Native Plant Facts
Why plant natives?
Native plants are the ecological foundation of healthy landscapes — and small choices in our own yards add up to real protection for Iowa's wildlife and soils.
What is a native plant?
Exotic plants often prove invasive and fail to support local ecosystems. Native plants, on the other hand, co-evolved over thousands of years with the insects, pollinators, and birds that depend on them.
The difference is dramatic: native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars, whereas ginkgos — a commonly planted landscape tree from Asia — host only five. Replacing turf grass with native plants, and committing to native perennials, shrubs, and trees in future plantings, gives that web of life a place to thrive.
The Benefits
What native plants give back
Beautiful & Low Maintenance
- Require fewer fertilizers and pesticides than lawns
- Need less water once established
- Reduce air pollution through less mowing and more carbon removal
Prevents Soil Erosion & Restores Soil Quality
- Deep root systems increase water storage capacity
- Reduce water runoff and flooding
- Retain nutrient-rich topsoil
Protects Birds, Butterflies & Pollinators
- Provide shelter and food for wildlife
- Support the insects at the base of the food web
- Promote biodiversity
Reconnects Us with Iowa Land & Heritage
- Promotes stewardship of our natural heritage
- Brings native wildlife back to gardens
- Reconnects people with nature
Educational Videos
Learn from the experts
The Nature of Native Plants
Iowa State professor Adam Janke discusses native plants' value to Iowa wildlife and ecosystems (recorded fall 2020).
Nature's Best Hope
University of Delaware professor Doug Tallamy discusses the native-plant gardening principles from his book, with real-world case studies.
Ready to get planting?
Find native seed suppliers near you
The University of Northern Iowa's Tallgrass Prairie Center maintains current lists of local nurseries and suppliers for native seeds across the state.
Iowa's Natural Heritage
As we reflect on our connections to Iowa's native heritage, nature, and the land, let us also remember that the state of Iowa rests on the territorial lands of the Sioux, Sauk, Meskwaki, and Ioway people.