Tag: plant materials for water conservation

Plants adapted to arid regions have developed strategies to overcome long periods of water shortage. Note, however, that not all arid region plants are water-wise.

Riparian and wetland plants naturally found in wet areas need significantly more water than drought adapted plants. Avoid planting these plants in the same water zone as drought tolerant plants.

Plants found at higher elevations in most western mountain states may also fail to thrive in adjacent drier, hotter valleys.These plants are adapted to the …

Common misconceptions about using native plants in the landscape include:

Native plants have fewer insect and disease problems – Not always true

• In nature, a native plant problem might go unnoticed, but the same plant in a traditional landscape may give a poor appearance

Native plants are adapted to the area and have superior growth – Not always true

• Cold hardy native plants may have superior growth but may not be adapted to disturbed soil conditions often found in residential

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In the United States, native plants are generally defined as plant species that have existed in an area before European settlement.

Some Definitions of Native Plants

Federal Register: “Native” plants are “all species of plants and animals naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.”

USDA Federal Executive Order 13112: “With respect to a particular ecosystem, a species that, other than as a result of an introduction, historically occurred or currently occurs in that …