Leaves

Favorites › Best native plants for your garden

Best native plants for your garden

Why native plants?

Why native plants?

Using native plants in public and private landscapes and gardens can help reduce the threat of invasive non-native species to the region's biodiversity. This list comes from The Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership Native Plants of the Year campaign. It highlights native species that can make exceptional additions to area landscapes and gardens.

Swamp Milkweed

Swamp Milkweed

This 2013 Native Plant of the Year is naturally found in low spots or moist areas in full sun. Bright pink flowers attract Monarch butterflies.

Northern Bayberry

Northern Bayberry

A 2013 Native Plant of the Year, this versatile shrub tolerates a wide range of soil and growing conditions, including drought and salt spray.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass

A 2013 Native Plant of the Year, switchgrass is often used in rain gardens and provides excellent nesting and cover for birds. It can also be used for erosion control and stream bank stabilization.

Nominate your favorite item for this list -- or suggest a new list -- by sending email here. Please include an address for the item (for mapping) and a photo.

Ten water saving tips

Ten water saving tips >

We're at the shore of Lake Erie, but we still have good reasons to conserve

Find local food

Find local food >

Explore local food resources and a map of farmers markets in Northeast Ohio

Your location can cost or save

Your location can cost or save >

See if your neighborhood is costing or saving you more than the average