Foresters in Hawaii are working to eliminate the velvet tree *Miconia calvescens*. Conservationists argue that species should be judged based on their environmental impact, not their origin. The concept of native and non-native species has been widely used, but it is becoming less practical in conservation. The natural world is changing due to factors like climate change and land use, so conservation strategies should be more flexible. The idea of nativeness was first introduced by John Henslow in 1835. Over time, the terms native and alien were used to distinguish plants from those introduced. However, many conservation efforts based on this distinction are not ecologically or economically sound. For example, the devil's claw plant in Australia is not a major threat to the environment, yet it has been the subject of extensive management. Similarly, tamarisk shrubs were initially welcomed but later seen as harmful due to their water use. However, recent studies show that tamarisks may actually support endangered bird species. The article argues that conservation should focus on the function of species rather than their origin. Many species considered native are actually aliens. For example, the ring-necked pheasant is not native to North America. Conservation efforts should be based on empirical evidence, not unfounded claims. The article calls for a shift in focus from nativeness to the actual impact of species on biodiversity, human health, and ecosystems.Foresters in Hawaii are working to eliminate the velvet tree *Miconia calvescens*. Conservationists argue that species should be judged based on their environmental impact, not their origin. The concept of native and non-native species has been widely used, but it is becoming less practical in conservation. The natural world is changing due to factors like climate change and land use, so conservation strategies should be more flexible. The idea of nativeness was first introduced by John Henslow in 1835. Over time, the terms native and alien were used to distinguish plants from those introduced. However, many conservation efforts based on this distinction are not ecologically or economically sound. For example, the devil's claw plant in Australia is not a major threat to the environment, yet it has been the subject of extensive management. Similarly, tamarisk shrubs were initially welcomed but later seen as harmful due to their water use. However, recent studies show that tamarisks may actually support endangered bird species. The article argues that conservation should focus on the function of species rather than their origin. Many species considered native are actually aliens. For example, the ring-necked pheasant is not native to North America. Conservation efforts should be based on empirical evidence, not unfounded claims. The article calls for a shift in focus from nativeness to the actual impact of species on biodiversity, human health, and ecosystems.