Native plants work well for many landscaping and wildlife habitat plantings, because once established they seldom need watering, mulching, protection from frost or continuous mowing. Native plants produce nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife. In contrast, many common horticultural plants do not produce nectar and often require insect pest control to survive. The deep roots of many native plants hold soil and prevent erosion, and they help control stormwater by taking up water that might otherwise pour into streets and, eventually, streams.
