Wildflowers for the Home Landscape

Wildflowers and native plants can be a unique and interesting addition to the home landscape. The terms wildflower and native plant are often used synonymously; however, in many cases they are not the same. Wildflowers are described as flowering herbaceous plants (forbs) that grow with little or no human assistance. They can be native or introduced. Native plants in the Great Plains are generally described as those found growing in a defined area prior to the arrival of European settlers. Native plants may be grasses, forbs, shrubs, or trees. Wildflowers and native plants also may be classified as annuals, biennials, or perennials.

Wildflowers can be used as landscape plants, as fresh cut flowers, in dried floral arrangements, to attract butterflies and for planting in mini-meadows or prairies. They also may be used in low maintenance areas and in sites requiring drought tolerant plants. However, some native species may be less drought tolerant than non-native species.