NATIVE PLANTS

The term "native plant" can be defined in many ways.  A simple definition is this: Plants originally from the area.  More thorough definitions include:

• Plants that occur naturally in an area and are thus better suited for survival under natural conditions

• Plant species that occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem and/or habitat without direct or indirect human actions

In Iowa, native plants are generally considered to be those species existing in the state at the time of European settlement.  While the activities of Iowa's indigenous people did affect the region's ecosystems, it wasn't until the mid-1800s that large-scale habitat alteration and the introduction of non-native plants began to significantly change Iowa's natural landscape.  Prior to this time, over 85 percent of the state was covered in prairie grasses and flowers. Wetlands, savannas, and woodlands were other important native plant communities of the state.

Use the LRTF's Native Plant Database to learn more about Iowa's native plant species, many of which are reappearing on Iowa roadsides due to efforts of the Living Roadway Trust Fund, the Iowa Department of Transportation and other organizations.
 

INVASIVE PLANTS

Many definitions exist for the term "invasive plant" as well.  Invasive plants are generally defined as species that have become established in an area and, by out-competing more desirable plants, degrade natural areas and agricultural land. Invasive plants are usually non-native, but sometimes native plants can become overly abundant in an area, often in response to habitat disturbance.  Invasive plants continually adapt and move to new habitats, particularly disturbed roadsides.  Photos and information about some of Iowa’s common and showy roadside invasive plants can be found here: