Native Plants

Native plants are those that occur naturally in an area. Native species have evolved over time with the biological and physical factors specific to their region such as soil, climate, and rainfall. Native plants help the environment the most when planted in places that match their growing requirements. They will thrive in the soils, moisture and weather of your region. That means less supplemental watering, which can be wasteful, and pest problems that require toxic chemicals. Native plants also assist in managing rain water runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted. Discovering the native plants where you live can also define a unique sense of place and heritage for your garden habitat while preserving the natural history of the flora and fauna of your region.

All gardeners should plant native plants which support pollinators and wildlife rather than exotics which our birds and butterflies cannot use as host or nectar sources.

The South Carolina Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization, committed to the preservation and protection of native plant communities in South Carolina. SCNP is working to make this happen by providing programs and activities including field trips, plant rescues, native plant sales, monthly educational lectures and educational journals.

For more information on native plants, visit the South Carolina Native Plant Society at https://scnps.org/ and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at http://scwf.org