What is a native plant?

A native plant is a species of plant that occurs naturally in a region or ecosystem. These are species that have existed in a region for centuries, before any settlement occurred. Over time, these plants have adapted to the ecosystem in which they grow.

Native plants have adapted their structure and function to the climate and location in which they grow. Native plants have co-evolved with other plants, insects, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians forming a biological community in which they depend on each other.

What is an invasive plant?

“The federal definition of invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction causes or may cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Approximately 25% of plant species (outside of cultivation) in Indiana are non-native. While most are harmless, some cause trouble in the ecosystems in which they reside.

An invasive species of plant is one that has been introduced to an ecosystem and does not occur naturally. These types of plants are not adapted to a region which means they do not have that interdependence like native species. Adaptions of invasive plants allow them to outcompete native species for space and resources, causing a disruption in the ecosystem.

You can learn more about invasive species of plants in Indiana by visiting the Indiana Invasive Species Council website.

What benefits do native plants provide?

Native plants provide many benefits for an ecosystem:

  • Native plants can be aesthetically pleasing, providing beauty to a landscape.
  • Native plants can add biodiversity to a landscape which increases the overall health of an ecosystem.
  • Having deep roots allows native plants to help infiltrate stormwater into the ground, preventing less runoff.
  • Those same deep roots along with providing a perennial cover help to stabilize soil, preventing erosion.
  • Acting as filters above and below ground, native plants help clean stormwater before it enters the groundwater or local waterways.
  • Since native plants are naturally adapted to local climates, they can handle the fluctuations of temperature, light, and water better than an ornamental non-native.
  • Native plants provide food and habitat for other native animal species (birds, bees, butterflies, mammals, etc.)

How do you determine if a plant is native?

The first step in determining if a plant is native is by properly identifying it. The Indiana Native plant society has a great page on resources for identifying plants. In a world full of technology it is easy to point your cellphone camera and get an ID quickly and effectively. Some of these digital resources include Picture This, iPhone camera, Google lens on a smartphone or tablet, iNaturalist app, and many more.

Once you have identified the plant, you can see if the plant is on the list of invasive species in Indiana on the Indiana Invasive Species Council website.

Common Native Plants in Indiana

Purple Coneflower (echinacea purpea)

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an iconic native plant for northern Indiana, growing 3-5ft tall with its rich purple flowers blooming throughout the summer. It can handle many soil types with moist to dry drainage. This native works well for rain gardens and pollinator plots.

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

The name may be familiar to some, Black Eyed Susan, as one that is grown in flower gardens and landscaping, but it is a common native plant in Indiana. The prolonged bloom time attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This drought tolerant species can handle a wide range of soils. Growing 1-3ft tall with yellow blooms during the summer season, this easy to grow plant adds quite the showpiece to a landscape.