The Top 5 Wildflowers For Your Ecoregion

Why plant wildflowers that are native to your ecoregion? They’re resilient pollinator magnets with delightful flowers for you and the bees to enjoy. They often need less water than non-native species and adapt well to your climate. Annuals reseed themselves while perennials hang out underground until favorable weather comes around. If you choose wildflowers today, you choose wildflowers for life!

Some species adapt well to climates outside their native range, like spotted bee balm. It thrives under its native range of Florida northwards, however, it also loves growing in California. Some Great Plains wildflowers grow worldwide, such as sunflowers and purple coneflowers. They’re beloved flowers with rich histories of propagation!

Native species take to transplanting well during mild months from fall through spring. Avoid putting them in your yard during freezing winters or scorching summers. They might need additional water their first year but are typically drought-tolerant once they establish themselves.

We’ll dive further into specific care for each wildflower in the guide below. Without further ado, here are the top five wildflowers for your ecoregion!

Northwestern Forested Mountains

This ecoregion ties itself together with a long chain of mountainous terrain—from alpine to sea level, northwestern forested mountains range from dry to wet, sunny to shady, and dense to open.

Wildflowers within this region appreciate seasonal moisture alongside plenty of organically rich soil. Choose one of these five native species below for mid-Washington, Central Oregon, Northern California, or Nevada.

Columbian Lily

	botanical name Lilium columbianum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-4’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Columbian lily grows from bulbs and remains hardy underneath forest canopies. It conserves energy while in dormancy through winter, then uses that energy to produce clusters of pendant orange lily flowers with brown spots. This woodland wildflower adds charm to gardens throughout the western mountain ranges. 

Columbian lily needs organically rich soil; it benefits from an annual application of mulch, compost, or leaf mold during dormancy. Airy soil helps this lily avoid root rot as well. Simulate its natural conditions by growing it beneath trees, in partially shaded borders, or amongst other woodland perennials. The more sun Columbian lily receives, the more water it’ll require.

Start this wildflower from bulbs or seeds. Seedlings take many years to bloom, while bulbs may bloom their first year after transplanting. Find both online or at native plant nurseries near you.

Western Columbine

	botanical name Aquilegia formosa
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Columbines are iconic North American wildflowers. Western columbine is but one of many species that claim our continent as its home. Find this delightful perennial throughout western mountain ranges in moist soils around trees or meadows. Woodland gardens are perfect for cultivating it. 

This species grows beaming red-yellow spurred flowers that attract hummingbirds. I’ve seen many of them flock to these flowers at dusk. Attract birds to your garden by situating this perennial in a moist location. It tolerates full sun but needs more water with more sun. In hot climates from zones eight through nine, give western columbine afternoon shade.

Start these wildflowers from seeds. Fall-sow plenty of seeds where you intend to grow western columbine. They’ll cold stratify through winter before sprouting with warm weather. 

Lance Selfheal

	botanical name Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 10”
	hardiness zones 4-9

Lance selfheal is a new favorite wildflower of mine—it is a bigger, more bountiful version of the weedy European species known as common selfheal. Lance selfheal spreads a few ways. It uses underground roots to creep. This wildflower also uses seeds to sprout in new locations. Plant it somewhere it can spread, or try it inside a container.

Lance selfheal is hardier than most wildflowers, tolerating occasional drought when growing under shade. Like other woodland perennials, it’ll require more water the more sun it receives. When happy, this wildflower sprouts big green flower spikes that sprout purple flowers in rows. Try growing it amongst evergreen violets, rose checkermallow, or large leaf avens.

Start lance selfheal from fall-sown seeds, or find potted plants at nurseries near you. Transplant mature wildflowers during fall or spring, watering well while they establish themselves.

Western Buttercup

	botanical name Ranunculus occidentalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Western buttercup takes full advantage of rainy, seasonal conditions. These wildflowers absorb excess moisture in early spring, quickly growing little yellow buttercup flowers. By the time summer’s heat arrives they’re well on their way producing clusters of brown seeds. A perennial wildflower with ephemeral charm, western buttercup is perfect for woodland gardens.

