This spring, you may be thinking about starting a new pollinator or wildflower garden or looking for a quick way to add a few more species to an existing garden. As you browse the seed aisle, a colorful packet announcing a “wildflower mix” catches your eye. This would be an easy way to add more flowers to your yard! Or would it?
Beware of generic terms
The first thing to realize is that there is no definition of what a “wildflower” is. Many people think it means native plants–something that would just be found growing wild in their area. Sadly, this is rarely the case. Unless you’re shopping at a specifically native nursery, there’s a good chance that mix includes very few flowers that are native to our area. Seed companies will also often include plants that grow quickly and easily in a wide range of conditions, which, unfortunately, often means those plants have invasive tendencies.
Yard invaders
So, what is an invasive species? This term is thrown around a lot in the gardening world, but the actual definition is a species that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration and also has the ability to cause economic, ecological, or human harm. For example, Chinese forget-me-nots are often found in “wildflower seed” packets. While not officially designated in Illinois, forget-me-nots are considered invasive in some neighboring states and homeowners should think twice about planting them here. Hence the phrase, mix it up smart with wildflowers.
Better choices
So, what plants should you plant for a thriving pollinator garden? First, you’ll want to assess your planting area for the best chance of success. How much sun does it get? How wet is the soil?
In sunny, dry soils, a mix of wild columbine (Aquilegia canadense), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), and prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) will do well.
In medium soils, yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) are also great options. These plants, either as seeds or plugs, can be found online or in store at most nurseries that specialize in native plants. While you might also find them at traditional nurseries, it’s best to ask about their cultural practices if your goals are to help pollinators.
Make sure plants have not been treated with the typical pesticides that many nurseries use. We don’t want to provide a poisoned buffet to the pollinators we’re trying to attract.
More smart Wildflowers
Chicagoland is home to numerous species of native wildflowers, flowering shrubs and small trees. Each spring, these plants put on a bright, colorful show, signaling to people that warmer days are on the way.
Early blooming plants serve a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing unique and important habitat for native pollinators and other insects. These insects then become important sources of nourishment for migratory birds.
Here are some native wildflowers, shrubs and trees to watch for while enjoying a walk in your neighborhood:
- Meadow beauty
- Violets
- Elderberry
- Redbud
- Native crabapple
If you’re shopping for your own garden, consider these beautiful native plants. Native plants have many benefits, including growing easily and spreading well.
- Virginia bluebell
- White trout lily
- Wild geranium
- Jack-in-the-Pulpit
- Mayapple
Pay attention to the different types of pollinators that use the wildflowers. Different species of insects rely on different species of wildflower, shrubs and small trees. There are over 200 species of bees alone, many of them very small and with beautiful colors and patterns.
Take a close look. You’ll start to expand your view of what lives in our area once you notice plants from big to small.
Source: extension.illinois.edu
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