We all know how popular wildflowers have become among the traveling public. Our colorful roadsides have brought on a real public relations success. They’ve generated favorable media coverage and prompted requests from motorists for routes and locations for best viewing.

What may be less understood about our native wildflowers is how beneficial they are to wildlife. Wildflower seeds provide food for many wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. The plants also participate in an intricate food web, supporting many insects and other invertebrates that other wild animals depend upon.

Roadsides typically sustain a greater density and variety of wildflowers than adjacent pastures and fields. So wildflowers represent just one more reason why roadsides are important in our efforts to enhance biological diversity.

Encouraging roadside wildflowers strengthens wildlife diversity.