Wildflowers- The Ancient Gift of Life

Wildflowers are life. Without them, earth would be a dull, barren landscape, a dark and silent, foreboding place. Wildflowers are the ancient ones, plants which have evolved and adapted since the very beginnings of life anywhere in the world.

Wildflowers are a critical link between the insect world and mankind. One without the other is doom; all three need to co-exist. Over the centuries, in jungles and mountain tops, vast prairies and marshes, the three have developed some fascinating and unique relationships for basic survival.

The Monarch butterfly, the national insect of the United States, and the milkweed plant are a common example of a unique bonding. Milkweed plants, which thrive in moist meadows, are essential for the Monarch's survival. The milkweed plant has been important for mankind over the centuries as a fiber and medicinal drug. New research into the plant indicates a large numbers of future possibilities from a more natural insecticide to air purifiers.

A lesser known example of life, and a little understood relationship is between the the yucca plant, a desert plant, and the yucca moth both need each other for survival; one without the other teeters on extinction. Although yucca has been regarded as a food crop and a as a medicinal plant for centuries in Latin America, it is being re-discovered in north America. Yucca Chips, similar to potato chips, but healthier, could be coming to your supermarket in the near future.

The exotic wildflower, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, has developed it's own unique style for survival. Found in the deep moist woodlands and forests of eastern North America, the plant depends on small insects, usually fungus gnats and thrips for pollination. The insects are lured into the tube by the fragrance of the flowers and then, seeking a way out, head for the light which the plant allows inside at the bottom of the tube. The flowers at the bottom are then pollinated as the insets try to find a way out.

While wildflowers, like the milkweed, yucca and the Jack-in-the Pulpit, need the insects for pollination and ultimately their survival, they also provide food for many insects. Pollinators, bees, butterflies, moths and birds, in particular need the wildflowers for their survival.

Pollinators are equally essential for our food supply and many of our medicinal drugs. Much of the food the world consumes is the result of pollinators and most of the medicines we use originate from wildflowers. Wildflowers and the pollinators are our health care, food supply and an economic resource.

Amazingly, we only know and have studied a mere two percent of the world's wildflowers yet eighty percent of our medicines originate from plants, according to US government researchers. We actually know very little about our native, natural resources.

Pollinators are also largely unknown to science. We actually know very little about the insects, including the known native bees which are the most efficient pollinators. In recent years, researchers have become increasingly concerned about the dwindling population of native bees and other pollinators, not just in North America but world-wide.

Wildflowers also offer another largely unspoken benefit - natural relief from stress; they tug at man's spiritual side and help to instill a sense of wonder and beauty. Wildflowers offer a glimpse of peace in an otherwise war-like existence. Wildflowers help man to bond with his ancient past.

Wildflowers are worth consideration and importance in any flower or vegetable garden, many including the milkweed, yucca and Jack-in-the-Pulpit, have high ornamental value, some are a food source. They are easy to grow and most are maintenance free not demanding a lot of attention. Centuries ago, they adapted to the local weather and soil conditions and formed relationships with the insect population. With the proper planning and species, the wildflower garden will offer continuous blooms throughout the growing season for the pollinators and our enjoyment.

Wildflowers in any yard help to maintain and improve our environment and with a vegetable garden will increase yields because of added pollinator actions. The sheer beauty of a wildflower garden can only increase the quality of life. Wildflowers are essentially a gift of life, yet plants we hardly know; they are our ancient past and a road to the future.