Native Plants: Part 1

By Melanie Mathieson
Gardening Guru

A native plant can be defined as is simply a plant that occurs naturally or has existed for many years in an area and is connected in an ecological sense to other plants and animals found there. Often they have evolved together over thousands of years, forming strong ecological connections. Native plants are also often referred to as indigenous.
Gardening and plant experts always encourage gardeners to try to plant species native to their area for a few reasons.
Whether the native species or a cultivated/hybridized version of the native species, native plants are a good choice to plant in your garden because you already know that they will grow here. Typically native plants are not considered invasive on a large scale but it can happen. There is a potential for any plant to thrive and overtake an area when it is placed in optimal growing conditions. When this happens, it doesn’t mean the plant is invasive just in certain conditions. Always purchase your native species through a reputable plant supplier. Check in your local area or a list of nurseries specializing in native plants can be found on this website: www.nanps.org. Never remove plants from the forest to use in your garden. If everyone did this there wouldn’t be anything left in nature.
The plants we buy in garden nurseries are horticultural varieties of native species. They have been scientifically altered (hybridized) to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible and exhibit its best attributes. The vast majority of horticultural species are not c considered a threat to their native cousins, and can be purchased and planted with good conscience. Sometimes a horticultural version of a native plant that is considered invasive has been successfully altered to not exhibit this characteristic and becomes a better choice for the garden.
By including native plants in your garden you will be planting species that are genetically adapted to your area you will maximize growth and vigor, and minimize heat-stress, winterkill, frost damage, and insect and disease problems. Remember, the most expensive planting is a failed planting.
Here is a partial listing of some of the native species to use in your garden. For more information please do your own research either online or in your local library.
Groundcovers
Wild Ginger *- grows in part sun to shade; average to moist conditions, humus-rich soil. Spreads slowly by roots to form attractive groundcover; drought-tolerant once established; deer-resistant; roots have a sweet ginger smell, wonderful heart-shaped leaves.
Winter Green* - grows in partial shade; dry to moist conditions; prefers acidic soil. Fragrant white flowers in spring; bright red berries in fall.
Bunchberry* - typically found on rich soils but can withstand nutrient poor soil in damp, cool conditions; acid soil or peat moss. Excellent as a groundcover in woodland gardens.
Foam Flower * - best in zone 4 or higher. Grows in partial to full shade; average to moist conditions; humus rich loam soils.
Perennial Geranium * - many varieties available. Grows in sun to partial shade; dry to moderate moisture; sand or clay. A hummingbird favourite.
Bearberry* - now available in a cultivated variety. Grows in sun to partial shade; dry to medium; sand and loam. Sometimes suffers winterkill in zones 3 and lower.
Shrubs
Serviceberry or Saskatoon – many varieties to choose from, likes moist to semi-dry conditions, full sun to partial shade and almost all soils. Fruit edible or can be left for the birds. Can be used for hedging or windblocks.
Chokecherry – a few varieties to choose from, likes full sun to partial shade and most loamy soils. Fruit edible or can be left for the birds. Very susceptible to black knot fungus.
Ninebark* - many varieties to choose from, likes moist and loamy soils, full sun to partial shade. Doesn’t tolerate drought conditions very well. Can be used as a focal point in the garden or for hedging or windblocks.
Dogwoods* - many varieties to choose from, likes moist and loamy soils, full sun to partial shade. Doesn’t tolerate drought conditions very well. Can be used as a focal point in the garden or for hedging or windblocks.
Elderberry* - many varieties to choose from, likes moist and loamy soils, full sun. Can be used as a focal point in the garden with white flowers in late spring, producing edible fruit and wonderful lacy leaves.
Viburnum Species * (includes cranberry, snowball and arrowwood) many varieties to choose from, likes full sun to partial shade and most loamy soils. Fruit edible or can be left for the birds. Showy spring flowers and often vibrant fall colour. With all that is available in this family you’ll be sure to find something you like. Many varieties offer much versatility for focal points, windblocks or hedging.
A second column will feature the native perennials and trees to consider.
*The Gardening Guru has this plant and has had great success with it.