Our Plant Resources Committee is working to develop appropriate native seed lists for all interested parties, including local governments, farmers, schools, utility companies, backyard gardeners and more!
**Click here to find a detailed list of the ‘best of‘ North Carolina native plant species. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather represents plants that provide the best nectar, larval food and/or habitat for pollinators.
**Finding local seed growers can be a challenge in the Southeast. Luckily in North Carolina, we are working to improve our options everyday. Click here for a list of native seed suppliers across the State.
There are a myriad of good reasons to plant native. Native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions. Once established, they require little maintenance, including minimal watering or fertilizing. Most importantly, native habitat preserves biodiversity and supports our intricate ecosystem.
Photo courtesy of Debbie Roos
Photo courtesy of Debbie Roos
Dr. Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware entomologist, showed that exotic ornamental species support 29 times less biodiversity than native species. For example, Kousa dogwood, a species from China, does not provide forage for any insect herbivores. Conversely, our native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), supports 117 species of moths and butterflies alone. Click here for more information on Dr. Tallamy’s research.
