Native plants are a critical component of a healthy ecosystem
Native plants are adapted to local conditions so they’re relatively easy to grow. Even better–because they evolved here, they don’t require pesticides or fertilizers. Gardening with native plants is one way to do your part in preserving our local environment. They support birds, beneficial insects, and other wildlife providing food and shelter.
Our Native Plant Nursery is open May – October.
Our volunteers and staff are always willing to help you make native plant selections. Stop by anytime the nursery is open: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm.
Suggested books
We recommend the following books on native plants. Some speak specifically to use in landscaping while others are tools for general identification. The books listed here are available at the Audubon Nature Store located at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. They’re either in stock or we can order them for you. Many titles are available in the ACNP reference library.
Mountains of the Heart: A Natural History of the Appalachians by Scott Weidensaul
The Native Plant Primer by Carole Ottesen
Landscaping with Native Trees: The Northeast, Midwest, Midsouth, and Southeast Edition by Guy Sternburg and Jim Wilson
The Plants of Pennsylvania, an Illustrated Manual by Ann Fowler Rhoads & Timothy A. Block. The definitive botanical guide to PA species, and the most accurate identification of native and non-native species
Wildflowers of Pennsylvania by Mary Joy Haywood and Phyllis Testal Monk
Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb. A thorough field guide with an easy to use key system for identification
