Native plants provide a sense of place

What constitutes a native plant?

The general opinion of what defines a native plant summarizes that it is indigenous or naturally occurring in a specific location (think continent, country, state) over a long period of time. However, there are 3 main variables involved, making the definition a bit more complex. Besides place and time, there is also the human element to consider. Human intervention has influenced what trees and flowers we grow for shade and aesthetic enjoyment as well as what crops we grow for nourishment. We humans, over time, not only transferred plants from one region to another, but we learned how to transfer pollen and, therefore genetics, creating hybrids and crosses of plants to best fit our needs. The human element can be difficult to account for due to lack of documentation. Nonetheless, the most accurate definition of a native plant should include this pertinent consideration. And so, the quote I frequently go to is this: “Native plants should be defined as those that have evolved and adapted to a specific location and have remained genetically unaltered by humans.”- Andy Wasowski

Why are native plants important to our ecosystem?

Over the past few decades, we have seen a serious decline in native plant population in North America due to agribusiness, urban development, and human activity in general. Consequently, the decline has led to wildlife habitat and food loss, and even a reduction in native songbird populations. This perpetual loss of native plants has also resulted in erosion, a decrease in genetic diversity (which is crucial for a balanced ecosystem), and a general lack of connection between people and the land.

Plants adapted to a location tend to thrive in that location. When plants not only survive, but flourish, then the surrounding elements also benefit. Native plants show excellent performance because over time they have naturally built up resistances to common diseases and pests in their community. This can lead directly to a reduction in pesticide use. Less pesticide use results in improved water quality and aquatic life due to less chemical runoff occurrences. Natives are well adapted to local soil conditions and, once they are established, require less water than non-natives.

For our native squirrels and other small mammals, as well as birds, native trees and plants provide necessary protective cover and habitat. They provide food in the form of seeds, nuts and fruit and even nectar to wildlife. Many native plant species are also known for their role as hosts for butterfly caterpillars.

And finally, if landscaping with native plants replaces conventional lawncare, there will be a significant improvement to air quality. Using less lawn maintenance equipment like mowers, weed trimmers, and leaf blowers, results in less air toxins including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxides. Additionally, native plants can help counteract air pollution since they make excellent carbon sinks. Their extensive root systems and impressive ability to store water totally exceeds the ability of traditional lawn grass to do the same. 

In the proceeding paragraphs, I will discuss a few favorite Tennessee natives, all viable components to a well-rounded garden design.

Native tree

yellowwood tree / Cladrastis kentukea

Yellowwood is one of the loveliest southern native trees and it just so happens to also be the Tennessee Bicentennial tree (not to be confused with the Tennessee State Tree, tulip poplar). A member of the pea family, Fabaceae, flowers are pendulous, white, fragrant and a nectar haven for bees. It blooms between May and June here in Nashville. Yellowwood ranges between 30 and 50 feet in height and is a low-branching tree with a rounded habit. The bark is an attractive smooth gray, which is similar to beech. It makes for an excellent shade tree with little disease and pest issues. The common name reflects the yellow heartwood of the tree.

Native shrub

common sweetshrub / Calycanthus floridus

This gorgeous native with large red blooms, which start off maroon and brighten in color as they open (great for arrangements as they are long-lasting), responds best in both flower power and stature when grown in full sun, even though its natural habitat is deep within the forest canopy. Calycanthus is found in the wild from Virginia down to Florida. Plant in either sun or shade near an entranceway to maximize your exposure to its fragrance, a spicy apple. Even the bark of sweetshrub is scented and was once used as a substitute for cinnamon. This shrub is also deer resistant and tolerant of a wide range of soils.

Native vine

crossvine / Bignonia capreolata

When given a suitable structure such as a fence, trellis, or even a building or tree, crossvine can climb from 30-50 feet by it’s tiny tendrils with disk extensions. It’s trumpet-shaped flowers are seen mostly in an orange-red color, flowering in May in our area.  Its leaves are semi-evergreen and the flowers emit a mocha-like fragrance.

Native wildflower

Indian pink or pink root / Spigelia marilandica 

Spigelia has upward facing, red trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats. Native to the southeastern U.S., it is one of the most beautiful star-shaped wildflowers found in our Tennessee forests. To happen upon this stunning flower is an incredible treat, however, they are most impressive when given more sunlight than the deeply canopied woodland they are commonly found. The tubular red flowers are a beacon for all the resident hummingbirds and deadheading will encourage a rebloom

Native grass

little blue stem / Schizachyrium scoparium

Little bluestem is one of the most useful and attractive grasses for multi-seasonal interest that is native to our limestone rich soil, growing 2–4 feet in height. During the early period of growth, stems appear red-purplish in color, later maturing to a reddish brown with lavender-blue stem bases, and eventually turning into a bronze-orange hue in fall and winter. The puffy seed heads that follow the small purple flowers add a soft texture to the landscape. Little blue stem is an excellent grass selection for controlling erosion, restoring poor soils, and providing proper habitat. It is also deer tolerant.