Native Plants, Wildflowers, and Garden Flowers: What’s the Difference?
Native Plants, Wildflowers, and Garden Flowers: What’s the Difference?
By Kathy Keeler, Wandering Botanist for Wayside Gardens
The movement toward growing native plants has gained momentum, but what exactly are native plants, and how do they compare to garden flowers or wildflowers? Understanding these distinctions can help gardeners make informed choices for their landscapes.
What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are species that naturally occur in a specific region and have been part of the local ecosystem for thousands of years. In North America, native plants are generally considered those that were present before European settlement.
Key Features of Native Plants:
✔ Sustain local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for native wildlife.
✔ Require minimal care when grown in their natural environment.
✔ Adapted to regional climate, soil, and weather conditions.
However, not all native plants are common garden choices. When people talk about growing natives, they usually refer to species with ornamental value—such as columbine, echinacea, or black-eyed Susan—rather than all naturally occurring plants.
What Are Garden Flowers?
Garden flowers are plants commonly cultivated in home landscapes, parks, and ornamental borders. These plants come from all over the world, with selections made for their beauty, hardiness, and ease of care.
Unlike true wild plants, many garden flowers have been bred for specific traits, such as larger blooms, unusual colors, or extended flowering periods. This process enhances their ornamental appeal but may sometimes reduce their ability to support pollinators.
Examples of Classic Garden Flowers:
✔ Roses
✔ Peonies
✔ Lilacs
✔ Daffodils
Interestingly, some native plants—such as coneflowers and coreopsis—have been selectively bred for new colors and improved performance while still offering ecological benefits.
What Are Wildflowers?
Wildflowers are plants that grow naturally in uncultivated spaces without human intervention. They emerge along roadsides, in meadows, and in forests, thriving in their local habitats.
However, the definition of a wildflower can be tricky. Once a wild plant is intentionally cultivated, is it still wild? Many flowers labeled as "wildflower seeds" have been commercially grown, meaning they no longer fit the strict definition of wild.
Additionally, not all wildflowers are native. Some species, such as Queen Anne’s lace and ox-eye daisies, were introduced from Europe but have since naturalized in North America.
Key Features of Wildflowers:
✔ Self-seeding and able to establish in natural landscapes.
✔ Often low-maintenance, thriving in their preferred environment.
✔ Includes both native and non-native species.
Why Grow Native Plants?
The push for native plant gardening is driven by several ecological and practical benefits:
Restoring Local Ecosystems
Native plants support the insects, birds, and pollinators that evolved alongside them. Studies show that the decline of native plants has contributed to a significant drop in bird and butterfly populations over the last few decades. Planting native species can help restore these essential food webs.
Regional Beauty and Uniqueness
Each region has distinct native plants that reflect its climate and geography. Arizona’s cacti, Florida’s magnolias, and New York’s trilliums are all beautiful but wouldn’t thrive outside their natural ranges. Choosing locally adapted natives helps maintain the unique beauty of your area.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Because native plants are suited to local conditions, they often require less water, fertilizer, and overall care than exotic species. This makes them ideal for sustainable gardens, especially in drought-prone regions.
Are All Wildflowers Native?
Not necessarily. Many wildflowers found in meadows, forests, or along roadsides are actually introduced species that have escaped cultivation. These non-native wildflowers can still be beautiful but may not provide the same ecological benefits as native species.
Key Differences:
Native wildflowers evolved in a specific region and support local wildlife.
Non-native wildflowers have adapted to a region but originated elsewhere.
Garden flowers may have been cultivated from wild species but have been selectively bred for ornamental traits.
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden
Whether you want a pollinator-friendly habitat, a low-maintenance landscape, or a mix of native and non-native blooms, selecting the right plants is key.
✔ For supporting wildlife: Choose native wildflowers like milkweed, penstemon, or goldenrod.
✔ For a formal garden look: Opt for classic garden flowers like roses, peonies, and tulips.
✔ For a naturalized meadow: Combine native and non-native wildflowers like coneflowers, coreopsis, and Queen Anne’s lace.
By understanding the differences between native plants, garden flowers, and wildflowers, you can make informed choices that enhance your landscape while supporting biodiversity.
Find Native and Wildflower Plants for Your Garden at Wayside Gardens
With modern rose breeding, it is now possible to grow garden roses that have large fragrant blooms and excellent disease resistance. Click here for an interesting, informative article about modern roses.
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