Nature Conservation Agency Advises Using Only Common Meadow Plants for Midsummer Decorations

As the summer solstice approaches, the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) advises choosing only widely available meadow plants for holiday decorations, as informed by DAP communication specialist Baiba Ralle.

Rare natural elements, such as specially protected wild orchids, pasque flowers, sword lilies, and Siberian iris, should be left in nature – their beauty should be captured only in photographs. DAP thanks the public for growing awareness but calls for continued responsibility this year, urging people not to trade, buy, or pick these rare plants during the festivities.

Protected plants, especially wild orchids (such as night violets, marsh orchids, and lady’s slippers), as well as other rarities like swallowtail butterflies, clubmoss, and perennial honesty, wilt quickly after being picked, causing irreversible loss to nature. These species develop over years and are extremely sensitive to external impact. From a biological standpoint, collecting protected plants during flowering is particularly undesirable – picking the flower stops seed dispersal, which can destroy even rare plant populations.

A traditional and beautiful Midsummer wreath can be made without harming Latvia’s biodiversity. Safe choices include well-known common plants such as cornflowers, oxeye daisies, yarrow, red and white clover, cow parsley, ferns, sweet flag, bedstraw, St. John’s wort, meadowsweet, dropwort, wormwood, and poppies. When collecting, one should be careful – do not uproot the plants and never pick the last flower in a meadow to ensure species sustainability. Also, be aware of poisonous plants like hemlock, buttercups, and hogweed, which should not be touched or woven into wreaths.

A completely different approach is recommended for invasive species – DAP encourages picking them abundantly without restriction. Lupines, now blooming in violet, white, or pink, have become a serious threat to native species, so weaving them into wreaths is highly desirable and helps limit their spread. Similarly, Canadian goldenrod can be used. The full list of invasive species can be found on the project "LatViaNature" website under "Invasive Species Manager".

DAP reminds that the Law on Species and Habitat Protection prohibits picking, uprooting, and trading protected plants. Violations may result in administrative and financial penalties, as well as confiscation of illegally obtained plants.