When exploring the vibrant landscapes of North America, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of wildflowers. The diverse types of wildflowers in North America range from the iconic Black-eyed Susan to the striking Fireweed, each adding its own unique charm to the environment.
Understanding the various types of wildflowers in North America not only enriches our appreciation of natural beauty but also highlights the importance of preserving these native species.
Continue reading the article to explore the stunning beauty of these wildflower types found in North America!
Different Types of Wildflowers in North America
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), also known as Bluebells, Chiming Bells, or Virginian Cowslip, are beautiful perennials growing 10-24 inches tall. Found in USDA Zones 3-8, they bloom in spring and thrive in partial sun to shade.
These wildflowers are among the earliest bloomers in the U.S., often growing in wet, shaded areas along the edges of deciduous woods. Starting as pink buds, they bloom into lovely sky-blue flowers, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Virginia Bluebells look stunning when massed together, making them a favorite for many gardeners.
Bachelor’s Button
Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus), also known as Cornflower, is an annual wildflower that grows 1-3 feet tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 2-4, it blooms from late spring to late summer and prefers full sun to light shade.
This daisy-like wildflower attracts butterflies and is excellent for cutting and drying. Bachelor’s Button is pest and disease-resistant, as well as deer and drought tolerant. It’s a low-maintenance option, making it perfect for borders of flower beds or rock gardens.
Bull Thistle
Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), also known as Boar Thistle, Common Thistle, or Spear Thistle, is a biennial wildflower that grows 2-6 feet tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 3a-8b, blooming in summer and fall, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Though spiny, it’s a valuable plant for wildlife, as its seeds provide food for goldfinches, who also use the thistledown to line their nests. This thistle is great for attracting large bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to natural gardens.
Common Burdock
Common Burdock (Arctium minus), also known as Lesser Burdock, Louse-bur, or Wild Rhubarb, is a biennial wildflower that grows 4-6 feet tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 4a-10b, blooming from mid-summer to mid-fall, and prefers sun to partial shade. You can find it in disturbed areas like pastures, roadsides, and old fields.
With large leaves and deep purple flowers resembling rhubarb, it’s easily recognizable. Its dried flower heads act like velcro, sticking to animals and humans to spread seeds. Common Burdock attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, but handling may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass
Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), also known as Roundleaf Triodanis or Clasping Bellflower, is an annual wildflower that grows 6-36 inches tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 2-11, blooming in spring and summer with full sun exposure.
Found in dry, sandy soils, including disturbed areas, gardens, and woods, this plant is identified by its flowers blooming amid rounded leaves. It can self-pollinate and attracts small butterflies, bees, and flies.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Wild Bergamot or Horsemint, is a perennial wildflower that grows 2-4 feet tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 3a-9b, it blooms in summer and prefers sun to partial shade.
Found in dry fields, prairies, and along roads, Bee Balm features striking lilac-purple blooms. It is highly valued for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinator bees, with its nectar-rich flowers drawing in these visitors so effectively that many gardeners no longer need to refill their feeders.
Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), also known as Gill-over-ground or Ground Ivy, is a perennial wildflower that grows 5-8 inches tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 3a-10b, it blooms in spring and summer and tolerates both sun and partial shade.
It typically forms large groups in moist, semi-shaded areas and is especially attractive to bees for its pollen. Often considered a weed in the U.S., Creeping Charlie is commonly found in lawns and is tough to remove due to its extensive root system.
Purple Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), also known as Spiked Loosestrife or Purple Lythrum, is a perennial wildflower that grows 2-5 feet tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 3a-9b, it blooms in summer and prefers full sun. You’ll find it in wet areas across the U.S., such as wet meadows, marshes, and along lakes.
Despite its striking appearance, Purple Loosestrife is an invasive species that can quickly dominate and displace native plants. Each flower spike can produce up to 300,000 seeds, and it also spreads through new shoots from its roots.
Chicory
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial wildflower found throughout the U.S., thriving in sunny, dry areas like roadsides and fields. It grows 1-4 feet tall and blooms during summer and fall.
Chicory leaves are edible, rich in vitamins and minerals, though quite bitter. The roots can be boiled or roasted as a coffee substitute. Chicory flowers are unique, blooming for just one day, and may stay open for only a few hours in hot weather.
Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), also called American Vervain or Swamp Verbena, is a hardy perennial that grows 2-5 feet tall. Thriving in wet soils, ditches, and wet fields across the U.S., it blooms from early summer to fall.
