Harnett County Center
WHY ALL THE FUSS ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS?, 7/3/98
If you have picked up a gardening magazine in the last few years, you have probably heard someone raving about the virtues of native plants. So how is a native plant defined? Which of our popular landscape plants are native? And why all the fuss, anyway?
Every plant has a point of origin, the region where it first appeared. Crepe myrtles, for example, originated in China and Korea, while Camellias first appeared in China and Japan.
It is interesting to note that many of our popular introduced landscape plants come from China, Korea, and Japan. The reason is that we share the same latitude with this region, and hence a similar environment.
As I have often stated here, in landscaping choosing the right plant is everything. The ideal landscape plant is one which requires little care, has few pest problems, and looks attractive year round.
Plants which originated in North Carolina tend to fit the first two criteria rather nicely. After all, they've been born and raised here for centuries. They have learned to cope with hot dry summers, late frosts, less than ideal soil, and high humidity.
Native plants also have had a chance to develop defenses against many of our indigenous pest problems (alas, many of our pests are imported, such as the dreaded Japanese Beetle).
Another reason for the interest in native plants relates to development. The population in our county (and state) is growing, which means more homes, cars, roads, shopping centers, and businesses. And although development is good for our economy, a lot of natural habitat is lost as new buildings and roads are constructed.
We are learning more about the intricate relationships between plants, wildlife, and the environment. Some animals require specific plants as a food source or for habitat. If these plants are lost, the animals suffer as well. We are only beginning to understand the potential effects of these losses, as the they can cause ripples throughout the environment.
Home gardeners can help conserve these native plants by introducing them into their landscapes. Hey, I'm not suggesting that you put in an arbor of poison ivy (yes, it is one of our natives). But there many which can be attractive additions to the garden.
The native Carolina Yellow Jessamine (a.k.a. Carolina Jasmine) is an evergreen vine with spectacular display of yellow flowers in the spring. It is attractive when planted to climb a trellis or fence, or as a groundcover over large low-maintenance areas.
Columbine is a wonderful addition to the perennial flower bed, where it produces a uniquely shaped pink and white flower. It also provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds.
The Fringed Bleeding Heart is another striking flowering perennial that can provide a much needed splash of color in full shade.
Southern Waxmyrtle is an evergreen shrub that can be used as a screen. It is one of the good substitutes for the problematic red-tip photinia. It grows to about fifteen feet, and has quite fragrant foliage. A plus is that it is tolerant of wet and infertile soils.
As you can see, the possibilities are abundant, and I have only scratched the surface. And although you may not want to go completely native in your landscaping, consider making room for a few in your garden.
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