Editing to add that the actual listing of Native Plant Nurseries for North Americans is here-
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8290
As a gardener who prefers native plants, I often find it difficult at first glance figuring out if nurseries are selling species other than natives trying to capitalize on the growing number of gardeners like me out there who prefer to plant natives. I've gotten zapped more times than I care to admit because a nursery tagged a plant with a common name or the genus and the cultivar name without the epithet. So many people aren't familiar with the scientific names of many plants and even those who are couldn't possibly be familiar with all the species that are native to where they garden that I've often wondered why there isn't some master list of native plant nurseries out there for the ten provinces of Canada as well as the 50 states of the US?. I see so many"native" plant nurseries with inventories of only 5% natives billing themselves out as as a native plant nursery to get included in lists of native plant nurseries that it's very frustrating. Didn't anyone look at their inventories when they added them to their list of native plant nurseries? Tossing the word native into a nursery's name doesn't make it a native plant nursery. Offering 25% natives does not make them native plant nurseries but nurseries that offer a line of native plants. I suspect most gardeners buy from nurseries claiming to be "native" to avoid having to wonder whether or not the plant they are buying is native or not and then there are the impulse buys where one purchases without doing their homework first. Thoughts of the exotic loosestrife I came home with that I simply had to have that I planted in my wetlands thanks to deceptive practices comes to mind for me but there are other incidents where I let myself get duped. I really don't want to buy from a "native" plant nursery selling Tamarix spp. (Salt Cedar), Hedera helix (English Ivy), Pueraria montana var. lobata (Kudzu), or any of the many Lythrum salicaria cultivars (Purple Loosestife) being pumped out these days. I don't so much mind nurseries that clearly mark their plants as native or non-native or nurseries that come right out and state they are nearly native but still sell non-invasive exotics and vegetables but it's those nurseries that prey on my ignorance that bother me. Think about it... who goes shopping armed with field guides to native plants and such? I don't.
If I were to start a list of NA native plant nurseries that are really native plant nurseries, would anyone be interested? Would anyone be able to add to the list based on where they garden to help make it a little bit easier for other gardeners in the same province or state looking to buy natives?
Editing to change title of thread again.
Suggestions for North American Native Plant Nurseries Please
Last edited by TheLorax on Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:21 am, edited 3 times in total.
I'm always on the hunt for native plant nurseries. And like you, I've found many nurseries that are just jumping on the native plant bandwagon to sell anything they can pass off as a native plant. I'm always suspicious of any nursery that only uses the term "wildflowers". I think "wildflowers" has become a commercial term used to fool customers into thinking that any plant that can be found growing outside of a garden is a good thing for the environment. They don't mention that most of the invasive plants that are damaging many ecosystems would fit their definition of a wildflower. A native plant could be called a wildflower, but a wildflower is not necessarily a native plant.
The one that really makes me sigh though, are the nurseries that sell "naturalized" plants and make it sound like a good thing. These plants are the very definition of an invasive plant - non-native plants that establish permanent populations in natural areas. These plants permanently change the intricate and delicate flora and fauna relationships that have established themselves over thousands of years.
But on to more positive things. There are many good reputable native plant nurseries. I'd like to see a list of these nurseries, and I'd be glad to add the ones that I know about.
The one that really makes me sigh though, are the nurseries that sell "naturalized" plants and make it sound like a good thing. These plants are the very definition of an invasive plant - non-native plants that establish permanent populations in natural areas. These plants permanently change the intricate and delicate flora and fauna relationships that have established themselves over thousands of years.
But on to more positive things. There are many good reputable native plant nurseries. I'd like to see a list of these nurseries, and I'd be glad to add the ones that I know about.
Last edited by NEWisc on Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
editing to provide link to new thread of the list-
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=41144#41144
Much easier to maintain only one list as opposed to two in two different areas of the site.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=41144#41144
Much easier to maintain only one list as opposed to two in two different areas of the site.
Last edited by TheLorax on Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:34 pm, edited 9 times in total.
