What are the benefits of using native plants in landscaping?

Using native plants in landscaping offers numerous benefits, particularly their ability to support local wildlife and their adaptation to local environmental conditions. Native plants have evolved alongside the local fauna, and as a result, they provide essential habitat and food sources for a variety of local species, including birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This can lead to increased biodiversity in the area, which is beneficial for the ecosystem as a whole.

Moreover, native plants are typically better adapted to the local soil, climate, and pest conditions, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. They often require less water, fertilizer, and pest control compared to non-native species, which contributes to sustainability in landscaping efforts.

While frequent watering, maintenance difficulties, and lower flower production may apply to some plants, they are not characteristics of native plants in general. Instead, native plants thrive with less attention and are often more resilient, making them a practical choice for landscaping in their natural environments.