Natives are Paramount

Updated: Mar 11, 2021

Throughout this summer, I have had the privilege of spending a few days tucked away in one of Cincinnati’s sacred green spaces: The Hallow. The Hallow is a term used by its residents; and, it’s practically like any other neighborhood, except for when it comes to the rich soil below it and the plans unraveling all around it. Resting on top of years of cultivated farming soil lies Keystone Flora, a native plant nursery. Keystone’s mission is to “propagate and sell native plants from our local region using seeds and cuttings generated from our nursery and plantings” and that is exactly what they’ve been doing since 2004.

So, what’s the big deal with native plants? Personally, I realized their significance when my boss said “it’s about what the insects and pollinators find attractive, it’s not about what we like”. This idea may seem simple but it has huge implications for our environment. Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Over years and years, these plants have adapted to their specific environment and learned how to best conserve water, help climate, and nurture wildlife. Native plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife have all co-evolved and are dependent upon each other for the environment’s well-being. Likewise, native plants are essential for habitat restoration. If a habitat is destroyed due to man-made causes or natural events, the placement of native plants can cause other native species to return to that very site. At the end of the day, the whole outrage over honeysuckle and other invasive species isn’t outrageous; it’s a serious concern. If our bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds don’t respond to these invasive plants, then nature’s intuition and natural cycle is broken. This is why we need natives.

Here are some native plants that have a variety of different purposes: Butterfly gardens, shade gardens, and medicinal use.

Butterfly Garden

Common Milkweed

Although “Common” is in the name, there’s certainly nothing causal about this plant. Common Milkweed is the preferred native plant to butterflies in Ohio since butterflies, such as the Monarch, are immune to its milky, white sap that deters other species.

Coneflower

Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, is also one of pollinator’s favorites! This special flower is a part of the daisy family and blossoms in an array of brilliant colors. Other than its mere ability to attract pollinators, it has also been used to boost immunity, fight the common cold, and soothe infections.

Monarda

It should come with no surprise that Monarda (a.k.a Bell Balm) is a buzzing treat. Monarda is a part of the mint family and mimics many herbs abilities and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee Balm can work internally, soothing nausea and bloating while also helping externally with rashes and stings.

Blazing Star

This long, purple flower can add an electric touch to any garden. Commonly found in moist meadows or dry woodlands, this plant can be gargled to help fight sore throats, applied to insect bites, and used as a diuretic. While many people use this member of the Sunflower family in bouquets, it goes far beyond the world of ascetics.

Shade Garden

With an abundance of woodlands, Ohio also has an abundance of native flowers that grow great in the shade, sprawling all over the Earth’s carpet. Here are a few flowers that thrive in our locality, offering beauty and some additional usages. These two lists, along with other resources, can all be found on Keystone Flora's website.

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