Once they are lost, replacement is so slow that, in the human time scale, it doesn't happen. Tips for obtaining native plants Do not ever take a plant from the wild. Many native plants already struggle to survive with development, pollution, and invasion by exotic species. Private and commercial plant collectors are threatening the existence of many native plants. If they don't know - don't buy anything.
Many plant species can differ genetically even throughout one state.
Learn the full names of the plants you choose. Plants are known by a common name and a scientific name. Common names are easy to remember but are easily confused with other species with similar, identical, or multiple names. Since it is important that you get exactly what you are looking for, the scientific name will be less confusing. It is composed of two words, usually written in italics.