NATIVE PLANTS

Introduction

  • Importance of using native plants in landscaping.

  • Connection to preserving biodiversity and supporting native pollinators.

Expertise and Experience

  • Experience in utilizing GIS and GIS technology for tracking trees and shrubs on campus.

  • Passion for removing invasive species, particularly in natural areas of campus.

  • Completed a master's degree at Miami University of Ohio, focusing on urban native plant usage for pollinator support.

  • Practical experience with native plants spanning 20-30 years, emphasizing trial and error regarding plant compatibility.

Native Plant Selection

  • Criteria for suitable native plants include:

    • Compatibility in urban yards.

    • Effective cohabitation with other plants.

    • Performance in small versus larger habitats.

Categorization of Native Plants

  • Differentiation based on sunlight requirements: shade and sunny compositions.

  • Upcoming planting year focus for native Michigan plants.

Ecological Benefits of Native Landscapes

  • Minimal Inputs:

    • Native landscapes require little to no fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides.

  • Water Conservation:

    • Native plants help control runoff and retain moisture.

  • Soil Health:

    • Extensive root systems sequester carbon, preserve biodiversity, and enhance soil structure.

  • Comparison with Disturbed Grass Areas:

    • Native plant yards show higher ecological functionality compared to traditional grass lawns.

Biodiversity Support

  • Native plants support native fauna, including:

    • Insects: Including over 460 species of bees in Michigan, contrasting with non-native honeybees.

    • Monarch butterflies reliant on milkweed (Asclepias genus).

  • Trophic levels illustrated:

    • Producers: Plants.

    • Primary Consumers: Insects (e.g., bees).

    • Secondary Consumers: Birds (e.g., robins).

    • Tertiary Consumers: Apex predators (e.g., Cooper's Hawk).

Planting Considerations

  • Root Structures:

    • Distinct root types including taproots, fibrous roots, and rhizomatous roots.

  • Soil Types:

    • Sandy, silty, clay compositions influence plant choices.

  • Sunlight Requirements:

    • Different plants thrive in full sun, part sun, and various shade conditions.

  • Soil Moisture Levels:

    • Proper assessment of soil moisture is essential for plant health (dry, medium, moist).

Illustrative Root Structure

  • Contrast between shallow turfgrass roots (2 inches) and deep-rooted native plants which channel water and support soil health.

  • Importance of root structures in managing water runoff and preventing erosion.

Recommended Native Plant Varieties

  • Non-Aggressive Plants:

    • Select plants that have fibrous roots and do not spread aggressively (e.g., certain goldenrods).

  • Invasive Species: Examples of plants to be cautious of:

    • Common milkweed—aggressive spreading roots.

    • Canada goldenrod—not often found in native nurseries due to its aggressive nature.

Suitable Plants by Environment

  • Shady Areas: Examples include:

    • Candida anemone – grows well in shade but can spread aggressively.

    • Pussytoes – suited for dry areas, hosts painted lady butterflies.

  • Sunny Areas: Recommended plants include:

    • Prairie smoke, fairy smoke, and various species of asters.

Importance of Diversity in Landscapes

  • Incorporating a variety of plant heights: short, medium, and tall plants should be strategically planted for support and aesthetic purposes.

  • Seasonal blooming strategies to ensure floral availability from early spring until late fall.

Native Shrubs and Trees

  • Recommendations for Native Shrubs:

    • Black chokeberry, silky dogwoods, shrubby St. John's wort.

  • Native Trees:

    • Importance of white oaks: supports over 400 insect species, critical for biodiversity.

Example Designs and Community Engagement

  • Encourage community efforts to reduce turfgrass and promote native plant gardens.

  • Strategies include signage to educate the public on the purpose of native gardens.

  • Collaboration with universities to establish native plantings on campuses.

Maintenance and Care

  • Native plants require maintenance, especially in the first two years until established.

  • Need for TLC during drought periods to ensure establishment.

Final Thoughts on Native Plant Importance

  • Advocating for the adoption of native plants to combat ecological degradation.

  • Arguments against traditional turfgrass: it's a status symbol with high ecological costs.

  • Emphasizing the need for urban areas to adopt conservation measures through native landscaping.

  • Suggested reading: "Bringing Nature Home" by Doug Tallamy to promote awareness about the significance of native plants.

Community and Political Involvement

  • Importance of supportive community policies (e.g., no-mow ordinances) that allow for natural landscapes instead of manicured lawns.

  • Opportunities for educational programs and partnerships with gardening organizations (Wild Ones) that promote native landscape restoration.