Bishop (Bifora): A Curious Case of Mistaken Garden Identity
If you’ve stumbled across the name bishop while researching native plants, you might be in for a bit of confusion. Bifora, commonly called bishop, is one of those plants that seems to fly under the radar—and for good reason. This annual herb has quietly naturalized across several American states, but it’s not quite the garden showstopper you might expect.
What Exactly Is Bishop?
Bishop (Bifora) is an annual plant that belongs to the carrot family. Don’t get too excited thinking about those lovely Queen Anne’s lace blooms, though. Bifora produces small, rather unremarkable white flowers arranged in tiny umbels. The foliage is delicate and fernlike, giving it a wispy appearance that some might find charming in a barely there sort of way.
Where Does Bishop Grow?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Bifora has established itself in Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas, it’s actually not native to North America. This Mediterranean native has somehow made its way across the pond and decided to call parts of America home.
Should You Plant Bishop in Your Garden?
The honest answer? Probably not—at least not if you’re looking for a plant that will wow your neighbors or support local wildlife. Here’s why bishop might not be your best garden bet:
- Minimal ornamental value with small, inconspicuous flowers
- Not native to North America, so it doesn’t support local ecosystems
- Limited information available about its wildlife benefits
- Better native alternatives exist for almost any garden need
Native Alternatives That Actually Shine
Instead of planting bishop, consider these native beauties that will actually contribute to your local ecosystem:
- Wild Bergamot – Gorgeous purple flowers that bees absolutely adore
- Purple Coneflower – Classic beauty with excellent wildlife value
- Black-eyed Susan – Cheerful yellow blooms that attract beneficial insects
- Native milkweeds – Essential for monarch butterflies
If You’re Still Curious About Growing Bishop
Should you decide to grow Bifora for botanical curiosity or research purposes, here’s what you need to know:
- Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure
- Direct seed in spring after frost danger passes
- Requires minimal care once established
- Will complete its life cycle in one growing season
- Likely hardy in USDA zones 7-10, though cold tolerance is limited
The Bottom Line
While Bifora isn’t going to harm your garden, it’s not going to help your local wildlife either. As gardeners increasingly recognize the importance of supporting native ecosystems, plants like bishop serve as gentle reminders that sometimes the most interesting choice isn’t necessarily the most beneficial one.
If you’re passionate about native gardening and supporting local wildlife, skip the bishop and invest in plants that will truly make a difference in your corner of the world. Your local pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects will thank you for it!
