MS SB2137

Designates each April as "Mississippi Native Plant Month" beginning in April 2023 to preserve native plant heritage and their importance for clean air, water, and soil stability.

Mississippi is home to more than 2,700 native plant species including trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers that are well-adapted to the state's soils and environmental conditions.

During April, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce shall urge citizens to educate themselves about native plants and their benefits to pollinators, erosion prevention, and environmental health.

Four Mississippi native plant species are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act: Price's Potato-Bean, American Chaffseed, Louisiana Quillwort, and Pondberry.

The act takes effect upon passage.