Nice List!!! You've already covered most of the nurseries that I am familiar with, but here are a couple more that you can add to your list:
Missouri
https://www.easywildflowers.com/
Wisconsin:
https://www.everwilde.com/
https://prairiebob.com/
Ontario:
https://www.wildflowerfarm.com/
Missouri
https://www.easywildflowers.com/
Wisconsin:
https://www.everwilde.com/
https://prairiebob.com/
Ontario:
https://www.wildflowerfarm.com/
Last edited by NEWisc on Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
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imagardener2
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ahughes798
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Garden Spider
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Hi--I'm new to the forum, and I know I came in late to this thread, so I hope I'm not stepping on any toes, here. This subject interests me a great deal, as I'm trying to garden with more native plants, and because I volunteer at our local aquarium, and am involved with planting native plants in and around our shorebird exhibit.
Something I think should be defined in any discussion about native plants is an understanding of the word "native." Does it mean only plants that were on the North American continent (and in Hawaii) before the coming of the Europeans? Does it mean plants that were introduced by Europeans in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, but have become so well established in the wild that most people have forgotten they were introduced? Does it include or exclude hybrids or named cultivars of species? Does it include the cultivation of species that were native in prehistoric times, but went extinct (e.g. the Gingko biloba in the Pacific Northwest)? How one person defines "native" may be different than another person's definition.
Another point to consider is how widely you want to define your region. When you look at maps of the Pacific Northwest, it usually includes Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, and sometimes Western Montana. But something that is native to Idaho may not be native to my home in western Washington. There are plants that are native to southern Oregon that will never be found in the wild where I live now. In fact, plants native to the hot summer, cold winter, semi arid regions of eastern Washington may struggle for life in the cool summer, mild winter, and high rainfall in western Washington, and vice versa. So what is a region? And how would you define a native plant, in that case?
Please not that I am not trying to be critical of, flame, or put anyone down with this last point I want to make: All of us gardeners who want to garden with native plants should educate ourselves on what is native to our area, and how we want to define a native (e.g. named cultivars or hybrids, or species only). I do take a field guide of native plants to nurseries when I shop--why not? It's easy to keep in the car, and I refer to it often.
I know of very few purely native plant nurseries in Oregon and Washington that are retail. Tadpole Haven in Washington is wholesale only. Wallace Hansen Native Plant Nursery in Salem Oregon is for sale, so its future is in question. However, they are still in business. I have found a good source for PNW native plants is from Forest Farm, in Williams, Oregon, though native species are only a percentage of their stock. I'm still learning how this forum works, and haven't quite figured out how to insert URL's, but all these places can be googled with the nursery's name. Other retail places that do not mail-order in Western Washington that sell PNW natives are Molbak's, Wells Medina, Classic, and Furney's, Christianson's, and Flower World. In Oregon, Nicholl's and Garland nurseries sell native plants. However, these all sell non-native ornamentals, as well. Is it necessary to reject nurseries simply because they sell non-native plants, as well as native? I don't think I'd want to limit myself so much.
I hope this reply starts a discussion; as I said, I was not trying to criticise or flame anyone.
Barb
Something I think should be defined in any discussion about native plants is an understanding of the word "native." Does it mean only plants that were on the North American continent (and in Hawaii) before the coming of the Europeans? Does it mean plants that were introduced by Europeans in the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, but have become so well established in the wild that most people have forgotten they were introduced? Does it include or exclude hybrids or named cultivars of species? Does it include the cultivation of species that were native in prehistoric times, but went extinct (e.g. the Gingko biloba in the Pacific Northwest)? How one person defines "native" may be different than another person's definition.
Another point to consider is how widely you want to define your region. When you look at maps of the Pacific Northwest, it usually includes Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, and sometimes Western Montana. But something that is native to Idaho may not be native to my home in western Washington. There are plants that are native to southern Oregon that will never be found in the wild where I live now. In fact, plants native to the hot summer, cold winter, semi arid regions of eastern Washington may struggle for life in the cool summer, mild winter, and high rainfall in western Washington, and vice versa. So what is a region? And how would you define a native plant, in that case?
Please not that I am not trying to be critical of, flame, or put anyone down with this last point I want to make: All of us gardeners who want to garden with native plants should educate ourselves on what is native to our area, and how we want to define a native (e.g. named cultivars or hybrids, or species only). I do take a field guide of native plants to nurseries when I shop--why not? It's easy to keep in the car, and I refer to it often.
