Do You Know LI's Native Plants?

GREAT SOUTH BAY — Have a green thumb or hoping to obtain one? Consider learning about local flowers or shrubs.

"Native Plants" — plants that grow naturally in a particular area or ecosystem — are Save the Great South Bay's Wednesday Word of the Week.

Save the Great South Bay is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Long Island's Great South Bay.

Over time, these plants have evolved and adapted to the soils and climate and thus need less water to prosper. They also serve as habitat for local birds, bees, and other pollinators. They also help filter nitrogen and provide landing pads for local pollinators.

Popular examples of Long Island native plants include Butterfly Milkweed, Seaside Goldenrod, Bayberry, Little Bluestems, Black-eyed Susans, Purple Blazing Star.

Native plants belong on Long Island, the nonprofit said. Unlike foreign plants like Japanese Honeysuckle, Clemantis and Foxglove, native plants require less water and maintenance.

Find more native plant suggestions and other tips by visiting the Bay Friendly Yard Resource page at its website.