Native Plant
Vendor List

Reclaiming Shamrock Park
Invasive plants were removed and native plants were replanted.

• NC Ranked Listing - worst in North Carolina 
• Dirty Dozen Bochure - worst in Mecklenburg County
• www.invasive.org/eastern/ - worst in the Southeast
• www.invasivespecies.gov/ - worst in the Nation

Native plants are those that adapted naturally over time in North America. More specifically, native plants in a particular area are those that were growing naturally in the area before plants were introduced from distant places. In eastern and central North America, native plants typically grew in communities with species adapted to similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. Some of the widespread communities included oak-hickory-chestnut and beech-maple forests, tall grass and short grass prairies, and freshwater marshes. Additional communities occupied specialized niches, including savannahs, fens, bogs, flood plains and alpine areas.

• Native Plants Save Energy
  Native plants have adapted to local conditions over thousands of years. Vigorous and hardy, they can survive winter cold and summer heat. Once established, they require no irrigation or fertilization. They are resistant to most pests and diseases, which decreases the need for pesticides and herbicides. Thus, native plants suit today's interest in "low-maintenance" gardening and landscaping.
  
  
• Native Plants Stay Put
  Each native plant species is a member of a community that includes other plants, animals and microorganisms. The natural balance keeps each species in check, allowing it to thrive in conditions where it is suited, but preventing it from running amok. Thus, native species rarely become invasive, as plants introduced from other areas can be. Click on invasive plant  to see a ranked list of ones to avoid, or see our brochure for the worst invasive plants in Mecklenburg County. Visit the South East Exotic Pest Plant Council, for more information also the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
  
  
• Native Plants Support the Ecosystem & Improve Water Quality
  Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other desirable wildlife. Many help to enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. Native vegetation is particularly effective as buffers along streams, lakes and wetlands and helps in flood zones and erosion prone sites.
  
  
• Native Plants Are Interesting
  The diversity of native plants includes interesting flowers and foliage. Native shrubs and trees provide a variety of heights, shapes and textures in the landscape. Many provide winter interest through their bark or seedpods. Another dimension of native plants is their historical and cultural interest. Some plants played a significant role in Native American culture and in the European exploration and settlement. Many species have value as food or medicine and others have been used for cordage, textiles, dyestuffs, or similar domestic purposes. Native plants can provide children and adults with a tangible link to the past and to the future.

Reclaiming Shamrock Park from the Dirty Dozen!
Beautiful native plants take the place of invasive overgrowth.

Special thanks to:

• Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
• North Carolina Wildlife Federation
• Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program www.ncwildlifefederation.org/
• The Wild Ones 
• South East Exotic Pest Plant Council 
• The North Carolina Botanical Garden