Encourage pollinators and other beneficial insects by planting native plants
Most plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. Without pollinators, we would have little to no fruit, fewer vegetables and many plant species would not survive. Insect predators and parasites, known as natural enemies, help control pest populations in crops and gardens. This biological control and pollination are ecosystem services from native plants. Native plants are pre-adapted to local conditions and naturally support native bees and other beneficial species. Michigan State University entomologists have been testing Michigan native and other plants for these purposes and share their results with you through the recommendations at this website. Find out how to select and grow native plants on your farm, garden or community setting by following the links in our navigation.
Watch the following video on our research behind this website as presented to farmers for North Central SARE.
Native Plants News
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Consider nature when designing your garden
Published on October 18, 2024
Canadian Garden Study Tour brings nature’s design to foreground. -
Add common milkweed to your garden to make colorful insects happy
Published on September 30, 2024
Milkweed plants can serve as host to many kinds of interesting insects. -
This bug’s stink is worse than its bite
Published on September 13, 2024
Green sting bugs may appear in large numbers, but generally don’t cause significant damage in Michigan gardens and landscapes. -
Bark to bloom: Michigan’s native dogwoods
Published on August 26, 2024
There is a dogwood for almost every garden. -
Enjoying the fireflies this summer? Thank a snail
Published on August 21, 2024
Before they become fireflies, these beetles spend their immature stage as predators of garden pests.
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