Gardening with Wildflowers and Native Plants Echinacea, or
purple coneflower, is a native plant that attracts butterflies.
In a world dominated by red geraniums, pink begonias and yellow
marigolds, wildflowers possess a simple grace and elegance. Most
any garden or landscape is enhanced by their presence.
Wildflowers have merit not only for their ornamental qualities,
but for their toughness and ease of maintenance as well. Once
established in their preferred habitat, they usually require
very little attention, providing you with years of carefree
beauty. Native plants also play a valuable role in preserving
biodiversity and ecological balance. Since these plants evolved
alongside native insects, birds and other creatures, they're
often an important source of food and shelter. Not all plants
that grow wild in North America are necessarily natives. Many
that we now consider wildflowers have been introduced to the
wild, either intentionally or by accident. Some of these garden
plants escaped from cultivation an