This wildflower is drought-resistant and attracts bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths. Blue Vervain also serves as a host plant for the Verbena Moth and Common Buckeye Butterfly caterpillars, which feed on its leaves.
Common Blue Violet
Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), also known as Common Meadow Violet, Purple Violet, or Wood Violet, is a perennial wildflower that grows 6-10 inches tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 3-10, blooming from mid-spring to late summer in full to partial sun.
Often considered a weed in the U.S., it can appear in lawns and attract mason bees, caterpillars, and wildlife like turkeys, rabbits, and deer. Its seeds are coated with protein, attracting ants, and can be shot up to 9 feet away.
Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as Lesser or Dwarf Periwinkle, is a perennial that grows 4-6 inches tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 4-9 and can bloom year-round in full sun, partial sun, or shade.
Though not native to North America, it attracts bumblebees, Anthophorid Bees, Mason Bees, and bee flies. Commonly used as ground cover, this plant is also deer-resistant, making it a popular choice for landscaping in the U.S.
Teasel
Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), also known as Wild Teasel or Fuller’s Teasel, is a biennial wildflower that grows 4-6 feet tall. It thrives in USDA Zones 3-8, blooming in summer and fall, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Recognized by its prickly stem and purple-blue flowers, Teasel attracts birds like goldfinches, as its seeds provide a vital winter food source. Teasel also has medicinal benefits, including use as a kidney tonic and in treating connective tissue damage, making it helpful for Lyme disease symptoms.
Sneezeweed
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), also known as False Sunflower, is a perennial in USDA Zones 3-8a. It grows 24-60 inches tall and blooms from summer to fall with daisy-like flowers. Found near streams, ponds, and wetlands, it’s also grown in gardens for its showy flowers.
Despite its name, Sneezeweed’s pollen is not allergenic; it was historically used to make snuff for sneezing. This plant attracts native bees, honey bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles. It thrives in various soil conditions and is disease-resistant.
Spiny Sow-thistle
Spiny Sow-thistle (Sonchus asper), also known as Rough Milk Thistle, is an invasive wildflower in the U.S., thriving in pastures, roadsides, and vacant lots. It grows 11-43 inches tall and blooms from spring to summer.
With spiky leaves and dandelion-like yellow flowers, it can quickly overtake native plants and spread pests and diseases. Originating from Europe, North Africa, and Asia, it’s best to manage its growth to prevent it from invading your garden.
Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), also known as Common Dandelion, is a hardy perennial found across the U.S. in meadows, fields, and disturbed areas. It grows 6-12 inches tall and blooms from spring to fall, with distinctive bright yellow flowers that turn into fluffy seed heads.
While it can be invasive in lawns, Dandelions attract beneficial insects like honeybees. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with fresh parts having a honey-like taste and older ones being more bitter.
Fleabane
Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), also known as Daisy Fleabane, is a versatile wildflower found across the U.S. It varies in height from 4-24 inches and blooms from spring to fall, featuring delicate petals with yellow centers.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is a favorite of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Fleabane is easy to grow, drought-resistant, and self-seeding, making it a great choice for garden borders and groundcover.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), USDA Zones 3-9, is a biennial or short-lived perennial. It grows 24-36 inches tall, blooming from summer to fall with yellow, orange, red, and brown flowers.
Found in open woods, prairies, fields, and roadsides in the U.S., it attracts bees, butterflies, and goldfinches. It’s popular in gardens and parks for its bright blooms and quick growth, often blooming within a year from seed.
Green-headed Coneflower
Green-headed Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), also called Wild Goldenglow or Cutleaf Coneflower, is a perennial that thrives in USDA zones 3-9. It grows tall, reaching up to 108 inches, with bright yellow flowers blooming from summer to fall.
Commonly found near streams, ditches, and swamps, its fast-spreading rhizomes require ample space. This wildflower attracts pollinators and songbirds, especially goldfinches that feed on its seeds in the fall.
Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) grows in USDA zones 4-8, reaching 48-59 inches tall with flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers blooming in early summer. While it resembles cultivated parsnip, its leaves and stems can cause severe blisters and burns.
Look for its grooved stems and invasive spread in ditches, roadsides, and abandoned fields. Wild Parsnip is hazardous to health and a threat to native plants and livestock.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidago) thrives in USDA zones 3-9, growing 36-60 inches tall with clusters of small, vibrant yellow flowers from late summer to fall. Native to North America, Goldenrod’s blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Despite its reputation for causing hay fever, it’s usually other plants like ragweed responsible. While Goldenrod spreads aggressively, you can manage its growth by planting in pots and regular pruning.
