The Lake Huron Centre For Coastal Conservation
Advocating Wise Stewardship of Lake Huron's Coastal Ecosystems

Search: 

Home » Our Priorities » Biodiversity » Plants » Importance of Native Plants

Importance of Native Plants

An alarming trend is being observed as more and more lakeshore development occurs along Lake Huron. Endemic plants are being replaced with lawns and gardens, comprised primarily of non-native species. This ‘urbanization’ of the shoreline is occurring with significant costs to the ecosystem. These non-native plants are “high maintenance” and usually require substantial support systems to keep them alive. These support systems, in the form of fertilizers, pesticides and large additions of water, place considerable stain on the environment. Of course, we can avoid these problems entirely if we adopt native plants into our landscaping.

 

For the purpose of this information sheet, the terms “native” and “endemic” are used interchangeably. The Centre advocates the use of locally adapted plant species in an attempt to promote the genetic integrity of our coastal plant communities.

 

Native plants provide a diverse landscape

Using native plants promotes biological diversity. Planting a small meadow that once was lawn replaces a one-plant monoculture with many species, increasing the opportunities for beneficial wildlife and insects to live.

 

Native plants help the animals

As discussed earlier, native plants provide shelter and food to birds, butterflies and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity. In contrast, mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife. Because many animal habitats today are being lost to urban development, consciously creating or maintaining a habitat full of native plants can be of great help and relief to animals looking for a home.

 

Native plants can save money

Because native plants are adapted to a certain region, they do not need to be watered as often, nor do they need fertilization, therefore reducing the cost of maintaining a large area of plants. A U.S. study in Wisconsin, estimated that over a 20-year period, the cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses.

 

Coastal Ecosystems

There are a number of different ecosystems along Lake Huron and depending on your surrounding ecosystem will depend on what species you select for your property. For example, dunes, coastal wetlands and upland bluffs, each have their own communities of plants which are native to those particular ecosystems. Each species will have its own ecological requirements, whether it’s the need for shade, sun, high moisture, a specific soil type or topography. Do some basic research to find out what is appropriate for your specific area. Some reading resources are provided on page 4. The Coastal Centre and other conservation organizations are an information resource as well.

Few local nurseries and landscape companies carry native plants, but there are some that specialize in growing local native species.  As a start:

• The Ark Native Plants - Tiverton, Ontario
  www.thearknativeplants.com

• Sweet Grass Gardens - Hagersville, Ontario
  www.sweetgrassgardens.com

• Acorus Restoration - Walsingham, Ontario
  www.ecologyart.com

 

Recommended Native Plants

When planting a garden, or landscaping around the cottage or home, using plants that are endemic to the Lake Huron shoreline helps preserve biodiversity, and prevent the inadvertent introduction of alien, invasive species that can be very damaging to the coastal ecosystem. Using native plants usually require less maintenance than non-native plants, and adapt better to local conditions.

This list is just a start - there are many other endemic plants that would be suitable. It takes a bit of research, but some research resources are provided to help you along. Avoid using any of the alien, invasive species listed.

Native Trees

• Basswood (Tilia americana)
• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
• White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
• Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
• White Pine (Pinus strobus)
• Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
• Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
• Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
• Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
• Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

• Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)
• Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
• Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
• American Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americana)
• Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)
• Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
• Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)
• Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva_ursi)

• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
• Native Ferns
• Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
• Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
• Soloman’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
• Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
• White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus inserta or P. quinquefolia)
• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva_ursi)
• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana and F. vesca)

There are many other endemic species from which to choose. The following are our Recommended Resources:

• Johnson, L., Grow Wild: Native Plant Gardening in Canada, Random House of Canada, 1998.
• Kershaw, L., Trees of Ontario, Lone Pine Publishing, 2001.
• Soper, J.H., & Heimburger, M.L., Shrubs of Ontario, Life Sciences Miscellaneous Publication of the Royal Ontario Museum, 1982.

The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation P.O. Box 178, Blyth, Ontario, Canada N0M 1H0 Phone: (519) 523-4478 Email: coastalcentre@lakehuron.on.ca

A Great Lakes Information Network Partner