These wildflowers prefer partial shade, although they’ll tolerate full sun within extra rainy areas. Grant them lots of water when they’re young. Later in life, they’re drought tolerant while producing seeds. They die back in summer through winter, staying dormant to preserve energy. Let them reseed; they’ll fill every space they can.

In garden settings, western buttercups tolerate regular watering. They’ll continue flowering this way without going dormant during summer. Choose to let it enter dormancy, or extend its bloom period with extra water. 

Western Meadowrue

	botanical name Thalictrum occidentale
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 1-4’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Western meadowrue is dioecious, meaning separate plants have male or female flowers. This results in a spectacular show come springtime, as they burst into bloom with different kinds of flowers. Male meadowrue flowers have dangling red-yellow anthers, while female flowers have long sticky stamens.

Western meadowrue naturally occurs in shady meadows, forests, and valleys throughout this ecoregion. The wildflowers appreciate regular water while they grow, and in their native range, they take advantage of seasonal rains or floods. This species is also perennial, so you’ll sow seeds once to have them for years to come.

Start western meadowrue seeds by planting them during autumn. They require three months of cold stratification before sprouting with warm spring weather. 

Marine West Coast Forest

Find ephemeral spring charmers and shady forest wildflowers under marine West Coast forests. This ecoregion has a wet, cool climate from fall through spring, with occasional rainfall during summer. It is the wettest ecoregion in North America!

Use these five wildflowers for cottage, woodland, or shady coastal gardens from Alaska to Northern California.

Evergreen Violet

	botanical name Viola sempervirens
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6”
	hardiness zones 6-9

Evergreen violets are almost evergreen! In colder zones they lose some leaves during winter. Beautiful yellow violets bloom on these plants as days grow longer. They spread with runners and seeds; evergreen violets are also perennial. In shady, wet gardens they quickly blanket the soil.

This violet species prefers moist, organically rich soil with average drainage. Dappled sunlight poking through a tree canopy gives it all the light it needs. Use it as a ground cover or to line pathways throughout your shade garden.

Start evergreen violets from seeds or transplants. Plant both during early fall. They’ll acclimate throughout the cool seasons. Then, they’ll grace your landscape by early spring with clusters of yellow violets.

Giant White Fawn Lily

	botanical name Erythronium oregonum
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 10”-2’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Found throughout western coastal forests, giant white fawn lilies surprise spring hikers with elegant, white flowers. The blooms hang above green or mottled white foliage, sprouting from bulbs belowground. This perennial spring charmer dies back with summer heat. It’ll stay dormant belowground until next year.

Giant white fawn lilies thrive throughout redwood and Douglas-fir forests. They take advantage of the excess leaf duff and decaying wood in coastal forest soils. These soils are porous and absorbent, but well-draining. They provide the perfect environment for fawn lily bulbs to swell each year. 

Sow seeds or bulbs during autumn while temperatures are cool. Plant bulbs at least an inch deep, while sowing seeds a quarter inch deep. They’ll overwinter before sprouting with warm, long days in springtime.

Redwood Sorrel

	botanical name Oxalis oregana
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 4-10”
	hardiness zones 7-9

Redwood sorrel blankets forest floors with gorgeous clover-like leaves. It sprouts white flowers with five petals. They appear in abundance on large clumps, creating pollinator magnets on what would otherwise be bare soil. This native clover naturally thrives with consistent water, so place it where it’ll stay moist.

Redwood sorrel spreads rapidly each year, covering empty ground easily. It tolerates some foot traffic but is best for covering ornamental gardens. Not only does this wildflower use seeds to propagate itself, but it also spreads through underground roots. 

Start redwood sorrel wildflowers with seeds or transplants. Sow them in the fall for springtime germination. Seed-grown sorrel may not flower in their first year, but most likely will in their second year. 

Western Bleeding Heart

	botanical name Dicentra formosa
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 8-10”
	hardiness zones 3-8

A lovely self-spreader, western bleeding heart covers moist, shaded soil throughout Pacific Northwest landscapes. Pink heart-shaped blossoms sprout in clusters above this wildflower’s lacey foliage. It spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes, creeping out annually.

Find western bleeding heart growing naturally beneath coastal forests, by shady roadsides, and near streams. Once it establishes itself, this wildflower is drought tolerant for short periods.

Start western bleeding hearts from seeds, or find a mature clump in a friend’s garden. Dig up or sow seeds during fall—cool, autumn weather gives perfect accommodations for settling in. They’ll overwinter, then sprout with warm weather after your last frost date.

Western Trillium

	botanical name Trillium ovatum
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 10”-2’
	hardiness zones 5-8

This list wouldn’t be complete without trillium! Western trillium is one of the most widespread species in this ecoregion, covering West Coast forests from Washington through California, then east to Montana. Trillium wildflowers add color to shady areas that are otherwise green or brown. 

Western trillium blooms white tri-petaled flowers above three leaves in perfect symmetry. Find them naturally occurring on forest hillsides, moist woods, or roadsides. It loves the consistent rainfall that characterizes this ecoregion. Over time, western trillium spreads through rhizomes. It also self-seeds with successful flower pollination.

Give trillium wildflowers rich, organic soil that is free draining. They appreciate mulch or compost, creeping into it slowly with time. Western trillium also appreciates slightly acidic soil—amend alkaline soils to fix their pH, or try this native species in a container. 

Mediterranean California

The Mediterranean California ecoregion is unique to all ecoregions—it covers chaparral, urban centers, oak woodlands, and agricultural lands. Plants in this region are typically drought tolerant, thriving with little rain. Winters rarely drop below freezing, giving mild temperatures for wildflowers.

Spring Madia

	botanical name Madia elegans
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-6’
	hardiness zones 6-11

An annual wildflower akin to sunflowers, spring madia adds yellow and red color to dry landscapes. Also known as tarweed, this native species thrives on rocky, well-draining soil. Find it growing from sunny hillsides to open meadows. It’s useful in California gardens for driveway borders, exposed areas, or around your vegetable garden.

Like sunflowers, spring madia reaches tall heights, topping out at six feet. At the top of the green, oily stems and foliage lie clusters of blooms. These flowers attract pollinating insects to your garden, blessing them with ample pollen. 

Sow spring madia seeds in early spring. Cover seeds with a half inch of soil, watering well. If rainfall is low, keep soils moist while your seeds germinate. They should sprout in two or more weeks. 

Douglas Meadowfoam

	botanical name Limnanthes douglasii
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-12”
	hardiness zones 2-11

Douglas meadowfoam decorates hillsides, roadsides, and meadows from Southern Oregon through Southern California. It thrives with rainfall, blooming in areas whenever water is abundant. With summer rainfall or irrigation, it might bloom all summer until winter cold arrives. 

This annual wildflower self-seeds itself, spreading throughout your garden. Let it reseed to have Douglas meadowfoam blooming in your garden each year. In hot California ecoregions, give this wildflower afternoon shade.

Start Douglas meadowfoam from seeds or potted plants. Move container plants into your garden during spring. Sow seeds from fall through spring—they’ll germinate in warm weather. 

Scarlet Monkeyflower

	botanical name Erythranthe cardinalis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Scarlet monkeyflower outshines other monkeyflowers with glowing red blooms. They form above fuzzy, opposite leaves. This wildflower grows naturally where moist soils occur throughout the growing seasons. Ensure it never dries out so this perennial will provide nectar-filled flowers for years.

A hummingbird attractant, scarlet monkeyflower uses red colors to lure these birds in. It tolerates long periods of wet, thriving in boggy soils other plants struggle in. Got a wet spot? This wildflower is perfect for it.

Sow scarlet monkeyflower seeds from fall through spring on wet soil. Wildflowers sprout with consistent moisture alongside warm temperatures. This plant roots readily, forming clumps. Dig up sections to transplant into other areas of your garden. 

