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Do you consider nativars to be native plants?

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada

last year

I am thinking of Asclepias 'Hello Yellow' and Asclepias incarnata 'Soulmate' in particular. Would you include them in a native garden and classify them as such?

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dbarron

last year

The summation is a local cultivar is superior, because it's adapted to climate, evolved with local pollinators for at least thousands of years, etc. Local...local local :)

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Comments (7)

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
last year
No, not really. Many nativars (most?) have little genetic variability which makes them less adaptable to stresses and climate changes, according to Doug Tallamy. There are lots of sources for information. I am trying to plant the species form of native plants now, rather than cultivars/nativars. There are only a few places near me that are dedicated to the true natives for the diversity.

one source
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
dbarron
last year
They are typically selections of the species, and thus native and adapted to a particular region. But just as you would expect a rudbeckia hirta from Newfoundland to have less heat and drought tolerance than one from New Mexico, it would not be unusual for a typical selection from the NE to quickly wither and die in the New Mexico heat and drought.

There's a lot more genetic variability across a species range than would be typified by a single individual.

The selection is not bad, but it shouldn't really be considered to be the be-all do-all of the species. It may have a different chemical makeup that makes it less suitable for pollinators and host insects.
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada thanked dbarron
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peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
Original Author
last year
Thank you both. cyn I had read that article and just wanted confirmation from those of you who are growing natives. I have an appreciation of natives but in my zone there is a less interesting selection. I adore A. tuberosa though I weed out Lobelia inflata because it is simply inferior to other Lobelia. I am not a purist.

So true dbarron provenance is everything. I have a large garden filled with pollinators so if the odd plant is less attractive to them it would not have an adverse effect overall. Thanks again.
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
Original Author
last year
True, true, true!
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
12 months ago
peren.all, I am not exactly a purist either, but trying to get species when possible. I have lots of cultivars/nativars and quite a few non-native shrubs and perennials also. I love my hostas and azaleas and they are staying until they die (which means they will most likely outlive me-ha) and I do love them. So, aiming for at least 70-80% natives within the next few years.
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
Original Author
12 months ago
last modified: 12 months ago
cyn I too have plenty of non natives. I do love Hosta and yes they can certainly out live us. Peonies will definitely out live me! I did get a bunch of natives this year that I am quite excited about. That is a very commendable goal!

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