Over the millennia, plant communities have developed methods of communication that humans are just discovering and are able to prove. Communication between plants is a subject that sounds far-out, but it makes perfect sense. Plants can’t move so they must manipulate the soil and wildlife around them, influencing their neighbors so as to survive and procreate. One way in which they communicate is via scent, some of which the human nose cannot detect. These scents are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  

Imagine two native plants anywhere in the world. When one is attacked by an insect it will release an alarm VOC that the other plant will ‘smell’. The other plant will then release another VOC that attracts a predatory insect to attack the insect on the first plant.

Non-native plants will attempt this communication, but they don’t speak the same language– their scents may not be recognized by their neighbors. Or they’re signaling for an insect that lives in the plant’s home country. By integrating California native plants into your landscape you are enabling this beneficial communication to benefit the rest of your garden. Moosa Creek has a superb selection of native plants that will make your garden sing, and a searchable database that will make your shopping easy.

Permaculturists plant highly scented plants such as sages (Salvia spp.) next to orchard trees and vegetable gardens, as well as throughout a low-water-use ornamental landscape. The VOCs help protect other plants from pest insects and the tiny flowers attract pollinators boosting fruit, nut and vegetable production. Best of all, sages and most other California native plants require much less water than typical food-producing plants, and hummingbirds love their gorgeous flower stalks. Plant them outside the dripline of fruit trees and they’ll survive on water from the existing irrigation.

Don’t forget to listen in! You can find out more about California native plants at www.moosacreeknursery.com.