Local wildlife, such as birds, insects, and mammals are also critically dependent on native plant communities (the zebra swallowtail butterfly, for example, feeds almost exclusively on pawpaw trees during its larval stage).
Native plants are plants that are indigenous to a specific region (eg. the Mid-Atlantic) or area (eg. the county where you live). They are adapted to local conditions of moisture, soil, and seasonal temperatures. While native plants are not maintenance-free, they require much less water, fertilizer, and care than non-native plants.
Where to Find Native Plants
If possible, purchase native plants from local growers (see native plant suppliers below). Do not dig up plants from the wild; many natives have become threatened or endangered species due to this practice. Some plants require specific soil fungi and will not survive when transplanted in your garden. Urge your local nurseries to carry true native plants.
Non-Native Invasive Plants
A major reason for the loss of native plants in our landscapes is that their habitat has been taken over by non-native invasive plants. While not all non-natives are invasive (spreading aggressively with no natural controls), some species have done great harm to local ecosystems. Commonly found examples include purple loosestrife, kudzu, multiflora rose, English ivy, Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) and Bradford Pear. Control of invasive plants can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. If you have any non-native invasive plants in your landscape, consider removing them and replacing them with native plants.
Two invasive non-natives that have become prevalent in the Bay watershed are:
- Norway maples—they shade out native groundcovers. Choose a red maple instead.
- Bradford pears—they are overused in the landscape. Choose an American serviceberry instead, which provides food for wildlife and beautiful white flowers.
Non-Native Resources
National Park Service Publication
"Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Nature Areas."
Maryland Native Plant Society
Information on controlling non-natives, with lists of native plant alternatives.
P.O. Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914
The Nature Conservancy, Maryland Chapter
Information on non-native invasive plants
5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-897-8570
Native Plants Resources
Plant Native
Native Plant Nurseries - Pennsylvania to Virginia
General information:
Delaware Native Plant Society
302-674-5187
National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
202.245-2726
Maryland Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914.
Maryland Department of National Resources,
State Forest Tree Nursery
800-TREESMD
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Landscaping with Native Plants
iConserve Pennsylvania
Plant Smart
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society
Virginia Native Plant Society
540-837-1600
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Maryland native plant lists to download
"Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping," Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This color guide provides
planting requirements and uses for 400 native plants.
Native Plant Suppliers
Anne Arundel County Planning and Zoning, Annapolis, MD.
Will provide free marsh grasses (Spartina alterniflora) after application and site visit is complete to Anne Arundel County residents.
410-222-7441
ArcheWild
Wholesale wetland and terrestrial herbaceous and woody species. 100% documented MD/VA genetics available.
2191 Hillcrest Road, Quakertown, PA 18951
Retail visitors by appointment only.
855-752-6862 (855-PLANT-NATIVE)
Biohabitats, Inc.
15 W. Aylesbury Road, Timonium, MD 21093
410-337-3659
Chesapeake Native Nursery
Native plants propagated from indigenous seed sources. Mail order, nursery location in Riva, MD.
7400 Airpark Drive, Derwood, MD 20855
Clear Ridge Nursery
Native trees and shrubs for conservation.
217 Clear Ridge Road, Union Bridge, MD 21791
888-226-9226
Environmental Concern
Retail nursery for riparian trees and wetland shrubs, education and research facility.
P.O. Box P, St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-9620
Ernst Conservation Seeds
Seeds of native grasses, wildflowers, wetland plants and shrubs; live stakes for streambank restoration.
9006 Mercer Pike, Meadville, PA 16335.
800-873-3321
Octoraro Native Plant Nursery
Native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants for reforestation and streambank restoration.
6126 Street Road, Kirkwood, PA 17536-9647
717-529-4099
Pinelands Nursery, Inc.
Wetland trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants.
323 Island Road, Columbus, New Jersey, 08022
800-667-2729
Stadler Nurseries
Native trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, and grasses. Wholesale and retail.
Locations in Frederick, Md., Gaithersburg, Md., and Manassas, Va.
See website for addresses and contact information
Sylva Native Nursery and Seed Co.
Native trees and shrubs.
1683 Sieling Farm Road, New Freedom, PA 17349.
717-227-0486
Tubex Forestry Products
Tree tubes and deer repellent for tree seedlings.
800-248-8239
Unity Church Hill Nursery
Full service gardend center and plant nursery.
3621 Church Hill Road
Church Hill, MD 21623
410-556-6010
