INDIANA — Autumn is the ideal time for Hoosier landowners to begin planning the addition of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and prairies to their properties for the upcoming growing season.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), native species—plants that originated naturally within the region—provide significantly greater ecological benefits to local insects and wildlife compared to non-native varieties.
Beyond supporting native biodiversity, blooming trees, shrubs, and wildflowers enhance residential landscaping and offer an effective solution for filling large, open acreage. Small native trees and shrubs such as redbud, flowering dogwood, serviceberry, gray dogwood, and silky dogwood offer vibrant spring displays. For season-long color, native prairie plantings featuring a diverse mix of wildflower species can maintain continuous blooms from spring straight through the fall.
Landowners interested in establishing native vegetation can receive free technical assistance from DNR district wildlife biologists. Additionally, state-operated nurseries are available as a resource for ordering bare-root seedlings ahead of the spring 2027 planting season.
