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.
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