Question
Hello- I live in Central Indiana and often hear that I should only plant perennials native to Indiana. What are the benefits to planting only native plants? Do you know of any resource I could use to order native plants?

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Steve,
Thanx for your question.  Nowadays, many of us recognize the problems that certain plants that are alien to are environment can cause.  Kudzu was brought to the South as a livestock feed and is now choking out the Southern Pine Forest.  Mimosas invade much of the greater Atlanta area, choking out native trees, thistles have decimated many a pasture in the lower Midwest.  In fragile environments like Florida, water hyacinth and water lettuce choke waterways.  In California, alien shrubs choke out native shrubs and create a tinderbox environment in its dry climate.  Many states have developed programs to encourage people to use native whenever possible.  We, in the Midwest, don't often realize the diversity of plant-life we have in our environment.  For instance, in my native Kansas, there are 4 varities of blooming cactus that are native to the state.  Not to mentio purple conflower (Ecinacia) Kansas Gayfeather (Liatris) and many varieties of asters, daisies and other interesting flowers.

Here is a link to information regarding Indiana Natives.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.co.monroe.in.us/planning/documents/Indiana%20Sources%20for%20Native%2...