Benefits of California Native Plants

Native plants evolved with our local climate, soil types, and wildlife.  This long process brings us several gardening advantages.

Save Water

Once established, many California native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.  Saving water conserves a vital, limited resource and saves money, too!

Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases.

Lower Maintenance

While no landscape is maintenance free, California native plants require significantly less time and resources than common non-native garden plants. California native plants do best with some attention and care in a garden setting, but you can look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time.

Adapt to Climate Change

Between drought, flooding, and wildfire, California’s climate is a place of increasing extremes. Native plants have spent thousands of years adapting to these conditions, making them one of the most powerful tools available to California gardeners. By choosing plants that belong here, you can build a landscape that is naturally more resilient to whatever the changing climate brings.

Pesticide Freedom

Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests.  Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our creeks and watersheds.

Wildlife Viewing

Native plants, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are “made for each other.”  Research shows that native wildlife clearly prefers native plants. California’s wealth of insect pollinators can improve fruit set in your garden, while a variety of native insects and birds will help keep your landscape free of mosquitoes and plant-eating bugs.

Support Local Ecology

As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with California native plants can help provide an important “bridge” to nearby remaining wildlands. Recommend native plants to homeowner associations, neighbors, and civic departments. Get involved in your chapter or community and with local land-use planning processes to help preserve our California native plants and wildlife.