Re: "Native Plants"
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] "Native Plants"
- From: P* H*
- Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 05:00:42 EDT
In a message dated 04/27/2000 10:29:41 PM Central Daylight Time,
ECPep@AOL.COM writes:
<<
One might explore native plants, shrubbery especially, if a site proves
difficult to plant with non-natives. Any place that I have traveled to has
been replete with non-native plants - the geraniums cascading down buildings
in Switzerland for instance.
Preservation of native plants, it seems to me, is a different subject.
>>
I love native plants-but in many instances they are regarded as weeds.
Milkweeds, Golden rods, wild geranium, etc.,
what's common is disdained and what's rare is coveted.
The issue of native verse exotic is somewhat subjective. Since plants and
animal communities are always in a state of flux with ranges changing.
I prefer the distinction of weedy verse nonweedy.
So far the number one reason for life form extinction's has been the
introduction of weedy species into an averment were they take over.
It is also good to remember that the introduction of new species is the
driving force behind adaptation and the formation of new species.
What I have noticed is that what people call weeds are those plants that are
able to prosper in unnatural habitats like lawns and "waste" ground (were the
native plants and soils have been stripped away). Creeping Charlie,
dandelion, thistles.
What concerns we more are those species that can move into a natural habitats
and displace "native " species, like European Buckthorn, common yarrow,
purple loosstrife, honeysuckle and a number of others.
Paul
