The Native Revolution: Why plant native plants? - Zoë Mir '27
The Native Revolution: Why plant native plants in PA?
By Zoë Mir
Invasive species are invading Earth’s green spaces, and a native revolution may be our only hope. Native plants, or plants that have established themselves in an area without human intervention, are vital to creating balance in ecosystems. Invasive plants, on the other hand, are introduced to an area and displace native species by competing for limited resources like nutrients, light, and land. More than 37% of Pennsylvania’s plant species are non-native, with most being for cultivation and agriculture. However, more than 140 plant species are invasive and pose a risk to natives in the state. Even more are on watch lists to identify emerging threats.
Ecologically, invasive plants compete with natives and are not adapted to the environment. They can cause soil degradation, leading to erosion, poor flood control, and property damage, and they reduce plant diversity and suppress the growth of food sources for native wildlife. Invasives also impact habitats and disrupt entire food webs built over thousands of years. While not invasive, non-native plants—plants which are found in an area as a result of human influence—still use resources which could be dedicated to native species.
Invasive species not only harm the environment, but they also negatively impact the economy. Across the U.S., invasive species cause about 120 billion dollars of damage annually; in PA alone, damage totals more than 100 million. Invasive pests like emerald ash borers and spotted lanternflies destroy crops and native plants. More than 200 million feet of white ash board is lost in PA every year due to emerald ash borers, and spotted lanternflies alone cause about 99.1 million dollars in damage annually in PA. Planting native plants, which can be more resilient to threats than invasive plants, not only boosts the economy but also encourages the prevention of other invasive species and pests which harm agriculture and disrupt farmers’ livelihoods.
Native plants have other benefits as well. They require less maintenance and fewer resources than introduced species because they are adapted to the environment and climate. They also need fewer artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, so they are healthier for wildlife and people. In addition, native plants provide vital habitats for wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals, and their seeds, nuts, and fruits are an essential resource for many animals. Natives can also be aesthetically pleasing, and they can help to offset a community or individual’s carbon footprint.
The native revolution is growing and so are the ways to start your personal shift towards native plants and ecosystems. When planting or promoting native plants in your area, aim to minimize habitat destruction and keep native plants that are already growing. Invasive plants may be habitats for other native species, so be sure to plant natives before uprooting whole habitats. Buy native plants from nurseries or from native plant sales held throughout the spring and fall. Don’t remove and transplant native plants from the wild; this does not help native plants to increase in numbers, and many will not survive transplanting. Avoid monoculture and rare plants. Instead, choose common natives suited for the site. Even if you cannot be involved in planting, educate yourself and others about the dangers of invasive species and the importance of natives. Native plants are the path forward to combat invasive threats.
References:
Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (2021). Pennsylvania invasive species fact sheet. https://houseappropriations.com/files/Documents/2021%20Pennsylvania%20Invasive%20Species%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Native plants. (n.d.). Retrieved 20 October 2025, from https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/conservation/wild-plants/landscaping-with-native-plants
Why native plants matter. (n.d.). Retrieved 25 October 2025, from https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-plants-matter