Native plant cultivars- yay or nay?
Plant breeders often make selections among native plants for specific characteristics (ex. unique coloring or large blooms) or they may "cross" multiple species to achieve desired traits. The plants resulting from these selections would be native cultivars or "nativars". There is a lot of discussion and opinions on whether the resulting plants are really "natives" or still have the same ecological benefits of regular native plants.
HIP believes that, in general, "nativars" are better choices than plants that originated outside of the mid-west and certainly outside of the USA. However, when nativars blooms or flower shapes are significantly different than the native variety, it can make the pollen or nectar less accessible to the wildlife we are trying to support. We recommend sourcing straight species from sources as local as you are able. Avoid nativars that are drastically different than their native namesakes. We realize that some natives are not a great fit for a home, suburban, HOA landscape. It is important that we work together to shift the perception of what is acceptable in our yards. The Hamilton County SWCD has created a series of example landscape plans that utilize native species and some select nativars to help you 'go native' in a neighborhood setting. There are plans for a home landscape as well as the HOA entryway area.
HIP believes that, in general, "nativars" are better choices than plants that originated outside of the mid-west and certainly outside of the USA. However, when nativars blooms or flower shapes are significantly different than the native variety, it can make the pollen or nectar less accessible to the wildlife we are trying to support. We recommend sourcing straight species from sources as local as you are able. Avoid nativars that are drastically different than their native namesakes. We realize that some natives are not a great fit for a home, suburban, HOA landscape. It is important that we work together to shift the perception of what is acceptable in our yards. The Hamilton County SWCD has created a series of example landscape plans that utilize native species and some select nativars to help you 'go native' in a neighborhood setting. There are plans for a home landscape as well as the HOA entryway area.
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You can tell a plant is a cultivar by looking at the plant name (found on the plant tag or label). A cultivar is named by its Latin name followed or proceeded by its cultivar name, often in single quotes.
Incrediball® Storm Proof™ Smooth Hydrangea Echinacea purpurea ‘Sweet Sandia’ 'Hello Yellow' butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) |
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Learn more:
- Indiana Native Plant Society Journal Spring 2014: https://indiananativeplants.org/wp-content/uploads/21_1-Spring-2014.pdf
- The Plant Native: theplantnative.com/faqs/what-is-a-cultivar/
- Monarch Garden: www.monarchgard.com/thedeepmiddle/native-plant-cultivars-101
- YardMap - Habitat Network via TNC and The Cornell Lab: https: content.yardmap.org/learn/nativars-native-cultivars/
- Native vs. "Nativar" Illinois Extension: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2019-12-28-native-vs-nativar
- Proven Winners: https://www.provenwinners.com/Native
- EcoBeneficial: https://www.ecobeneficial.com/2015/10/the-nativar-conundrum-new-research-on-natives-vs-native-cultivars-with-dr-doug-tallamy/
- The National Wildlife Federation:www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2016/JuneJuly/Gardening/Cultivars