How California Native Plants Save Water and the Planet 🌿💧
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June 26, 2024
Bailey Duarte, LA Waterkeeper Community Engagement Manager
California native plants are magical ✨They are out thriving in conditions that would make my houseplants wither, all while creating homes for pollinators, filtering our stormwater runoff, and more. Even if you just have a balcony to grow a few poppies, or live near a vacant lot in need of some seed bombs, California Native Plants provide an incredible service to all Angelenos (winged and all 🐝🦋)
Low Maintenance Queens 👑🌻🌿🌸
We all have that friend that claims to be a low maintenance queen, but California native plants are really 🌿 that plant 🌿. Once they’re settled in, they use up to 85% less water than traditional landscaping. This means you’ll save big on your water bill while giving a break to our precious water resources.
Deep Roots and Drought Tolerance
So, what makes these plants so special? It’s all in their deep roots! Native plants, and the habitats they create, provide us with an incredible amount of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are processes or functions that nature can provide for us by just being nature! When planted in your home or garden, natives establish a deep root system, allowing for water to refresh our groundwater supplies. These deep roots also help prevent soil erosion, which is a significant benefit for areas prone to landslides or heavy rains.
Naturally Pesticide-Free and Fertilizer-Free
One of the best things about California native plants is that they don’t need any fertilizers or pesticides. Why? Because these plants are perfectly adapted to thrive in the local soil and climate conditions. Southern California’s soils are typically low in nutrients and often dry. Native plants have adapted to these conditions over thousands of years, meaning they don't need nutrient boosts from fertilizers. Additionally, native plants have evolved alongside local insects and wildlife, helping to create a balanced ecosystem where natural predators keep pest populations in check. Since native plants don’t need extra help, you save money on fertilizers and pesticides, and you prevent harmful chemicals from ending up in waterways like the LA River, Dominguez Channel, or Compton Creek!
Biodiversity Boosters 🦋🐝
Pollinators (butterflies, birds, bees) can make your native garden their new home. Our native plants coevolved with these animals to not only survive but THRIVE with each other. These native plants will attract all their friends, including native insects, small reptiles, and birds, which will take care of more meddlesome pests – I’m looking at you mosquitos, ticks, and aphids.
Many habitats previously available to pollinators, insects, and birds have been severely impacted. By urban development leaving our pollinator friends with fewer, and smaller places to call home, and requiring them to travel further to meet their basic needs. By introducing native plants in your home, you’ll be creating LA’s hottest new pollinator rest stop and habitat!
Natural Air Conditioners ❄️
On top of providing a much-needed biodiversity boost, did you know that native plants can also help cool down your home and neighborhood? By providing shade and releasing moisture into the air, these plants can reduce the urban heat island effect, meaning lower temperatures around your home and less energy spent on air conditioning, especially when compared to artificial turf. Studies have shown that artificial turf can reach temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit on hot days. Additionally, native plants absorb and filter stormwater, decreasing the risk of flooding and further minimizing the amount of pollutants reaching our waterways.
Climate Resilience 🌎
Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to climate change impacts. Properly maintaining your native garden can even increase your home's fire tolerance. Well-maintained and hydrated native plants can hold water in their leaves and stems for long durations, making them difficult to burn. Invasive grasses and palms aren’t able to do this, and thus are more flammable, becoming fuel during wildfires. Additionally, plants in general absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis, reducing the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. By incorporating native plants into our landscapes, we can help combat climate change while fostering healthier, more resilient ecosystems.
This summer, let’s celebrate California native plants! By choosing these drought-tolerant, biodiversity-boosting wonders, you’re not only making a smart choice for your yard but also taking a big step toward a cooler, more sustainable planet. So, get planting and let your garden thrive with the beauty and benefits of California natives!