A species of flowering plant in the Catchfly family that is a relic of the pioneer days much like common mullein and queen anne’s lace is. It was brought over as an alternative to clothe washing soap, because of it’s high saponin production, since animal fats could be problematic. Saponin with it’s pulp, when combined with water, created a soapy lather; but, now the saponin just works to prevent herbivores from browsing on it leading to population vigor and out competing of native species in some cases. Luckily Huffman prairie can keep this species in check with natives over shading and fire regiments. I’ve only ever found this species on the edge of the pathways.
Do you think it is okay to create fictional native people cultures for a story that are inspired by real life native American groups? I mean if I where to do research to avoid enforcing stereotypes because that is not at all the effect I want to achieve. And I s'pose this question kinda goes for any other culture that is not mine. But what do you think?
I would say no. Recently there has been a lot of stereotypes and assumptions around from NN (nonnatives) creating fictional native cultures or taking some concepts from native culture and just messing with them in their books. Such as Stephenie Meyer in Twilight (X X) and J.K. Rowling with Ilvermorny (X X).
I can’t stop you, but I can advise you not to do what the other authors have done. You can still include us in your stories, just please don’t try to rewrite our culture as you may accidentally enforce stereotypes no matter how hard you try via cultural misappropriation no matter how hard you try.
These photos are from early June instead of early fall and display a more pubescent sepal tube that is also red in color instead of the white. Still the same species. Still disregarding browsing pressure due to their high saponins, but why are saponins distasteful? Well, it’s not that they are distasteful but are caustic. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal irritation, break down of stomach lining, and the violent breakdown of red blood cells; because of this, species that normally would browse remember this plant and will ignore any and all individuals. While this is still a nectar source, it has no native species that co evolved any larval stages that would defoliate it and utilize it for chemical protection; the overall value of Soapwort to wildlife and native ecosystem function is extremely low in this case.
“When a flower opens, the whole world appears.” Zen Saying
Unless you are a member of an Indigenous tribe, you are a part of the great melting pot that we call the United States of America. Even if your ancestors arrived on the Mayflower, you are still not considered a native. Like people, plants have immigrated to our shores and have found love, compatibility, and regions to survive and thrive.…
“When a flower opens, the whole world appears.” Zen Saying
Unless you are a member of an Indigenous tribe, you are a part of the great melting pot that we call the United States of America. Even if your ancestors arrived on the Mayflower, you are still not considered a native. Like people, plants have immigrated to our shores and have found love, compatibility, and regions to survive and thrive. We often read about the need to plant more “native” plants, but what are they? Are “natives” any better than “non-natives” that have acclimated to our climate, and soil while claiming our hearts?
The definition of “native” by the United States Department of Agriculture’s US Forest Service indicates that a native plant species has “evolved and occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Plant species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent before European settlement.” For example, California poppies, the state flower of California, are native from the slopes of Western Oregon to Baja. However, people assume that Echinacea purpurea, known as Purple Coneflower, is native to our area, while in fact, it is only endemic to states east of the Rockies. Yet borders are not observed by plants so perhaps a better description of a “native” would be a plant that has adapted over time to thrive in conditions that were like their endemic habitats.
Because true natives are well-suited to the climate and soils of a region, gardeners believe that they won’t require as much attention. But being “native” doesn’t mean that a species doesn’t require water, fertilizer, pest protection, and maintenance. Natives are not immune to drought, predators, temperature fluctuations, and other garden stressors. Our landscapes are not natural environments. Our gardens are man/woman made! Forests, woodlands, deserts, and marshes have evolved over millennia to be biodiverse and resilient.
Do we want to only plant natives instead of non-natives? My answer is a firm no! I have always advocated for “planting the world” as there are so many species that thrive in our locale with origins from around the globe. Many revered non-natives have acclimated to our soil, weather, and stressors providing food and refuge for insects, wildlife, and birds while living in harmony with native species. Would you want to live without tulips, daffodils, Asian lilies, camellias, azaleas, peonies, Birds of Paradise, tulip magnolia trees, or Calla lilies? What about the numerous houseplants that we use to beautify our indoor facilities? If you love orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, philodendrons, crotons, or Schefflera, you’ll agree that tropicals and non-natives are just as critical as natives to ecological cohesion.
There are trees, shrubs, grasses, and numerous bloomers that are natives. There are over twenty species of oaks and two species of redwoods that are native to California.
Here is a short list of my favorite natives that prosper in my landscape.
California poppy
California fuchsia
California milkweed
Blue-eyed grass
Morning glory
Western yarrow
Ceanothus
Agave
Prickly Pear
Oak
Redwood
Balance the diversity and aesthetic appeal to create a magnificent garden melting pot filled with both natives and non-natives. Plan to plant species that have adapted to our local climate, avoid any invasive varieties, refrain from using insecticides and pesticides, and maintain your garden as needed. Remember that even “natives” will need pruning and maintenance. When you incorporate a harmonious atmosphere of many different types of plants from around the globe, pollinators and other creatures will be supported
.My family immigrated from southern Italy and the Italian canton of Switzerland bringing with them their favorite seeds from “the old country”. The descendants of those heirloom seeds are beloved plants shining in my garden today. Because I was born in California, I often refer to myself as a California native. Yet, just like the plants in my garden, I am just part of the marvelous melting pot of cultures from around the globe.
Embrace a more diverse and resilient ecosystem by planting a salad of natives and non-natives in your garden. Appreciate the differences. When the flowers bloom, the whole world appears!
Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Monthly Guide
ü REPOT houseplants that have outgrown their containers. Gently loosen the roots after you have removed the plant from the original pot. Add new potting soil to a bigger planter. Position your plant in the center, fill the edges with new soil, and pat down the soil. Water thoroughly. It may take a bit of adjustment until your plant will flourish.
ü AERATE lawns and leave the plugs on the grass as fertilizer.
ü SHARPEN and clean tools for the spring workload.
ü HARVEST oranges.
ü BUY pots of oxalis, also known as shamrocks, to decorate for St. Patrick’s Day.
ü PLANT milkweed to attract Monarch butterflies.
ü START weeding to get a jump start on spring plantings.
ü DISPOSE of fallen camellia blossoms until bushes are finished blooming to prevent disease.
For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardenerat https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com.
Her newest children’s picture book, Family Forever, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available now at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. [email protected]
I’ve been trying to educate and have a discussion with #nonnatives about the announcement that the #cherokee nation asked @jeep to stop using their name on their vehicle. Yet this is only a sample of over a dozen people who verbally attacked me over defending why #cherokeenation wants this done. I understand why non natives don’t care or don’t understand. But it doesn’t give them the right to disrespect others. I’m just a man who is behind a phone sitting at home. I love my #tarantulas , #offroading , and #gaming But I’ve been called taco bell LOL (yet I only been there when I was like 13) and I certainly will not get over what my #people, #ancestors , and #family are going through then and now. Lots of my family are without water. So many elders and families only ever had a wooden stove for heat and to cook. I’m exposing these two because maybe they need some extra prayers. Maybe they’re dealing with something that they directed their anger at me since I’m just a stranger. I just hope sooner or later everyone can basically respect one another. I don’t ever want my family and friends children has to deal with this crap. Kids definitely deserve better then what the world is at right now. #prayerforyourenemies #nativepride #inspirednatives #wanagioyate #ghostnation #landback #nativerights #respect #chicagondn (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnWqfyALMP/?igshid=l7ap2jnr7nho
