Native Plants
“For most purposes, the phrase Florida native plant refers to those species occurring within the state boundaries prior to European contact, according to the best available scientific and historical documentation. More specifically, it includes those species understood as indigenous, occurring in natural associations in habitats that existed prior to significant human impacts and alterations of the landscape.” http://www.afnn.org/faqs#faq3.
Attention should be paid to the fact that there is often considerable debate about what IS or IS NOT a native. Some “purists” believe that any manipulation, that is “cultivars” of a native do not qualify as native material. A true native must come from seedlings, they say. The opposing side believes that there should be leniency to allow native plant material that has simply been cultivated to have some characteristics that are more marketable, such as a fuller Magnolia or a dwarf version of Walter’s Viburnum. I would like to refrain from joining in such a debate, mainly because I don’t know nearly enough about it to offer an opinion. I only know that it is debated. As in most cases, chances are that both sides of this argument have a point to be made and they are both correct under different circumstances.
As we gain more understanding of the effect we humans have on our environment it has become clear that an increase in the use of natives would benefit all of us. The sudden urgency of clean water is becoming evident throughout the world. If all that is required to make a significant difference is to simply choose from a different plant pallet for the landscapes around our homes and businesses then that seems a very small price to pay for a plentiful and clean water supply.
The list of natives is massive, but unfortunately natives typically are harder to find and have not been cultivated enough to make them the eye candy so many of the exotics have become. Hopefully in the future there will be more options for the landscaper and the homeowner so we can all do our part to make our landscapes more agreeable to the water systems and aquifers that are so important to nature’s well being and consequently our well being. In the meantime, there are lists of plant material that are more easily attained that are a combination of both natives and regionally friendly plant material. For example, here in Florida there is a list put out by the University of Florida called the “Florida Friendly Plant List”, which lists plants both native and exotic. (http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/list.pdf) These plants are much more available in the marketplace and to the public and have been researched and designated as “non invasive” to our region. They require a minimum of water, fertilizer, pesticides and chemicals. This and many other “friendly” plant lists are becoming more available throughout the country and allow a realistic plant pallet for us to choose from while not doing harm to the planet.
As the nursery industry responds to more native demand, then there will be assuredly more choices available in the marketplace. The positives of native plant material are great and worth the effort and attention they have been getting. We as nurserymen, landscapers and homeowners simply have to be patient and considerate of our plant choices in the meantime. “Plant smart, plant what works” is a common refrain of the native nurseries…… and they’re right ! Let’s hope that it’s easier to plant smart as we move further into the 21st century.
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