Many provide winter interest through their bark or seed pods. Another dimension of native plants is their historical and cultural interest. Some plants played a significant role in Native American culture, or in the European exploration and settlement. Many species have reported value as food or medicine. Others have been used for cordage, textiles, dyestuffs, or similar domestic purposes.
Native plants can provide children and adults with a tangible link to the past.
Craig Tufts has written an excellent introduction to the environmental benefits of landscaping with native plants. Tufts is an national director of Wild Ones. Neil Diboll's article describes how native plants fit in American landscaping practice. Ltd. All rights reserved. Updated April 22, 2001.