What It Means to Be a Native Wildflower

Bright green foliage with purple, yellow, orange, and red wildflowers

Picture this: You’re walking through a meadow bursting with color—golden yellows, fiery reds, deep purples. Butterflies are dancing, bees are humming, and the air smells fresh and earthy. This magical scene? It’s brought to you by native wildflowers!

But what exactly is a native wildflower? And why do they matter so much? Let’s dive into the world of these natural rockstars and uncover what makes them so special.

Native Wildflowers: The Locals of the Plant World

There are members of some communities that just belong, and it seems as though they have lived there forever. They know all the shortcuts, they have deep roots in the community, and they get along with everyone. That’s a native wildflower!

A native wildflower is a plant that has always called a specific region home. It wasn’t brought in by humans—it evolved there over thousands of years, forming deep connections with the local soil, climate, and wildlife.

Here are a few famous examples:

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – A golden beauty native to North America, beloved by bees.

Black eyed susan flowers in the foreground with large green leaves and some red and purple flowers in background

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – The ultimate host plant for monarch butterflies.

close up of bright orange clusters of flowers and green foliage with a monarch butterfly on it

Why Are Native Wildflowers So Awe-Inspiring?

They Create Relationships

Native wildflowers don’t just exist—they thrive as part of a bigger ecosystem. Bees, butterflies, and birds depend on them for food, shelter, and nesting materials. Together, they create a well-oiled machine where everyone knows their role.

For example, the relationship between milkweed and monarch butterflies is like a perfect friendship—monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed leaves. Additionally, the monarch butterfly relies exclusively on native milkweed to lay its eggs and provide food for its larvae. No milkweed = no monarchs. That’s how tightly nature has woven these connections!

They’re Low-Maintenance Workhorses

Forget fussy plants that need constant watering, fertilizing, and babying—native wildflowers know how to take care of themselves. They’ve adapted to the local conditions, meaning they:

Need less water
Thrive without chemical fertilizers
Resist local pests

Take note of these wildflowers:

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Excellent at retaining moisture in the soil, reducing runoff and filtering pollutants from rainwater.

Close up of purple coneflowers iwht a orange black and white butterfly on one.

Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) – Forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil and benefiting surrounding plants.

Tall stalks of purple lupine blooms with bright green leaves

Native wildflowers make hard work look effortless! Their deep roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion. They filter rainwater, keeping rivers and lakes cleaner. And they support biodiversity, keeping ecosystems healthy and balanced. A colorful wildflower seed mix is all you need to start your own earth-friendly landscape.

Native vs. Non-Native: Who’s Who?

Not every wildflower you see is actually from the area. Some have been introduced by humans—sometimes intentionally (pretty garden plants), sometimes accidentally (seeds hitching a ride on boats, clothes, or animals).

Some non-native plants are harmless, but others go rogue, spreading like wildfire and choking out native species. Here’s an example of each to show how they compare:

Native Wildflower: California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)—a drought-tolerant species that supports local bees and butterflies.

Bright orange poppy flowers surrounded by lush greenery

Non-Native Wildflower: Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)—originally from Europe, and might struggle in local soil. If left unchecked, this species can spread.

Invasive Wildflower: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)—introduced from Europe, it invades wetlands, displacing native species and altering water flow.

Tall light purple stalks of flowers in a field with low sun lighting illuminating the purple blooms

Be a Hero by Planting Native Wildflower Seeds

To help native wildflowers you just need a little space and some enthusiasm! Here’s how you can be a champion for these natural beauties:

Plant native wildflower seeds in your garden or balcony. Even a few pots can make a difference! Learn how and when to plant wildflower seeds in our planting guide.

large pot of yellow and red Indian blanket flowers next to a stone bench

Skip pesticides – They harm the pollinators that we are trying to attract!
Say no to invasive species Research invasive species in your area and be sure to steer clear.
Let things get a little wild! Mowed lawns are boring and we use far too much of our drinking water keeping them green. Let native flowers take over and watch the bees and butterflies roll in.
Spread the word! Teach your friends and neighbors why planting native wildflower seeds matters. (Maybe even start a wildflower planting club!)

Go Wild!

Being a native wildflower isn’t just about growing somewhere—it’s about belonging and making an impact. These plants are the lifeblood of ecosystems, feeding pollinators, stabilizing soil, and keeping nature balanced.

So next time you see a wildflower swaying in the breeze, take a second to appreciate its story. If it’s native, it’s been part of that land for thousands of years, working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. And if you have space, why not plant a few native wildflower seeds of your own? Your local bees, butterflies, and birds will thank you!