Wildflower Fever!—A Selection of Unusual Natives

I first became aware of native wildflowers in my youth, while playing down by the creek that runs through the woods near my hometown of Falls Church, Virginia. Sightings of plants such as jack-in-the-pulpit, lady's slipper orchid, and Indian pipe were pretty commonplace there. But, like the other kids, I was too busy chasing after salamanders and crayfish to take much notice.

It wasn't until I became an avid gardener and birdwatcher in later life that I began to seriously consider this continent's plant heritage. The more I learned about the extent to which our wild habitats have been degraded by development and by the monopolizing habits of many non-indigenous species, the more I came to appreciate the plants I'd known so casually as a child.

Nowadays, I fill my garden with beautiful wildflowers. Besides increasing biodiversity in and of themselves by augmenting the shrinking populations and gene pools of native species, they provide a valuable source of food for insects and birds.

But what is native for me may not be native for you. The United States is made up of at least six ecologically distinct regions, or floristic provinces, each supporting a complex community of plants, animals, and insects. (The plant list in this article is organized accordingly.) To get optimal performance out of a wildflower, therefore, it's important to know its native range as well as the kind of habitat it prefers.

In the interest of making gardeners throughout North America more aware of our own botanical riches, I interviewed specialists at native plant nurseries from all six floristic provinces and had them recommend some choice, but lesser known, wildflowers. Zones refer to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map.

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

Aster carolinianus (Climbing aster)

"This rare native is often in bloom on Christmas Day!"
—Dennis Niemeyer & Joani Lawarre, WE-DU Nurseries

Provide a trellis or post and this amazing aster will climb over 30 feet to get to the top. It has a fine grayish down, and is shrubby, with arching stems and narrow mid-green leaves. Its many flowerheads are a light, purplish pink and pop open in September and October (or year-round in the swamps from Florida to North Carolina) to reveal spidery, rose-pink flowers that mature to lilac. This tough plant thrives in dry, average, or moist soils. Full sun or light shade.
Zone 7-9.

Cypripedium reginae (Royal lady's slipper)

"The Cypripediums are now coming to market from tissue culture and seedlings. Soon all gardeners will be able to have the lady's slippers they have lusted after in the wild."
—Gene Bush, Munchkin Nursery & Gardens

This "queen" of eastern wildflowers produces incredible crystalline-white flowers with bright pink lips. The leaves are broad and strongly plaited. Basically, this is a bog orchid and requires moist, fertile, leafy, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil, in a sheltered site. 30 inches tall; 12-inch spread.
Zone 6-9.

Uvularia grandiflora (Large merrybells)

"Beautiful and easy specimen plant for shade."
—Charles Oliver, The Primrose Path

This 18-24 inch clump-forming perennial has erect lily-like leaf stems and slightly hairy leaves. The pendulous, twisted, bell-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers are 1-1/2 inches long and nod gracefully in mid- to late-spring. Use in the border foreground or in masses as a ground cover. Easy to grow in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil and deep or partial shade.
Zone 3-7.

And don't forget some of the old favorites of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region: Antennaria diocica (pussytoes), Amsonia tabernaemontana (willow blue-star), Aquilegia canadensis (Canada columbine), Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit), Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed), Baptisia australis (blue false indigo), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), Disporum maculatum (nodding mandarin), Gentiana andrewsii (closed gentian), Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium), Hypoxis hirsuta (yellow star grass), Iris verna (dwarf iris), Jeffersonia diphylla (twinleaf), Liatris squarrosa (scaly blazing star), Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge), Penstemon digitalis (foxglove penstemon), Penstemon hirsutus (hairy penstemon), Penstemon smallii (Small's penstemon), Silene virginica (fire pink), Spigelia marilandica (Maryland pinkroot), Thalictrum polyganum (tall meadow rue), and Tiarella cordifolia and wherryi (foamflowers).

