Maryland Grows

What do oaks (Quercus species), serviceberries (Amelanchier species),  willows (Salix species), blueberry shrubs (Vaccinium species), ironweeds (Vernonia species),  asters (many genera), and goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia species); no, they do not cause seasonal allergies for most people) have in common? The National Wildlife Federation lists them as keystone plant groups of Eastern Temperate Forests, all native plants! Keystone plants provide a strong foundation for gardens— similar to how a keystone provides the final piece to an arch that helps distribute the weight evenly and allows the arch to hold. 

“Native plant” is a term for vegetation that occurs naturally in a particular ecoregion. These plants have adapted and evolved to their native area, support diverse insect and wildlife species, and are key components of healthy ecosystems. Once established, they can thrive in Maryland’s climate with minimal maintenance. 

Reasons to incorporate native plants into your landscape:

1. Beauty-  flowers and foliage have interesting shapes, colors,and textures. 
2. Soil Health- many native plants have deep root systems that help prevent erosion and do not require expensive and labor-intensive soil preparation.
3. Wildlife support- they provide important food sources for wildlife, including pollen, nectar, and insects that feed on them. Many specialist insects require specific plant species in order to feed or lay their eggs. A great example is Maryland’s state butterfly- the Baltimore Checkerspot- and its host plant white turtlehead (Chelone glabra). Prioritize keystone plants to build a strong foundation to support biodiversity in your landscape. 
4. Lower maintenance- if properly planned, planted, and maintained, native plants require fewer inputs and attention. Occasional watering might be needed (regular watering during establishment is essential). 

The “right plant in the right place” approach is equally important for native and non-native plants.  In order for plants to thrive with the least amount of human help, we need to match their growing needs with the right location in our landscape, and when possible, the same ecoregion and habitat. Match the plants’ overall height with your goals for your site to save time and energy on pruning. 

You can find your plant’s preferred growing conditions on the plant care tag or the back of the seed packet as well as in the resources at the end of the article.  Match your growing location information to the plant care tag information below for successful plant establishment. 

1.  The USDA Cold Hardiness zone map ( planthardiness.ars.usda.gov) provides useful guidance. Enter zip code to figure out what zone you live in. 
2. Match the available sunlight for your landscape with plant needs.
   • Full sun is 6+ hours of direct sunlight– but that doesn’t have to be continuous sun all day. It can be 3 hours of morning sun and 3 hours of afternoon sun for a total of at least 6 hours.
   • Part sun is 4-6 hours of direct sun.
   • Part shade is 2-4 hours of sun.
   • Shade is less than 2 hours of sun. 
3. Natural soil moisture levels will influence how well a plant can grow. Site management strategies, like diverting storm water, can change soil dryness or wetness. 

Native plants are not “pest-resistant.” They have evolved with local insects and wildlife. Birds, foxes, caterpillars, butterflies, and other insects feed on natives, so expect and celebrate these  relationships. Many native plants will need protection from deer after planting until they are well-established. 

Guidelines for purchasing native: 

1. Always look for the scientific name, genus, and species, not just the common name.  For example, “sunflower” is a general name that could refer to many different plants– Mexican sunflower, pale-leaved sunflower, woodland sunflower, and many more.  It is better to use the scientific name, Helianthus annuus, to avoid confusion. 
2. Buy from your local ecoregion when possible; locally grown is even better! An ecoregion is an area with similar ecosystems— flora, fauna, climate, soil, geology, and land use history.  For example, Garrett County is in the Mountain Region of MD. 
3. Cultivars are generally not recommended— get the straight species for best ecosystem value.  However, a native cultivar is better than a non-native, invasive plant species. More information about cultivars can be found on the Cultivars of Native Plant webpage.

Homeowners can help play a critical role in creating connections of native plant populations for wildlife corridors and conservation areas — every plant helps with the mission to restore and increase biodiversity. 

What can homeowners do to help? 

1. Remember the shoulder seasons— provide pollen and nectar sources for early spring and late fall in your landscape. 
2. Add native evergreens to help offset the months when so many deciduous trees and herbaceous plants are dormant. 
3. Do not plant invasive, non-native plants. 
4. Reduce or eliminate pesticides in your landscape. 
5. Tell others!

Resources:

UME- Recommended Native Plants

UME- Native Plants for the Home Landscape

UME- Why Include Native Plants: 

Maryland DNR Native Plants Information

Maryland’s Best- Locate Local Nurseries 

Maryland Native Plants Program

By Ashley Bodkins, Senior Agent Associate and Master Gardener Coordinator, Garrett County, Maryland. Read more posts by Ashley.