Planting for Clean Water

Planting for Clean Water. . , What are Native Plants? , Plants found in Minnesota before extensive European settlement in 1850 are considered native to the state. These plant species are well-adapted to Minnesota's soil conditions and seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation and also provide essential food and habitat for local wildlife. The Minnesota Biological Survey found that less than 6% of the original area of native plant communities remains intact today., Tough Competition , As people began immigrating to new parts of the world they brought along plants for food as well as medicinal and aesthetic purposes. The introduction of non-native species had caused problems for native plant and animal communities throughout the world. Non-native plants may outcompete their native counterparts and are not readily seen as food by wildlife. Some endangered species rely entirely on native plants for survival., Prairie Blazingstar, , Liatris pycnostachya , Fact: Historically, this plant's roots were used to treat sore throats and kidney ailments., Brown-Eyed Susan, , Rudbeckia triloba , Fact: Native Americans used a root tea from Brown-eyed Susan as a medication for several discomforts, including snakebites!, Lead Plant, , Amorpha canescens , Fact: The central root of Lead Plant can extend 15 feet or more into the soil., Fox Sedge, , Carex vulpinoidea , Fact: Fox Sedge can be found in all of the continental U.S. except for Utah., Why Plant Natives? , In addition to providing food and habitat for wildlife, native plants also help prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance the environment. The root systems of native plants are extensive, providing better soil stability than non-native turf grass species found in a typical lawn. In fact the roots of turf grasses rarely exceed 4 inches in depth, as compared to native plants which frequently exceed 4 feet in length. Native plants are not only functional and pleasing to the human eye, they are also inviting for bees, birds and butterflies and require less care and maintenance in a garden., To learn more about installing your own native garden, please visit bluethumb.org.