Burning question: What are good plants to grow in Denver that are native and drought-resistant?
- ASCP News
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Why is it important to grow native plants?
Native plants are naturally adapted to Colorado’s climates, soils, and environmental conditions, so they don’t need as many external additions like water and fertilizer. When native plants are established, they can help conserve water and attract mammals, birds, butterflies, and other native pollinators (Colorado State University).
Why drought-resistant plants?
Because it is so dry in Colorado, and droughts are becoming more frequent, it is more important than ever to save water. Denver County is currently in a severe drought (D2), which is the second of four levels of drought (U.S. Drought Monitor).
Drought-resistant plants can withstand a lack of water, and native plants and soil help retain water. That soil helps to filter water before it returns to creeks and rivers. Planting native plants can also help control erosion (USDA). Landscaping with rocks instead of native plants results in excess runoff when it does rain, which causes a rapid influx of pollutants into water sources.
Which plants should I add to my garden?
Many types of cacti and succulents can handle Colorado's extreme summers and winters. However, there are many perennial flowers that are native to here as well. Colorado’s state flower, the Colorado Columbine, is a beautiful example of resilient plants that are also showy (USDA). Denver Audubon has a list of resources to learn more about native plants that support birds and other wildlife (Denver Audubon).
If you’re going to plant grass, buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue and fine fescues all use less water than Kentucky blue grass (Denver Water). Denver Water also supplies a native grass seed mix when available, as an incentive to save water and not plant Kentucky bluegrass.
Native plants on campus
Auraria Campus has several green roofs, which help reuse stormwater runoff and insulate buildings. We also have a shade garden on campus, full of native plants. You can find it on the Auraria Campus Sustainability Trail, and check it out just in time for Earth Week!
Written by: Peri Muellner
References
Shonle, I., Vickerman, L.G., Klett, J.E. (2004). Native herbaceous perennials for Colorado landscapes. Colorado State University.
MSU Denver. (n.d.). Campus Sustainability Trail.
Denver Water. (n.d.). Xeriscape plans.
USDA. (n.d.). Native gardening.
Denver Audubon. (n.d.). Colorado native plants.
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