P:
I am wondering if it is a good idea to spread wildflower seeds in the burned out old growth forest in the Detroit area.
R:
Thank you for your question. We do not recommend spreading wildflower seeds in burned areas without consultation with experts in botany and invasive species, carefully considering the potential for species seeded into burned areas to become invasive ecological threats.
Forests are adapted to wildfires and will generally respond with impressive wildflower displays from the existing seedbed after fires. So, there's no need to add seeds.
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension:
Fire, Flowers, shrubs and trees, Invasive species
