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| About Native Plants |
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A spectacular array of native plants graces our landscapes.
Together these plants form the basis for the many diverse
communities and ecosystems that directly support our economic
prosperity and quality of life. No matter how small, all plants
play
a valuable role in our lives.
What is a Native Plant?
Native plants are those plants that
grew in a defined region prior to European settlement. In
the Delaware River Valley region, where Bowman's Hill Wildflower
Preserve is located, Europeans settled here in the 1600's.
Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to be adapted
to this area and to the other living creatures around them.
Examples of native plants abound at the Preserve, where you'll
find nearly 1000 species of trees, shrubs, vines, perennial
wildflowers and ferns native to Pennsylvania. Many Pennsylvania
natives also are native to the nearby Mid-Atlantic States,
such as New Jersey, Delaware, and even farther afield.
Non-native plants are those
plants that were brought to the area by human activity, whether
accidentally or purposefully. Many of the flowers and vegetables
typically grown in home gardens are non-native, such as zinnias
and cabbage. Throughout the settlement of our region, people
brought the seeds of plants from their homelands, some of
which have since spread into the wild. These plants are considered
naturalized non-natives. Queen-Anne's
lace is an example of a naturalized non-native plant.
Invasive non-native plants
are those plants that have escaped into the wild and are destroying
the native plants and ecosystems around them. Japanese honeysuckle
and garlic mustard are examples of invasive non-native plants
in our region.
Why are Native Plants Important?
Ecological Values
- Native plants convert the sun's energy into food; thus they are the initial source of all energy in the food chain.
- Plants filter and purify fresh water upon which all terrestrial life depends.
- Plants build soil, prevent erosion and ensure soil stability for the landscape.
- Plants store carbon dioxide and produce oxygen that all animals, including humans, require.
Economic Values
- Native plant biodiversity allows for the opportunity to discover new medicines to cure human ailments.
- Plants are sources of genetic and raw materials that are used to diversify agricultural and industrial products.
- For the homeowner, native plants are adapted to local conditions and thus require less fertilizer, pesticides, maintenance and watering than non-native landscape plants.
- Native plants have a greater survivability than non-native ornamentals.
Aesthetic Values
- The presence of plants in their native habitats and in cultivation gives us a "sense of place."
- Native plant communities and natural areas provide opportunities for people to experience and appreciate Pennsylvania's rich natural heritage.
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