About E-Flora BC

CONSERVATION TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS IN GARDENING AND RESTORATION

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), photo by Jamie Fenneman

Using native plants in gardens and restoration projects is a major area of interest, and arose out of a general concern for the environment. Recognizing the widespread, often ecosystem altering, invasions of non-native, often European or Asian plants, into our landscape, many groups and individuals aimed to reduce this by working with non-invasive native plants. Native plants are often better adapted to local conditions, and can do well without the frequent watering or feeding that many garden plants need.

In order to be conservation-wise in selecting the 'native' plants you will grow, here are some tips to guide your choices.

Ecological Tips for Choosing "Native" Plants

• Go native, but go native with species that are found in your biogeographic region.

  When choosing plants for your garden, or to use in a restoration program, use a plant native to the region. A species can be native to British Columbia, but not native to your biogeographic region. For example, a species may be native to the Okanagan, but not native in coastal areas. Or a species may be native to the coast, but not native to the Okanagan. By planting species from other geographical ranges in your area, you are "expanding" the natural range of the plant.

  A good example is Showy Milkweed (Ascpleias speciosa). This is a species that is often selected in native plantings in coastal areas because it attracts butterflies. However, if you examine the E-Flora atlas page and distribution map for this species you will see that it is a species of restricted range in BC. It is found only in southern BC but does not occur naturally in coastal regions.

  Ecologically, it would be best to work with species that naturally occur within your biogeographic area. Use the E-Flora BC atlas pages to check the range of species you wish to work with. The pattern of distribution will be readily seen. If a species does not occur within your area, perhaps select a species that does.

In order to view a distribution map for a species, go to the Search for an Atlas Page link at the top of this page and search for your species of interest.

• Be ecotype aware:

  In selecting plants for your project, aim to use plants that share the ecotype of local populations rather than introducing a new (and possibly less fit) ecotype. That is, your seed source or plant source should be local. Read the write up on Local Ecotype Guidelines for more information. The ecotype chosen will affect the success of your planting. New ecotypes can interbreed with the local ecotype, and potentially reduce fitness of local populations. Ask your nursery what the ecotype is for plants you are interested in. Read more on outbreeding depression here.

• Growing rare species is not a good idea ecologically

  Rare plants are often intrinsically or naturally rare in the ecosystems they inhabit and often this is part of their strategy for survival--where they allocate resources. The Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team says:
  
  "Use of rare plants is not recommended. When you are getting native plants for your garden, make sure they are local, common species and not rare ones. The use of rare plant species is a complicated process that needs expert assistance and carefully prepared plans."
  
  Growing rare plants in your garden, especially ecotypes from other regions, can introduce other, less fit, genes into local populations.

Key Links

Alberta Native Plant Council Collection Guidelines for Horticultural Use of Native Plants (PDF)
Local Ecotype Guidelines
Roadside Use of Native Plants