California Poppy

	botanical name Eschscholzia californica
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6”-2’
	hardiness zones 9-11

California poppies are a must-have wildflower throughout the Western ecoregion. They thrive in what would otherwise be barren land. I’ve seen them growing in sidewalk cracks! Hardy, these wildflowers thrive under at least six hours of direct sunlight provided they have excellent soil drainage.

California poppies explode into bloom from spring through fall, decorating hillsides with their orange-yellow flowers. Plant them in natural spaces, pollinator gardens, or amongst your vegetables in raised beds. This wildflower attracts all sorts of bees, providing a boon to your crops. 

Start California poppies from seeds. In mild climates, sow seeds from late summer through early fall for winter to spring blooms. Grow California poppies as annuals in colder climates—plant seeds four to six weeks before your last frost date. They don’t require it but if they receive some cold stratification they’ll germinate more easily. 

Blue Thimble Flower

	botanical name Gilia capitata
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6”-2’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Perfect for pollinators, blue thimble flowers are ideal in many different gardening situations. They thrive in conditions similar to spring madias, tolerating direct sunlight with little water. Attract insects to your yard with annual blue thimble flowers.

This species doesn’t deal well with competition, especially from hardy perennial plants. You’ll see them growing in disturbed, dry, or rocky areas. Consider planting them amidst other annual wildflowers like sunflowers or Douglas meadowfoam.

Get blue thimble flowers going by sowing seeds during mild weather. Plant it from late summer through spring if your climate has warm winters. In cold winter zones, sow seeds in early spring for summer blooms.

Tropical Dry and Wet Forests

North American tropical forests include those in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Hawaii. They feature warm temperatures year-round without hard freezes. Some areas lack summer moisture, with irrigation as their limiting factor, while others in Puerto Rico are wet year-round.

Select wildflowers native to this ecoregion to ensure hardy, well-adapted species that survive whatever your weather throws at them!

Coral Bean

	botanical name Erythrina herbacea
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12’
	hardiness zones 8-11

Attract hummingbirds with coral beans! These native vines grow as shrubs, trees, or perennials depending on their ecoregion. Red tubular flowers sprout from its woody vines with warm spring weather. 

You can still grow this plant if you garden with cold winter temperatures. It withers above ground from zones six through eight, sprouting in spring as the days get longer. In tropical areas like its native range, this vine reaches heights of 20’! Select a spot where it has space to ramble upwards. It prefers some dryness, benefiting from watering once its soil dries.

Beware: Coral bean is toxic! Keep it away from children or pets—its best spot is in wild native gardens. Start it from seeds, cuttings, or root divisions. 

Beach Morning Glory

	botanical name Ipomoea imperati
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6” tall, 10-20’ long
	hardiness zones 8-11

A native morning glory with beautiful white flowers, beach morning glory delights coastal landscapes the whole year long. They’re evergreen from zones 8 through 10, with two-inch-long white flowers. The flowers, like most other morning glories, open up in the morning and close at night; they only last a day!

Use this wildflower vine for erosion control, ground cover, or coastal stabilization. It spreads in areas before most other plants, making its home more accommodating for new species. Try beach morning glory if you live near the ocean with sandy areas in your garden. Its drought tolerance and prolific nature make this vining wildflower a must-have in tropical coastal ecoregions.

Start beach morning glory from seeds, scarifying them first. Sow them when the weather is mild, from fall through spring within tropical areas. Plant seeds a quarter inch deep, watering them well. They’ll sprout after a week or two with consistently moist soil. Grow beach morning glory as a summer annual in other zones across North America.

Sensitive Plant

	botanical name Mimosa pudica
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 10-12

I love touching these plants whenever I visit Puerto Rico—their leaves close up after you poke them! That is why they have the name “sensitive plant.” Native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, this wildflower naturalizes itself in Florida and Hawaii. It also makes a fantastic house plant.

This low-growing native species prefers excellent drainage, light, and moderate water. It thrives in its native range under six plus hours of direct sunlight. Give it extra water during long droughts, otherwise, it thrives during hot weather. With the right conditions, it’ll produce pink, fuzzy flowers that attract pollinators.

