American Meadows explains what wildflowers really are

By AI, Created 10:15 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – During National Wildflower Week, American Meadows is clarifying a common gardening term as interest grows in native plants and pollinator-friendly landscapes. The company says understanding the difference between wildflowers, native plants and seed mixes can help gardeners choose plants that better match their goals and region.

Why it matters: - Interest in native plants and pollinator gardens is growing, and the word “wildflower” can shape what gardeners buy and plant. - Confusion over the term can lead gardeners to choose plants that do not match their goals for pollinators, ecosystem support, color or maintenance. - Better label clarity can help homeowners make more informed choices about landscape performance and ecological impact.

What happened: - American Meadows used National Wildflower Week to explain what a wildflower is and why the term is not always used consistently. - The company said the phrase “wildflower” has no strict scientific definition. - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center generally describes wildflowers as non-woody flowering plants that grow naturally without intentional cultivation. - Tabar Gifford, Master Gardener and Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows, said the distinction matters as more people plant pollinator gardens and explore native plants.

The details: - In gardening and seed retail, “wildflower” can include native species, naturalized plants and selected non-native varieties. - Those non-native varieties may be chosen for performance, extended bloom time, ease of growth, erosion control or season-long color. - American Meadows outlined a simple decision framework for gardeners: - Native plants for pollinators, wildlife and local ecosystems. - Regionally adapted species for long-term success and sustainability. - Curated wildflower mixes for reliable color, extended bloom and ease of growth. - A Northeast gardener may favor native perennials suited to cooler climates and seasonal rainfall. - A Midwest gardener may choose drought-tolerant species better suited to hotter summers and variable precipitation. - Planting species matched to local conditions can improve both performance and ecological benefit. - Wildflower plantings can reduce mowing, lower water use and minimize chemical inputs compared with traditional turf lawns. - Some studies show that replacing even part of a turf lawn with wildflower plantings can reduce mowing frequency, water use and chemical treatments. - American Meadows provides educational resources including a native plant and seed glossary, regional planting guides and a trust and transparency page. - The company also lists detailed species information for all seed mixes, including native range and plant characteristics. - American Meadows offers curated collections of native perennial plants for gardeners seeking higher ecological impact. - The company says it has more than 40 years of experience and 650,000 customers.

Between the lines: - The push for clearer definitions reflects a broader shift in gardening from decorative planting toward purpose-driven landscaping. - The company is positioning transparency as a selling point as shoppers compare native plants, seed mixes and lawn alternatives. - The message also separates ecological planting from purely aesthetic planting, which can affect how consumers interpret “wildflower” marketing.

What’s next: - American Meadows is steering gardeners toward its planting instructions, native wildflower seed collection and inspiration content. - National Wildflower Week gives both new and experienced gardeners a chance to choose plants based on pollinator support, maintenance needs or color goals. - The company is encouraging gardeners to plant with more confidence by matching species to environment and purpose.

The bottom line: - Not every wildflower is native, and that distinction matters for gardeners trying to balance beauty, maintenance and ecological impact.