Bayscape Blog 4/27/11

What’s in a Name?

By Judy DeFiglio

When I am giving a talk on native plants or writing this blog I often get asked why I use the Latin name for plants. Am I being a plant “snob”? Am I being a “show off”? or, just trying to impress? The answer is none of the above. I include the Latin name of the plant so you get the right plant for your garden. Common names can be colorful, fun and interesting but they are just that, names given and used by locals for a plant growing in their area. This can cause a problem because often the same plant is called a different name in different parts of the country. For example, what is called beebalm in some areas, oswego tea in other places, and wild bergamot elsewhere, has the same Latin name, Monarda. All over the world, no matter where you go, the Latin name is the same for a specific plant. So if you want to be sure you get the plant you want, use the Latin name. It really isn’t as difficult as you may think. I bet you already know some. How about chrysanthemum, coreopsis, sedum or phlox?

Another question I often get asked is, “can I use a cultivar or do I have to get the species?” For this discussion a species is a plant growing naturally in the wild. Cultivar, the combination of the words cultivated variety, means a plant selected for its desirable characteristic, propagated and maintained by cultivation. This question is hotly debated among native plant enthusiasts. Some feel that if it isn’t a species growing in the immediate area it is not “native”. Others feel that if a cultivar is created from native plants it still deserves the name “native”. I recently attended the NJ Native Plant society conference and a debate was held on this very issue. Both sides presented strong arguments and valid points. The results: for now we agree to disagree. BUT both sides did agree that using cultivars from native plants was far superior for the environment then using non natives.

This is the point we are trying to make with our Bayscape for Barnegat Bay Shore Stewards Program. Using native plants is best but if they don’t work in your landscape using “improved” native cultivars is preferable to using non native or exotic plant material.

Remember Saturday April 30, at 10 a.m. there is a free workshop on becoming a Shore Steward and using native plants in your landscape.

Hammets Garden Center Rt. 9 Forked River, NJ

Join Policy Advocate Helen Henderson and Bayscape Horticulturist Judy DeFiglio to learn about Barnegat Bay and the use of native plants in your yard. A presentation will be made to help you plan your Bayscape for Barnegat Bay garden and plants will be available for immediate purchase. Light refreshments will be provided.

Hope to meet you there.