemical interventions.

  4. Preserve Soil Health: Deep-rooted native plants help prevent soil erosion and promote soil structure, contributing to overall soil health and stability.

Advantages of Using Native Plants: Incorporating native plants into your Massachusetts landscape offers a range of benefits that go beyond ecological considerations:

  1. Low Maintenance: Native plants have evolved to thrive in local conditions, requiring minimal care once established. This can save homeowners time, effort, and resources.

  2. Cost-Effective: Native plants are well-suited to the local environment, reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and excessive watering, which can lead to long-term cost savings.

  3. Beauty in Simplicity: Native plants often possess unique and subtle beauty, adding a touch of authenticity and charm to your landscape while blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Creating Your Native Plant Haven: Incorporating native plants into your Massachusetts landscape is an investment in both the beauty of your outdoor space and the vitality of the local ecosystem. To get started:

  1. Research: Identify native plants that are well-suited to your specific location, considering factors such as soil type, sunlight, and water availability.

  2. Design: Integrate native plants into your landscape design, considering their heights, colors, and bloom times to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.

  3. Plant Carefully: Follow recommended planting guidelines, providing proper spacing and soil preparation to ensure the health and growth of your native plants.

  4. Maintenance: Once established, native plants generally require less maintenance. Regularly monitor for any pests or diseases and adjust watering as needed.

Native plants are a valuable asset for homeowners seeking to create vibrant and sustainable landscapes. By embracing native plants, you contribute to the preservation of local ecosystems, conserve resources, and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space in harmony with the surrounding environment. As you embark on your journey to transform your landscape, consider the beauty and benefits that native plants can bring to your Massachusetts haven.

List of New England Natives

Trees:

  1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

  2. White Oak (Quercus alba)

  3. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

  4. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

  5. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

  6. Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

  7. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

  8. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

  9. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

  10. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Shrubs:

  1. Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

  2. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

  3. New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

  4. Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

  5. Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

  6. Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

  7. Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

  8. Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

  9. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

  10. Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana)

Wildflowers and Perennials:

  1. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

  2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

  3. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

  4. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

  5. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

  6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

  7. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

  8. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

  9. Trillium (Trillium spp.)

  10. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Grasses and Sedges:

  1. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

  2. Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

  3. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

  4. Eastern Gama Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

  5. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

  6. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

  7. Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix)

Vines:

  1. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

  2. American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)

  3. Wild Grape (Vitis spp.)

Ferns:

  1. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

  2. Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)

  3. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

  4. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

*** Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many more native plant species in Massachusetts. When selecting native plants for your landscape, it's important to consider factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and water availability to ensure the plants thrive in their intended environment. Additionally, you may want to consult with local nurseries or native plant experts for guidance on the best choices for your specific location.***