Grow sensitive plants from seeds indoors, then transplant them outside during mild weather. Look to your local state’s rules about non-native species; sensitive plants naturalize themselves in Hawaii, displacing native vegetation. Consider growing them as houseplants if they may spread into natural spaces. If you live in Puerto Rico, plant away! This wildflower grows there already.

Hawaiian Poppy

	botanical name Argemone glauca
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 10-12

Also known as “Pua Kala,” Hawaiian poppy delights landscapes perennially—its white poppy-like blooms attract native animal species with yellow stamens and purple stigmas. Its leaves are prickly; they work well as path liners to keep unwanted foot traffic out of your prized garden beds.

Hawaiian poppies prefer full sun, excellent drainage, and moderate watering. These perennials typically last about five years before dying. They reseed readily under hospitable conditions—let new seedlings sprout to have Hawaiian poppies again. 

Start Hawaiian poppies from seeds or starts. Transplant starts in your landscape, watering them well. After they establish themselves, they’re incredibly drought tolerant. 

Leavenworth’s Tickseed

	botanical name Coreopsis leavenworthii
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 8-11

An annual or short-lived perennial tickseed with hardiness to boot, Leavenworth’s tickseed is the native wildflower to grow in Florida. It only grows in two North American states, Florida and Alabama. This native tickseed sprouts bright yellow flowers with dark reddish-brown centers; the golden blossoms attract dozens of insects with their nutritious pollen. 

Start Leavenworth’s tickseed where it has space to roam—when left to its own devices, this species reseeds readily amongst other garden plants. Select two or three plants for your yard this year to have clumps of tickseed every year. 

Start this tickseed using seeds or starts from a Florida native plant nursery. Sow seeds in moist soil during fall through spring. Once they establish themselves these plants are drought tolerant—their seeds still require consistent moisture for optimal germination. 

Eastern Temperate Forests

From the East Coast inwards to the Great Plains, eastern temperate forests dominate North American landscapes. These wildflowers thrive in many light conditions, appreciating well-draining soil with regular moisture. Some adapt to particular seasons before dying back to rest. Choose one or many of these five wildflowers for eastern growing success!

Wild Columbine

	botanical name Aquilegia canadensis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 3-8

I love western columbine for its bright yellow-red blooms. East Coast gardeners are lucky to have a similar species, wild columbine. This wildflower erupts red-yellow blooms atop dainty stems every spring. They lure hummingbirds, insects, and butterflies into your landscape. 

Wild columbine does best in partial shade with regular spring moisture. Give it well-draining soil rich in organic matter for best results. This wildflower naturally grows beneath forest canopies, where the soil stays moist from rain. Simulate forest conditions in your garden by planting beneath tall shrubs or trees. 

Start wild columbine from seeds or starts. This species spreads readily when happy, spreading throughout your landscape. Sow seeds during autumn so they undergo six to eight weeks of cold stratification. They’ll sprout with warm temperatures after your last frost date. 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

	botanical name Arisaema triphyllum
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 2’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Jack-in-the-pulpit charms woodland gardens with large tri-lobed leaves and unique flowers. The flowers are white at their base with purple-striped hoods. The hoods cover a central pollinating structure; they resemble carnivorous pitcher plants.

Sow this wildflower amongst other cottage garden perennials like wild columbine, dutchman’s breeches, and false Solomon’s seal. It slowly forms corms belowground that you can divide and propagate, although it does stay put in its location. 

Start Jack-in-the-pulpit from seeds or corms during fall. Bury corms an inch deep and plant seeds three-quarters of an inch deep. Corms sprout in spring, although seeds may take up to two years to germinate.

Carolina Springbeauty

	botanical name Claytonia caroliniana
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 1’
	hardiness zones 4-9

A low-growing perennial with succulent green leaves, Carolina springbeauty decorates eastern forests annually. This native wildflower blooms white blossoms with pink stripes. They look stunning en masse!

Sow seeds once and they’ll self-propagate for years to come. Because of its self-sowing, this perennial best grows where it has room to spread. Use it with other self-spreaders like wild ginger. Carolina springbeauty needs ample moisture when it grows, as it originates from areas that receive rainfall through spring. 

