Before getting into specific examples of unusual native plants, it’s useful to understand a bit about native plants in general. Plant Native is an information-rich resource dedicated to landscaping with native plants -- also referred to as naturescaping. “There is an element of ‘relearning’ involved in naturescaping because throughout most of our lives we have been taught the opposite. We have been taught to remove native plants (often viewed as ‘weeds’) and to replace them with plants that are common in the nursery industry - plants that we will refer to as ‘industrial plants,’” Plant Native says.
“Industrial plants include the standard ornamental shrubs and perennials and are promoted based on the function they provide (hedge, groundcover, etc.) and/or the aesthetic they exhibit, yet not for ecological reasons.”
Benefits of naturscaping include:
- Low Maintenance: They don’t require watering (except during establishment).
- Public Health: No synthetic pesticides and fertilizers needed.
- Saves You Money: A naturescape essentially takes care of itself.
- Water: In the West, 60% of consumed water goes to lawns; in the East, 30%.
- Song Birds: Song bird populations are dropping steadily, primarily due to habitat loss. Naturescaping is critical if song birds are to remain.
- Enhances Livability: An ecologically functional landscape offers so much more than a sterile, static landscape. It offers imagination to our children, and color, sound, and wonder to all of us. It is cleaner, quieter, and healthier, and may increase property values.
Now for some examples...
This plant grows in swampy, boggy areas, and is generally found in the wet ground under or near cedar trees. The skunk cabbage, also known casually as "swamp lantern," does smell mildly like a skunk, but is not offensive. It is when the leaves are crushed or decomposing that the odor more resembles the striped animal’s defensive spray.
This one’s not only strange to look at, it’s carniverous. The International Carnivorous Plant Society tells us that the darlingtonia “attracts prey by its colorful leaves that emit a honeylike scent. As the insects forage, they eventually crawl upwards towards the pitcher top, which is set with countless glassy windows that illuminate its interior and make it so very appealing...”
This is a group of unusual cone-bearing plants which were common during the time of the dinosaurs. Most species are endangered and some are now extinct in the wild. Madame Walska, the creator of Lotusland in Santa Barbara assembled what is thought to be the most complete collection of cycads in any public garden in the U.S.
“These strange succulents are fun houseplants,” says Maureen Gilmer, a horticulturist and host of Weekend Gardening on DIY Network. “Blend in or die is one of the unquestionable laws of survival. Whether it's a chameleon, a soldier, or a tiny succulent, the rule is always the same: If they can't find you, they can't kill you.
The technical word for this type of camouflage adaptation is mimicry. It is the adaptation of plants to look like something very different in order to blend in for protection.”
To learn more about native plants in your region, key the words “native plant society” into your browser’s search box, and select your state’s Native Plant Society.