I know of very few purely native plant nurseries in Oregon and Washington that are retail. Tadpole Haven in Washington is wholesale only. Wallace Hansen Native Plant Nursery in Salem Oregon is for sale, so its future is in question. However, they are still in business. I have found a good source for PNW native plants is from Forest Farm, in Williams, Oregon, though native species are only a percentage of their stock. I'm still learning how this forum works, and haven't quite figured out how to insert URL's, but all these places can be googled with the nursery's name. Other retail places that do not mail-order in Western Washington that sell PNW natives are Molbak's, Wells Medina, Classic, and Furney's, Christianson's, and Flower World. In Oregon, Nicholl's and Garland nurseries sell native plants. However, these all sell non-native ornamentals, as well. Is it necessary to reject nurseries simply because they sell non-native plants, as well as native? I don't think I'd want to limit myself so much.
I hope this reply starts a discussion; as I said, I was not trying to criticise or flame anyone.
Barb
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ahughes798
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- Location: wauconda, IL
What native means to you would be consistent with the common accepted definition. North American native plants are those plants in a particular area that were growing naturally prior to European Colonization. Different definitions are used by other countries based on their histories.In my mind, Native means plants and wildlife that were here before europeans.
Cultivars of native species are of garden origin and are therefore never deemed to be native.
Everyone raise their hand if they've ever taken a tour offered by a person who claims to have a native plant garden which includes species such as Butterfly Bush, Hawkweed, Oxe-Eye Daisy, Dame's Rocket, etc. while their cat follows around after them? Let an actual native blow in on its own steam and they're right there with a bottle of herbicide to spritz it and let their cat snatch a bird and they'll offer that nature can be cruel.
Native is not a term that can be re-defined although there are many gardeners who attempt to do so. Best to follow the Feds definition of same-
https://www.osmre.gov/veg2.htm
editing to correct a link that is hanging people up at the USDA Plants Database. There was another link there that if followed would have round robined everyone to the Federal Native Plant Conservation Committee Memorandum of Understanding in which this definition for a native plant was provided, "A native plant species is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, state, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or indirect human actions".
Also editing to add these links which provide more information-
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rdsduse/rdsduse5.htm
https://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/PlantNativeSpecies.html
Last edited by TheLorax on Fri Apr 18, 2008 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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ahughes798
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good job, LORAX.
I grow plants native east of the mississippi river. That's my line in the sand. I do have some plants native to the SE US, fothergilla gardenii being one of them.
I also have exotic plants..german bearded iris and a tree peony, however, they are not invasive. And the iris are mostly eaten by iris root borer, a non-native pest. Yep, I grow exotics, but I make danged sure they're not invasive before I even buy them.
I grow plants native east of the mississippi river. That's my line in the sand. I do have some plants native to the SE US, fothergilla gardenii being one of them.
I also have exotic plants..german bearded iris and a tree peony, however, they are not invasive. And the iris are mostly eaten by iris root borer, a non-native pest. Yep, I grow exotics, but I make danged sure they're not invasive before I even buy them.
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MaineDesigner
- Green Thumb
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- Joined: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:17 am
- Location: Midcoast Maine, Zone 5b
Good question Garden Spider!
When I'm asked to design a landscape using only native plants I always start by trying to figure out what the client means by "native." More often than not they have no idea that there are degrees of native. If the decision is left me I will use only plants native to the local region. If there is not some hope of finding naturally occurring specimens within a roughly hundred mile radius I won't use it. If it was possible to source plants whose genetic provenance was that regionally specific I would do so. Unfortunately, that isn't an option. I also don't bring in plants that may be native to the greater region but would be very unlikely to be part of that plant community. If native is construed to include plants whose closest natural occurrence is fifteen hundred miles away I think the term is meaningless.
That said, 90% of the time I proceed exactly as ahughes does using plants where appropriate that are non-invasive, non-native but well adapted to the the site I'm working with . My own property has natives I planted like Carpinus caroliniana and Cornus alternifolia but is also has non-invasive exotics like Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Anemonopsis macrophylla, peonies and epimediums. I have very little time for natives only advocates whose understanding of the science is sketchy at best.
When I'm asked to design a landscape using only native plants I always start by trying to figure out what the client means by "native." More often than not they have no idea that there are degrees of native. If the decision is left me I will use only plants native to the local region. If there is not some hope of finding naturally occurring specimens within a roughly hundred mile radius I won't use it. If it was possible to source plants whose genetic provenance was that regionally specific I would do so. Unfortunately, that isn't an option. I also don't bring in plants that may be native to the greater region but would be very unlikely to be part of that plant community. If native is construed to include plants whose closest natural occurrence is fifteen hundred miles away I think the term is meaningless.