Common Sunflower
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a beloved annual flower, thriving in USDA zones 2-11. It grows 36-120 inches tall and blooms with large, vibrant yellow petals and dark centers during summer.
Common in prairies, grasslands, roadsides, and gardens, sunflowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. They also provide edible seeds for humans and animals. While they are visually stunning, their seeds make a delicious snack.
Common Mullein
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also known as Flannel Plant or Velvet Dock, is an annual or biennial wildflower found in USDA zones 3-9. It grows 24-84 inches tall and blooms in summer with small yellow flowers on tall stems.
Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, it has naturalized in the U.S., often seen in roadsides and meadows. Recognizable by its dense, velvety leaves and tall flower spikes, Common Mullein has historical medicinal uses and is available in health stores today.
Forget-me-not
Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), also known as Water Forget-me-not, Mouse-ear, or Scorpion Weed, is a perennial that grows 6-12 inches tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 5-9, it blooms in spring, summer, and fall, preferring full to partial sun. Its name “Scorpion Weed” comes from its coiled flower stalk resembling a scorpion’s tail.
Forget-me-nots spread rapidly, and though they may pop up unexpectedly, they are easy to transplant. This wildflower attracts butterflies, bees, and moths, making it beneficial to keep in the garden.
Dame’s Rocket
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), also known as Sweet Rocket or Night-scented Gilliflower, is a biennial or short-lived perennial wildflower that grows 1-4 feet tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 3-9, it blooms from early to mid-spring and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Commonly found in meadows and woodlands across the U.S., this plant is often included in wildflower seed mixes. While it can be invasive in some areas, its young leaves, high in Vitamin C, are edible and can be used in salads, though they have a slightly bitter taste.
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), also known as Eastern Coneflower, is a hardy perennial that grows 2-3 feet tall and thrives in USDA Zones 2a-10b. Blooming in summer and fall, it prefers full sun to partial shade. This popular garden plant is heat and drought-resistant, making it suitable for harsh conditions.
However, rabbits are known to nibble on its leaves. The cone-shaped flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. When planting, allow space for its clumps or clusters, which can spread up to two feet wide.
Giant Ironweed
Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), also known as Tall Ironweed, is a perennial wildflower that grows 4-8 feet tall and thrives in USDA Zones 5a-9a. Blooming in summer and fall, it prefers sun to partial shade.
Known for its solid stature and dark purple blooms, Giant Ironweed is commonly found in meadows and woodlands across the U.S. This plant is a great addition to gardens, especially in groups, as it attracts various butterflies, including swallowtails and Monarchs.
Heal-All
Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), also known as Common Self-heal or Woundwort, is a perennial wildflower that grows 6-12 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 4-9. Blooming from late spring to late fall, it prefers sun to partial shade.
Common across the U.S., Heal-All is frequently found in lawns, along roadsides, and at woodland edges. It’s known for its aggressive spread in grassy areas. This plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a popular choice for ground cover in borders, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.
Swamp Milkweed
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), also known as Pink Milkweed, is a perennial wildflower that grows 24-72 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 3-11. Blooming from summer to fall, it prefers full sun to partial shade and is commonly found in wet meadows and along lakeshores in the U.S.
Identified by its clusters of deep pink flowers, Swamp Milkweed is ideal for attracting a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its leaves are a crucial food source for Monarch caterpillars, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Spreading Dogbane
Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium), also known as Fly-trap Dogbane or Bitterroot, is a perennial wildflower that grows 24-60 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 2-9. Blooming in summer, it can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade.
Widespread across North America and Europe, this plant is noted for its prolific growth and is highly toxic to dogs and humans. It features small, pink bell-shaped flowers with a lilac-like scent and is commonly found in sandy soils along streambanks.
Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial wildflower that grows 36-96 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 3-9a. Blooming in summer, it prefers full sun. Known for its fragrant pinkish-purple blooms, Common Milkweed is a magnet for a wide range of pollinators, including beetles, butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, ants, and flies.
However, it can be quite aggressive, potentially smothering other plants, so it’s best to plant it in a dedicated area with minimal competition. In the wild, it is found in abandoned fields, forest clearings, and roadside ditches.
Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium) is a perennial wildflower native to the United States, thriving in USDA Zones 3-9. Growing 24-96 inches tall, it blooms from summer to fall and can tolerate full sun to full shade.
Recognizable by its large pink flower clusters at the top of long stems, Joe Pye Weed attracts a variety of pollinators. It naturally grows at woodland edges and wet meadows but performs well in partial shade when planted in gardens. Notably, it is deer-resistant.
