Choose a variety of native plants and trees for your church and home landscape, because natives are adapted to a particular region with its temperature ranges, soil, altitude, and rainfall patterns. Native plants also provide a foundation for healthy ecosystems and they restore biodiversity. Insects that share an evolutionary history with natives select those plants for food and in turn become food for many native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that contribute to New England’s biodiversity. Also consider planting pollinating plants for our pollinators as they also play a key role in sustaining ecosystems. There are many databases to learn more about our native plants. GoBotany is one that has more than 3,000 native plants of New England and they have created simple keys to help you identify common plant species. For the fully committed, there is document called “Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A County Checklist” that will allow you to choose plants native in your exact your location.


Did you know? According to entomologist, Douglas Tallamy, our native flowering dogwood supports over 100 moths and butterflies whereas the non-native Kousa dogwood supports 6 species of herbivore insects. The Golden Rain Tree, a non-native plant from China, hosts 1 caterpillar species while our native oaks can support over 500 species. Growing natives is very important in sustaining our future. 
Bringing Nature Home



For more information on native and invasive plants (non-affiliated):
UMass Extension Introduced Pests Outreach Project – information on invasive species – www.massnrc.org/pests

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – information on native and invasive plants in Massachusetts -www.plants.usda.gov

Gardenia - a site for beginners, amatuers and professionals who may be looking for inspiration or wish to share their gardening or horticultural projects and experiences with others - www.gardenia.net

Grow Native Massachusetts - to inspire people to action across the Commonwealth, on behalf of native plants and the diversity of life they support - www.grownativemass.org/