That said, 90% of the time I proceed exactly as ahughes does using plants where appropriate that are non-invasive, non-native but well adapted to the the site I'm working with . My own property has natives I planted like Carpinus caroliniana and Cornus alternifolia but is also has non-invasive exotics like Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Anemonopsis macrophylla, peonies and epimediums. I have very little time for natives only advocates whose understanding of the science is sketchy at best.
This list has been updated. Please feel free to poke around. If you are out and about and run into a nursery that is not "jumping on the native plant bandwagon to sell anything they can pass off as a native plant", please post a link to the nursery or provide contact information and I'll get them added to the list.
TheLorax wrote:. I really don't want to buy from a "native" plant nursery selling Tamarix spp. (Salt Cedar), Hedera helix (English Ivy), Pueraria montana var. lobata (Kudzu),
Oh, god. Tell me it isn't legal to sell kudzu!
I can't imagine it. Of course, it wouldn't have to be illegal anywhere around here, as seller and buyer alike would (rightly) have to deal with the angry mob bearing torches and pitchforks. [Edited when I found TheLorax's list -- our posts must've crossed]TheLorax wrote:. If I were to start a list of NA native plant nurseries that are really native plant nurseries, would anyone be interested? Would anyone be able to add to the list based on where they garden to help make it a little bit easier for other gardeners in the same province or state looking to buy natives?
I'm sure you know by now that I'd have quite a learning curve figuring out how to judge whether a nursery is truly native, but I've been looking through the list. Very little in Georgia, was the first thing I noticed. Nothing within a hundred miles of me, at least. So, I'm going to take my uneducated self around to the local nursery and start asking questions (and looking for English Ivy!)
Meantime, thanks for the link to Sunlight Gardens. I'm IDing some of the wild plants on my property from the catalog! I have Echinacea purpurea, and what I though was trumpet vine on my house is actually wild begonia.
Last edited by JennyC on Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Well, I'm not God but I can tell you that it is legal to sell Kudzu in many states. Somehow the plant didn't quite make it on to noxious weed or invasive species lists in quite a few states. Blows my mind how many plants are formally documented as invasive species but never seem to quite make it onto most state specific lists that would prohibit and ban the plant. Many don't realize that some states don't even have noxious weed or invasive species lists for people to refer to as a tool in making decisions.
The list is in the third post in this thread ;) I plug away at it time allowing and when people suggest nurseries. The last big wave of nurseries I added was for Canada. Hmmm, poor Georgia only has two entries.
I should probably start a new thread with that post as the first post so people can find the information they want and change the title to this thread to suggestions for native plant nurseries or something similar and provide cross links to each thread. This thread is fast approaching 2,000 views so there is evidently more interest than what I could have ever imagined.
Say JennyC, thanks so much for pointing out that the actual post that had the list of nurseries wasn't all that visible. Good to know. I'll figure something out or contact someone who can.
The list is in the third post in this thread ;) I plug away at it time allowing and when people suggest nurseries. The last big wave of nurseries I added was for Canada. Hmmm, poor Georgia only has two entries.
I should probably start a new thread with that post as the first post so people can find the information they want and change the title to this thread to suggestions for native plant nurseries or something similar and provide cross links to each thread. This thread is fast approaching 2,000 views so there is evidently more interest than what I could have ever imagined.
Say JennyC, thanks so much for pointing out that the actual post that had the list of nurseries wasn't all that visible. Good to know. I'll figure something out or contact someone who can.
Ok, I did it. Thanks again for pointing out that people were probably coming to this thread and not spotting the actual list since it was the third post down.
I changed the title of this thread to "Suggestions for Native Plant Nurseries Please".
Here's a link to a new thread titled "Lists of Native Plant Nurseries for North Americans"-
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=41144#41144
Hope this helps. If not, will a moderator or the webmaster please make access easier for those interested in native plant nurseries.
I changed the title of this thread to "Suggestions for Native Plant Nurseries Please".
Here's a link to a new thread titled "Lists of Native Plant Nurseries for North Americans"-
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=41144#41144
Hope this helps. If not, will a moderator or the webmaster please make access easier for those interested in native plant nurseries.
