Those that escaped and were able to compete successfully with native species were naturalized and became what we loosely call wildflowers. Many companies offer assortments of wildflower seeds, but be forewarned that your success with mixtures will depend somewhat on your careful evaluation of them. Beware of the pretty picture on the packet or the can and the enticing name of the mix. The picture may be the most attractive thing offered. Some mixes contain seeds of species already naturalized in our part of the country, but relatively few mixes contain species native to the Northeast.
Mixes often have seeds of both annual and perennial plants.
Some commercial mixes include potentially invasive or noxious weeds. For example, companies may incorporate seeds of purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria , in their mixes. Although it is very attractive, purple loosestrife should be avoided at all costs. It has become an environmental pest and is posing a real threat to native wetland habitats. It is now found growing invasively through valuable wetlands in the Northeast and has moved into the Midwest and parts of Canada.