Native plants are at the heart of ecological restoration projects. They help repair ecosystems and bring back critical wildlife habitat. Correct plant selection is key to long-term project success.
Here are five factors for choosing native plants for a restoration project.
1. Site Suitability
The most important factor is suitability for the site. Natives have evolved to thrive in specific environmental conditions, or natural communities. These communities relate to soil type, moisture levels, sunlight exposure, and climate.
Assess your site’s ecological characteristics. Is it like a prairie, wetland, forest, savanna, or glade? Choose native plant species well-adapted to those conditions. And consider specific needs for your site. For example, there are specific steps for wetlands restorations.
If you need guidance to determine site/plant compatibility, consult local experts. Their knowledge of local native plants will help you select the best for your project.
Shop Native Plants for Your Restoration Project
2. Biodiversity and Habitat Considerations
The goal of restoration planting projects is to restore or enhance natural habitats. Choose native plants that also support local wildlife, especially pollinators.
Look for plant species that provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. This includes insects, birds, and mammals. Your palette of plants should provide food with flowering and fruiting seasons. They should create year-round habitat for resting, breeding, and raising young.
3. Recognize the Threat of Invasive Species
Suppression of invasive species is a priority. Invasive plant species can outcompete native plants, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten biodiversity.
Before selecting your natives, identify any invasive species at your restoration site. Consider if any natives you’ve chosen will spread and disrupt a healthy plant balance.
4. Plant Availability and Propagation Methods
Consider the availability of your desired native species. Will you be able to source the quantity and sizes needed for your project? Does the nursery come by seed or plant material for propagation in an ethical way? If your site is sensitive, you may want to use plants with limited availability.
Reputable nurseries will work with you and provide adequate plant material. They will be able offer information about seed provenance. Some may offer custom plant growing to ensure you’ll have adequate, right-sized material.
5. Long-Term Maintenance and Adaptability
Native plants are generally low maintenance. But monitoring outplantings – especially in the early stages of restoration is important. Forrest Keeling’s Walk-A-Way system.
Consider your plants’ long-term maintenance requirements and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Resilient native plants adapt to natural fluctuations, climate change, and pest pressures. They will help ensure your remediation site’s success.
Restoration Planting Projects Begin at Forrest Keeling
Forrest Keeling has an exceptional selection of native species. We produce hundreds of species of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses. And all have the added benefit of our patented RPM-production technology. Our plants have become the benchmark for conservation plantings worldwide.
Have questions about which natives are best suited for your restoration effort? One of our team members will help you find what you need.
Forrest Keeling Nursery… it’s where the best natives begin! Contact us today.