Pennsylvania Native Plants

An exotic plant is a plant that is not native to Pennsylvania. Non-native plants can come from other parts of the United States or other countries. Many non-native plants are introduced to Pennsylvania through the horticulture trade. While some exotic plants are well-behaved and pose no threat to Pennsylvania's ecosystem, others can become invasive. Invasive non-native plants are a serious problem in Pennsylvania, as they can crowd out native plants and disrupt the state's ecosystem.

No. Native plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases than many non-native plants. Native plants have evolved alongside Pennsylvania's wildlife, adapting to the state's climate and conditions. This means they're less likely to be affected by pests and diseases. Non-native plants, on the other hand, often don't have the same predators and diseases that keep them in check in their native habitats. This can allow them to spread rampantly, becoming invasive and taking over an area crowding out native plants.

Many non-native invasive plants have been introduced to Pennsylvania, including Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and mulberry. These plants can crowd out native vegetation and disrupt Pennsylvania's ecosystem. Many were introduced accidentally, but others, such as English ivy are still widely available for sale at garden centers. It's best to avoid planting them in your garden and removing them if you have them and planting natives in their place.

Pennsylvania is home to many rare and endangered plant species, including the American chestnut, the large-flowered trillium, and the Virginia spiraea. These plants are at risk due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats. By choosing native plants for your garden, you can help to protect Pennsylvania's rare and endangered plant species. There are an estimated 630 plants listed as rare, threatened, endangered, or extirpated in Pennsylvania, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

No! Many native plants are well-behaved and can be easily controlled. While some native plants can be aggressive spreaders in a garden, simply reading up on the growing habits of plants you’re considering adding will help you decide what’s best for your garden space.

However, with most native plants, you'll find that it's just as easy to create perfectly uniform, sculpted landscapes with nothing but straight lines. Of course, once you've researched Pennsylvania native plants for sale, you may decide that you want that more wild feel to your garden — so the choice is yours!