Bury corms in the fall. They’ll sprout with blooms after your last frost date. This perennial loves humus-rich soil, so leave leaves, branches, and compost loosely on top of them after they die back. 

Dutchman’s Breeches

	botanical name Dicentra cucullaria
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 3-6”
	hardiness zones 3-7

Dutchman’s breeches’ name describes the flowers this perennial wildflower grows—they resemble the large pants known as Dutch trousers. The wildflower’s blossoms are white, and two spurs extend off each end of the blossom. At their base, they form lips with yellow hues. The foliage is equally as stunning, with lacey green fronds extending off of central stems.

This woodland wildflower prefers damp, cool, and shady conditions. They tolerate frost extremely well because they go dormant during winter. In spring, they sprout out of organically rich, free-draining soil. Dutchman’s breeches spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes—if you don’t like where it’s creeping, simply dig up the rhizomes, then plant them where you’d like.

This wildflower is difficult to grow from seed; you’ll need to acquire fresh seeds that haven’t dried out and sow them in fall. An easier method is finding mature plants to dig up a portion to transplant. You might also find adult specimens available at native plant nurseries in eastern North America. 

Solomon’s Seal

	botanical name Polygonatum biflorum
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Solomon’s seal adds structure and fragrance to your garden. The leaves form a ladder on arching stems, and underneath the foliage sprouts pairs of white bell flowers with green edges. They tower over other woodland plants like Dutchman’s breeches, Carolina springbeauty, and wild ginger. Use it in ornamental beds, wild gardens, or as a filler for borders. 

Solomon’s seal needs well-draining soil, regular water, and partial or full shade. It tolerates hard freezes surprisingly well, although it struggles to deal with intense heat or drought. Give Solomon’s seal dappled shade if your garden is on the upper cusp of zone nine with hot, dry summers. 

Start this perennial wildflower from mature transplants. Many nurseries carry this plant, from New York to California; online retailers have it too. Plant Solomon’s seal during autumn before your first average frost date. It’ll overwinter underground, then sprout arching stems sometime after your last frost date.

Great Plains

Most of the corn, soy, and wheat we consume grows on the Great Plains. This ecoregion also has charming wildflowers that fill every nook and cranny available. Sunflowers, purple coneflowers, and milkweed are some of the dozens of wildflowers that call the Great Plains home. These plants start readily from seeds and adapt well across North American gardens.

Purple Coneflower

	botanical name Echinacea purpurea
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-5’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Purple coneflowers stand as icons of prairie land; their purple petals and bright red-orange cones make excellent focal points. At their base sprout strappy green leaves resembling those of black-eyed Susans. Use these wildflowers for pollinator gardens, borders, and raised beds. 

Purple coneflower appreciates climates found on the Great Plains—they need summer moisture, dry winter soil, and lots of sunlight. Prune flowers as they fade to encourage more blossoms throughout your growing season.

Start purple coneflower from seeds. Seed-grown plants may bloom their first year when you start them indoors. Sow them 10-12 weeks before your last average frost date in pots under bright light. Bury them a quarter inch deep, watering well. To sow outside, plant seeds two to four weeks before your last average frost date.  

Common Milkweed

	botanical name Asclepias syriaca
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3-5’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Milkweeds help native butterflies like monarch butterflies. Common milkweed provides tasty leaves for their larvae and delicious nectar for adults. Sow milkweed seeds to help these dwindling insect populations. You’ll feel good for helping the environment, and you’ll get to enjoy bunches of star-shaped blossoms each summer.

Common milkweed prefers full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It’ll need less water under partial shade, but it’ll also have fewer blossoms. This native perennial spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes. When left to thrive, common milkweed quickly fills bare soil. 

Sow seeds during late autumn for spring germination, or two to four weeks before your last average frost date. Keep soils moist while seeds germinate. Help your new plants have space by plucking out excess seedlings, leaving a foot of space around each new milkweed.

