Choosing Between Native and Non-native Species

When you are deciding which type of shrubs to plant, one of the plant characteristics to think about is whether you want native or non-native species in your yard.

What are Native Species?

Native plants are species that are original to an area. This area can be your immediate region or have a broader scope like a state, country, or even a continent. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) considers native plant species indigenous to a region if they were there at the time of European settlement.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Native Shrubs

Since native shrubs are original to your area, they are adapted to your local climate which gives them some big advantages over growing non-native species. On the other hand though, they have distinct disadvantages too.

Native Shrub Advantages

  • More drought resistant so they consume less water.
  • Hardier than developed or introduced species.
  • Increased resistance to insects, other pests, and diseases.
  • As native plant habitat, they encourage wildlife populations in open areas, increasing animal biodiversity.
  • Increased leaf density shades out weeds beneath the leaf canopy.
  • Plants are better equipped to sequesters carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from global warming.

Native Shrub Disadvantages

  • Fewer options to choose from than non-native shrubs.
  • Plants may be harder to find and more expensive.
  • Plants may be more invasive, so you must be careful to keep them from taking over your landscape.
  • May not look as neat and tidy as non-natives, they may look more messy and wild.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Non-native Shrubs

Non-native shrubs have been introduced over time to an area, typically brought in from other locations because of desirable physical characteristics.

Non-native Shrub Advantages

  • Wider variety of species which also means they are easier to find in retail stores.
  • Plants are usually less expensive.
  • Look more manicured and fit in with traditional urban and suburban landscapes.

Non-native Shrub Disadvantages

  • Plants require more water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
  • Plants are more susceptible to insects and diseases.