Native Plant FAQs

Native vs. Non-native Plant Education

Native vs. Non-native Plant FAQs

Q: What is a native plant? A: The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines native plants as the indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to European settlement. Native plants include conifer trees, hardwood trees and shrubs, grasses, forbs, and others.

Q: What plants are considered native in my area? A: The North Carolina Native Plant Society has created a Recommended Native Species searchable database. It offers a searchable database broken down into categories.

Q: Why are native plants important? A: The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. Unlike natives, common horticultural plants do not provide energetic rewards for their visitors and often require insect pest control to survive (USFS).

Q: What is an invasive species? A: As per Executive Order 13112 (Section 1. Definitions) an “invasive species” is a species that is (USDA): 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and, 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Native plants generally are defined as those that occurred in North America before European settlement. Non-native plants are those not native to an area. In North Carolina, non-natives usually come from Asia or western Europe, regions that have similar climate and environmental conditions to those in this state. Some non-natives are planted intentionally as lawn or garden ornamentals or as plants to attract wildlife, but other non-native plants were introduced accidentally. Many non-native species become naturalized, which means they are able to survive, spread, and reproduce on their own. Approximately 25 percent of the plants growing wild in the United States are naturalized non-natives, some of which have become invasive, that is, they grow unabatedly where native plants otherwise would occur.

Q: Why is it important to include native plantings in my park? A: Native plants serve as food and habitat for pollinators, insects, and wildlife. They have positive environmental outcomes, such as helping to maintain biodiversity, decreasing unwanted pests, helping save water, and require less maintenance. NC Cooperative Extension Resources: Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants Fire-Resistant Landscaping in North Carolina Top 25 Pollinator Plants for North Carolina

Q: Is there a difference between naturalized plants and native plants? A: The term “naturalized plant” refers to a non-native species that is growing on its own in nature. It differs from “native plant” in that it may have originated as a garden escape, an agricultural escape, or an accidentally introduced weed. Becoming naturalized does not make an introduced species native (Florida Native Plant Society, 2021).

Q: What are the plant species of concern in NC? A: Natural Heritage Program: List of Rare Plant Species of North Carolina, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources List of NC Invasive Plants by Region (NC Invasive Plant Council)

Sources for Native Plants & Landscaping

Native Plants & Landscaping FAQs

Q: Where can I purchase native plants, or find resources on native plant landscaping in my region? A: List of nurseries (inclusion of a nursery does not mean a business is endorsed by RRS or NC DNCR)

Q: Where can I learn more about what plants are considered native to my area? A: See the main Native Plants page for the CEU searchable Plant Toolbox by NC geographic region.

Q: Where can I find examples of landscaping architecture that include native plantings? A: National Park Service Gardening for Wildlife webpage Additional Resources to be added soon

Q: Where can I find additional funding for native plants and/or seeds? A: See our Native Plants grants page – let us know if you have additional resources to share

Q: What natives can I use in place of invasive plants that offer the same esthetics? A: The North Carolina Wildlife Federation features a table with 12 common alternatives. (i.e. Bradford Pear can be replaced with a Shadblow Serviceberry)

Policy as Related to PARTF assisted sites

Policy FAQs for PARTF assisted sites

Q: Can funding be used to purchase naturalized plants? A: No, funding must be used to purchase plants or seeds native to the southeastern U.S.

Q: Will grantees receive site visits to ensure the Native Plants Policy expectations have been met? A: As part of the site inspections and closeout process, the grantee will submit a planting plan with a plant list.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the Native Plants Policy? A: The following non-native plants shall be exempted from this policy: a) Non-native plants on property allocated to DNCR or incorporated as part of a PARTF-funded project that are already existing at the time of the effective date of this policy; b) Non-native turf grass; and c) Non-native seeds and plants where the primary purpose is: i. crop cultivation, ii. scientific research, iii. botanical or historical gardens, iv. plantings for wildlife, or v. plantings for exhibits or for animal consumption at museums, zoos, and aquariums.

Q: What does policy compliance look like? A: Grantees are required to submit a certified native plant list at closeout.

Q: What happens if the Native Plants Policy is violated? A: If a grantee is unable to meet the native plant requirement, this must be cleared with DNCR prior to an application being submitted.

Q: Is synthetic turf an acceptable alternative? A: Yes, for athletic fields and as safety surfaces in play areas.

Q: Do I have to include plantings in the project scope to be eligible for PARTF funding? A: Native plants are required regardless of project scope. All PARTF grantees must use native plantings now and in the future, even if landscaping is not included in your project scope.

Q: Does the policy apply to PARTF projects currently under construction/not closed out or just future projects being applied for starting in 2024? A: The Native Plants Policy applies to all grantees moving forward from the policy launch date of July 1, 2023.

Q: What happens if invasive plants move in on their own even if the landscape was planted with all natives? Am I required to have a plan in place for their removal? A: An invasive plants management plan must be included with all PARTF proposals.

Q: Are exemptions included in the policy? A: The following non-native plants shall be exempted from this policy: a) Non-native plants on property allocated to DNCR or incorporated as part of a PARTF-funded project that are already existing at the time of the effective date of this policy; b) Non-native turf grass; and c) Non-native seeds and plants where the primary purpose is: i. crop cultivation, ii. scientific research, iii. botanical or historical gardens, iv. plantings for wildlife, or v. plantings for exhibits or for animal consumption at museums, zoos, and aquariums. If a grantee is unable to meet the native plant requirement, this must be approved by DNCR prior to an application being submitted.

Q: Are sterile hybrids acceptable for use? A: No, funding must be used to purchase plants or seeds native to the southeastern U.S. with preference given to NC identified native plants.

Q: Can I apply for funding if there are non-natives already established in the park? A: Yes, but all PARTF proposals must include a plan for native plantings.

Q: Can non-native ornamentals be used in the section of the park in which PARTF funding wasn’t used? A: Native plants are required at all DNCR departmental locations and at local government sites receiving grants from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. See the policy exemptions listed above.

Q: What does plantings for wildlife mean? A: North Carolina’s native plants provide well-adapted food and cover for North Carolina’s native animals, and a well-planned landscape of native plants can help you attract a diversity of wildlife to your property. North Carolina’s native wildlife has become adapted to using native plants over thousands of years. Therefore, native plants meet the needs, including food and cover, of North Carolina’s native wildlife without causing long-term damage to local plant communities. Many native plants produce showy flowers, abundant fruits and seeds, and brilliant fall foliage. A diversity of native plants in an urban landscape provides: – Protective cover for most animals. – Seeds, nuts, and fruits for squirrels and other mammals. – Seeds, fruits, and insects for birds. – Nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. – Larval host plants for butterfly caterpillars (many caterpillars are adapted to eat the foliage of specific plants, called their host plants). NCSU Extension: Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants

Q: Do I need to remove non-native, cultivars, and/or sterile hybrid plants from my park to be eligible for funding? A: No, but if you take something out, it must be replaced with a native plant.

Q: Does the 25 year PARTF rule apply? (e.g. parking lot trees may not have a 25 year lifespan) A: Yes. If you take something out, it must be replaced with a native plant. The goal is for native plants to be the standard in park landscapes.

Q: What types of vegetation are included under the “plant” category? i.e., grasses, trees, shrubs, etc. A: Native plants include conifer trees, hardwood trees and shrubs, grasses, forbs, and others.