Native vs Non Native Wildflowers
At first glance, the idea that planting wildflowers is good for nature, or the ecosystem, or for pollinating insects seems like sound logic. However, as with many things in life, the reality is a bit more complicated than that. It’s important to know the origin of your wildflower seeds for reasons that we will explain below.
The distinction between native and non-native wildflowers is an important one, influencing local ecosystems in ways that are not always immediately apparent. Understanding these differences can help gardeners, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts make informed decisions about planting and preserving Ireland’s flora.
What are Native Wildflowers?
When you see the word ‘native’ before plants such as wildflower seeds, trees, hedging etc, it refers to species that have evolved naturally in a given region or ecosystem, without human introduction (whether deliberate or accidental). The same applies to native animal or insect species.
These species will have adapted, often over thousands of years, to a region’s local climate, soil and conditions. As a result they tend to be more reliable or resistant to disease, need less maintenance and are preferred by local wildlife - if not being crucial to their continued survival.
Native plants, hedging and trees provide food and habitat for native wildlife species, as well as acting as a host for larvae in many cases. Examples of Ireland’s native wildflowers include the Common Bluebell, Cowslip, Meadow Buttercup, Foxglove or Red Clover.
Due to a decline of natural habitats such as grasslands or wetlands, native wildflower species - such as Corn Marigolds - have shown a marked decline. This has a knock-on effect on pollinator decline, as these native wildflowers are (or were) a reliable food source for bees, butterflies and other insects, providing sustenance for different species at different times of the year.
What are Non Native Wildflowers?
Non-native wildflowers are species that have been introduced to Ireland, either intentionally or accidentally, from other parts of the world. Some of these plants integrate well into the ecosystem without causing harm, such as the Common Poppy - which, while not originally native, has been present for centuries and is often associated with traditional Irish landscapes.
However, other non-native species can become invasive, outcompeting native plants and disrupting ecosystems. A notable example of this is Japanese Knotweed, which has become a much feared invasive plant throughout Europe, posing a formidable threat to gardens, ecosystems, and even property values.
The roots of Knotweed extend far below the soil, making it very difficult to remove completely and typically requiring professional assistance. Left unchecked it can spread aggressively.
The Value of Native Wildflowers
Native wildflowers play an essential role in Ireland’s biodiversity. They sustain pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which in turn support food production and natural habitats. Because these plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, they provide the right kind of nectar, pollen, and habitat structures that non-native species may not.
Moreover, native wildflowers are often more resilient to local conditions, requiring less maintenance and artificial intervention than their non-native counterparts.
Pollinators need flowers to feed on at different times of the year, from March through to October. According to the site wildflowers.ie, “Non native plants even of the same species often flower at different times to the local native species; even two weeks out can make the difference between life and death”.
Are Non Native Wildflowers a no-no?
Opinions on this can vary. Non-native flowers and plants can be beneficial to pollinators and wildlife as well, but they are best confined to small, contained areas such as gardens, borders, raised beds or balcony/patio containers.
What really needs to be avoided is planting non-native wildflowers in natural or semi-natural habitats, as this can lead to the seeds dispersing, spreading and becoming invasive. They can then out-compete native species, contributing to their overall decline and upsetting the balance or diversity of the ecosystem.
Even with native wildflower mixes, it is advised not to plant these in areas where there already exists a robust beneficial ecosystem or habitat, such as an area of marshland etc.
Muddying the waters even further, in some cases seed mixtures that are advertised as 100% native can in fact contain non-native seeds, or the native species have in fact been sourced from abroad (confusing, I know).