Iowa Native Plants

Gardening in Iowa can be a breeze when you choose to go native. By purchasing native plants, you can plant more and mow less! Our Iowa plants will bring so much life to your yard while keeping your time in the garden low. Even beginners can feel confident they've got success in their hands with these Iowa native plants, so choose the ones you love and let nature take its course!

For Iowa’s green-thumbed gardeners, growing a garden with plants native to Iowa is an excellent way to go local! With so many gorgeous Iowa wildflowers and grasses that are native to the state, it’s easy to create a show-stopping garden without having to put in the extra effort.

And if you don’t know where to start when it comes to buying native plants for your garden, check out our collections above! Remember, the beauty outside your window is better when you choose what’s grown in Iowa!

Adding native plants to your Iowa garden is a great way to show off your state pride while doing something beneficial for the environment. Not only are Iowa native flowers and plants beautiful, but they also help protect local biodiversity by providing essential food and shelter for the pollinators and wildlife in your area.

Planting native species helps preserve our state's botanical heritage, so why not buy native plants for your garden and give back to the community? On top of that, converting to native plants means less maintenance for you, as these hardy species are more adapted to Iowa soil and climate conditions than other non-native options. So go ahead and add some color to your garden with Iowa natives!

Whether you’re looking to buy native plants for your Iowa backyard or want to know what Iowa state plants will thrive in your environment, understanding the USDA gardening zones for Iowa is essential. Iowa is split up into 4 different categories (zones 4b, 5a, 5b, and 6a), and these zones tell you everything you need to know about the perfect native flowers and native plants for your garden.

And with our helpful ZIP Code native plant finder, finding the perfect Iowa native vegetation just got a lot easier! So don’t hold back from gardening in Iowa — take advantage of our website today and discover what wildflowers will bring life to your lawn.

If you're planning to buy Iowa native plants for your garden, you'll have to consider the amount of sunlight they need to thrive. While some Iowa wildflowers love basking in full sun all day, many other species are happiest when they have hours of dappled shade throughout the day.

Be sure to do some research before you purchase to know exactly what lighting conditions will be best suited for the specific plants you'd like to bring home. Never forget that the relationship between plants and sunlight is critical to get right if you want a garden full of healthy, colorful native plants.

There are numerous beautiful and rugged wildflowers native to the Hawkeye State that thrive in various types of soil. Unfortunately, quite a few invasive species are also making their way into Iowa ecosystems. Garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, and Oriental bittersweet can be particularly aggressive, choking out native species.

By opting for plants on our Iowa native plants list above, you're helping keep these invasive species out of our habitat gardens while promoting biodiversity in the region. There's so much beauty and resilience across all of Iowa's native plant species, why plant something that’s not native to Iowa?

Have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of your lawn? Traditional lawns are not only resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, but also offer little to no ecological value. In contrast, native plant gardens offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that can significantly benefit local biodiversity. That’s where the anti-lawn movement comes in.

By replacing all or part of your lawn with Iowa native plants and flowers, you can create a thriving ecosystem that attracts and supports pollinators, helps birds, and benefits a huge variety of local Iowa wildlife. Native gardens provide essential habitat and food resources for these important species, important for maintaining healthy ecosystems. And because native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species, they are typically much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

One of the most commonly used grasses on lawns throughout Iowa, especially Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, is Kentucky bluegrass, which is not even native to the Hawkeye state! Replacing Kentucky bluegrass with Iowa native plants and flowers can significantly benefit local biodiversity by providing essential habitat and food resources for native wildlife.

Even small changes, like adding Iowa native plants to your existing landscape, can make a significant difference. You can create a pollinator garden that supports local wildlife, requires less maintenance, and helps reduce your environmental footprint. There are many Iowa native plants and flowers to choose from, so you can create a garden that suits your style and preferences.

To get started, consult an Iowa native plant list to determine which species are best suited for your specific location and growing conditions.

Replacing all or part of your lawn with Iowa native plants and flowers can significantly benefit local biodiversity while providing you with a beautiful and sustainable garden. By selecting the right plant species and adequately preparing your soil, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife and helps reduce your environmental impact. So, cut down that Kentucky bluegrass and start planting some Iowa wildflowers!

Plants native to Iowa provide vital food sources and habitat for many important species, including monarch butterflies, and a diversity of bats and fireflies. By planting Iowa native plants in your garden, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife and helps maintain healthy populations of these essential species.

For example, monarch butterflies rely heavily on milkweed plants for their survival. Milkweed is the only host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing essential nutrients and protection during their development. By planting milkweed in your garden, you can help support monarch butterfly populations and ensure that these beautiful insects continue to thrive in Iowa.

In addition to milkweed, many other Iowa native plants support monarch butterflies and pollinators. Native flowers, such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susan, provide nectar for adult butterflies and other beneficial insects. These plants also add color and beauty to your garden while supporting local wildlife.

In addition to butterflies, Bats greatly benefit from Iowa native plants. Bats consume large quantities of insects, and native plants can provide a reliable food source for these flying mammals. By attracting insects to your garden with native plants, you can help support local bat populations and reduce the need for pesticides.

Fireflies also rely on Iowa native plants for shelter and breeding habitat. Many of these fascinating insects require moist, shaded areas with plenty of vegetation to thrive, and Iowa native plants are one of the best ways to attract fireflies to your garden. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you can help create a healthy and sustainable ecosystem that supports diverse species, including fireflies.

Plants native to Iowa play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. By planting Iowa native plants in your garden, you can create a thriving ecosystem that provides essential food and habitat for these important species. So, why not plant some Iowa wildflowers and other native plants today? Check out our Iowa native plants list and buy native plants for Iowa to get started!

Looking for a quick and easy way to beautify your garden? You've come to the right place! We're proud to offer an extensive selection of Iowa native plants and flowers perfect for any size garden. From a small patio to sprawling lawns, our curated collections are designed specifically with Iowa in mind. We know exactly which species can withstand the harsh winter cold while bringing summertime blooms. So don't wait! Buy native plants for Iowa today and start enjoying your lush oasis.