Why Native Vegetation? As long-lived perennials adapted to local growing conditions, native plants provide durable cover for Iowa's roadsides. The roots of these plants typically reach depths of 6 to 15 feet. This enables them to withstand drought conditions, high salt concentrations and other environmental stresses. Native grasses are warm-season species that, instead of going dormant, continue to thrive and grow through the long, hot summer.
Why Native Vegetation? As long-lived perennials adapted to local growing conditions, native plants provide durable cover for Iowa's roadsides. The roots of these plants typically reach depths of 6 to 15 feet. This enables them to withstand drought conditions, high salt concentrations and other environmental stresses. Native grasses are warm-season species that, instead of going dormant, continue to thrive and grow through the long, hot summer.
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Native Vegetation
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Benefits
Benefits of a diverse mix of native vegetation:
- Improved erosion control and slope stabilization
- Adaptation to a wide range of soil conditions
- Greater ability to combat weeds
- Increased infiltration of storm water runoff
- Increased capture of blowing and drifting snow
- Improved habitat for pheasants, songbirds and important pollinator species
- Beautification with colorful wildflowers and native grasses
- Restoration of our natural heritage.