The Difference Between Native, Non-Native, and Invasive Plants

When reading about gardening, you’ve no doubt seen the terms native, non-native, and invasive plants used a lot. These can be tough terms to understand for new gardeners, so let’s clear the air.

What are native plants?

Native plants are those species that are indigenous to your area of your continent. It means a particular plant has existed in your region for hundreds or thousands of years. Pollinators and wildlife – and perhaps humans – have evolved side-by-side with that plant and depend on it for food, medicine, or shelter. Therefore, native plants provide an important role in the local ecosystem.

What are non-native plants?

A non-native plant did not originate in your area of the world and was introduced by humans from somewhere else. For instance, corn (maize) is believed to have originated about 9,000 years ago in what is now Central Mexico. Tomatoes are native to the Andes region in South America. Tulips are native to Turkey and Central Asia. Yet all are grown all over the world today without issue. A non-native plant is not necessarily a bad thing – it just means that it doesn’t provide as much ecosystem support as a native species. Even within your own continent, a plant can be native to one region and not another. But non-native is not the same as invasive.

What are invasive plants? (aka invasive species)

According to the National Invasive Species Information Center, the official definition of an invasive species is a plant that is non-native (or alien) to the local ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Invasive plants can grow aggressively and choke out native species that wildlife and pollinators depend on. In fact, invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, destroy biodiversity, and permanently alter habitats.

Many ornamental plants intended for growing indoors have escaped into gardens and forests, where they wreak havoc. Others have been accidentally introduced via worldwide shipping (seeds hitchhike in shipping containers, on clothing, and on vessels). Still others were innocently planted by unsuspecting gardeners, and they escaped into the wild. For instance, Greater Periwinkle (Vinca Major) and English Ivy (Hedera helix L.), garden favorites for generations, were declared invasive because they grow quickly and choke out native species in gardens and forests.

See a list of plants on the official invasive species list.

So, what should you plant?

When planning a major overhaul to your perennial garden or planting shrubs or trees, choose native species as often as possible. You’ll be amazed at the difference natives make in bird life in your yard. Native plants also have the benefit of less maintenance, as they’re adapted to your climate. It’s okay to plant non-natives here and there or in pots (some flowers are irresistible), but never plant invasive species in your garden or in containers. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has an excellent resource for finding native plants in your area.

Audubon has an excellent resource for finding native plants that support birds in your area.