An invasive species as defined by Executive Order #13112, is "an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health". Yet a number of valuable commercial and ornamental varieties, some of which are currently used in the wildflower industry, are being called invasive without proof that these species are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. There are and will continue to be a whole host of uses for non-native plants. Such plants have great economic, aesthetic and even medicinal value. To bar these plants from use without scientific proof that they create harm in the environment is truly shortsighted.

The local ecotype issue most affects the restoration sector of the wildflower industry. At issue here is the definition of what constitutes a ‘local’ ecotype. Is an ecotype considered local if it is grown within a certain number of miles of the planting site? Or does the bioregion need to be considered, regardless of state boundaries? Locally collected or produced ecotypes make sense to use when restoring an area to as near a natural state as possible. The extra cost of collecting or producing these local ecotypes is usually not an obstacle for these uses. But when the intended use is for landscaping and beautification of man-made and man-maintained areas, lower cost may be more important than where the seed was produced.

Some state Departments of Transportation require that only US origin seed be offered on bid for their projects. There is concern that non-US origin seed will perform differently when planted. I see this origins issue as the "ecotype" issue on a larger scale.

A key opportunity within the wildflower sector is bringing to market more native species. The ecotype issue also has impact here. Again, the intended use of the seed will dictate whether locally collected or produced ecotypes make sense.