Jerusalem Botanical Garden Cultivates Seeds of Five Rare Israeli Wildflowers to Boost Biodiversity

The Jerusalem Botanical Garden at Givat Ram has expanded its "Returning Nature to Gardens" initiative by cultivating seeds of five rare Israeli wildflower species, including one endangered plant. This project aims to promote gardening with native plants and strengthen local biodiversity. For over 40 years, the garden has collected, nurtured, and distributed seeds of Israeli wildflowers, processing hundreds of thousands annually with the help of diverse community teams. The seeds are adapted to Israel’s climate and growing conditions, enabling gardeners to enjoy native blooms while supporting conservation efforts.

This year’s additions include the rare annual Pergamacrinea, known for its distinctive red flowers with black-yellow spots; the delicate coastal Plain Stork’s Bill, also suitable for mountainous areas; the sticky chamomile, attracting many pollinators; the endangered Yabshush Galilani, which blooms in early summer with unique floral features; and the rare White Horehound, thriving in semi-shaded rocky areas. Each seed packet is dedicated to a specific species and includes detailed planting instructions to assist even novice gardeners.

The Jerusalem Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the Middle East, spans approximately 150 dunams in the city center and houses the region’s largest living plant collection with over 7,300 species and varieties worldwide. Alongside its research, educational, and tourism roles, the garden has long been committed to preserving Israel’s biodiversity and making plant life accessible to the public, with the wildflower project playing a key role in these efforts.