There are five species of wild Joe Pye Weed in North America:
- Eutrochium dubium: Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed, from Nova Scotia to Georgia.
- Eutrochium fistulosum: Hollow Joe Pye Weed, from southern Canada to Florida.
- Eutrochium maculatum: Spotted Joe Pye Weed, found throughout much of the USA and Canada, west of the Great Plains.
- Eutrochium purpureum: Purple Joe-Pye Weed, native to eastern and central North America.
- Eutrochium steelei: Steele’s eupatorium, found in parts of the Appalachian Mountains.
Most garden centers offer cultivars of these wild species.
Springbeauty
Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica), also known as Virginia Springbeauty, is a perennial wildflower that grows 2-16 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 3-9. Blooming in spring, it prefers full sun to partial shade.
This charming wildflower brightens up the landscape with its patches of pink, white, and yellow blooms, each star-shaped flower adorned with dark pink veins. Springbeauty is particularly attractive to native bees, which are drawn to its sweet nectar.
Wild Mint
Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis) is a perennial wildflower that grows 3.9-39 inches tall and thrives in USDA Zones 4-8. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it prefers full sun to light shade.
This native wildflower features dense clusters of lavender, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers. The fragrance is strongest when the leaves are crushed. Wild Mint is commonly found in wetlands and along stream and river banks in the United States.
Fireweed
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), also known as Willow Herb, is a resilient wildflower that thrives in USDA Zones 2-8. It grows 18-120 inches tall and blooms from late spring to summer.
Preferring full sun to partial shade, Fireweed is known for its ability to colonize areas devastated by fire, such as the regions around Mount St. Helens after the 1980 eruption. It features striking spikes of purplish-pink flowers and attracts hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies.
Everlasting Pea
Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), also known as Perennial Pea or Perennial Peavine, is a hardy perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-9. Growing 60-120 inches tall, it blooms from summer to fall and prefers full sun to partial shade. This frost-resistant vine, native to Europe and naturalized in North America since the 1700s, can spread rapidly if not managed.
Look for it on sunny banks with clay-rich soil. Its long tendrils and purplish-pink flowers are striking on trellises, fences, or as ground cover. Butterflies and bees are attracted to its pea-shaped blooms, which eventually fade to white.
Crown Vetch
Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), also known as Purple Crownvetch or simply Crownvetch, is a perennial wildflower that thrives in USDA Zones 3-9. It grows 12-72 inches tall and blooms from summer to fall, preferring full sun to partial shade.
Originally from Europe, Asia, and Africa, Crown Vetch was introduced to North America for erosion control. Its large, pink clover-like flowers are attractive, but this plant is invasive and can outcompete native species.
In the United States, it often grows on sunny, sandy banks. If you plant Crown Vetch, choose a remote area to prevent its spread to other parts of your garden or natural ecosystems.
Birds-foot Trefoil
Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), also known as Birdfoot Deervetch and Cat’s Clover, is a perennial wildflower in USDA Zones 3-8. It grows 2-8 inches tall, with blooms from late spring to early summer.
This plant features bright yellow, orange, or red-streaked flowers. While attractive, Birds-foot Trefoil is invasive in many areas, often outcompeting native plants. It thrives in sandy soils and provides food for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), also known as Klamath Weed and Goat Weed, is a perennial in USDA Zones 3-8. It grows 11-35 inches tall, blooming in summer with bright yellow flowers. This plant thrives in prairies, pastures, and sandy soils.
However, it is invasive in North America and can outcompete native plants. It’s also toxic to livestock. While it attracts some pollinators like bees and butterflies, it should be managed carefully to prevent ecological harm.
Buttercups
Buttercups (Ranunculus), a genus with about 600 species, are known for their vibrant blooms in colors like yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and cream. They thrive in USDA zones 4-10 and grow 8-18 inches tall, blooming from early spring to summer.
Found in moist habitats, fields, and roadsides across the U.S., Buttercups attract pollinators and can be used in floral arrangements.
Blanket Flower
The Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella), also known as Indian Blanketflower or Firewheel, is a vibrant wildflower known for its red, orange, and yellow petals. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-11, reaching a mature height of 12-24 inches.
Blooming from summer to early fall, it attracts bees and birds, making it popular for honey production. The honey from this flower is mild, buttery, and amber-colored, contributing to its appeal for beekeepers. It grows best in full sun or light shade.
