I find that when I use native plants, that I often have to order them = from distant locations. Is there any basis for concerns that using = "cultivars (of native plants) selected to highlight vigorous and hardy = traits" or hybrids, might impact the genetic structure of local = population of that species?
Has this ever been observed? That's an excellent point. To my (limited) knowledge, there have not been many (if any) studies that really focus on this. It certainly is a potential problem. Most ornamental cultivars of native plants are produced from cuttings which yields vast numbers of genetically identical individuals. I think from an urban landscape perspective, it's not as much of a problem. From a natural area restoration perspective, however, I think plants produced from seed would be the best option for ensuring longterm population viability. Mike
