Bluebell beauty
Alan Asked
In article it states not to harvest bluebells from the wild. Curious as to why ? I know where an old homestead that bluebells grow on hillside. Often thought about digging some to bring home.
Thanks.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi Alan, Good question! If the homestead is privately owned, you could ask for permission but if it is public property, the plants should be left alone. Digging up Virginia bluebells or any native plant in the wild is not recommended for several reasons. Native plants should not be removed for the purpose of protecting and preserving the ecosystems in which they have naturalized. It not only reduces the number of plants, but it allows space for unwanted, potentially invasive species to take root, and threaten healthy wild populations. There is also no guarantee that the plants will survive once they have been transplanted. While Virginia bluebells are not included on the threatened or endangered list, some natives are federally protected on public land. There are many benefits to adding native wildflowers to your landscape, but it is best to purchase from a reputable source. The Kentucky Native Plant Society has a list of native plant suppliers.
