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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Extension Master Gardener Photos of the Month for October showcase the importance of pollinators
Published on October 10, 2022
Diane Phelps’ and Katie Stone’s photos highlight one of MSU Extension Master Gardener’s missions: Teaching others about pollinators. -
Extension Master Gardener Photo of the Month for August showcases protecting water quality
Published on August 5, 2022
Patty Cotter’s photo highlights one of MSU Extension Master Gardener’s missions: Teaching others how to garden to protect water quality. -
Drive-by botany: Orange daylily and white sweet-clover
Published on July 19, 2022
Profiles of common Michigan roadside flora in early July 2022. -
Drive-by botany: Elderberry and ox-eye daisy
Published on July 12, 2022
Profiles of common Michigan roadside flora in late June 2022. -
Drive-by botany: Black locust and multiflora rose
Published on June 21, 2022
Profiles of common Michigan roadside flora in early June 2022.
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