Native Species
/NAY-tiv SPEE-sheez/🦋 Ecology● Basic
Also known as: indigenous species, endemic species
Native species (also called indigenous species) are plants that have existed in a particular ecosystem for thousands of years, having co-evolved with local wildlife, soils, and climate. They typically require less maintenance, water, and fertilizer than non-natives and provide superior habitat value for native pollinators and wildlife. Native plant gardening has become a major movement in sustainable landscaping.
Etymology
From Latin nativus (born, innate) + Latin species (form)
Example
“Replacing the lawn with native prairie species reduced water use by 75% while supporting monarch butterflies.”