Beyond the Label: How Different Plant Types Impact Your Garden & Local Wildlife
Understanding Plant Terminology: Straight Species vs. Hybrid vs. Cultivar vs. Nativar
When selecting plants for your garden, understanding the differences between straight species, hybrids, cultivars, and nativars can help you make informed decisions that benefit your landscape and the environment. Here’s what you need to know:
Straight Species: The Natural Choice
A straight species is a plant that occurs naturally in the wild without human intervention. These plants maintain their original genetic makeup and play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems.
✅ Naturally grows in native habitats
✅ Maintains genetic diversity
✅ Supports local wildlife, including pollinators and birds
Example:Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in its natural form
Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrids result from crossbreeding two different species or varieties to combine desirable traits like disease resistance, enhanced blooms, or improved growth habits. While hybrids can be stronger and more resilient, they may not always provide the same ecological benefits as straight species.
✅ More vigorous and disease-resistant
✅ May not produce viable seeds (some hybrids are sterile)
✅ Can lack the same ecological value as native species
Example:Liriodendron tulipifera × Liriodendron chinense (Hybrid Tulip Tree)
Cultivar: Selectively Bred for Specific Traits
A cultivar (cultivated variety) is selectively bred for unique characteristics such as color, size, bloom time, or disease resistance. Cultivars are genetically identical within the same variety and typically propagated through cloning or grafting.
✅ Predictable traits like uniform color, shape, or growth habit
✅ Genetically identical, leading to less diversity
✅ May have reduced ecological benefits compared to straight species
Example:Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ – A cultivar of Purple Coneflower with larger, more vibrant flowers than the straight species
Nativar: A Native Plant with a Twist
Nativars are cultivated varieties of native plants, selectively bred for ornamental traits while retaining some ecological value. However, some nativars may lack key features such as nectar quality or seed production, which are essential for supporting wildlife.
✅ A balance between native plant benefits and visual appeal
✅ Genetically modified for aesthetics, which may reduce ecological function
✅ May provide less support to pollinators and birds compared to straight species
Example:Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’ – A Nativar of Purple Coneflower with compact growth and more intense flower color
Cultivars vs. Straight Species: What You’ll Find in Garden Centers
✅ Cultivars: Most commonly sold due to aesthetic appeal and predictable growth
✅ Straight Species: Harder to find but essential for restoring native ecosystems
✅ Hybrids: Often perform better in garden settings but may lack ecological benefits
✅ Nativars: A compromise between ecological value and landscaping appeal
Understanding Invasive Plants & Their Impact
An invasive plant is a non-native species that spreads aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. These plants thrive outside their natural range and often lack predators, leading to unchecked growth and biodiversity loss.
Key Characteristics of Invasive Plants:
✅ Non-native and introduced intentionally or accidentally
✅ Rapid growth and aggressive spread
✅ Outcompetes native species for resources
✅ Lacks natural predators or pests
✅ Alters soil chemistry, hydrology, and habitat structure
The Importance of Keystone Plants
Keystone plants provide critical food and habitat for wildlife, particularly pollinators and birds. According to researcher Doug Tallamy, keystone plant genera form the backbone of ecosystems. Without them, biodiversity suffers.
Examples of keystone plants:
🌿 Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak) – Supports over 500 species of caterpillars
🌿 Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) – Essential for pollinators in late-season foraging
🌿 Prunus serotina (Black Cherry) – Produces fruits that sustain birds and small mammals
How to Begin Incorporating Natives into Your Landscape
1️⃣ Remove invasive species and replace them with native plants.
2️⃣ Follow the 70/30 rule – Aim for at least 70% native species in your garden.
3️⃣ Choose keystone plants that provide high ecological value.
4️⃣ Reduce your lawn size to increase habitat for pollinators.
5️⃣ Ensure a continuous bloom cycle to support pollinators year-round.
6️⃣ Grow native plants in pots or raised beds if space is limited.
Our Local Ecoregion & Planting Zone
🌎 Ecoregion 59 (Northeastern Coastal Zone):
✅ Coastal climate with humid summers & mild winters
✅ Native plants adapted to sandy soils and salt exposure
✅ Historically dominated by oak-hickory forests & salt marshes
🌱 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b:
✅ Average winter lows of -5°F to 0°F
✅ Guides plant selection for winter survival
✅ Suitable for most Northeast native plants
Final Thoughts: Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants are essential for biodiversity, pollinator support, and sustainable landscaping. While cultivars and hybrids offer aesthetic appeal, incorporating native species into your garden is one of the best ways to create a thriving, eco-friendly landscape.
Visit Us to Explore Native Plants & Eco-Friendly Gardening!
At Shannon Lawn & Landscaping, we are committed to helping homeowners make sustainable choices. Stop by our Stratford Garden Center to browse our native plant selection or consult with our experts on the best plants for your landscape.
We also offer FREE consultations with our landscape designers if you need a little guidance planning your dream landscape!
📍 Visit us at: 1111 Honeyspot Rd, Stratford, CT 06615
📞 Call To Schedule Design Services: 203-375-8240
🌐 Shop Online:Shannon Garden Center
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