source. As we lose habitat, wild bird species decline. Plants that are native to Indiana ecosystems are long lived, require little maintenance and easy to grow as they are perfectly adapted to our climate. Normal rainfall is sufficient for these plants after a period of establishment, so they make little impact on our water resources.
The majority of Indiana was originally a hardwood forest, with a small area of native prairie at the Western edge of the state. Wetland areas are also present with their own unique plant communities. Native hardwood shrubs, prairie and wetland plants are being grown for sale at a greater rate and availability is good now with plugs and container grown stock. Native grasses and perennials mature quickly, so smaller sizes are an economical way to get started.
As we become more aware of our environment, many people are inquiring about native planting design. Why is this beneficial? Native plants are helpful for our landscape in many ways. Wild birds and other wildlife depend on insect communities living in these plants as a principal food