Wood Lily
The Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum), also known as Red Lily or Prairie Lily, is a striking perennial wildflower found in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. It grows 12-36 inches tall and blooms in mid to late summer, showcasing red-orange flowers with purplish freckles.
Its upward-facing petals attract hummingbirds and butterflies for cross-pollination. Each flower remains open for 8-11 days, and its edible bulbs have a flavor similar to turnips. Sadly, the species has declined due to over-picking in its natural habitat.
Butterfly Weed
The Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), also known as Orange Milkweed or Chiggerflower, is a vibrant perennial growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Reaching a height of 18-36 inches, it blooms in summer with flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers.
Butterfly Weed is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds due to its rich nectar. Native Americans traditionally used its roots to treat respiratory ailments like pleurisy and bronchitis. Its genus name honors Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. It thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Spotted Touch-Me-Not
The Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis), also known as Jewelweed or Orange Balsam, is an annual wildflower thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. Growing 24-60 inches tall, it blooms in summer with yellowish-orange flowers speckled with brown spots. Its seed pods famously “explode” when touched.
This plant is a favorite of birds, especially hummingbirds, which rely on its nectar for nourishment. It prefers shady to partially sunny areas, making it perfect for shaded gardens.
Orange Hawkweed
Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum), also known as Devil’s Paintbrush or Tawny Hawkweed, is a perennial wildflower growing in USDA zones 5-10. Reaching 10-24 inches in height, it blooms from summer to early fall with striking coppery-orange to yellow flowers tipped with black, attracting various pollinators.
Ancient Greeks believed its milky sap enhanced hawks’ eyesight. Introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, most North American Orange Hawkweed populations are genetic clones of the same original plant. It thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Scarlet Bee Balm
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), also known as Scarlet Honeysuckle or Woodbine, is a perennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 4-9a. Growing 24-72 inches tall, it blooms from summer to fall, producing bright red tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Deadheading encourages more blooms, making it a popular ornamental garden plant. Though commonly cultivated, it can also be found in sunny forest edges. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is a great nectar source for pollinators.
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), also known as Scarlet Honeysuckle or Coral Honeysuckle, is a perennial vine thriving in USDA zones 4b-9a. Growing 10-20 feet tall, it blooms from mid-spring to summer, producing red, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Its bright red berries are also a food source for birds like Purple Finches, Goldfinches, and American Robins. Unlike the more aggressive Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Honeysuckle is less invasive and better suited for garden spaces, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Spotted Coralroot
Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata), also known as Summer Coralroot or Speckled Coral Root, is a perennial orchid found in wooded areas across USDA zones 3-8. Growing 3.9-31 inches tall, it blooms in early summer and thrives in partial to full shade.
Uniquely, it lacks leaves and doesn’t perform photosynthesis. Instead, it derives nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi in its roots. Mining bees are attracted to its flower clusters, aiding in pollination, though Spotted Coralroot can also self-pollinate when its flowers open.
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), also known as Red Bay or Scarlet Lobelia, is a perennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 3-9a. It grows 3.6-72 inches tall, blooming from mid-summer to early fall with striking red flowers clustered on tall stalks. Its dark green leaves have purple undersides.
The tubular flowers are perfect for attracting hummingbirds, as their long beaks can easily reach the nectar. Ideal for gardens, Cardinal Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade and adds vibrant red color to your landscape.
Fire Pink
Fire Pink (Silene virginica), also known as Scarlet Catchfly or Indian Pink, is a carnivorous perennial wildflower native to the United States, thriving in USDA zones 4-8a. Growing 8-36 inches tall, it blooms from mid-spring to mid-summer with five bright red petals forming long tubes. Sticky hairs on its leaves trap insects, protecting the plant from pests.
While pollinated primarily by hummingbirds, its seeds are also eaten by small birds like Juncos, Pine Siskins, and sparrows. Fire Pink prefers partial shade and adds vivid color to gardens.
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), also known as Red Columbine or Wild Columbine, is a perennial or biennial wildflower native to the United States, thriving in USDA zones 3b-8. It grows 6-48 inches tall and blooms in spring with drooping, bell-like red flowers.
Preferring partial shade to full sun, Columbine adds vibrant color to gardens and attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies, aiding in pollination. It also grows well in pots, making it a versatile choice for landscaping.
Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), also known as Scarlet Paintbrush or Scarlet Painted-cup, is a biennial or annual wildflower found in USDA zones 4-8. Growing 4-36 inches tall, it blooms in spring with striking red bracts that mimic flowers.
