What makes a plant native you ask? Well, native plants are species that are indigenous to a particular geographical area. They have evolved and adapted over hundreds and thousands of years to the local environment, climate, hydrology, and soil conditions. Florida native plants are very well adapted to our hot, wet summers and our dry mild winters depending on where you are in the state.
Native plants are quite hardy because the cultural conditions in our area can be quite harsh. Native plants tend to be more drought tolerant (unless they are a wetland plant). They can follow the natural rain cycles once their establishment period has ended. They have also developed relationships with the soil microbiota that are already present in our sandy soils and do not require nutrient input. In my experience, granular fertilizers can hinder native plant growth by damaging that soil microbe relationship. These characteristics make native plants more environmentally friendly and more wallet friendly as well. They are generally minimal maintenance for situations where a more hands-off approach to your landscape or garden is desired.
Native plants are incredibly beautiful and often, endangered or threatened in the natural landscape. I have heard people say that they do not like the look of native plants because they are wild and rangy. I am sure there are certain situations where that is the case, but that does not mean it is the norm. I personally love their natural form, but if that look is not for you, pruning and shaping are an option with natives as well. Cocoplums, Walter’s viburnum, and silver buttonwoods are a few examples of native plants that you can prune and shape to form dense hedges or shrubs. As I mentioned, a number of these species are disappearing in nature because sadly nature is disappearing. Scrub mint (Dicerandra frutescens) is a small flowering shrub that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, and it is endangered here in Florida. There are many more native plants that need our protection. We can protect these disappearing species by planting them in our own green spaces.
Native plants are also incredibly beneficial for pollinators and local wildlife. Many of our native butterflies and skippers use natives as host and nectar plants for their reproduction. Native birds and bees also rely on native plants for habitat and food sources. A lack of native plants in urban areas creates food deserts for native insectivorous birds. Researchers are beginning to understand that native insects strongly rely on native plants and when native plants are not available, our native birds suffer. So, the moral of this story is to plant more native plants in your space.
