Native Plants / Underused Plants

            In our constant pursuit of novelty and as a result of the advertisements for exotic and hybrid plants, the charm and consistency of many of our native plants are often overlooked by the average gardener. 

            We must actually visit England to see and experience the full glory of our own hardy aster (or Michaelmas daisies).  These North American natives were taken abroad by wise horticulturists.  There they have been developed by English growers, through selection and hybridization, to a grand state of perfection.  Even our often disparaged goldenrod is, in many areas of Europe, appreciated, improved, and considered a beautiful garden plant.

            Every section of the United States has its own shrubs, flowers, and trees which make up the natural flora of the region.  Although it was not so long ago that it was difficult to find native plants grown by nurserymen, today many growers are making a specialty of them.  And hopefully, because of this and the advanced education of many in the horticulture field, we should continue to see rare and beautiful native plants preserved through proper use and appreciation.

            On the East coast, the dogwood is well-known for its beauty.  Until about 25 years ago, gardeners had to find wild specimens and transplant them onto their property (many times unsuccessfully).  Dogwood trees are now readily available at nurseries and other retailers in the common white blossom form, as well as pink and double varieties.  Many of the Viburnums, mountain-laurel, rhododendron, and azaleas have come into their own through the interest taken by growers in preserving and providing these plants for gardeners.

            Some other shrubs – hollies, wild cherries, plums, chokeberries, shadbush, hawthorns, spicebush, and sweet pepper-bush – when combined with plantings of native trees, become a true representation of the original plants in our region.

            Although there are many plants in our gardens we call natives, there are thousands more native plants that are not being used.  When native plants are used in the appropriate landscape, they are easier to establish and require less maintenance and attention.  They are naturally preconditioned to grow successfully in their native surroundings.  This fact makes native plant choices for our gardens a wonderful solution to many of our gardening problems. 

            Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication # 426-223 gives the following definition for native plants:  “Native plants are those that are indigenous to a region and possess traits that make them uniquely adapted to local conditions.  They have evolved over time, adapting to factors specific to their region, such as climate, moisture, soils, and interactions with other plants, animals, and insects.  They can match the finest cultivated plants in beauty, and tend to be hardier and better able to resist drought, insects, and disease, if used in locations that approximate their native environments.  Native plants are also well suited for the current trend in ‘low-maintenance’ gardening and landscaping.”

            Publication # 426-223 further states, “Utilizing native plants in the landscape is a way to respect the natural heritage and cultural interests.  Some plants played a significant role in Native American culture or in European exploration and settlement.   English colonists brought with them seeds, bulbs, and roots of their favorite plants so their gardens became a blend of Old World favorites and the native plants they found in the New World.  Native species such as dogwood (Cornus florida) and fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) were documented by early 18th century men and were noted for their beauty and interest, not unlike their appeal to gardeners today.”

            The establishment of a garden containing all native plants can be a great way to learn about the plants that were used in an area by previous generations.  Good places to look for native and heirloom plants are old cemeteries, older homes and churches, and other historic buildings in the community.

            Planning for a native plant garden generally will require a little less preparation and maintenance overall.   Native plants have the benefit of being able to grow under a wide spectrum of conditions.  Because plants that have grown in this region for hundreds of years are well adapted to the various soil types, soil preparation and especially soil amendments may not be too great.  However, when first beginning to establish such a garden, the gardener should be vigilant in weeding, watering, and making sure spent flowers and other debris are removed from the area to prevent disease.

            Many of the non-native species that have been brought into our region have a tendency to be difficult to get to thrive; on the other hand, many have the potential to become invasive nightmares.  One such plant with which we are all familiar is the kudzu vine.  This species was first introduced as a forage crop and ornamental in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. 

            Kudzu’s first and foremost use in the United States was to prevent erosion of the soil along highway rights of way.  In reality it does prevent erosion, but it also grows explosively (as much as 60 feet in one season and, under ideal conditions, 12 inches per day), it smothers out native vegetation and almost all plants in its path, and is difficult to eradicate.  Referred to as “the plant that ate the south,” this is an example of a non-native species capable of taking over large sections of land in a very short period of time.

            The following are some native plants recommended by the Virginia Native Plant Society.  All plants listed are viable in our region and are readily available from local growers and nurseries.

    Trees

Serviceberry
Fringetree
Flowering Dogwood
American Holly
Black Gum

    Shrubs

Winterberry
Button bush
Red Chokeberry
Virginia Sweetspire
Arrow wood

    Vines

Virgin’s Bower (clematis)
American Wisteria

    Perennials

Blue Flag
Cardinal Flower
Virginia Bluebells
Calico Aster
Blue Vervain

    Ornamental Grass

            Switchgrass

All of these, plus many others, are listed in Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication # 426-223.

            Through the efforts of garden clubs, naturalists, and many other citizens, our present generation has been awakened to a need to preserve what remains of our native plants.    Through dedication and education, let us continue “to inspire an intelligent love for nature which is the true foundation of conservation.”

            When you are looking for information regarding native plants, invasive plants, and plants for feeding and attracting wildlife, try to pay a visit to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office.  There are many free publications available on-site to assist you with choices regarding plantings on your property.

Written by members of the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners

posted 3/1/07