Southeast & Deep South

Chamaelirium luteum (Devil's bit)

"A lovely, little-known wildflower that's more beautiful than its name. Rarely offered in cultivation."
—Dianne Ford, Niche Gardens

This plant's 2-4 foot columns of white flowers tower over others in early and mid-summer. Specimens are either male or female, so plants of both sexes are necessary for fertile seed. The fruit is a small pod which splits open into three parts, the dry empty shells remaining on the stem. Grow in moist, peaty soil, and partial shade. An important food source for butterflies.
Zone 4-8.

Sabatia bartramii (Bartram's marsh-pink)

"Unlike the biennial sabatias, this one is long-lived."
—Don Jacobs, Eco-Gardens

On this plant, rosettes of narrow, succulent leaves grow from the base of the stem. Its green foliage bursts upwards to 2 feet in spring. In mid-summer, clusters of brilliant, hot pink flowers appear, with dramatic yellow eyes. Plant in very moist to boggy soil and full to partial light.
Zone 7-10.

Silene polypetala (Pink catchfly/Fringed campion)

"This rare evergreen groundcover spreads nicely in semi-shade and has pretty pink-fringed flowers."
—Donna Legare, Native Nurseries

This exquisite rock-garden perennial blooms for about a month in late spring. Its evergreen foliage is a pleasing foil for its delicate flowers. The leaves, up to 2 inches long, form a mat 18 inches across and between 6 and 16 inches tall. Likes moist, moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil and partial to heavy shade.
Zone 6-8.

More famous wildflowers of the Southeast and Deep South: Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed), Callirhoe papaver (poppy mallow/wine cups), Coreopsis integrifolia (chipola trickseed), Gaillardia pulchella (blanket flower), Hepatica acutiloba (sharp-leaved hepatica), Hepatica americana, Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells), Phlox divaricata (woodland phlox), Senecio aureus (golden ragwort), Solidago species (goldenrods), Tradescantia hirsutifolius (spiderwort), Trillium underwoodii (Underwood's trillium), Trollius laxus (spreading globeflower), and Verbena canadensis (rose verain).

South Florida

Carphephorus corymbosus (Florida paintbrush)

"A showy fall bloomer that attracts butterflies and thrives in dry soil."
—Sarah Kiefer, The Natives, Inc.

This perennial has downy, leafy stems 3 feet or taller. The flowerheads, borne from July to December, are much like those of the better-known genus Liatris, the blazing stars. The blooms are tubular and rose-colored. Tolerates very dry sites. Full sun.
Zone 8.

Helianthus debilis (Dune/Beach sunflower)

"Excellent perennial groundcover that attracts butterflies and is a great lawn alternative!"
—John Sibley, All Native Garden Center & Plant Nursery

A tall variety, 3 to 7 feet, with triangular, irregularly toothed, cucumber-like leaves. Year round, creamy yellow to pure white flowers with black centers bloom on its sturdy branches. A good cut flower. Grow in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. Full sun.
Zone 8-10.

Ruellia caroliniensis (Wild petunia)

"A good alternative to the aggressive, exotic species sold by many nurseries."
—Dan Walton, Florida Native Plants, Inc.

This long-blooming spreader re-seeds well. Its erect stems grow 10 to 15 inches tall, with 1-inch-wide, trumpet-shaped lilac to lavender-blue flowers. In its native range, it is found in prairies, open woods, and rocky banks. Grow in dry, acid soil. Full to partial sun. Does not tolerate salt.
Zone 5.

Florida has many other choice wildflowers as well: Dyschoriste oblongifolia (twin flower), Flaveria linearis (yellowtop), Gaillardia pulchella (blanket flower), Heliotropium angiospermum (scorpion's tail), Ipomoea pescaprae (railroad vine), Liatris spicata (gayfeather), Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi (silver leaf aster), Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage), Tradescantia ohioensis (spiderwort), and Verbena tampensis (Tampa verbena).

