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Expanding Use of Wildflowers WILDFLOWER uses by highway departments, golf courses, and parks have matured over the past ten years. These users now need lower - growing mixtures, native and naturalized species, more fall - blooming species, and species that at- tract wildlife. Low -growing wildflower species and mixtures are in demand because tall mixtures may look unkempt or too wild in suburban and urban settings. Mixtures less than 24 in. tall are well- suited for commercial and residential developments where a more tra- ditional, "tamed" look may be appro- priate. Fall mowing eliminates tall, dead stalks and helps disperse the seed. Very low -growing mixtures, 10 in. or less, do not require fall mowing. Naturalized species are those that have been introduced into an area and have persisted because they are native to regions with similar climates and soil types. Native and naturalized species are excellent choices for per- manent plantings where low mainte- nance is important. About 20,000 species of wildflowers are native or naturalized to the United States, of which only 100 to 200 species are pro- duced commercially. In addition, some species are grown or collected in small quantities, making them more expensive. The industry is gradually developing economical ways to produce a broader selection of native and naturalized species at affordable prices. Regional wildflower mixtures should contain high percentages of both native and naturalized species and be a well-balanced blend of an- nuals and perennials. Annuals are ■ LOW -GROWING wildflowers enhance rough at this golf course. Some mixtures include species that bloom in late fall. important as a nurse crop for the slower developing perennials; it is not as important that annuals be native or naturalized to the region. Wildflower seed should meet state standards foi germination, have high purity (over 95 percent), and contain no noxious weed seed. Many wildflower mixtures avail- able today contain few, if any, fall - blooming species such as Asters anc Goldenrods. Asters are famous for their colorful fall display, and Golden- rods contrast with the purples, pinks. and whites of the Asters. New Eng- land Aster (Aster novae-angliae) is fall -blooming species that is no« being commercially produced b,, Applewood Seed Company, Arvada. Colorado. Other attractive late - season bloomers include Autumr Helenium, Black -Eyed Susan, anc New York Aster. Because wildflowers are excellen choices for low -maintenance areas they are popular with many gol course superintendents. Mainte- nance costs can be reduced by a- much as 30 percent as compared tc turf. Popular areas for wildflower. are in the roughs, in doglegs on fair- ways, and close to tees. Rather thar mixtures, some superintendents likt to plant single species to providt bright splashes of color that can bt seen from a distance. Annual wild- flowers are especially popular for thi- purpose because they are showy grow quickly, and tend to bloom al summer. 102 PUBLIC WORKS for August, 198: