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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Drive-by botany: Joe Pye weed and ironweed
Published on August 24, 2023
Profiles of common Michigan roadside flora in mid-August 2023. -
Top 10 native plants for shorelines that are easy to find
Published on August 14, 2023
These native plants are not hard to locate and can improve your shoreline with their beauty and support of pollinators. -
Drive-by Botany: Yellow coneflower and wild bergamot
Published on July 31, 2023
Profiles of common Michigan roadside flora in late July 2023. -
Green stormwater infrastructure: Building sustainable and resilient communities
Published on July 28, 2023
Green stormwater infrastructure practices can protect waterways by reducing pollutants. -
Grant Increases Habitat for Pollinators Across Michigan
Published on July 27, 2023
Meghan Milbrath, Ph.D., was awarded NCR-SARE grant to work with farmers to improve habitat for pollinators.
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