Wildflowers and other plants
It’s not just trees in our Cloudforest sites - there’s an abundance of wildflowers and other plants, mosses and lichens that are worthy of our attention
Have a look at some of the beautiful wildflowers that line our forests
Common Dog-Violet
Yarrow
Wavy Bittercress
Lesser Celandine
Common Dandelion
Marsh Woundwort
Why are Wildflowers Vital for Our Planet?
They promote biodiversity by providing habitats and food sources for a variety of native insects, birds, and small mammals.
Many Irish wildflowers offer nourishment and habitat to pollinating insects like bees, flies, butterflies, and beetles, supporting their survival and growth.
Perennial wildflower meadows serve as carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide in their roots and soil. One hectare of such meadow can capture and sequester up to 3 tonnes of carbon annually.
The extensive root systems of numerous native wildflowers contribute to enhancing soil structure and fertility, which helps minimise erosion and nutrient loss. Consequently, this improves water retention and fosters thriving soil ecosystems, supporting a wide variety of microorganisms and beneficial soil life.
Native wildflowers, adapted to local conditions, are often more resilient to climate change impacts like drought, floods, and extreme temperatures than non-native species. Conserving and restoring their habitats boosts ecosystem resilience. Protecting Irish native wildflowers supports ecological, cultural, and aesthetic benefits and strengthens global ecosystem health.
