The Garden State's Ancient Roots: A Legacy of Survival

Some of New Jersey’s native plants are so resilient, they survived the asteroid impact which wiped out the dinosaurs. Now, they are struggling to compete with the flashy, non-native species taking over modern landscapes.

It's hard to believe that long before New Jersey earned its title as the Garden State, it was a vastly different landscape—one dominated by towering ferns, giant conifers, and blooming magnolia trees that flourished during the Cretaceous period. Much of this lush plant life vanished with the extinction that ended the age of dinosaurs, but remarkably, some species of oak trees, magnolias, and ferns managed to survive.

By planting native species today, you’re not just nurturing plants that belong here—you’re supporting a legacy of survival that stretches back millions of years. Here at EFM, we wanted to celebrate these ancient champions of change, so we designed a garden using only native plants that had common ancestors to those who survived the harsh landscape of the dinosaur age and beyond. As the plants in our Cretaceous Gardens grow, they will provide essential habitats for wildlife, just as their ancestors did in the shadow of the dinosaurs.

The Power of Native Plants

New Jersey’s native plants are the unsung heroes of the garden. Some have survived and thrived through centuries of changing climates, adapting to the rhythms of our seasons, the texture of our soil, and the needs of the local wildlife. Unlike many of the imported species that require extra water, fertilizers, and constant care, native plants are built for the landscape they inhabit. They need less attention and give more in return, such as the nitrogen fixing New Jersey tea plant (Ceanothus americanus), whose beautiful flowers attract pollinators.

If you are looking to add some native plants to your garden a great place to start is your state agriculture extension office. If you happen to live in the Garden State, Incorporating Native Plants in Your Residential Landscape is a wonderful guide to start with.

There's a native plant for just about any landscape style. If you are planting a beautiful blooming tree in your front yard, consider the Common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea). With its delicate spring blossoms and bright fall berries, it stands as a quiet alternative to the flashy but highly opportunistic (and often problematic) Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana). For those who would rather have tall grasses lining their driveway, try the native little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), which sway beautifully in the breeze. Their roots dig deep into the soil, helping to stabilize it against erosion. If you want a more floral landscape, try planting the humble butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), whose orange blooms attract monarchs and other pollinators. The butterfly weed is a perfect replacement for the well-known butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), which often takes more than it gives back to the local ecosystem.

The next time you are out shopping for a new garden addition, why not try for the local heroes of the plant kingdom? It will increase the biodiversity and beauty of your yard and save you time with less watering, fertilizing, or pruning that non-natives often demand. In turn, you are preserving the prehistoric legacy of native plants for years to come.

References:

1.Rutgers NJAES. (2023). 1.Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives for Landscapes1. (Fact Sheet FS1353).