You asked whether the Department of Transportation (DOT) is planting native wildflowers along state highways, if so where, and if not what are the impediments to doing so.

DOT has planted native wildflowers and shrubs as part of some of its construction projects and in areas that cannot be mowed due to steep slopes. Among the areas that have been planted are along Interstate 91 in East Windsor, the interchange of Interstate 91 with Route 20 (the Bradley Airport connector), along Interstate 95 in Branford, and along Route 4 in Farmington. DOT also encourages the planting of native species in its “adopt an area” program. In this program, nonprofit organizations take responsibility for maintaining rights of way in areas such as ramps on the interstates.

On the other hand, DOT does not routinely plant wildflowers in highway medians, as highway agencies in some other states do. DOT staff note that Connecticut has relatively few wildflower species that do well in medians where there is a high exposure to highway salt. Many of the species that do well in these environments look like weeds when not in bloom, i. e. , during most of the year. In addition, in order for the flowers to become established, the planted area cannot be mowed until after the plants have gone to seed. When DOT has planted wildflowers in medians in the past, it has received complaints from motorists who though the planted areas looked unkempt.

KM: dw