Where to buy native plants near you is one of the biggest questions. It’s pretty straightforward, but it can get complicated.
Below, I’ve listed many resources that I encourage you to use. Many of these local nurseries are near me in SW Ohio, but I’ve also listed other resources.
First, let’s understand some basics about buying native plants.
Buying Native Plants
When I search “where to buy native plants near me” on Google, I get some really good results, but I also find big box stores near me, which is a definite no-go.
Big box stores often don’t carry true natives (see my blog post on Natives, Nativars, and Cultivars) and frequently treat them with neonicotinoids or other systemic pesticides, which are bad for pollinators.
Moreover, even if they do have a “true” native, is it really? Is it native to your ecoregion (learn more about ecoregions here)? We aim for genetic diversity with our native plants, so acquiring a plant native to your area is best. Plus, big box stores have enough money, so instead, buy from a reputable native plant nursery that cares about the plants and their benefits.
Ensure the native plants you purchase haven’t been nursery propagated. Nurseries and garden centers claiming their plants are nursery-grown might have collected them from the wild and then propagated them. Poaching of spring ephemerals is on the rise.
For years, nurseries have misled us with the availability of plants that don’t benefit the environment or local pollinators. I’m not pointing fingers; I’m just stating the fact. Nurseries prefer uniformity. Same height, color, bloom time, leaf size, etc. It makes sense for them, which is why you’ll see more and more nativars at nurseries. However, this doesn’t align with our goals for native plants, local pollinators, wildlife, genetic diversity, and more.
You don’t need a lot of acreage to make a difference. Plant native plants this year, and you’ll be amazed. If you think you have room for just one, buy five and plant them because you probably have more room than you think.
Remove some grass (see my post on lawn removal benefits) and plant natives. You will be hooked!
Before you source your native plants, you might want to understand which native plants are best and you can do that by checking out a few resources:
- National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder
- Audubon Native Plants Database
- Homegrown National Park Keystone Trees and Shrubs
Where to Buy Native Plants
Related Resources
- The Four Steps to an Eco-Friendly Yard | A Proven Plan for a Greener Tomorrow
- Remove Invasives
- Plant Natives
- Banish Pesticides
- Reduce Lawn
Need Help Going Native?
There are a lot of “rules” we’ve been told over the years and some hard-and-fast beliefs that we’ve developed as homeowners and gardeners. If you’d like help to understand a more eco-friendly, natural, and beneficial method, please reach out to learn more, and we can go native together!