As a hemiparasite, it feeds on the nutrients of other plants, typically grasses and sagebrush, by attaching its roots to their roots. Due to its parasitic nature, it’s challenging to grow in home gardens and is more commonly seen in open fields.
White Clover
White Clover (Trifolium repens), also known as Dutch Clover or Shamrock, is a perennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 3-10a. Growing 4-6 inches tall, it blooms from spring to fall with creamy white, rounded flowers.
Native to Europe and Asia, it has become naturalized in the United States, often seen in lawns, roadsides, and pastures without competing with native plants.
White Clover’s green leaves typically feature three leaflets, but finding one with four is considered lucky. All parts of the plant are edible, with dried flowers used in tea and young leaves in salads, while ground flowers and seed pods add a subtle vanilla-like flavor to dishes.
Boneset
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), also known as Feverwort or Thoroughwort, is a perennial wildflower native to USDA zones 3-8a. Growing 48-72 inches tall, it blooms from summer to fall with clusters of small, fuzzy white flowers above dense foliage.
While it has historically been used to induce sweating to break fevers, it is listed as poisonous by the FDA, so caution is advised with medicinal use. Boneset is a crucial nectar source for many butterfly species and thrives in low, wet areas like floodplain forests and marshes.
Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), also known as Dog Daisy or Marguerite, is a perennial wildflower in USDA zones 3-8a. Growing 12-24 inches tall, it blooms from spring to summer with white petals and yellow centers.
Native to Europe, it is now an invasive species in the United States, spreading aggressively through seeds and rhizomes. While it can self-fertilize, it also attracts bees, flies, beetles, moths, and butterflies for pollination. It commonly thrives in grassy fields, meadows, and disturbed sites.
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), also known as Horsetail Milkweed, is a perennial wildflower native to USDA zones 4-9a. Growing 12-36 inches tall, it blooms in summer with fragrant white flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters. Commonly found in dry prairies, open woods, fields, and roadsides, it attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Whorled Milkweed is particularly important for Monarch butterflies and their caterpillars. It spreads through underground rhizomes, is drought-resistant, and thrives in most soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardens.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), also known as Wild Carrot or Bird’s Nest, is an annual or biennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 4-11a. Growing 12-48 inches tall, it blooms from summer to fall with small white flowers in two-foot-tall umbels.
Introduced to North America by European settlers, it is now considered an aggressive weed in many areas, often invading grasslands and roadsides. Though the plant is the ancestor of cultivated carrots and edible when young, its roots become woody with age. It adapts to most soils and spreads prolifically, making it challenging to control in gardens.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as Catswort or Catmint, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia but naturalized in USDA zones 3-9a. Growing 24-36 inches tall, it blooms from spring to fall with small white or purple-spotted flowers. Known for its effects on cats, Catnip is also valued for its medicinal and culinary uses. Its aromatic leaves repel mosquitoes and other pests.
Commonly found on roadsides and in fields, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while goldfinches and other birds eat its seeds in the fall. Catnip thrives in full sun and well-drained soils.
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also known as Bloodwort or Carpenter’s Weed, is a perennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 3-9. Growing 24-36 inches tall, it blooms in summer with clusters of vibrant flowers and feathery leaves resembling ferns.
Introduced from Europe during colonial times, many native subspecies in the U.S. have resulted in colorful hybrids. Yarrow attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, beetles, and butterflies. It naturally grows in disturbed areas, grasslands, and roadsides, and is drought-tolerant, making it a hardy addition to gardens.
English Plantain
English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), also known as Ribwort Plantain or Ribgrass, is a perennial wildflower in USDA zones 5-9a. Growing 4-20 inches tall, it blooms from spring to fall with long, hairy flowering spikes and small white flowers.
Originally native to Europe and Asia, it is now a common lawn weed in the United States, thriving in disturbed habitats, dry meadows, and roadsides. The plant is pollinated by flies and beetles, while songbirds eat its seeds. Notably, English Plantain adapts to frequent mowing by growing closer to the ground to avoid being cut.
Indian Hemp
Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), also known as Dogbane or Wild Cotton, is a perennial wildflower thriving in USDA zones 3b-11. Growing 24-60 inches tall, it blooms from spring to summer with small white flowers rich in nectar, attracting butterflies and moths.
Native to North America, it is considered an aggressive weed, often found in dry, rocky woods, meadows, and prairies, and can reduce crop yields on farms. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans, dogs, and livestock, so caution is advised, especially regarding its milky sap. Its reddish stems and lance-shaped leaves help in identification.
