Edited by David Mizejewski, National Wildlife Federation Naturalist
When it comes to plants, not all species are equally beneficial. At Garden for Wildlife, we only grow and sell straight native species, no cultivars. You may be wondering, what’s the difference?
In terms of horticulture, a straight species is simply a plant in its natural form as it exists in nature. The form and appearance of straight species are adaptations to their local environment, allowing them to thrive in the climate, precipitation and soils of the region where they are native. They are part of the local ecology and their life cycles are intertwined with those of the local wildlife.
A cultivar is short for “cultivated variety” of a plant species. Cultivars have been created by humans via horticulture techniques such as breeding, cloning or hybridizing straight species for specific traits that might include flower color, size, or disease resistance. The plant tag on a cultivar will include the common name and scientific name like a straight species but will also include its cultivar name, which will be in quotation marks.
While cultivars can be beautiful and easy to care for, they may not be as beneficial to wildlife as straight species. This is because cultivars may have been bred to prioritize aesthetic qualities over ecological function.
There’s also the trendy “nativar.” A nativar is a cultivated variety or hybrid of a native plant. Nativars are often bred for specific traits, such as flower color or disease resistance, while still retaining some of the characteristics of the native species. While nativars are not considered true native plants, they may still provide some of the same benefits as native plants in terms of supporting local ecosystems.
As an example, the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a native wildflower, while the magnus coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus') with larger, showier flowers, and the pink double delight (Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight'), a double-flower variation with flashy pink pompoms, are both nativars of the purple coneflower.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, “Botanical oddities like these may be highly regarded by the nursery industry, but it’s difficult, if not impossible, for bees and butterflies to gather pollen and nectar from double flowers. Such enhanced blooms can also be sterile and therefore unable to produce seeds—bad news for the goldfinches and other birds that relish these nutritious treats.”
If you’re thinking, maybe nature did it right the first time and we shouldn’t be changing the colors of flowers, you’re starting to think like us! Here are a few great reasons to choose straight native species over cultivars and nativars:
Supporting Local Ecosystems: Straight species are better adapted to local conditions and provide crucial resources for native wildlife.
Promoting Biodiversity: They contribute to the diversity of plant and animal life in your area.
Natural Beauty & Resilience: Straight species exhibit a natural beauty and resilience to changing local conditions that cultivars may not be able to match.
When choosing plants for your garden, prioritize straight species for the greatest benefit to wildlife. While cultivars can offer unique colors and forms, they may not support pollinators and other beneficial insects as effectively as their straight species counterparts.
By selecting straight species, you're ensuring that your garden is a haven for local wildlife and contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
First, we consult sources like the Biota of North America (BONAP) and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database to verify a plant's native range and ensure it will flourish in your region. Then, we apply scientific research from entomologist Doug Tallamy and the National Wildlife Federation to identify the native species that provide the most wildlife benefit. Finally, we work with a network of independent, family-owned growers to grow these plants without the use of harmful chemicals like neonicotinoids, safely package them, and ship them directly to your doorstep.
We do all the heavy lifting so that all you have to do is type in your zip code to find the right plants for the right place. If you’re not sure where to start, you can take our Plant Finder Quiz for some personalized recommendations. It’s that simple!