Welcome to Environmental Literacy Classroom
Brought to you by the Rockfish Valley Foundation
In Partnership With the Virginia DCR
Native Plants
What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are those that grow naturally & historically in our area, have been present for tens of thousands of years or longer and are part of the long-term ecosystems of our region. They were not brought here by colonists or people from other continents.
Why Are Native Plants Important?
Native plants fit naturally into the environment. They provide critical habitat for insects, birds, and other animals that many non-native plants cannot provide. An animal’s habitat – a place to live – includes food, shelter, and space. For example, many butterflies would not survive without native plants, as in their caterpillar stage, they feed exclusively on specific plants. The Monarch butterfly and its dependence on milkweed is one of the best-known examples.
Monarch on swamp milkweed.
Monarch caterpillar feeding on milkweed.
Since native plants evolved under local climatic, water, geological and soil conditions and with other local species, they are well adapted to survive conditions in our area and support our local wildlife. Besides providing wildlife habitat, native plant communities help maintain ecological balance in the landscape: stabilizing slopes, conserving and purifying water, and improving air quality. In undisturbed areas they help keep out invasive plants. Native wildflowers also attract native and non-native bees and other native insects important for pollinating commercial crops and homegrown vegetables. And many wildflower meadows and gardens bring us joy and provide exercise, promoting human health.
Doug Tallamy, a professor from the University of Delaware, uses a native meadow to explain in this short video why native plants are important to our ecosystem.
This ENLIT module made possible through the generous efforts of volunteers in the Virginia Master Naturalists Program.
The Rockfish Valley Foundation works to protect and educate on the land, air, waters, and living history of the Rockfish Valley. We are volunteer-led and donor-funded. For information on donating or volunteering please visit us at rockfishvalley.org