Western natives … at home in your garden - native plants

Sunset, Nov, 1994 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

Native plants bring a rich diversity of texture and color to home gardens. Today they also make ecological sense: they've evolved to survive the climate of a particular region and to live on what nature provides. For busy gardeners, there's another bonus: most natives need minimal upkeep. The following list identifies some of the best choices for cold mountain climates (particularly the Rocky Mountains) and the arid Southwest. When selecting a plant, keep in mind that although a plant is native, it may not be unthirsty. Plants such as redtwig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and Tagetes lemmonii come from moist habitats and need plenty of water. All native plants that have been growing in nursery containers need water while they are becoming established in a garden (for large trees, this can take several years). Only after plants are established can you cut back on water for those types that thrive naturally with little moisture. We list appropriate climate zones (from 1 to 24) based on Sunset's Western Garden Book.

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