Native plants

Plants that are native to Minnesota are often easier to grow than non-native varieties. They are already adapted to our soil and climate and need minimal care to grow and thrive.

Here are a few resources to get you started on selecting and growing native plants in your yard or garden. Some of these resources recommend both native and non-native plants. To find natives, pay attention to the details provided in the resources.

• Benefits of Native Grasses
• The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites
• Common questions about wildflowers and native plants
• Creating a butterfly garden
• Gardening in the shade
• Native Plants for Sustainable Landscapes: Establishment and Management of Lakeshores and Gardens
• Planting and maintaining a prairie garden
• Plants for pollinators
• Select trees and shrubs for Minnesota landscapes 
• Trees and shrubs for pollinators
• UMN Forest Resources trees, shrubs and vines database

Try the diagnostic tool What's wrong with my plant? for a step-by-step guide through diagnosing a plant problem.