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Native Plants

It is commonly believed that invasive plants arrive in the United States accidentally; a study by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden showed that this is not so. The study found that half of the worst invasive plant species were brought here intentionally, for horticultural use.

Gardening with native species is an effective way to deal with this problem. You can help! The following links will help you to find native North American plants for every use and location.

• Tree species recommended for Central New York
• Tree species not recommended for Central New York

Learn about native plant species on the Web

• Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Database
• Kick the Invasive Exotic Gardening Habit with Great Native Plant Alternatives (U.S. National Arboretum of the USDA)
• Native Orchids of New York State

Printed references for native plant species

• ESF's Bibliography of Native Trees
  Native Trees, Shrubs, Wildflowers, Ferns, and Graminoids for Northeastern North America Gardens

Learn about invasive plant species on the Web

• Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
• Invasive Plant Council of New York State
• The Nature Conservancy Wildland Invasive Species Team