What Is a Native Plant?

A native plant is a species that has evolved naturally in a region over thousands of years, forming long‑standing ecological relationships with local wildlife, soils, and climate. Native plants occur in New England without human introduction and are part of the region’s original biodiversity. Since they are adapted to local conditions, native plants support pollinators, contribute to resilient ecosystems, and help maintain the ecological balance that defines New England’s natural landscapes.

Go Botany: Native Plant Trust: A comprehensive, research‑based database that provides species descriptions, habitat information, distribution maps, and identification tools for New England’s native and naturalized plants.

Invasive Plants and Why Identification Matters

Invasive plants are species that spread aggressively and disrupt native ecosystems. They outcompete local vegetation, reduce habitat quality for wildlife, and can alter soil and hydrological conditions. Since many invasive species resemble native plants, accurately identifying them is essential for protecting New England’s natural landscapes and preventing further ecological damage.

For accurate identification, the Agricultural Experiment Station’s Field Guide to Invasive Terrestrial Plants is a dependable reference for distinguishing invasive species from native look‑alikes. FieldGuideInvasiveTerrestrialPlantsJune2016pdf.pdf (SECURED)