Non-Native Plants

Can a plant ever be evil? I think so. "Evil" plants are those introduced, non-native species that come into an area, make themselves at home and push out the rightful tenants of the area - the natives. (This is called becoming naturalized.) These invaders may not offer the native wildlife the same ammenities they depended on from the native plants. For example, the new plant may not produce vegetative growth suitable to feed the larva of the butterfly species that was dependent on the displaced native plant. With nothing for their larva to eat, this butterfly could disappear. There are many other examples that could be provided. The web of life is very entangled and the relationships are not always apparent. This is why we need to use natives in our plantings whenever possible because somewhere out there is a butterfly, bird, or other living organism that may not survive without them.

I will concede though that not all non-native plants are "evil". There are some that can be used in your plantings with no fear that they will escape. There are also some non-natives which become naturalized and benefit the local wildlife. Typically these are not very aggressive plants and do not push out the natives, instead co-existing peacefully.

Remember: What is non-native here in Southeast Texas may be native where you live. Check with your local native plant society to find out which plants are best to use in your area. If you can't find a native plant society in your city, search on Google.com (replace "state" with your state in the search box) or ask your city's Chamber of Commerce.