Which is not an acceptable means of acquiring native plants?

Which is not an acceptable means of acquiring native plants?

• A. Purchasing cuttings or plants from reputable nurseries
• B. Collecting plants from the wild
• C. Purchasing seeds from seed catalogs
• D. Both b and c

Answer: (B)

Acquiring native plants should minimize disturbance to natural populations and follow legal and ecological guidelines. Collecting plants from the wild is not acceptable because it can deplete local populations, especially of rare or threatened species, disrupt habitats, and often violate laws or landowner rules. It also risks spreading pests, diseases, or invasive genetics, and may result in plants with unknown or non-local provenance that don’t perform well in your garden. In contrast, purchasing cuttings or plants from reputable nurseries is acceptable since these sources cultivate stock with verified provenance and aim to avoid impacting wild populations. Buying seeds from reputable seed catalogs is also acceptable when the seeds are clearly identified as natives to your region and sourced responsibly, helping preserve local genetics and improve establishment. Therefore, collecting from the wild is the practice to avoid.

Acquiring native plants should minimize disturbance to natural populations and follow legal and ecological guidelines. Collecting plants from the wild is not acceptable because it can deplete local populations, especially of rare or threatened species, disrupt habitats, and often violate laws or landowner rules. It also risks spreading pests, diseases, or invasive genetics, and may result in plants with unknown or non-local provenance that don’t perform well in your garden. In contrast, purchasing cuttings or plants from reputable nurseries is acceptable since these sources cultivate stock with verified provenance and aim to avoid impacting wild populations. Buying seeds from reputable seed catalogs is also acceptable when the seeds are clearly identified as natives to your region and sourced responsibly, helping preserve local genetics and improve establishment. Therefore, collecting from the wild is the practice to avoid.