Native Landscaping . . . builds soil quality and enhances the landscape 2009

What are native plants? Native plants are plants that grew naturally in the pre-settlement tallgrass prairies of Iowa. Tallgrass prairie developed in Iowa more than 10,000 years ago, after the retreat of glaciers. This ecosystem in- cluded grasses, flowering plants, insects, and other animals adapted to survive a wide range of condi- tions ranging from hot and dry to moist and boggy. Nearly all of the tallgrass prairie disappeared IDAL-DSC Photo because of the growth of agricultural production. Native flowers show their summer colors.

What is native landscaping? How do I incorporate Native landscaping is a simple way to reincorpo- rate native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees into native plants? the landscape. Native forbs, or flowers, bloom Native plantings can be established from seed or young plants, or throughout the season and attract butterflies and plugs. Plugs are best for residential hummingbirds. Hardy native grasses provide areas because they are easier to estab- golden color for fall and winter appeal. lish and maintain. Plants can be incor- porated to an existing garden bed or a Once established, natives are easy to maintain new bed can be made by removing sod because they are adapted to Iowa temperatures and and loosening the soil. rainfall patterns. They also resist local pests and disease. Native plants reduce soil erosion, build In residential areas, it is usually best soil structure, and infiltrate rainfall. to use short native plants to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Native prairie plants can be located anywhere in a sunny landscape. They can be inter- mingled in more formal beds and bor- ders or create a natural prairie garden. A turf border should be left to define the area or provide a path through the planting.

Choose plants based on site consider- ations for light, moisture, and soil. Vary plant structure, height, bloom succes- sion, and flower color for seasonal ap- peal and butterfly habitat. After plant- ing, a shredded-wood mulch layer helps Native grasses and plants show their fall colors in this urban establish natives by retaining moisture landscape in eastern Iowa. and discouraging weeds.

Native Landscaping Native Landscaping in a neighborhood setting

Illustration by Doug Adamson, RDG Planning & Design

Strong Roots Native plants have a tremendous root architec- ture that builds soil quality and increases organic matter content. High organic matter helps soil hold water, allowing most rain to infiltrate. Devote at least 30 percent of green Native Landscaping in a neighborhood setting space (yards, parks, campuses) to native landscaping, and direct runoff toward native landscaped areas.

Mowed Border Maintain a mowed grass border around native landscaping in urban settings for a managed appearance. Native Landscaping

Buying native plants Environmental benefits of Plants of the same species can vary considerably, depending on native plants their geographic origin. To find local, native plants for your area, look for a seed or plant source that sells local ecotypes. Be wary Root architecture of ‘wildflower’ mixes because many of these mixes contain seeds Native plants have an extensive root archi- native to the United States, but not necessarily to Iowa. tecture. Native roots improve the ability of the soil to infiltrate water and withstand erosive conditions.

Places for Iowans to buy native plants Organic matter content (Courtesy of the Iowa Prairie Network) Native plants’ root architecture builds organ- Agren, Inc. Kingfisher Farms ic matter content, which is a key component Carroll Long Grove of a hydrologically functional landscape. Allendan Seed Company Kurtz, Carl & Linda High organic matter content helps soil hold Winterset St. Anthony water like a sponge and infiltrate most rain. Blooming Prairie Nursery McGinnis Tree Carlisle and Seed Company Glenwood Managing prairie plantings Cedar River Garden Center Palo Naylor Seed Co., Inc. During the establishment year, native plant- Scotch Grove ings need routine weeding and watering. Custom Seed Services Walnut Osenbaugh Grass Seeds Once established, native prairie plantings Lucas require less maintenance than non-native Diversity Farms Dedham Prairie Flower Nursery gardens. Fertilizer is not recommended for Fostoria prairie plantings. Fertilizer can stimulate Driftless Land Stewardship Glen Haven, WI Prairie Grass Unlimited rapid growth and cause plants to flop over. Burlington New growth can be stimulated by removing Epley Brothers Hybrid, Inc. Shell Rock Prairie Moon Nursery old growth in the spring. Winona, MN Feders Prairie Seed Company Blue Earth, MN Reeves Wildflower Nursery Harper Genesis Nursery Tampico, IL Rose Hill Nursery More information about Rose Hill Hadfield Seed Native Landscaping Treynor Shooting Star Native Seeds Spring Grove, MN Find additional information about Ion Exchange native landscaping by visiting the Harpers Ferry Swanson Farms following Web sites: Nevada Iowa Prairie Seed Company Sheffield TJ Natives www.prrcd.org/inl/index.htm McCallsburg www.iowaprairienetwork.org/ Iowa Restorations www.rainscapingiowa.org Coon Rapids Willowglen Nursery & Landscaping www.prairienet.org/ Decorah www.extension.iastate.edu www.iowasudas.org

Native Landscaping USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.