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Read the article by Todd Boland and am surprised that a horticulturist would recommend an "alien" plant. Pest free plants are only pest free because the native insects that normally feed on a native plant are unable to feed on an alien plant. Loss of insects means the loss of wildlife that feed on insects. Without native plants there will be no more butterflies and birds. Insects are a major part of the food chain. Many insects that may feed on a plant in it's juvenile stage becomes a pollinator as an adult. Without a pollinator there will be no food. Also an "alien" plant will become invasive and crowd out native plants...why?? Their natural pests do not live here. Mr Boland I recommend the book "Bringing Nature Home" by Douglas W. Tallmay.
In response, I am sure that I am not the only horticulturist to recommend an alien plant. Our nursery and landscape industry would be severely restricted if they only dealt with natives. However, having said that, we do need to be aware of the potential of an 'exotic' species becoming a pest. Locally, I see yellow flag iris spreading along our waterways and displacing the native blue flag. I agree that we need to use more native plant material and I do recommend and give local talks empasizing the benefits of using natives. In fact, I am on our local Alien Invasive Plant Committee, so I am well versed on the concerns with using alien species in our landscapes. Living on an Island, our local flora is especially sensitive to invasion by alien species, be they plants or animals (the latter in particular have been particularly problematic).
I am also a plant breeder and in my breeding program, I select either improved forms of our native plants or if using alien species, ensure they are sterile hybrids. So, I am in fact, a responsible horticulturist.
In regards to Microbiota and being pest free, that species is relatively pest free in its native environment, NOT just in North America. There has been no evidence of that plant being particularly fecund with copious seed production. In the trade, the plant is grown asexually from cuttings due to the lack of seed production. In the wild, the plants native distribution is also restricted due to low seed production. So would Microbiota become an American invasive? Not likely.
I appreciate your opinion and agree with you in principle however, we (the horticultural industry and gardeners) need to find the balance between utilizing alien species and natives. Not all aliens are invasives. I love a constructive debate but it may have been more appropriate to dmail me personally about your concerns.
Well argued, I don't think qbs need have any worries on Microbiota becoming a nuisance in the countryside for the reasons you give.
Micribiota decussata enjoyed a fairly brief 'fashion' here and in Britain about 10 years ago as a replacement for Junipers, which at that time were being killed wholesale by 'Juniper blight'.
Strangely, it never seems to have caught on and is not particularly common in the trade now. I am not sure why.
Juniper blight has devastated those here too, yet sales of creeping juniper still exceed those of Microbiota..I can only assume that landscapers and ghardeners are not fond of the brownish winter colour as it may give the impression that the plant is dead...if we could only find a blue or yellow form of Microbiota!
Interesting! I was introduced to this plant last fall when I inquired about a tough conifer for dry shade. I love the rich green summer color and full foliage. I did raise an eyebrow when it started to brown in Nov/Dec, but now notice that it is a rather appealing sort of maroon. Very unusual in my raised conifer bed - and best of all, none of the deer or other wildlife seem to have even browsed it so far. My property borders a state forest TEEMING with wildlife (in northwest/cental PA). I'm definately going to get more of this tough and interesting plant. If anyone wants a photo, please advise and I'll figure out how to upload...
Have had Siberian Cypress ub ny shade garden (Z.4) for many years, but I notice that the center stem(s) are now denuded of foliage, though the outer fringe continues to grow and spread. Is there any technique/fertilizer (etc) to encourage more green growth in the center of the plant as it ages?
