Native flowers are a vital component to many ecosystems. The term "Native" may differ depending on who you ask in the gardening world. For sake of simplicity we are going to describe native wildflowers as flowers that have been here for as long as we can tell. Wildflowers provide nectar for native pollinators and often times food for birds or small mammals. This blog is going to briefly discuss the wildflowers that are native to Mississippi (where I'm writing from).
1. Coneflower
The Coneflower is found all throughout eastern and central North America. They grow mostly in prairies or open woodland areas. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (ekhinos), meaning "hedgehog", due to the spiny central disk. They are great flowers because they are very low maintenance.
2. Butterfly Weed
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are among Mississippi’s familiar faces and a favorite of gardeners and butterflies. Nature designed them perfectly for Mississippi summers, as they’re able to tolerate those dryer months.
3. Virginia Bluebells
The flowers have a light, sweet, barely detectable scent. Their tight bell clusters attract the season's first buzzing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Virginia bluebells are ephemeral plants that grow best under the shade of a tree. They grow about two feet tall and wide with rounded, smooth leaves ranging from grey-green to blue-green.
4. Partridge Pea
Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) typically grows in dense stand, providing cover and food for wildlife. Partridge Pea’s bright yellow flowers make it a popular choice for use in gardens with native plants. It’s found statewide, especially in areas with sandy soils.
5. Black Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are among Mississippi’s familiar faces and a favorite of gardeners and butterflies. Nature designed them perfectly for Mississippi summers, as they’re able to tolerate those dryer months.
Conclusion:
There are many great Mississippi Native Flowers that you can add to your garden right away. Native flowers will always lead to increased population of pollinators in your area because it is what the native bees and other insects are used to. Try just a couple of these out and let me know how they do!
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