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EarthFirstNatives
- Full Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:28 pm
- Location: Egg Harbor TWP, NJ
Hi all,
I am a newbie here - I actually joined because I wanted to respond to a thread about master gardeners, after creating the account, I went down the list and saw the native section. I stopped here since this is my passion.
I don't think I can advertise here, but I just wanted to let you know that I own a native plant nursery and you can feel free to add me to your list. I have read your concerns and frustrations about native plant nurseries and I have to say that you have a lot to be concerned about. Not only with wildflowers labeled natives, but with plants for sale that have been dug from the wild, sadly I have seen these, and it leads to further habitat destruction. I also saw the lists you have - very good start. A couple other lists are wildflower.org which is the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Plantnative.org, which contains a list of native plant nurseries and tells you what percentage of their plants are native.
I started this nursery native from the start, 4 years ago as a way to provide these plants to people in my area that are lost to our explosive overdevelopement. having worked several years in a nursery, I saw my share of newly arrived transplanted two-leggeds, coming in to buy exotic and even invasive species for their yards. I also saw lots of odd birds show up at my home that used to live in the woods where the houses now stand. Education folks in using natives instead, became a mission for me.
I Started selling at flea markets then on ebay, then this past year went ahead and made it a registered business. I also do talks on native plants to garden clubs, green groups, and at our Master Gardener plants sales workshops. I would be happy to share any knowledge I can helping you learn more about natives.
My nursery is 100% Native and listed on wildflower.org and plantnative.org. They are also organically grown without chemical pesticides and petro-fertilizers. One thing, however is I do not sell west of Texas. Most of my plants are beyond their natural range in the Midwest. Some of our plants here in the east are not welcome on the west coast as they can also be invasive and disturb ecosystems.
So if you have any questions about east coast/mid-atlantic natives, please feel free to ask.. and I am glad to see interest here in natives.
Now back to the master gardener thread..
Raven
I am a newbie here - I actually joined because I wanted to respond to a thread about master gardeners, after creating the account, I went down the list and saw the native section. I stopped here since this is my passion.
I don't think I can advertise here, but I just wanted to let you know that I own a native plant nursery and you can feel free to add me to your list. I have read your concerns and frustrations about native plant nurseries and I have to say that you have a lot to be concerned about. Not only with wildflowers labeled natives, but with plants for sale that have been dug from the wild, sadly I have seen these, and it leads to further habitat destruction. I also saw the lists you have - very good start. A couple other lists are wildflower.org which is the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Plantnative.org, which contains a list of native plant nurseries and tells you what percentage of their plants are native.
I started this nursery native from the start, 4 years ago as a way to provide these plants to people in my area that are lost to our explosive overdevelopement. having worked several years in a nursery, I saw my share of newly arrived transplanted two-leggeds, coming in to buy exotic and even invasive species for their yards. I also saw lots of odd birds show up at my home that used to live in the woods where the houses now stand. Education folks in using natives instead, became a mission for me.
I Started selling at flea markets then on ebay, then this past year went ahead and made it a registered business. I also do talks on native plants to garden clubs, green groups, and at our Master Gardener plants sales workshops. I would be happy to share any knowledge I can helping you learn more about natives.
My nursery is 100% Native and listed on wildflower.org and plantnative.org. They are also organically grown without chemical pesticides and petro-fertilizers. One thing, however is I do not sell west of Texas. Most of my plants are beyond their natural range in the Midwest. Some of our plants here in the east are not welcome on the west coast as they can also be invasive and disturb ecosystems.
So if you have any questions about east coast/mid-atlantic natives, please feel free to ask.. and I am glad to see interest here in natives.
Now back to the master gardener thread..
Raven
Hello and a very warm welcome to you Raven.
Nope, you can't promote yourself but it sure would be nice to have somebody like you sharing your knowledge and experiences in the threads whenever you've got time to spare. There seem to be a lot of questions about invasive species lately too and most native plant people are pretty up on those so I suspect you are too. There are other people who are in the nursery industry here so don't feel alone as MaineDesigner comes to mind for me and he's one of THG's best contributors in my opinion. I guess the only deal is no self promoting. You can contact the webmaster and ask him for details of what's approved and what isn't as I haven't a clue other than that self promotion is a no no. I just learned what a sock puppet was so I guess I'm behind the times.