Prairies & Plains

Senna hebecarpa (Wild senna)

"Growing 4 to 8 feet tall, this plant can make a real statement! Its robust form provides cover for wildlife, while the large seeds offer a nutritious meal."
—Neil Diboll, Prairie Nursery

This sturdy, shrub-like plant is a long-lived, native legume. So while it is bringing beauty to your garden, it's also adding nitrogen to the soil. Large, feathery, compound leaves combine with clusters of creamy- to bright-yellow flowers in July and August. Good for cut and dried flowers. Grow in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Full sun or light shade.
Zone 3.

Silphium perfoliatum (Cup plant)

"A tall wildlife plant attracting songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies."
—Patrick Stollfus, S & S Wildflowers

The flowerheads of this fascinating native have a thimble-like central "cone" and narrow, drooping, yellow rays in summer. Stems tower to 10 feet. Immense, basal, bright-green leaves clasp the stem forming "cups" where water collects and is sipped by hummingbirds. Grows naturally in rich, moist soil and full sun.
Zone 5-9.

Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's root)

"A rare and spectacular tallgrass prairie beauty with candelabra spikes of white and mauve flowers in July that attract numerous butterflies and bees."
—John Morgan, Prairie Habitats Inc.

The inflorescence of this plant is given a fuzzy look by its projecting stamens. In its native range, it can be found in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in sun to partial shade.
Zone 3-8.

Old standbys of the prairies and plains include: Asarum canadense (wild ginger), Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed), Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed), Aster novae-angliae (New England aster), Aster oblongifolius (aromatic aster), Baptisia leucantha (wild false indigo), Clintonia borealis (blue-bead lily), Eupatorium purpureum (sweet Joe Pye weed), Geum triflorum (prairie smoke), Liatris ligulistylus (meadow blazing star), Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), Petalostemun purpureum (purple prairie clover), Potentilla arguta (prairie cinquefoil), Solidago ohioensis (Ohio goldenrod), and Solidago riddellii (Riddell's goldenrod).

Rocky Mountains & Pacific Northwest

Erythronium grandiflorum (Trout lily)

"Erythronium species are some of the best wildflowers for shade."
—Badassare Mineo, Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery

The 2-inch, glowing, yellow blooms of this lily have distinctive, 3-lobed stigmas and white, yellow, or red-black anthers. Broad twin leaves emerge with the flowers shortly after the snow melts, growing 5 to 13 inches high and 4 inches wide. Dormant from July to early March. Easy to grow in well-drained, fertile soil.
Zone 3-8.

Lewisia rediviva (Bitterroot)

"A stunning ephemeral of the high plains, with enormous bright-pink flowers that spring from the sand in some of the most barren-looking places."
— Rebecca Day-Skowron, Rocky Mountain Rare Plants
This 1 by 3-inch perennial is an excellent showy plant at higher elevations. Narrow, small, and succulent quill-like, red-green leaves form in early spring. Flowers bloom in June. Goes dormant in late summer, so be sure to mark its location with a label. Easily grown from seed. Not tolerant of alkaline soil, and needs good drainage.
Zone 4-7.

Geranium viscosissinum (Sticky geranium/Western cranesbill)

"Sticky geranium produces very bright pink flowers in midsummer. Its foliage has a nice orange-red fall color".
—Kathy Hutton, Plants of the Wild

The foliage of this easy-to-grow, bushy plant stretches 1 to 3 feet tall and is covered in sticky hairs. Bright pink to purple flowers bloom from July through August, often with a second flush—and are edible. Water moderately in a rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Partial shade to full sun. Drought tolerant.
Zone 4-10.

Other wonderful wildflowers for the Pacific Northwest/Rocky Mountain regions: Aquilegia formosa (western red columbine), Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Calochortus nuttallii (fairy lantern), Iris douglasiana (iris pacific hybrid), Lomatium dissectum, and Penstemon whippleanus (Whipple's penstemon)

California

Eriogonum arborescens

(Santa Cruz Island buckwheat)

"A wonderful plant for attracting beneficial insects to the garden and for accenting the rear of any dry perennial border."
—Erin O'Doherty, Native Revival Nursery

This neat-looking shrub grows to 3 feet in coastal areas, but will be smaller inland. It has gray foliage with pink flowers, which bloom early summer to autumn and are great in dried-flower arrangements. It is very drought tolerant. When established, water just once a month. Snow has a tendency to break its branches. Full sun.
Zone 8.

