At Bountiful Acres, we believe in gardening that supports the environment. That starts with choosing native plants. Whether you’re revamping your landscape or adding a few new favorites, planting native species is one of the most impactful things you can do for local ecosystems. But what exactly are native plants, and why are they so important?
Let’s dig in.
What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are species that occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction. In Bucks County, PA, native plants have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in our unique soils, climate, and conditions.
They play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, stabilizing soil, and maintaining healthy water systems. Most importantly, they provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects.
Why Choose Native Plants?
1. Support Pollinators and Wildlife
Native plants are the best food source for native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Many species, such as monarch butterflies, rely on specific native plants like milkweed to complete their life cycle.
2. Require Less Maintenance
Once established, native plants typically need less water, fertilizer, and care than non-native species. They are adapted to our climate and more resistant to local pests and diseases.
3. Prevent Invasive Spread
Unlike invasive ornamentals, native plants won’t escape into wild habitats and disrupt local ecosystems.
4. Improve Soil and Water Quality
Native plant roots help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge. This makes them a smart choice for both gardens and the environment.
Top 10 Native Plants for Bucks County, PA
At Bountiful Acres, we proudly offer a curated selection of native plants ideal for our region. Here are 10 of our favorites:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
A pollinator magnet with vibrant purple blooms. This perennial is perfect for sunny spots and attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
2. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Essential for monarch butterflies, this orange-flowered beauty thrives in full sun and dry to medium soils.
3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Also known as bee balm, this fragrant native supports hummingbirds and pollinators. It adds color and movement to summer gardens.
4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
With golden-yellow petals and dark centers, these cheerful flowers bloom from summer to fall. They are easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
5. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
A native ornamental grass with graceful plumes. Switchgrass is excellent for erosion control and provides shelter for wildlife.
6. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Perfect for woodland gardens, these early-spring bloomers offer a soft blue color and attract native bees.
7. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
This tall, late-season bloomer provides essential nectar for migrating monarchs and other pollinators in the fall.
8. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
A shade-tolerant native with red and yellow blooms. It attracts hummingbirds in early spring and naturalizes easily.
9. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
An excellent groundcover for shady areas. Wild ginger has heart-shaped leaves and supports native pollinators at the soil level.
10. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
A small native tree or large shrub that offers four-season interest. Enjoy white spring blooms, summer berries for birds, vibrant fall foliage, and beautiful winter structure.
How to Get Started with Native Plants
Not sure where to begin? Start small. Add a few native perennials to an existing bed, replace a section of your lawn with native groundcovers, or plant a border of native shrubs.
At Bountiful Acres, our knowledgeable team is here to help you select the right native plants for your garden’s conditions, whether you’re working with sun or shade, wet soil or dry. We stock a wide selection of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that are well-suited to Bucks County landscapes.
Let’s Grow Together
Choosing native plants is a beautiful way to connect with nature and make your landscape part of a healthier, more resilient environment. Visit Bountiful Acres in Doylestown, PA to explore our native plant offerings and get expert advice on building a garden that gives back.
Your garden can be both beautiful and beneficial. Let’s grow native together.