The Lady Bird Johnson site is good. The problem I have with PlantNative.org is their nursery finder lists. They evidently did NOT appropriately screen the nurseries they allowed to be added to those lists. What value are their lists to gardeners who want to find nurseries such as yours when an organization like that slops you in with nurseries that are only carrying 5% native? Sort of defied logic to me given all the issues these days. And about the field collecting you mentioned. I spotted at least two nurseries on their lists that are field collecting. Harvesting from the wilds and slopping a plant into a pot to grow out for a little bit before offering it for sale as "nursery grown" doesn't cut it with me. Way uncool to take from the wilds. Way uncool for an organization like that to be listing nurseries that wild harvest.
Please Private message me the full name of your nursery along with all the contact information that I need to add your nursery as well as a link to your website or a list of the plants you offer and I'd be delighted to add you to that list I started.
Nope, you can't promote yourself but it sure would be nice to have somebody like you sharing your knowledge and experiences in the threads whenever you've got time to spare. There seem to be a lot of questions about invasive species lately too and most native plant people are pretty up on those so I suspect you are too. There are other people who are in the nursery industry here so don't feel alone as MaineDesigner comes to mind for me and he's one of THG's best contributors in my opinion. I guess the only deal is no self promoting. You can contact the webmaster and ask him for details of what's approved and what isn't as I haven't a clue other than that self promotion is a no no. I just learned what a sock puppet was so I guess I'm behind the times.
The Lady Bird Johnson site is good. The problem I have with PlantNative.org is their nursery finder lists. They evidently did NOT appropriately screen the nurseries they allowed to be added to those lists. What value are their lists to gardeners who want to find nurseries such as yours when an organization like that slops you in with nurseries that are only carrying 5% native? Sort of defied logic to me given all the issues these days. And about the field collecting you mentioned. I spotted at least two nurseries on their lists that are field collecting. Harvesting from the wilds and slopping a plant into a pot to grow out for a little bit before offering it for sale as "nursery grown" doesn't cut it with me. Way uncool to take from the wilds. Way uncool for an organization like that to be listing nurseries that wild harvest.
Please Private message me the full name of your nursery along with all the contact information that I need to add your nursery as well as a link to your website or a list of the plants you offer and I'd be delighted to add you to that list I started.
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EarthFirstNatives
- Full Member
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- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:28 pm
- Location: Egg Harbor TWP, NJ
hey and thanks for the welcome
As I said I used to sell on ebay and still do, (but not too much anymore) and of course checking through my listings saw other nurseries, some I could pretty much tell were wild collecting. One even bragged that they had been "digging wildflowers in the Tenessee Mountains for 25 years". Another was a "contruction site rescue" which at first I thought was noble, but now that "construction " has been going on for 4 years now, so I have my doubts, and they both have a thriving business on ebay selling natives, well dirt cheap, no pun intended. I try to keep mine affordable as well, but could never compete with them. And I don't' want to as I have better ethic than that.
With Plantnative.org you do need to look at the % listed, as you mentioned one with only 5%, I don't even think I would even bother looking as I may not find what I am looking for. Prairie Moon Nursey in Minnesota sell some plants, but mainly seed, I occasionally buy seed there in an emergency, like a storm knocking out my seed source. I use local seed as much as possible. But they are quite generous in the amount of seed you get for the money. Other good sources of native are local native plant societies or preserve ares' plant sales. Bowmans Hill is one I go to a couple times a year, where I can purchase propstock, knowing that they were also nursery propagted.
One thing in looking at nurseries, always look for ones they clearly state "nursery propgated" as like you said nursery grown can simply mean pulled from the wild and then grown in a pot. If possible ask to see the propagation area. Most legit nurseries will be happy to show you. If its mail order, ask to see pictures.
How do I send a Private message? I still havent learned my way around yet?
Thanks
Raven
As I said I used to sell on ebay and still do, (but not too much anymore) and of course checking through my listings saw other nurseries, some I could pretty much tell were wild collecting. One even bragged that they had been "digging wildflowers in the Tenessee Mountains for 25 years". Another was a "contruction site rescue" which at first I thought was noble, but now that "construction " has been going on for 4 years now, so I have my doubts, and they both have a thriving business on ebay selling natives, well dirt cheap, no pun intended. I try to keep mine affordable as well, but could never compete with them. And I don't' want to as I have better ethic than that.
