Convert your lawn into green spaces using native plants and reduce air pollution! Native plant gardens decrease the area of lawn that needs to be mowed. Native plants need less water and maintenance because they are accustomed to the Kansas climate. You save time while helping to reduce air pollution!

There are hundreds of native plants that can be grown in suburban yards and gardens here in the Great Plains. Many lawn and garden stores will be able to assist you with native flowers that suit your yard based on shade and sun.

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) recommends ten common species of plants, flowers, and trees that grow well in the Kansas City region. These native plants are recognized by Powell Gardens as Plants of Merit.

Perennials

• Blue False Indigo (Baptista australis)
• Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
• Willowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius)

Shrubs

• Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
• Smooth Hydrangea (Hydranagea arborescens)
• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Trees

• Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
• Sourgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Download MARC's list, which includes information and a picture of each plant, here:
Ten Natives for the Kansas City Region
Find out more information about Plants of Merit at MBG Kemper Center for Home Gardening.

Some helpful websites to get you started:

Kansas Native Plants Society
Kansas Native Plants
Grow Native