Are native plants always the best choice?
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Linda Chalker-Scott
Extension Specialist and Professor
Washington State University
Puyallup
Abstract
Native trees and shrubs are perceived as superior to introduced woody species for a variety of reasons, most of which are not supported by peer-reviewed research. In 2015 I published an analysis of the literature comparing native and nonnative woody plants in terms their influence on landscape biodiversity. This paper has been downloaded thousands of times since then: statistics from ResearchGate alone report over 4000 downloads and research interest score of higher than 97% compared to all research items housed on the site. An Extension fact sheet was also developed to assist home gardeners, Master Gardeners, and Extension faculty and staff in addressing the often-contentious topic of native vs. nonnative plants in gardens and landscapes. Even with this peer-reviewed, science-based information readily available to the public, the continued bias towards a natives-only landscape results in a reduced plant palette with fewer resources to support beneficial wildlife.
This presentation will present a more informed and successful approach to plant selection than simply looking at place of origin. The goal is to make this information more visible at the state and county level, so that Master Gardeners are using science-based recommendations and that Extension faculty and staff can help address these community concerns within their own county and state.
Authors: Linda Chalker-Scott
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Linda Chalker-Scott Extension Specialist and Professor, Washington State University, Washington, 98371