Mississippi Native Plant Month

On March 6, 2023, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined Governor Tate Reeves in signing Senate Bill 2137 into law designating April as Mississippi Native Plant Month in order to preserve the heritage and importance of native plants for clean air, water and soil stability, and for related purposes. In addition, the bill charges the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce with promoting Mississippi Native Plant Month and educating the public on its importance.

“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is proud to be a part of this new law that designates April as Native Plant Month,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Most people may not realize the importance of native plants and the impact they have on our environment. Our agency is working to not only promote Mississippi Native Plant Month, but also in educating the public on these crucial plants, such as our own native Southern Magnolia and a variety of native grasses and wildflowers that benefit Mississippi’s wildlife and natural beauty.”

Mississippi is home to more than 2,700 native plant species which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and wildflowers. These native plants are well adapted to the state’s soils, wetlands, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental conditions, making them essential for conserving and protecting our environment. According to the Mississippi Native Plant Society, native plants preserve our rich biological heritage; provide shelter, as well as nectar, pollen and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that nonnative plants cannot provide; provide diversity in form, texture and color to fit any landscape style; and are hardy and easy to grow once established.

This month, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is reaching out in an effort to see that Mississippians learn and appreciate the importance and history of Mississippi’s native plants and the many benefits they provide to pollinators, and to preserve Mississippi’s biological heritage in aiding in the prevention of flooding and erosion and maintaining and preserving the health of Mississippi’s economy and environment.

Benefits of Native Plants

• Mississippi native plants are specific to our state; they occur naturally and evolve to thrive in our distinct ecosystems and environment. This makes them a low-maintenance, cost-effective option for your garden or yard.
• They typically do not require as much fertilizer, insect and disease control, or watering as non-native plants growing in the same area would.
• They are vital to pollinators by offering them food and shelter. Pollinators play a large role in agriculture, aiding in the growth of one-third of crops. Without the help of pollinators, we would not be able to enjoy various berries and vegetables.
• Their deep roots hold soil and soak up water which could help with preventing erosion and soaking up overly saturated areas of your yard.

A number of plants are native to Mississippi. A few examples include:

Perennial Full Sun:

• Aster
• Butterfly Weed
• Coreopsis
• Gaillardia
• Gaura
• Phlox
• Purple Coneflower
• Rudbeckia
• Sunflower
• Verbena
• Yarrow

Perennial Part Sun:

• Ageratum
• Blue Eyed Grass
• Columbine
• Louisiana Iris
• Penstemon
• Violets

Grasses:

• Inland Sea Oats
• Little Bluestem
• Muhly Grass
• Sedges
• Switch Grass

Shrubs:

• Arrowwood Viburnum
• Buttonbush
• Elderberry
• Native Azaleas
• Oakleaf Hydrangea
• Red Buckeye
• Sumac

Vines:

• Carolina Jessamine
• Crossvine
• Native Wisteria
• Native Honeysuckle
• Passionvine
• Virgin’s Bower Clematis
• Virginia Creeper

Trees:

• American Elm
• American Holly
• Bald Cypress
• Black Cherry
• Dogwood
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Hickory
• Locust
• Oaks
• Pecan
• Persimmon
• Redbud
• Sassafras
• Southern Magnolia
• Swamp Red Maple
• Sweet Bay Magnolia
• Sweet Gum
• Sycamore
• Tulip Poplar
• Walnut
• Willow
• Yaupon

Find Native Plants near You

Many native plants can be found at your local nurseries. Find a local nursery by visiting MDAC’s Directory of Mississippi Certified Nurseries and Nursery Dealers or GenuineMS.com.

Sources: Mississippi State University Extension Service

               The Garden Club of Jackson

               Keep Mississippi Beautiful’s Wildflower Trails of Mississippi