Native Species

For a nursery to be listed as a purveyor of native plants, it must carry a minimum of twenty species identified as native to Michigan on either the USDA plants database or on Michigan Flora. Cultivars of native plants do not count towards the requisite twenty species.   More information about choosing native plants can be found on our Other Resources page.  A non-exhaustive list of native plants that do well in ornamental landscapes can be found here:

Suggested Native Plants List

Participants are also encouraged to post signs near native plant stock and in demonstration gardens to educate visitors about habitat roles of native plants, our region’s natural heritage, and site suitability.  It has been shown that customers are willing to pay a premium for plants labeled as native; in addition, these signs function as an educational supplement, explaining the importance of selecting native plants and the plant’s role in our habitats.

Native Plant Signs

Samples of ​Wildflowers and Groundcovers

Samples of Grasses, Sedges, Vines, and Ferns

Samples of ​Native Trees and Shrubs

ISN has created 7×5″ colorful native plant signs for nearly 300 species; a list of species with signs created (organized by common or Latin names) will help you decide which signs you need; contact us to receive high-quality PDFs for free or to suggest more species.
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The native plant signs are licensed through the creative commons for non-commercial purposes; files must be shared free of costs with anyone wishing to use them in compliance with the license. ISN's branding should not be removed from the signs. 

ISN no longer provides an annual at-cost printing of physical signs for local partners. Inquire with sstusick@habitatmatters.org for more information.

Ornamental Invasive Species