Are Wildflower Seed Mixes Native to PEI?

Most wildflower seed mixes are not native to Prince Edward Island, and many contain plants that are invasive here. The PEI Invasive Species Council advises Islanders to avoid wildflower seed mixes altogether and to choose clearly labelled native seed or plants instead.

Why Doesn't "Wildflower" Mean Native?

The word wildflower describes how a plant looks and grows, not where the species comes from. The PEI Invasive Species Council points out that many gardeners read it as a sign the plants belong in their area, when a packet can hold species from other provinces or other continents.

Some packets are labelled "native" or "regional," which does not settle the question either. A plant that is native where the mix was packaged may still be foreign to PEI, and the council notes that the place of manufacture is sometimes left off the packet.

Which Invasive Plants Turn Up in Wildflower Mixes?

Ox-eye daisy and dame's rocket are two invasive species the PEI Invasive Species Council says are commonly found in wildflower seed mixes. Its priority list treats both as naturalized and widespread in the province, so sowing more of them adds to a problem that is already established.

Purple loosestrife is another plant the council says was once common in wildflower seed packs. In PEI, purple loosestrife and the rest of its genus are regulated under the Weed Control Act, which makes it an offence to import, propagate or sell them.

Choosing a well-known brand of wildflower seed offers little protection either. A council press release on wildflower seed describes a study that grew out 19 seed packs from different brands and found invasive species in every one, and the council still advises against packs sold as "Canada safe."

How Much Can a Seed Packet Label Tell You?

A wildflower mix label often gives too little to check. The council warns that contents are frequently listed by common name only, or not listed at all, and that the information given is often inaccurate or vague.

Common names cause most of the confusion, because a name such as "daisy" can refer to several daisy-like flowers. A list of common names cannot show whether each species in the packet belongs on the Island.

What Can You Plant Instead of a Wildflower Mix?

Single-species seed packets that give both the common and the scientific name are the council's suggested alternative to a mix. Each species can then be checked on its own, and one that turns out to be unsuitable does not come bundled with the rest.

The council also suggests trading seed with friends or neighbours who grow native plants and buying from local sellers of native species. For garden plants already on the property, its PEI Grow Me Instead Guide, first released in July 2026, helps residents find native alternatives to common invasive ones.

Where Can You Ask About Native Seed and Plants?

Red Earth Restoration grows native plants at its nursery in the Morell area, and native seed is also part of the nursery's work. Stock changes through the season, so send the species you are looking for, or a description of the area you want to plant, and the nursery will review what may suit it.

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