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Native Plants

As the name suggests, native plants are plants that occur in a particular region without human introduction. Native plants are special because they have co-evolved with local wildlife for thousands of years and are therefore very well suited to the area in which they grow.

Why do they matter?


Since the native plants co-evolved with local wildlife, they are very important for the success of creatures like insects and animals like birds.


Pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees all need native plants to thrive. They work together by pollinating these plants, which in turn give them nectar to drink. Animals like birds and bats also rely on native flora for fruit, seeds and shelter.

Narrowleaf sunflower


Why plant native?

When working with native plants that are perfectly adapted to their climate, there are a slew of benefits. Planting native is not only good for the environment but can make life easier by minimizing landscaping work. Native plants require less water than non-native, so they won’t need much upkeep from you, if any. This can lower your water bill substantially.

Planting native also saves money by allowing less pesticide and fertilizer use since the plants have naturally evolved to fight them off. This is in opposition to non-native plants, that may need constant upkeep to fight against diseases.

Not only are you saving money and helping your yard, but you are doing right by your environment. Planting native and eliminating unnecessary fertilizers keeps your local water ways healthy and clean for everyone to enjoy.

For a complete list of native plants in Folly Beach, click here.

Check out a list of native plants valuable to wildlife by SCWF here.

Where to get native plants

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation has great resources for planting native. Partnered with Garden for Wildlife, you can order native plants from the next page right to your front doorstep.

Local nurseries are also a great option as long as they advertise selling native plants. A great example of this is Roots and Shoots Nursery.