With Plantnative.org you do need to look at the % listed, as you mentioned one with only 5%, I don't even think I would even bother looking as I may not find what I am looking for. Prairie Moon Nursey in Minnesota sell some plants, but mainly seed, I occasionally buy seed there in an emergency, like a storm knocking out my seed source. I use local seed as much as possible. But they are quite generous in the amount of seed you get for the money. Other good sources of native are local native plant societies or preserve ares' plant sales. Bowmans Hill is one I go to a couple times a year, where I can purchase propstock, knowing that they were also nursery propagted.
One thing in looking at nurseries, always look for ones they clearly state "nursery propgated" as like you said nursery grown can simply mean pulled from the wild and then grown in a pot. If possible ask to see the propagation area. Most legit nurseries will be happy to show you. If its mail order, ask to see pictures.
How do I send a Private message? I still havent learned my way around yet?
Thanks
Raven
Hey Raven,
I'm not all that thrilled with PlantNative.org's list. I'm not alone and their hands off approach to the caliber of nurseries appearing in their line up has been a topic of discussion on the ListServe in the past. Quite frequently the percentage of native doesn't even appear and even some of the nurseries that list they have 50% or 75% native are stretching it when one takes a good look at their lists. It's the promoting of noxious weeds and invasive species by offering them for sale to the public at large as well as field collecting to increase the profits of the business that really burns me personally. Field collecting is simply wrong with very few exceptions regardless of whether a business or an individual is doing it. Just one can make a difference but then you know that already.
If you look at my post toward the bottom you will see a little button that says "P.Msg". Click on that and it will take you to the area where you can private message me.
I'm not all that thrilled with PlantNative.org's list. I'm not alone and their hands off approach to the caliber of nurseries appearing in their line up has been a topic of discussion on the ListServe in the past. Quite frequently the percentage of native doesn't even appear and even some of the nurseries that list they have 50% or 75% native are stretching it when one takes a good look at their lists. It's the promoting of noxious weeds and invasive species by offering them for sale to the public at large as well as field collecting to increase the profits of the business that really burns me personally. Field collecting is simply wrong with very few exceptions regardless of whether a business or an individual is doing it. Just one can make a difference but then you know that already.
If you look at my post toward the bottom you will see a little button that says "P.Msg". Click on that and it will take you to the area where you can private message me.
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imagardener2
- Senior Member
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:55 am
- Location: Three Rivers, TX
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hendi_alex
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 3604
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:58 am
- Location: Central Sand Hills South Carolina
I've ordered plants the past two years from John at Easy Wildflowers. Have been very satisfied. Also like the information that is available on his web site and like the fact that he sells both seeds and plants for most species. The first year that I purchased, when asked about payment, he said [don't worry about it, I'll send you the plants and you can send a check after you get them.] John has also been very cooperative/patient and helpful when I've called and picked his brain.
https://www.easywildflowers.com/index.html
Here is a list of state by state native plant societies.
https://www.michbotclub.org/links/native_plant_society.htm
https://www.easywildflowers.com/index.html
Here is a list of state by state native plant societies.
https://www.michbotclub.org/links/native_plant_society.htm
When I followed the link to their site, I found the following-
Can add the EasyWildFlowers site though. They even provided a very basic list of invasive species which was nice as it exposes more gardeners to the concept of invasives.
Regarding the PlantNative.org site, I recently learned they charge nurseries for listing with them as a "native plant nursery" and there is no screening process whatsoever as they allow the nurseries advertising with them to provide percentages. Not at all impressed with that given I had already spotted a few nurseries in and amongst their ranks that were offering 5% native plants and also nurseries selling "Nursery Grown" which sends up big red flags for me. Why lump those nurseries in with the nurseries that aren't selling noxious weeds or invasives that are truly native plant nurseries offering close to 100% native plants such as Earth First Natives and others? Defies logic that a site such as GoNative.org would be promoting nurseries that aren't exactly native plant nurseries all based on which one pays their fees to advertise and which ones don't.
And-The Natural Gardener is a garden shop, nursery and teaching facility dedicated to promoting organic, time-tested gardening practices. We offer native and adapted plants and outstanding bulk and bagged soils.
