Weed, wild or native matters

Q. How do I know if a plant is a weed, a wildflower or a native plant? What’s the difference?

Sandy from Boardman

A. There is a lot of interest in natives and wildflowers. Many believe that native plants and wildflowers are synonymous. The answer is, not exactly. It can be a bit confusing, but let’s look at definitions.

Natives are considered plants indigenous to North America before European settlement, so it could be a native wildflower. A wildflower is a plant that grows without human intervention, but it also could be a native. A weed is any plant that is growing where you don’t want it to grow. It could be a native or a wildflower. Noxious weeds are defined as plants that seriously endanger the health of humans or livestock or have a serious negative effect on crops or natural areas. Purple loosestrife is a pretty wildflower, and you will find it in some local nurseries. But it is non-native, extremely aggressive and has become a serious threat to our wetlands.

Native plants are not necessarily attractive. They may be poisonous, and they may not “take” to their new environment. Do some research before choosing a plant. There are lots of beautiful, attractive plants that are, indeed, native.

Do not plant known invasive species. Check the Ohio invasive species list. “Naturalized aliens” are not considered invasive plants, but should be used with caution. These are plants that have been introduced into an area but should now be avoided because of their ability to crowd out and contaminate gene pools.

Natives and wildflowers do have some advantages. Insects and disease issues are mostly infrequent. They add a more-natural, less-manicured look to a landscape. Both will likely provide food for birds and wildlife. But if buying seed packs of wildflowers, you may get a few native plants and a few wildflowers, but the vast majority of seeds will be blooms that have escaped domestication, and many will be annuals. Often, that pack of wildflower seeds is a one- season wonder. Be sure to read what’s in the package. Natives can be purchased as seeds but the seeds rarely do well. Buying small plants is a big advantage. Also, many natives and wildflowers often do not transplant well if taken directly from their environment.

Another thing to consider is that plants generate the food for all terrestrial life on earth. Are birds and insects disappearing because we are starving them by planting too many of the wrong kinds of plants? Insects are not very adaptable. Their physiology is locked into the plants with which they have co-evolved. If we spray/kill-off all the milkweeds, Monarchs will not turn to feeding on oak trees. Think about this: are non-native plants junk food compared with native plants? What about hybrid plants that have no pollen? Educate yourself about what you are planting. Being a steward of surroundings is being a responsible gardener. To learn more about native landscaping, go to: http://go.osu.edu/nativelandscape

Today’s answer is provided by Marilyn McKinley, OSU Extension master gardener volunteer. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Clinic hours are Mondays and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, through October.