Nature Conservation Agency Urges Not to Use Protected Plants in Midsummer Wreaths

As the summer solstice approaches, the Nature Conservation Agency reminds the public to act responsibly towards rare and protected plants. While public awareness of nature conservation has been increasing, the agency urges continued vigilance – holiday decorations should be made only from widely available meadow flowers.

Special attention is drawn to wild orchids such as night violets, lady's fingers, orchids, and lady's slippers. Other protected species include swallowtails, annual clubmoss, and perennial lunaria. These plants wilt quickly after being picked, and their recovery in nature is slow. Picking them during flowering stops seed dispersal, potentially destroying entire populations of these rare plants.

For a traditional and beautiful wreath that does not harm nature, it is recommended to use flowers such as cornflowers, daisies, yarrow, red and white clover, cow parsley, ferns, calamus, bedstraw, St. John's wort, woodruff, raspberries, wormwood, and poppies. When gathering them, do so gently – do not pull them up by the roots, and always leave at least one flower in the meadow to ensure the species' sustainability. Also be cautious of poisonous plants – wolfsbane, buttercups, and hogweed – which should not be woven into wreaths.

Invasive species, such as garden lupine and Canadian goldenrod, are encouraged to be picked abundantly. Lupine, originally introduced as an ornamental plant, now threatens native species, so using it in wreaths helps control its spread.

The agency reminds that the Law on the Protection of Species and Biotopes prohibits picking, uprooting, selling, giving away, or collecting protected plants. Violations result in administrative liability and fines, as well as confiscation of illegally obtained plants.