Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). Photo by Bob Gutowski.
Who’s planting Virginia native plants this spring?
If your answer is “not me” or “not sure,” please continue reading.
The benefits of planting with Virginia native plants seem as numerous as the native plant species themselves.
Native plants add color and visual interest to our spaces year-round.
Native plants are well adapted to the local environment. They may not require much watering or care once established.
Native plants can increase soil fertility and reduce erosion.
Are you convinced yet?
If not, here are even more benefits:
Native plants provide necessary food and habitat for native wildlife.
Native plant gardens can be the place for environmental education. Teach the children about Virginia flora and fauna. Heck, teach everyone!
Native plants can help transform our outdoor spaces into staycation zones. Escape to your own personal oasis! Lounge in the shade of a (mature) Virginia native tree.
An Eastern tiger swallowtail nectars on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.). Photo by Gary P. Fleming.
The list could go on and on, but you're probably convinced by now.
Oh, and no need to worry about taking this native plant journey alone. There’s plenty of help out there.
As demand for native plants has increased in the last few years, more resources have become available for us to learn about planting with native species.
These range from plant lists to smartphone apps to social media groups.
Here are a few with DCR ties.
Virginia Native Plant Finder
This web-based tool lets users search for native species according to geographic region, light and moisture requirements, and other criteria. The search works well on a smartphone and comes in handy when you’re planning or out shopping. It was developed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at DCR.
Flora of Virginia Mobile App
Browse plant species, make a list of favorites and use a graphic key to identify plants when you’re out and about. It’s $19.99 and available for Android or iOS devices. No Internet connection is needed once the app has been downloaded. This is a fine product by the Flora of Virginia Project.
Plant Virginia Natives
This is a hub for Virginia native plant information and nine regional native plant marketing campaigns that have been developed to date. The Plant Virginia Natives Marketing Partnership maintains this site. The partnership consists of knowledgeable people statewide who are interested in consistent messaging about native plants. DCR is in the partnership.
Virginia Native Plant Society
VNPS is a nonprofit organization whose members want to further the appreciation and conservation of Virginia native plants and habitats. This site offers a wealth of information, even for non-members. Click on the “Natives” tab in the top menu for information on identifying, buying and planting Virginia native plants. VNPS chapters also host plant sales.
Happy native plant planting!
Native plant sales, such as those hosted by chapters of the Virginia Native Plant Society, are good sources of plants. Photo by Nancy Vehrs.
Categories
Conservation | Native Plants
Tags
native plants | pollinator
