Native plants are available from many sources. Some come from traditional nurseries, some from sellers who specialize in native plants, and some are available at native plant sales sponsored by various local groups. In the spring and fall, keep an eye open for special sales from groups like the Native Plant Society or Master Gardeners.

Native plants have become very popular, but not every one of them will help your wildlife. The following are three questions to ask growers and sellers to be sure that the native plants you buy will support your wildlife:

• Do they sell plants that are free from neonicotinoids and other similar insecticides? These insecticides will kill the very beneficial insects you are trying to support.

• Are the plants they sell hybrids or cultivars? These plants may have native plant names and look like native plants, but it’s quite likely that they won’t support native beneficial insects.

• Do they source plants locally? It’s not strictly necessary to buy plants that came from the Maryland Coastal Plains, but the more locally sourced a plant, the more likely it will support your local wildlife.