They appear to be more of a garden center that carries some native plants. I contacted them and asked them to please forward to me a list of the plants they offered and no reply. Went back to their site and poked around a little bit and found they were advertising some invasive species and noxious weeds- "We carry both natives and those well-adapted to our soils and climate". Unfortunately, most noxious weeds and invasive species are all too well adapted to most soils and most climates which is why they are causes for concern. Although they are fair in that they are letting gardeners know they sell natives and non-natives, they don't appear to be differentiating between the two and best guess based on the plants photographed for their website and what they did list out as being for sale is that this nursery is probably selling less than 50% natives. Can't tell without a list from them.We in the nursery at the Natural Gardener work hard to provide a great selection of plants, both native and exotic, to delight the eye and please the palate.
Can add the EasyWildFlowers site though. They even provided a very basic list of invasive species which was nice as it exposes more gardeners to the concept of invasives.
Regarding the PlantNative.org site, I recently learned they charge nurseries for listing with them as a "native plant nursery" and there is no screening process whatsoever as they allow the nurseries advertising with them to provide percentages. Not at all impressed with that given I had already spotted a few nurseries in and amongst their ranks that were offering 5% native plants and also nurseries selling "Nursery Grown" which sends up big red flags for me. Why lump those nurseries in with the nurseries that aren't selling noxious weeds or invasives that are truly native plant nurseries offering close to 100% native plants such as Earth First Natives and others? Defies logic that a site such as GoNative.org would be promoting nurseries that aren't exactly native plant nurseries all based on which one pays their fees to advertise and which ones don't.
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hendi_alex
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 3604
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:58 am
- Location: Central Sand Hills South Carolina
Ran into something today when trying to order some seed for myself personally. Went to an online nursery I used to buy from and found they had created a whole new area of their site where they were selling three pages of "World Wildflowers". This new area of this particular nursery's site was chalk full of noxious weeds and invasive species. So sad.
Should anyone run into one of the sites listed as selling NA native plants that has begun to pedal non-natives, please take a moment to share your findings here in this thread and I will remove them from the list of North American Native Plant Nurseries.
The Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not), Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not), Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Forget-Me-Not), Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory), Cichorium intybus (Chicory), Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Ox-Eye Daisy), Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy), Cheiranthus cheiri (English Wallflower), Centaurea cyanus (Blue Bachelor's Button), Ammi majus (Queen Anne's Lace), Achillea filipendulina (Gold Yarrow), and Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) that the site I removed began selling will never be North American native plants no matter how many natural areas those species overtake.
Should anyone run into one of the sites listed as selling NA native plants that has begun to pedal non-natives, please take a moment to share your findings here in this thread and I will remove them from the list of North American Native Plant Nurseries.
The Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not), Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not), Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Forget-Me-Not), Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory), Cichorium intybus (Chicory), Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Ox-Eye Daisy), Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy), Cheiranthus cheiri (English Wallflower), Centaurea cyanus (Blue Bachelor's Button), Ammi majus (Queen Anne's Lace), Achillea filipendulina (Gold Yarrow), and Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) that the site I removed began selling will never be North American native plants no matter how many natural areas those species overtake.
Ah, I see by the newly added signature line appearing under your user name that you must be a representative of Ashridge. Glad your nursery is responsibly providing the scientific names of plants.
Wish when you had originally posted what's quoted below with a new post subject of "Native plant nursery" that you would have disclosed you had an affiliation with that nursery so I didn't look like a cyber meanie with my comments-
Wish when you had originally posted what's quoted below with a new post subject of "Native plant nursery" that you would have disclosed you had an affiliation with that nursery so I didn't look like a cyber meanie with my comments-
Ashridge Trees specialises in native hedging and woodland trees if that helps.
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nauticalady
- Newly Registered
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- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:21 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
A couple other sources for Alberta:
Bedrock seeds: https://www.bedrockseedbank.com/
Not 100% native, but they're quite reputable.
https://www.wildaboutflowers.ca/index.php
100% native seeds and plugs.
The Alberta Native Plant Council has a list of native plant suppliers in the province. It can be found here: https://www.anpc.ab.ca/assets/source.pdf. They're pretty passionate about native plants (obviously) so I suspect they will have screened suppliers fairly well.
Bedrock seeds: https://www.bedrockseedbank.com/
Not 100% native, but they're quite reputable.
https://www.wildaboutflowers.ca/index.php
100% native seeds and plugs.
The Alberta Native Plant Council has a list of native plant suppliers in the province. It can be found here: https://www.anpc.ab.ca/assets/source.pdf. They're pretty passionate about native plants (obviously) so I suspect they will have screened suppliers fairly well.