Native plants

Every living being in an ecosystem is connected by a food web that transfers life-sustaining energy that begins with the sun. Sunlight fuels plants, insects eat the plants, those insects are eaten by other animals, those animals are eaten by their predators, and so on.

Humans rely on this food web to be intact and diverse. When non-native plants are introduced – in landscaping or accidental spread – they disrupt this relationship. They crowd out native species, leaving fewer resources for wildlife and weakening the entire food web.

Benefits of Native Plants

• Wildlife support: Native plants provide essential food and shelter, especially for pollinators and other insects. More than 90% of our insects are specialists, meaning they only eat and lay eggs on certain native plants.
• Biodiversity: Native plants support biodiversity by providing the essential habitat that a wide variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife need to survive, creating a strong, resilient ecosystem.
• Cultural connection: Native plants connect us to the knowledge and traditions of the region’s Indigenous peoples, who have long used them for food, medicine, tools, and daily life.
• Self-sustaining: Native plants thrive in local conditions and don’t need fertilizer, pest control, or more water than what mother nature provides.
• Seasonal beauty: Native plants offer vibrant colors, display a variety of textures, and attract interesting wildlife throughout the year.

You can contribute to a healthy ecosystem by using native plants in your home landscape. Plant a variety of flowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Avoid fertilizers and pesticides that can harm insects and other animals and contaminate watersheds. Even small spaces – like a patio container or a corner garden – can make a big difference for local biodiversity. Council Bluffs is a Bee City, and you can find many resources to help you get started here.