Nativars, Cultivars, Hybrids… OH MY!

Gardening has become a little confusing lately. Natives, nativars, hybrids, cultivars – what’s the difference? It is hard to know what to choose and what is best for our gardens. Let’s clear up  some of these terms and understand the role these plants play in the ecosystem.

What are nativars? A nativar is simply a cultivar of a native species. The words “native” and “cultivar” were fused together to refer specifically to cultivars of native species. Nativars are cultivated varieties of plants that are native to a specific region, selected by humans for desirable traits like petal colors, compact size, or disease resistance, rather than for their full ecological benefits. You can identify them by a name in single quotes after the scientific name, like Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'. Many nativars have been bred to have more petals and reduced floral reproductive structures than their native counterparts, with less or perhaps no nectar or pollen for pollinating insects, or seeds for songbirds. Insects may be attracted to plants such as these and use energy traveling to the flowers of this cultivar, when in fact its flowers may offer little or no food sources.

What are cultivars? A cultivar is any plant that is developed or selected for its desirable characteristics and maintained by propagation. Cultivars are reproduced through cloning such as grafting, cutting, root divisions, layering, tissue culture, etc. Cultivar is short for a cultivated variety. A true native plant is not a cultivar, because it has been untouched by humans.

While improved plant varieties are appealing for their ease of replication, growth, and marketing, they often lack the ecological benefits of straight-species natives. Though attractive and useful as decorative elements, these plants typically do not support local pollinators or broader ecosystems.

Many invasive plants originated as cultivars in the horticultural trade before escaping cultivation and becoming invasive, causing environmental harm. Invasive plants disrupt the growth of native plants, and root and spread quickly. These species usually do not have any ecological checks on them, which means no predators, pathogens, or any of those sorts of things that can keep a species from spreading. For a list of invasive plants in NY State visit https://nyis.info/species-information.

What are hybrids? A hybrid plant is created artificially by crossing two species. One or both of these species may be non-native. The breeders are usually trying to create new plants to please humans, not pollinators. Modern hybrids are bred for showy looks, often reducing or removing nectar, pollen, and fragrance, and features like double flowers block access, though some simpler cultivars or hybrids might offer minor benefits.

If you’ve been hearing more and more about native plants lately, you’re not alone. When we talk about native plants versus introduced or non-native  plants, the intent is not to “villainize” certain plants, but to understand their service (or disservice) to a particular ecosystem.

What are Natives? Native plants are species that originated naturally in a region, adapting over time to its climate and conditions. They support local wildlife, require minimal care, help store carbon, restore biodiversity, and create resilient gardens, offering greater environmental benefits than many non-native ornamentals.  You can visit the National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder at nwf.org  where you can get a list of plants that are native to your area based on your zip code.

Gardeners have a role to play in sustaining the natural systems that we are a part of.

Key reasons for the native plant movement:

• Native plants support biodiversity by providing essential food (nectar, pollen, seeds) and habitat for specialized local insects, birds, and animals that non-natives can't sustain.

• They are  adapted to local soils and weather and need less watering, fertilizer, and pest control.

• Their deep roots improve soil, reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and sequester more carbon.

• Planting natives helps rebuild crucial ecosystems and food webs.

• They offer vibrant, year-round color and texture, bringing natural beauty to your yard. 

The mindset shift:

“If you build landscapes without these powerhouse native plants that support caterpillars, the food web is doomed.” Quote from Dr. Doug Tallamy

The growing interest in native plants reflects a shift in gardening philosophy, moving from purely ornamental to creating functional ecosystems, recognizing that a "plant that has fed nothing has not done its job". (Tallamy) It's a practical way for gardeners to contribute to solving the biodiversity and the climate crises in their own backyard.