Colorado has considerable biodiversity in its vegetation and wildlife. And with the state’s fluctuating weather, varying degrees of elevation, and different soil types, Colorado native plants offer many benefits. These benefits include less maintenance, lower costs, wildlife preservation, and natural authenticity.
Consider taking a domestic approach to decorating and designing your landscape. At Westside Grounds, our landscaping experts can help you design a breathtaking landscape that will be the jewel of your neighborhood. Contact us today and speak with one of our representatives to schedule an appointment.
What Plants Are Native in Colorado?
Are you looking for landscaping ideas? The following are examples of plants native to Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia Caerulea)
Rocky Mountain columbine flowers are the state flowers of Colorado. They are about two to three inches wide. They have violet sepals and white petals.
These flowers grow on a bush about two feet tall. They are perennial, meaning they come back every year.
Pollinators, like butterflies, are attracted to Rocky Mountain columbine.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens)
Colorado blue spruce trees are a type of evergreen. They are a beautiful silvery blue-green color. These trees can grow close to 100 feet tall and up to 30 feet wide.
They are tolerant of extreme weather and can survive with little maintenance and water. Colorado spruce trees also provide shelter for birds in their branches, promoting the natural ecosystems in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus Scopulorum)
Rocky Mountain juniper trees are a light green or darker bluish color. Unlike Colorado blue spruce trees, Rock Mountain juniper trees are shorter, growing to about 30 to 40 feet. Their bark is a reddish-brown color.
Their blue seed cones provide food for wildlife.
These trees are cold-resistant, though they do not thrive in high-humidity environments. Rocky Mountain juniper trees don’t require a lot of water to grow.
Liatris (Liatris Punctata)
Also called dotted blazing stars, liatris flowers bloom in the late summer months. They are a lavender-pink color. Bees, butterflies, birds, hummingbirds, and other wildlife are attracted to this flower.
Liatris flowers are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They do not demand a significant amount of water. They can thrive well during drought spells.
Spreading Daisy (Erigeron Divergens)
Spreading daisies are a pink, purple, or white color. Blooming in the summer months, these flowers grow to over a foot. They can live in different types of soil and require little water.
If you are looking for flowers resistant to insects and diseases, look no further than spreading daisies.
What Are the Benefits of Having Plants Native to Colorado?
Native Colorado plants have many benefits that non-native plants do not. Here are some examples.
Less Maintenance
Native Colorado plants require less maintenance than nonnative plants because they are natural to the environment. They have already adapted to the soil, temperatures, and drought spells. Because of this, they require less water and fertilizer to maintain and keep healthy.
Resistant to Insects and Disease
Insects can cause devastation to your landscape. They can also make it look very unattractive. Nobody wants to see insects flying around and crawling all over your plants.
Native plants are also more resistant to local pests. Thus, the risk of an infestation is less than with nonnative plants.
Resistant to Fungus and Other Diseases
Fungus and other diseases can ravage your plants. They can overrun your landscape in a short amount of time. Native plants tend to be more resistant to these plights than nonnative plants.
Benefit Wildlife
Urbanization has destroyed many habitats in Colorado. Planting native plants helps to restore the natural habitats of Colorado.
These plants can provide shelter and food to other members of the ecosystem. They can also attract native wildlife back to the area, providing the opportunity to repopulate the species.
Promote the Authenticity of Colorado Landscape
You can decorate your landscape with any plants. However, sometimes non-native plants can make a landscape look artificial. For example, palm trees are beautiful. However, they thrive in tropical and desert climates. Growing palm trees in Colorado requires making adjustments to your landscape.
With native plants, you can help highlight Colorado’s natural beauty.
Decrease Cost
Native plants use less water and fertilizer. They are also more resistant to insects and fungi. Thus, you won’t have to use as much pesticide and fungicide.
Because of these characteristics, the cost of maintaining native plants will be less than for maintaining non-native plants.
Contact Westside Grounds for Your Planting Needs
Westside Grounds has been a leader in landscaping design, construction, and maintenance in the Denver and Lakewood areas since 1999. For 25 years, our specialists have helped residents and businesses turn their landscapes into masterpieces.
Schedule an appointment with one of our professionals and learn more about how you can decorate your landscape with native Colorado plants.