When shopping for native plants, it’s important to ensure what you’re buying truly supports local ecosystems and avoids introducing invasive species. Use our comprehensive guides to learn which species are native to Nantucket or, at the very least, native to New England. We also recommend using tools like Go Botany to verify a plant’s native status and suitability for your landscape.
Be mindful of cultivars and “nativars” when sourcing plants. Cultivars are plant varieties selectively bred for specific traits like color, size, or shape, which can sometimes alter their ecological value. Nativars are cultivars derived from native plants, but they may not offer the same benefits to wildlife as their wild counterparts. For example, changes in flower shape or color can make them less attractive or accessible to pollinators. Look for plants labeled as straight species (e.g., Symphyotrichum novae-angliae rather than a named cultivar, which may have another name in parathesis next to it) to maximize habitat benefits.
Whenever possible, prioritize plants grown from local or regional ecotypes, as these are best adapted to Nantucket’s unique environment and help to preserve biodiversity in species. Avoid generic “wildflower mixes” or plants labeled as “native” without verifying their origins—many of these may include non-native or invasive species.
DO NOT PLANT!
Are you (or your landscaper) planting invasive species in your yard? Sorry, yes, Miscanthus is on the list. Check out the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List to make sure you aren’t part of the problem 😉
Cultivars vs. Natives
Get the skinny on the very important differences in these species and the benefits that true native straight species have over nativars and cultivars by the World Wildlife Foundation
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