Fragaria platypetala (Western alpine strawberry)

"Most strawberries have green foliage. This one has gray. It's a great plant to plug up the hole in the flagstone."
—Celeste Wilson, Las Pilitas

A deciduous, flat perennial strawberry with gray leaves. Its 5-petaled flowers are white and borne in clusters. The tasty red fruits are hidden among the leaves. Treat as a regular strawberry plant and use for ground cover. Grows naturally in fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils in full sun or shade.
Zone 4-10.

Camissonia cheiranthifolia (Beach evening primrose)

"One of the most conspicuous of plants from the unique dune community. Flowers can be found almost all year."
—Mike Evans, Tree of Life Nursery

This primrose has creeping, grayish, downy stems, 4 to 24 inches long, with small gray-green leaves. During its principal blooming season (spring through summer), it is adorned with numerous bright yellow flowers. Tolerant of just about any kind of soil, though it will perform best in sandy loam. Full sun.
Zone 8.

Other handsome California natives include: Armeria maritima (sea thrift), Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed), Calochortus albus (mariposa lily), Erigeron glaucus (seaside daisy); Eschscholzia californica var. maritima (California poppy), Gilia tricolor (bird's eye gilia), Linanthus grandiflorus (grand linanthus), Lupinus nanus (sky lupine), Mentzelia lindleyi (blazing star), Nemophila menziesii (baby blue-eyes), Salvia columbariae, and Sisyrinchium bellum (blue-eyed grass).

The Southwest

Berlandiera lyrata (Chocolate flower)

"An extremely drought tolerant perennial with a fragrance of chocolate that fills the morning air. A must for chocolate lovers!"—Mark Myers, Plants of the Southwest
The chocolate flower grows 1-1/2 feet tall with silvery foliage. Its pale yellow and maroon daisy flowers bloom in summer, opening in the morning and nodding in the heat of the afternoon. The blooms are used in dried arrangements and as a seasoning. Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and full sun.
Zone 7-9.

Dyschoriste lineris (Snake herb)

"Resembling a small rosemary, this heat- and drought-tolerant ground-hugging plant looks great between agaves, yuccas, dasylirions, and nolinas."
—Carl M. Schoenfeld, Yucca Do Nursery

This plant's delicate, light green foliage forms a low mound, usually about 10 inches by 3 feet across, which becomes dotted with small blue-purple bell-like flowers from early spring to late fall. It loves a hot and dry location and will thrive in almost any soil. This Texas native is excellent on a slope, preventing soil erosion from wind or rain.
Zone 7-9.

Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain penstemon

"Another great wildflower that doesn't get too 'wild' looking. Easy to care for and maintain."
—Kerry Krumrine, GO Native! nursery

This showy native penstemon has large, deep-green leaves and brilliant blue-purple blooms in spring. The stamens of these flowers have dense hairs that make them look like they're covered in white wool. The plant is a good ground cover for a dry, gravelly slope. One foot tall by 1 foot wide. Needs little water and good drainage. Full sun.
Zone 4-9.

And don't forget the following wildflowers native to the Southwest: Agastache cana (wild hyssop), Aquilegia chrysantha (golden spur columbine), Centaurea rothrockii (basket flower), Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), Helianthus mollis (downy sunflower), Hymenoxys acaulis (angelita daisy), Penstemon parryi (Parry's penstemon), Penstemon pinifolius (pineleaf penstemon), Verbena goodingii (native verbena), and Zinnia grandiflora (prairie zinnia).

The Nurseries

Native plants are threatened by collectors who dig them up from the wild. Make sure to purchase your wildflowers from nurseries (like the following) that propagate what they sell!

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic