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Photo courtesy of Judy Fulton
The Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland’s Best Program, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, University of Maryland Extension, and the Maryland Native Plant Society, are proud to announce the Maryland Native Plants program, developed to educate and encourage consumers to purchase Maryland native plants from authorized retailers. Maryland native plants are critical to the health of our environment. They are crucial for the survival of many of our native pollinators and other beneficial insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles, and can be more resilient than non-native plants in the face of changing weather and climate patterns. Plus, they can be easier to grow and require less maintenance.
Check out the list below to find certified nurseries that are committed to carrying 20% or more of their inventory with Maryland native plants. Retailers and wholesalers are graded by percentage and receive bronze (20-49%), silver (50-74%), or gold (75-100%) designations. Consumers are to visit the locations below to purchase native plants. In addition to the below retailers, you can also visit a native plant sale; please visit the Maryland Native Plant Society to see a list of sales around the state!
Certified Wholesaler/Retailer Nursery List
Native plants are those that have been growing in an area prior to European Settlement, and have evolved over thousands of years to the growing conditions of a local environment. They are adapted physically, genetically, and chemically to local soil, weather, water, and threats like herbivores or fire.
For the commercial list, we’re looking at multiple sources to determine nativity, using the Maryland Plant Atlas as the definitive source. The Department of Natural Resources, The University of Maryland Extension, and the Maryland Native Plant Society work collaboratively on the list.
There are a LOT of resources to help make decisions about your space. First you can use the Commercial Maryland Native Plant List which has information on the individual plants.
The University of Maryland Extension has a web page specific to home gardening here: Native Plans for the Home Landscape.
The Department of Natural Resources Wild Acres program includes information on native plant species and some of the to invasives in the “Landscaping for Wildlife” section.
The Maryland Native Plant Society provides abundant resources for gardening and landscaping with native plants including alternatives to using non-native species.
Last but not least, visit one of the certified nurseries and ask one of the associates! These locations are passionate about natives and have years of experience and can help you figure out what’s best for your space!
- Invasive plants are not native and harm the environment, economy, and even human health.
- Invasive plants can be controlled long-term by utilizing a combination of control techniques and tools that are specific to their biology.
- Replace invasive plants with competitive native plant species that are appropriate for the soil and growing conditions
Please fill out this Add a Species Request Form.
Bookmark this page and follow @mdsbestag on Facebook and @mdsbest on Instagram to learn more about Maryland Native Plants, Maryland agriculture, and Maryland seafood.
Please contact Kristin Hanna, Maryland’s Best Director of Special Projects at [email protected].
Please contact Lisa Kuder, University of Maryland Extension Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist at [email protected].
