By Michelle “Mickey” Croyle, M.S., Physiology and Biophysics & Health Physicist
If you’re weary of winter and dreaming of spring blooms, you’re probably starting to scope out which plants to bring home this season. But keep in mind your choices do more than add curb appeal - they actually define our local environment and its ability to handle a changing climate.
While non-native plants at the nursery might catch your eye with flashy colors, native plants are the true environmental MVPs. Choosing plants native to St. Louis is a long-term investment in the health of our local ecosystem. They provide essential habitats and food sources for native wildlife, from pollinators like bees and butterflies to birds and small mammals. Because they are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, native plants typically require less water and are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Beyond their hardiness, native plants are biological engines that work for our ecosystem in ways that turf grass and exotics cannot:
- Deep-Rooted Carbon Storage: Unlike common lawn grass with roots only a few inches deep, many Missouri prairie plants have root systems reaching 10 to 15 feet underground. These "upside-down forests" act as massive carbon sinks, pulling CO2 from the air and locking it into the soil.
- Natural Stormwater Management: Our local clay soil can be difficult to manage. Native roots act as biological "drill bits," creating deep channels that allow rain to filter into the groundwater rather than flooding our storm sewers.
- Built-in Efficiency: Because they are perfectly adapted to our local soil and climate, native plants require significantly less water and zero chemical fertilizers once established.
Many of our League members have seen their gardens thrive by incorporating native plants. Favorites among our group include flowering perennials like Cardinal Flowers and Coneflowers, versatile groundcovers like Cedar Sedge, and hardy shrubs such as Beauty Berry, Hazelnut, Witch Hazel, Hydrangea, and Button Bush.
Ready to dig in? Transforming your landscape doesn't have to happen overnight. Whether you’re swapping out a single shrub or redesigning a whole bed, these local resources are here to help you:
Partners for Native Landscaping
Audubon’s Native Plant Database
Missouri Department of Conservation
University of Missouri Extension
By choosing native plants, we aren’t just gardening; we’re restoring a piece of the natural world and ensuring a more resilient environment for future generations.
Happy growing!
