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Native Plants - Part One
Native
plants have become increasingly popular. In our area, the interest seems to have
been sparked by the drought experienced in past years. Many gardeners believe
that, “Native is better,” and in some instances the use of native plants has
become very politicized.
While there has been much discussion about native plants, most gardeners are uncertain or misinformed about the potential benefits and concerns with planting natives. As was mentioned, for some this is a topic of strong opinion. The purpose of this article is to present a “middle of the road” synopsis of the use of natives. The information provided is to inform the average gardener who would like to include natives in his/her plantings. This is the first of a two-part series. In this article, we will attempt to clarify both the term “native” as well as some of the reasons for choosing to grow these plants. Next month’s article will outline native plant choices and how they work best in the landscape.
What Is a Native Plant?
“Native” generally means plants growing in North America prior to European settlement. (There are conflicting records for many plants concerning their introduction date.)
It is important to note, however, that species are in a constant state of flux. They are either advancing or receding, evolving or disappearing. With this in mind, the only time a plant is “truly” native is for that brief nanosecond in time when it is first living in that particular spot. Since even the land is moving and shifting, how can we say that anything is native anywhere?
The important point to consider when discussing this issue is not simply what it means to be native, but what possible consequences may effect the ecosystem as a whole when a particular plant species is introduced or displaced. This is the main argument for what ecologists call “preservation of biodiversity.” For example, a new plant introduction to the ecosystem may become a noxious weed, overtaking and killing off both native and non-native plants, potentially threatening plants, land and wildlife. On the other hand, some native plants, such as poison ivy, can have the same effect.
Are Cultivars Considered Native?
Cultivars are specific varieties within a family of plants. For example, Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a native plant. ‘Carousel’ is a cultivar of mountain laurel which is distinct by its intricate starburst pattern of bright purplish cinnamon-colored flowers. ‘Elf’ is another cultivar which is characterized by a dwarf, compact growth habit. Cultivars can be thought of as “new and improved” varieties. They are generally produced to obtain specific results - for example in plant growth and habit, flower and fruit color and profusion, and insect and disease resistance. Native “purists” would not consider cultivars native plants. For our “middle of the road” approach, we do consider them native. We define native as plants introduced by the early 1700s and include horticulture selections and cultivars.
The Native Gardening Myth
We find that most gardeners are interested in native plants because they believe they require little or no maintenance. Unfortunately, this is generally not the case. A native must be planted in its natural environment to offer relief in plant maintenance. Living in suburban Maryland doesn’t offer many opportunities for gardeners to take advantage of planting natives where they would naturally grow. Most native plants grow naturally in the woods, in open fields, along ponds and creek beds. For example, dogwoods and redbuds are native, but they grow naturally along the wood line, not in a full sun location in the middle of a lawn. In fact, dogwoods planted in full sun generally do not grow as quickly or bloom as profusely as those planted in part shade. They are also more prone to insects and disease. Another example is Caltha, marsh marigold, which is native. It requires moist soil. If a gardener plants caltha in a spot that is not naturally moist it will probably die - even though it is a native plant.
Including native plants in your landscape is a wonderful way to improve the biodiversity on your property. Next month’s article will feature native plant varieties.
Be sure to check out our archive of Garden Journal articles!
