Language is meant to inform, though sometimes it confuses you.
Native plants are great for local wildlife of all kinds. Insects, birds, wildlife, and native plants all evolved together over thousands of years.
But the word native is not always the best guide to decide what to choose for your garden. You must consider whether it is native to your area.
For example, Echinacea, referred to as coneflower, is native to the United States. When browsing you may see it labeled as native plant. However, it is not native to Central New York where we live.
When growers develop new versions of native plants they are called cultivars. And the labels on plants in a nursery often do not have the information that they are a cultivar. This is not to say that cultivars are bad, just that they may not give the benefits we are seeking.
Invasive is used for non-native plants that spread quickly and can crowd out native plants. Natives that can take over an area are correctly called aggressive spreaders. Examples of native aggressive spreaders are Black Eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot, and Virginia Creeper.
Non-native plants that have become established in an environment over an extended period of time, but that did not evolve there, are labeled naturalized. The length of time it takes is hundreds of years rather than the thousands it takes to evolve in a spot.
So, what to put in your garden? It is best to avoid those non-native invasives for sure. If your garden is small, you might want to avoid the native aggressive spreaders. Cultivars of natives can be a viable choice. However, you should as much as possible be sure to include the actual native plants. The ones you choose will depend upon the soil and sun and water conditions of your garden. A native plant will not benefit nature if your garden does not allow it to grow and thrive.
SUNY ESF has a nice website with resources for the native plant gardens at https://www.esf.edu/sustainability/initiatives/facilities-operations/campus-grounds/bee-campus-usa/plant-recommendations/index.php You also might like to check out https://cceoneida.com/resources/benefits-of-native-varieties
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name, and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.
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