Using native plants in your landscaping plans is the single, most important step in attracting birds, butterflies and other native animals to your backyard habitat. The two groups evolved together over countless generations, many times becoming uniquely adapted to each other. Consider the Monarch butterfly-while the adult can feed on nectar from many different plants, the Monarch caterpillar can only feed on plants in the native milkweed family.

Native plants are also adapted to the climate of our region, including the hot summers and cold winters. Once established, natives require very little maintenance and often no supplemental watering. They come in a variety of attractive colors, shapes and sizes—suitable for any setting, formal or not. Our Bring Conservation Home Advisors are trained to help you select native plants to fit your unique circumstances.

For more information about planting for birds, visit National Audubon Society’s Plants for Birds.

For more information about plants native to the St. Louis region, visit Grow Native!