Why Choose Native Plants in the Midwest?
When designing a garden, it’s always a good idea to find and incorporate native Midwest plants whenever possible. Native plants germinate easily, survive tough conditions, attract pollinators, and thrive in their home environments. If you want to plant some Midwest native plants, click here to view our Heartland collection.
9 Top Native Plants for the Midwest
While some may see native plants as “wild” and therefore less desirable, the reality is that you can cultivate a beautiful and fruitful garden with these flowers and food crops. Whether you add a few here and there or fill an entire garden with them, you can rely on the hardiness of these Midwest native plants.
Edible Plants
- Dandelion
Yes, the plant most associated with being a weed is actually an edible plant native to the Midwest. When grown in a garden, dandelion leaves are a great source of vitamins and fiber.
- Mulberry
The mulberry tree produces sweet, tart fruit that can be incorporated into pies, jams, and syrup. The young mulberry leaf is also edible when cooked or made into tea.
- Rose Hips
The edible fruit of rose plants is often overlooked but can be enjoyed in jams and syrups or on its own. Rose hips resemble cherry tomatoes with a sprouted end.
- Pawpaw Tree
As many outdoor enthusiasts know, pawpaws are an enjoyable plant native to the Midwest. Pawpaw trees produce green oblong fruits that taste like a citrusy banana.
Midwest Native Flowers
- Arkansas Rose
These delicate pink and yellow flowers grow in shrubs and add a nice pop of color to any native plant garden.
- Ashy sunflower
Like other sunflowers, the ashy sunflower produces bright yellow blooms. Many gardeners enjoy growing the ashy sunflower because it’s shorter than other sunflowers (around three feet tall).
- Cardinal Flower
This wildflower grows up to four feet tall and has oval-shaped green leaves. Like the bird, cardinal flowers are bright red.
- Sweet Black-Eyed Susan
The sweet black-eyed Susan is another tall flowering plant native to the Midwest. The yellow flowers are perennials that thrive in direct sunlight.
- Blue False Indigo
These purple wildflowers grow in beautiful elongated bunches that stand around three feet tall. The white false indigo is also a native Midwest plant often found in home gardens.
How to Select the Right Native Plants for Your Midwest Garden Design
Choosing a native plant garden design largely depends on personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind as well.
- Determine how much space you have and plan accordingly. Native plants tend to sprawl, so allow for a few feet of space before planting your next choice.
- Pay attention to sunlight requirements and watering. Some native plants do well in direct sunlight while others require some shade. Likewise, some native plants like wildflowers don’t require a lot of water, while others (like the pawpaw tree) need more regular watering.
- Find your growth zone. The Midwest includes plant hardiness zones 3–8. Depending on which specific zone you’re in, some native plants will grow better than others. Ask a local nursery for advice if you’re having trouble discerning the best fit for your area.
- Choose how many ornamental plants you want vs. garden fruits and vegetables. Most native plant gardens contain more flowers and ornamentals, but it’s largely a personal choice. Many edible plants do well in raised garden beds which will account for space as well.
Best Places to Buy Native Plants in the Midwest
Often, the best place to buy native Midwest plants is a local provider. Look for native plants in flower shops, nurseries, farms, greenhouses, and other stores that sell a variety of flowers and greenery.
You can also find reputable seed varieties cultivated by online shops as well. At Nature’s Seed, we source premium-quality seeds native to various regions of the country that thrive in their natural habitats.
Planting and Caring for Native Midwest Plants
Like any other plant, native plants require care and attention. When planning out your native plant garden design, consider light sources, raised beds vs. ground plants, and water sources, and avoid overcrowding.
The good news is that Midwest native plants are where they’re meant to be, so they are often very resilient. Some varieties can survive without regular watering or pruning, while others will need more attention.
Advantages of Using Native Plants in the Midwest
It may be tempting to fill a garden with only the most popular non-native plants, but incorporating native plants has many advantages.
- Pollination
Native plants are 3–4 times more likely to attract pollinators than non-native plants. Pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds add beauty to your garden, and less noticeable pollinators like flies and bees work hard behind the scenes.
- Support your local ecosystem
A native plant garden also helps improve the health of local ecosystems by attracting other important insects and creatures. This increases biodiversity, which is essential for things like clean air and water.
- Avoid the spread of invasive plants
Many invasive plants threaten local flora and fauna. By creating a native plant garden, you’re helping contribute to the longevity of local plants and animals.
- Hassle-free gardening
Native plants also make for a fairly hassle-free garden. Unlike non-native plants, they flourish in their natural environment and are much less finicky.
Find Midwest native plants and other quality seed varieties at Nature’s Seed.