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Sowing Native Seeds: Growing a Greener Future

  • Samantha Clay, Jack Bose, Jasmine Gomez, and Vallen Morales
  • Oct 28, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 9

If you took the time to look closely at your surroundings, you may be able to recognize a few species of native plants in your area. Perhaps the ones you’re thinking of are the orange poppies your parents always told you not to pick or the oak tree leaf on the West Valley College logo. However, native plants are more than just the state flower or tree. They encompass many species of land and aquatic plants that were here long before European settlers first visited the Americas. They are both better adapted and better suited to thrive in their unique environments than plants from other continents. Of the varieties of plants currently present in California, 86% of naturalized species are native. California hosts approximately 6,500 native plant species, with most of them not being found elsewhere. Many of these native plant species have amazing adaptations that help them survive in their environment. Did you know that the California Buckeye sheds its leaves in summer to prevent water loss during the long drought season? Or that the Giant Sequoia can hold onto its cones for upwards of 20 years waiting for fire to open them? 


California Native plants are more than just their amazing location-specific adaptations; they also supply plenty of environmental benefits as well. Planting native plants rather than introduced non-native species can conserve water, which can save you money on your water bills. 


Many species of native plants in California are adapted, or equipped, to handle summer droughts, so they don’t require as much water. Most of these drought-adapted plants also have deep and extensive root systems to better extract limited water from dry soils, which can help stabilize and slow the flow of water in times of flooding. The California Department of Water resources states that "A sustainably designed, drought-tolerant native garden can use 85 percent less water per year than a traditional landscape with turf and high-water use plants.” This is an 85% reduction on your water bill, meaning that tough water restrictions during times of drought won’t mean a spike in cost for maintaining a native garden.


Native plants improve ecosystem health by attracting a variety of animals and insects. A Washington Post article called “Natives Vs. ‘Nativar’ Plants” asserts that “...pollinators prefer the natives that they have co-evolved with.” Native plants provide a vital source of nectar for native bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths, so by planting them, one can expect to see more in the area. Some even act as host plants for moths, butterflies, and their caterpillars, providing an important food source for baby birds during the nesting season. Additionally, the beneficial native insects and animals that native plants attract can help manage pests such as ticks and mosquitoes, keeping your garden safe and teeming with life. 


West Valley College has a large variety of native plants you can appreciate on campus, from the grove of oak trees in the center of campus, to the native gardens in front of the biology building and the redwoods lining Fruitvale Avenue. Oak trees are an important foundational species for many ecosystems in California, as they feed and provide shelter to many insects and birds. If you stand under one, you may be lucky enough to see a family of acorn woodpeckers on the upper branches drilling holes in the bark so they can store their acorns for the winter. The moon garden on campus contains a variety of plant species all the way from the California Bay Laurel to snow plants laden with berries, including plants specifically selected to attract beneficial nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths. During the springtime, these creatures can be observed glowing under UV flashlights during periodic nocturnal insect walks and bat surveys hosted by the biology department. Finally, the redwoods lining Fruitvale Avenue have been used for years during labs for West Valley College’s Plant Biology Course, educating students on the importance of observational science and redwood health in California. 


Native plants are important members of our community. California has over 2,000 of its native plant species that are found nowhere else in the world, but if we don’t act now, we may see these endemic plants diminished due to competition from invasive plants introduced from other continents. Native plants can help with water conservation and maintaining the habitat for the little creatures that bring us joy every day. No one wants to see weeds and nonindigenous invasive plants overtaking the natural beauty of our community, especially at an educational facility that takes pride in showing its students the beauty of California. We want to continue providing more educational opportunities to West Valley College students and introduce more native plants to our campus. We want to continue living around native plants, whether it is in our neighborhood or at school.


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(This article originally appeared in Issue 1 of The Helm)








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