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A brief word about
invasive exotic plants:
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While sometimes attractive, non-native plants that are introduced into the Hoosier environment pose a threat to existing, established plant life. Some exotics are able to grow exponentially, starving out native plant life. This rapid growth in turn disturbs the natural food chain for wildlife in our state. |
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Invasive Exotics
to avoid: |
Purple loosestrive, Lithrum |
Burning Bush, Euonymus |
Highbush Cranberry, Viburmum opulus (don't confuse with native American Cranberrybush, V. trilobum ) |
Reed Canary Grass, Phalaris |
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Honeysuckle species including: |
Japanese, Lonicera japonica |
Amur, L. maackii |
Tartarian, L. tatarica |
Morrow, L morrowii
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NATIVE INDIANA PLANTS
NATIVE INDIANA PLANTS tolerate the soil and weather conditions in our area. They require less fertilizer, fewer pesticides, and less water. Native plants are necessary for healthy wildlife populations and help prevent the spread of invasive, exotic species.
On this page, you will find native trees, shrubs, vines, and nectar plants appropriate for your Wildlife Habitat.
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The Red Maple is a beautiful and popular native Hoosier tree. It's colorful Fall foliage display makes it a favorite, and a perfect addition to your Wildlife Habitat! |
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| NATIVE TREES |
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EVERGREEN: |
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DECIDUOUS: |
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| NATIVE SHRUBS |
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| Serviceberry, Amelanchier |
| New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus |
| Spicebush, Lindera benzoin |
| Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius |
| Sumac, Rhus |
| Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis |
| Gray Dogwood, Cornus racemosa |
| Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum |
| Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica |
| Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata |
| Buttonbush, Cephalanthus |
| Coralberries, Symphoricarpos |
| Viburnums, Viburnum (most spp.) |
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| NATIVE NECTAR PLANTS |
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Nearly every blooming tree, shrub, perennial, or annual will provide some nectar for butterflies. This list includes favorites in many habitats:
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LARVAL FOOD SOURCES
Nectar only meets part butterflies' food requirements. Many species lay their eggs only on specific plants, and to keep these butterflies in your habitat, one needs to provide their larval, or caterpillar, food as well.
Monarchs are common and particularly interesting butterflies. Their migration to Mexico can be followed on Monarch Watch. Attract them to your yard with their specific larval food, any of five kinds of Milkweed: common, showy, swamp, butterfly weed, or annual Blood Flower.
Pesticides ravage butterflies, their eggs, and caterpillars when sprayed on flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawns. Try to accept some damage on your leaves rather than using chemicals. |
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The list of native plant life is Indiana is long. Some plants are very common, while others are endangered. All can be threatened by invasive species if we do not diligently keep their populations under control. |
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