Question 1

What are native plants, and why are they important for Oregon coastal gardens?

Accepted Answer

Native plants are species that naturally grow in our region and have adapted to local soil, weather, and wildlife. In Oregon coastal gardens, they can support pollinators and birds, reduce the need for extra water or fertilizer, and help create healthier, more resilient habitats.

Question 2

What is a native plant?

Accepted Answer

Native plants are species that naturally occur in a specific region and have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in local climate, soil, and environmental conditions. They existed before European colonization and are adapted to local wildlife, pests, and weather patterns.

Question 3

Why should I choose native plants over non-native varieties?

Accepted Answer

Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides since they're adapted to local conditions. They support 10-50x more wildlife than non-native plants, prevent erosion, improve water quality, and help preserve regional biodiversity and natural heritage.

Question 4

Will native plants bring bugs to my yard?

Accepted Answer

Native plants will bring bugs into your yard, along with birds and beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. Bug-eaters like songbirds and ladybugs help balance out any potential negative effects from other types of insects—especially when you don’t use pesticides.

Question 5

Can native plants be invasive?

Accepted Answer

No. They can be “aggressive” and quickly spread, but they still play a  crucial role in the local ecosystem and food web.

Question 6

How should I care for my native plants?

Accepted Answer

One of the benefits of native plants is that they’re very independent! Native plants have adapted to our region over many, many years, and they’ve learned how to rely on the climate and weather patterns in our area. This also means you’ll save time and money on your water bill, as native plants typically don’t require much extra watering once they’re established!Furthermore, because native plants have adapted to the local conditions, they’re self-regulating and don’t require the use of any chemical sprays or synthetic fertilizers. This leads to a healthier yard for your family and a healthier environment overall!

Question 7

What's the difference between a native and its cultivar

Accepted Answer

You will probably run into cultivars when you start investigating growing native plants. Cultivars are plants that are bred by humans to favor one or more specific traits—such as leaf color, the size or growth habitat, disease resistance, bloom color/shape/size/timing, etc.—and are then propagated so that those traits are maintained. Thus, the plant is altered by genetically favoring certain characteristics over time. The horticultural industry has created literally thousands, if not tens of thousands, of cultivars of native species.Some cultivars of natives aren't much different from the true native, but some are significantly altered. Through the breeding process the plant can become less recognizable to insects, birds, and other wildlife, specifically if the bloom is altered. Ecologists agree that some cultivars of natives may hold ecological value—at least more than exotics from the other side of the planet—but it is generally believed that the true native is best.

Get to know your native plants

Native Plant Gardening Guide

Key Benefits of Native Gardening

What’s different about native plants?

Your Five-Step Planting Path

Frequently asked questions