Why Plant Native?

The Catskills are home to a wealth of native plants, some not found anywhere else in NY. Exotic and invasive plants threaten the native Catskill ecosystem by out-competing native plants and creating inhospitable habitats for native animals.

So why plant native? Native plants not only benefit native bees, butterflies, and birds but are also a lot easier to take care of. Native plants are already adapted to NY climates and require less maintenance like irrigation, fertilizing, and pest control. What’s more, native plants can be just as attractive as exotic plants sold at garden centers. Next time you head out for a hike look around and you might see the brilliant red of the cardinal flower, the cool blue of bottle gentian, or the stunning yellows of marsh marigolds.

monarch Butterflies love native plants

Monarch butterflies and other native insects love native plants. Many of these species have co-evolved over millions of years and depend on a variety of native NY plants to flourish.
Monarch butterflies (*Danaus plexippus*) depend on native milkweed species to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars. Invasive look-a-like plants like black and pale swallow-wort can trick monarchs into laying their eggs on them where the caterpillars cannot survive.
There are over a dozen species of milkweed native to NY and most can be found in the Catskills. Species such as common milkweed (*Asclepias syriaca*), swamp milkweed (*Asclepias incarnata*), and clasping milkweed (*Asclepias amplexicaulis*) make for a great addition to native gardens. Milkweeds display beautiful clusters of flowers in white, pink, purple, and every color in between each summer, attracting and sustaining native butterflies, bees, and other insects.

Learn More About Milkweeds Here

What Plants are Right for Your Garden?

Some native Catskill plants are adapted to thrive in specific habitats and yet others are generalists, happy wherever they can put down roots. Understanding what plants fit your ‘habitat’ can help determine which plants will thrive in your garden!

Native Plant Resources

Gardening and Landscaping

Native Plant Trust

APIPP BMP for Invasive Plants

Catskill Mountain Club's Native Flowers of the Catskills

Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve

International Seed Morphology Association

Mountain Top Arboretum Education Center Planting Areas

Mountain Top Areboretum Native Tree Gallery

Native Plant Finder

Native Species Planting Guide for New York City

Native Trees, Shrubs and Forbs for Specific Purposes

NY Audubon 'Getting Started with Native Plants'

NY Audubon Native Plants and Pollinators

NY Flora Association

NY Natural Heritage Program Ecological Communities

NY Natural Heritage Program Plant Guide

NY Natural Heritage Program's 2022 Rare Plant List

NYSDEC Native Flower Guide

NYSDEC Natives for Planting and Landscaping

Xerces Society Northeast Native Pollinator Plants

Xerces Society NY Native Flowers for Pollinators

Water Gardens, Wetlands, & Riparian

Mountain Top Arboretum Rain Garden Booklet

Native Planting List for Riparian Areas

NYSDEC Riparian Restoration Guide

NYSDEC Water Garden Guide

Native Pollinator Resources

Pollinator Pathways of NY

Pollinator Pathways Northeast

SLELO PRISM Pollinator Pathway Project

Woodstock, NY Pollinator Pathway

Native Pollinator Resources

Cornell Cooperative Extension Pollinator Support

Empire State Native Pollinator Survey

Native Beeology

NYS Pollinator Protection Plan

Pollinator Partnership

USGS 'The Buzz on Native Bees'

USGS The Plight of the Bees

Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Program

Cornell Ground Nesting Bee Project

Things to consider include:

Amount of available light
- Is your garden full-sun, part-sun, or shaded?
Water availability
- Are you looking for plants that thrive in wet areas or ones that can handle full sun and arid soil?
- Are you going to depend on the rain or water yourself?
Are you planting in an exposed, windy area?
Soil type and drainage
Hardiness zone
- Depending on where you are in the Catskills your hardiness zone can vary!
What does the surrounding vegetation look like?
- Do you have to worry about competition from surrounding flora?
- Will your plants be out shaded by nearby trees or shrubs?