A native to me is a plant that was in what we now call mainland America when the Europeans first arrived — a definition that is by necessity vague (I own up to my nebulous opinion, but I have neither the time nor the inclination to argue the fine points of European history).
On the meaning of "native": this question is at the center of many a heated discussion. I listen, I opine, but I need something to wrap my arms around. A native to me is a plant that was in what we now call mainland America when the Europeans first arrived — a definition that is by necessity vague (I own up to my nebulous opinion, but I have neither the time nor the inclination to argue the fine points of European history). I also include cultivars — selections and hybrids — of native parentage. This is a gardening book, not one on political correctness.