Ask the Master Gardener: What's the difference between native, non-native plants?

What's the big deal about growing native plants and why are some people so against cultivated varieties? Some native plants are nice, but I really like some of the non-native flowers.

Although it may seem that all plants are pretty much the same regardless of origin, native pollinators and other wildlife would not agree with this opinion. Native wildlife and native plants have developed together for thousands upon thousands of year and are essentially "made for each other." Birds, butterflies, other pollinators, and mammals in an area rely on native plants for their habitat, shelter, and food. Biodiversity really does count!

Native plants, when planted in the proper environment for their needs are easier to grow and more likely to survive than cultivated varieties that come from other ecosystems, since they are well adapted to local conditions. Natives for the most part need less water and fertilizer, and need no pesticides at all. Native plants can also help prevent water runoff, reduce erosion, improve air quality, allow for less pollution due to less need for mowing by replacing grass lawns with native beds.

While some may feel that native plants can be "weedy," there is a wide variety of plants to choose from and many can be every bit as attractive and well-managed as anything you may find in a nursery. A reputable nursery selling native plants will be able to direct you towards plants that will shine in the front of the border and inform about plants that would be more suitable in the back row or even in a wilder situation.

With all that said, there is no rule that says you cannot plant cultivated varieties along with native plants. As long as a non-native plant is not invasive, some can also help pollinators by providing nectar and pollen throughout the season, often filling in the gaps for the native plants. Pollinators will always prefer the native, but some non-natives such as zinnias, lantana, cosmos, cleome, and others also attract butterflies and other pollinators. The bulk of the plantings should however be native plants. Native plants have a job to do, non-natives not so much.

More: Ask the Master Gardener: Want to garden while living in an apartment? Here's how

Since Callery pear trees (Bradford, Cleveland, etc.) are considered invasive and may soon be placed on the noxious weeds list, what trees would be a good alternative for them?

There are many native trees and shrubs that are just as lovely as the Callery pears, smell better, and are much better suited to our local ecosystem. There are many beautiful flowering trees native to Missouri. These would include flowering dogwood, Eastern redbud, smoke tree, hawthorn, serviceberry, American plum, yellowwood, black haw viburnum, and others.

How would I go about becoming a Master Gardener? The program seems very interesting.

The first step would be to take the Master Gardener training course, then follow up with volunteer hours. An in-person course is currently being conducted, however the online course will be offered Aug. 11 to Dec. 23. For more information, you can contact the Extension Office at 417-881-8909.

Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Mas­ter Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Exten­sion Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ask the Master Gardener: What's the difference between native, non-native plants?