Page 23 - Free State Winter 2021

IT'S TIME FOR SHARING A Jerry Faulring

The Fine Points of Natives

vs. “Cultivated Natives”

I “Native” or “Cultivated Native:” What’s the
do believe this will kick up a little dust. We get many
Difference?
calls asking about native plants. We do grow a few
but for the most part we grow what the vast majority
of our customers request. I am not opposed to native Native Plants
plants. Who does not love a majestic White Oak or a In North America natives are plants that have evolved
Sugar Maple that produces Maple Syrup? Improved over time to survive in specific regions although some
natives will probably always be in demand and are natives are very widely distributed. They are considered
being introduced in gross over abundance. We do not indigenous. That is:
need another new Hydrangea cultivar. Having said • not introduced through human activity
that, the discussion grows. • present before European settlement
• integral to a native plant community.
More and more customers, from individual Cultivated Natives
Your management teams, are looking for native plants for You might also know these as “cultivars.” This is a
homeowners to landscaping companies to property

their landscaping projects. On this subject I find the
term industry types (ok, people like me) made up
need for a nuanced approach because there are native
Generations plants, and then there are cultivated native plants. The to recognize plants that were originally considered
a native but, through mostly human manipulation,
differences, the pros and cons, are all matters of some
are brought to market as an ‘improved native’.
contention in the plant growing community. That’s why
Sometimes this means they just look “prettier” with
of Success it is not just helpful but necessary to understand the fine improved flowering or more consistent growth patterns.
points of natives vs. cultivated natives.

Most plants grown in a nursery are derived from natives
using seedling selection, hybridization, or mutation.
Some believe the improved plants should be considered
to be the same plant as those of native origin because
these “improved” cultivars may be better than origin
species. But this is far from a consensus view. What
You value growing the legacy of your value should be placed on the origin species versus

operation. We value guiding families the cultivated versions of it? I wanted to dig into the
differences and, not so much settle the debate, as
like yours toward that legacy. give you the information you need to make informed

decisions for your customers and their landscaping
When you’re ready to take the next projects. Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin’
step, reach out to our team. 888.339.3334 | mafc.com | (continued on next page)
Get Active. Stay Involved. • WINTER 2021 23