The Importance of Native Plants

& Cultivars

A cultivar is a variety of a plant that is propagated, or bred, through human intervention to develop desired characteristics such as flower shape, leaf color, or height. Native plant cultivars, called nativars, are plant varieties that are propagated clonally from native plants also for specific characteristics, such as color, height, or the ability to survive blight.

Many nativars were bred to offer some benefit to our native pollinators, habitats, and wildlife. In fact, some nativars even offer more benefits in certain areas than their native plant origin species.

Using properly controlled nativars in our backyards, school yards, and corporate lands does not pose a threat to our native species. Using nativars in our rain gardens, pollinator gardens, wildlife gardens, and backyard habitats can offer the pollinators, wildlife, and the property owners both a respite, and an opportunity to recharge.

To read the full article by TWC's Executive Director, Jeanne Gural click HERE.