It’s a mixed bag. Some natives grow easily, as they are naturally adapted to the climate, but some can be tricky little bastards as they are only adapted to very specific conditions that may or may not exist in your home yard (or they would do well once established, but getting to that point is difficult). Introduced species can be easier to grow, because they’re overadapted to the climate (that’s what makes invasive species so, well, invasive!).

Your example of growing catmint is a bit of luck on your part: mint is often considered a weed for growing so vigorously, so it’s a great choice for novice or “brown-thumb” gardeners. These are the types of plants we should be specifically promoting, so new gardeners don’t have to rely on luckily stumbling upon easy-to-grow natives.

On that note, might I advertise my namesake plant, “fireweed” (Chamaenerion angustifolium)? Beautiful flowers, easy to establish, self-sufficient once established (it’s called fireweed for a reason!), and beloved by bees. Native to much of Canada and the United States (and maybe northern Europe/Asia?). www.fs.usda.gov/…/chamerion_angustifolium.shtml