Many gardeners look to grow native plants in their landscape. The term "native" can be defined in many ways. Below are lists of plants native to at least a portion of Iowa's geographic borders before European immigration (approximately 1600).
Selecting Native Plants
Right Plant, Right Place
The adage "right plant, right place" must be considered regardless of a plant's native range. Just because it’s native doesn’t make it the right plant for any garden location. Urban and suburban landscapes are not "native" spaces. They have highly altered soils and very different pest and disease pressures. Even when planting natives, they must be matched to the site.
For example, the native, dry-loving leadplant (Amorpha canescens) will struggle in wet, compacted soils common in suburban neighborhoods.
Native Plants Grow Differently in Landscapes
Additionally, native plants, especially prairie plants, behave differently in managed landscapes. They often become taller or ganglier because of reduced root competition. Because of this, they must be planted in locations that will accommodate the higher end of their size range, and they may require staking to prevent flopping. They may also benefit from growing in infertile soils, reduced or absent irrigation, or tight spacing to reduce their growth rate.
For example, in the landscape, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) frequently needs staking, especially in new plantings with fertile soils, frequent irrigation, and no root competition. It is less likely to flop over in the landscape when grown without fertilizer or supplemental irrigation.
Some Native Plants Can Spread Aggressively in the Landscape
Some natives become aggressive spreaders in disturbed or altered soils. These native plants must be managed to prevent them from overwhelming a garden space. This includes practices such as deadheading to reduce seed set, frequent division to control size, and hand-pulling or weeding to remove them from unwanted locations.
For example, evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa) spreads aggressively by seeds and rhizomes. In a garden setting, it requires regular pulling and deadheading to prevent it from overwhelming a landscape.
Plants Native to Iowa
Soil Types
Light
More Information
- What is a native plant?
- Landscape Plants for Difficult Sites
- Alternatives to Common or Invasive Landscape Plants
- Prairie and Conservation Resources for Gardeners
- An Illustrated Guide to Iowa Prairie Plants by Paul Christiansen and Mark Müller (University of Iowa Press, 1999).
Photo credits: 1: Aaron Steil