Native vegetation includes all the plant species that occur naturally in a particular habitat.  Species of ferns, grasses, forbs, vines, shrubs and trees which were found in the area before European settlement are considered to be native species.  These plants have evolved together over time to form communities that are well-suited to the particular combination of soil, temperature, nutrients, and rainfall of their region.  The communities are hardy because they are adapted to the local conditions and they provide essential habitat for native insects and animals.