The Dangers to Nature in Wildflower Packages
It was only natural for Honey Nut Cheerios to join in the movement to save our honey bees. In 2017, with “Bring Back the Bees,” the cereal company notably left Buzz the Bee off its cereal boxes, emphasizing its effort to raise awareness about the decline in bee populations in North America.
In tandem with this move, Cheerios included wildflower seeds in their boxes, encouraging people to plant the seeds in their backyards. In one week, 1.5 billion wildflower seeds were given away to hopefully provide more food and shelter for the bees.
Although Cheerios’ effort appears to be an act of goodwill on its surface, many have come out and criticized the distribution of these wildflower seeds, citing that some of the species are invasive to certain regions and should not be planted.
Wildflowers aren’t inherently bad or good for the environment—but wildflower packages can be, depending on what types of plants are inside them and if they are invasive.
Benefits of Planting Wildflowers
Wildflowers have an array of benefits for the outdoor ecosystem. They improve soil health by protecting against erosion and enhancing water filtration qualities. Specifically for pollinators, wildflowers provide crucial food sources and habitats, and they also attract insects and wildlife that help the environment flourish. As the future of bee populations wavers because of habitat loss, decreased crop diversity, pesticides, climate change, and more, planting wildflowers are one step to help the bees.
However, it is important to remain vigilant on what exactly you are planting.
Potential Dangers of Invasive Species in Wildflower Packages
Seeds included in these wildflower packets may be native to one region and not others, or they might be non-native in most of the US. The mixes that Cheerios sent out included the Chinese Forget Me Not and California Poppy.
Forget Me Nots are banned in Massachusetts and Connecticut because they are considered weeds. The California Poppy is suitable for California but is considered an “invasive exotic pest plant” in the southeast.
If these non-native species are planted in certain areas of the country, the wildflowers can hurt neighboring native species. Natives can be overtaken by these new flowers. Invasive species can also spread diseases and deplete resources, affecting how other plants grow and survive, which in turn affects those who feed on those plants, like animals and humans. An invasive wildflower can overturn a whole ecosystem.
Should I Not Plant Wildflower Seeds?
With the Cheerios scenario, although some of the seeds included are invasive in certain areas, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plant any wildflower packages. The key is to do your research to determine what plants are the most beneficial in your area…and determine whether the plants included in wildflower seed packages are those beneficial plants, or are they invasive plants that will be detrimental to your native species? Instead of using mass-produced, national wildflower packages, you’re better off purchasing the specific species needed where you live and that are the best for the pollinators around you.
If you do choose to plant the wildflower packets, you can research the species on the USDA PLANTS database to ensure that they are safe to plant!