Blazing Star

	botanical name Liatris spicata
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-6’
	hardiness zones 3-8

Blazing stars grow big, purple flower spikes that shine under direct sunlight. A pollinator haven, this perennial thrives under prairie conditions. Below its flower spikes sprout green, lance-shaped leaves on six-foot-tall stems. Use this specimen as a focal plant in your landscape—try decorating it with lower-growing perennials around its base.

Give blazing stars moderate water, irrigating when their soil dries out. These wildflowers go dormant during winter, requiring less moisture than normal to survive. Situate them with full sun or partial shade and free-draining soil. 

Start blazing stars from seeds. Collect or buy seeds online, then sow them during autumn. Try looking up “blazing star seeds” or “Liatris spicata seeds.” Blazing star seeds overwinter before sprouting in spring with other woodland beauties. 

Eastern Pasque Flower

	botanical name Pulsatilla patens
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3”-1’
	hardiness zones 3-7

Eastern pasque flower brightens dreary winter landscapes in early spring before many other plants wake up. Purple, white, or yellow flowers sprout as snow melts. Then, this native wildflower’s foliage grows up to a foot tall. After blooming, eastern pasque flowers morph into feathery seed heads that are just as enjoyable as the blooms.

This pasque flower species prefers free-draining soils; they thrive under at least six hours of direct sunlight. Grant them space in rock gardens, prairie landscapes, or raised beds. Eastern pasque flower struggles in zones 8 and above because of warm winter temperatures—try opting for a different species like Pulsatilla occidentalis.

Sow eastern pasque flower seeds during fall before your first average frost date. They have low germination rates, but with patience and determination, you’ll see a few sprouts by spring. Give seedlings free draining soil and weekly waterings if rainfall is low. 

Prairie Sunflower

	botanical name Helianthus petiolaris
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-4’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Yellow sunflowers are a must-have in any prairie garden! These nutritious plants offer nectar, seeds, and pollen to many different local creatures. An annual wildflower, it sprouts in warm temperatures in disturbed areas, meadows, and dry grasslands.

Use prairie sunflower to brighten your driveway edging, or situate it in pots around a porch. This annual wildflower needs well-draining soil with direct sunlight. They’ll need water while they sprout but are drought-tolerant once they grow fully. 

Sow prairie sunflower seeds during fall—they’ll need a cold stratification period in winter. Seeds sprout into seedlings with warm temperatures alongside early-season rainfall. If rainfall is low, give them some extra irrigation while they establish.

North American Deserts

Dry plains, hills, and valleys dominate our North American deserts. This ecoregion is one of the harshest climates; its extreme heat and lack of rainfall mean that native plants in this region must adapt to tough conditions to survive. These five wildflowers ensure you’ll have colorful flowers no matter how hot it is outside!

Desert Marigold

	botanical name Baileya multiradiata
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 7-10

This short-lived perennial is perfect for warm, desert gardens. Desert marigolds resemble marigold flowers, however, the native wildflower’s scientific name is Baileya multiradiata rather than Tagetes. It thrives with excellent drainage, full sun, and low water. Desert marigolds bloom golden yellow flowers over a long period from spring to fall. 

This perennial wildflower may act as a biennial in difficult growing conditions that are too hot or cold. Do not fear, as it readily reseeds after blooming. Simply let desert marigolds hold onto their flowers—eventually, they’ll morph into seed pods that scatter across desert floors. With moisture, seeds germinate into baby desert marigold plants to repeat the cycle.

Seed germination is sporadic, so sow more seeds than you normally would. Plant them during fall so they undergo a chill period during winter. If spring sowing, keep seeds in your fridge for a month before planting. This wildflower is prone to root rot in wet soils; water only when the soil is dry to ensure the roots stay healthy.

Blackfoot Daisy

	botanical name Melampodium leucanthum
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12”
	hardiness zones 6-10

Blackfoot daisy uplifts rock gardens and prairie gardens alike with summer-long blooms on mounding, green-gray foliage. This perennial wildflower excels within rock gardens, dry borders, and sunny medians. It sprouts with rainfall, giving way to bright white petalled flowers with yellow centers. 

Blackfoot daisy naturally occurs on desert land, thriving with good drainage alongside plenty of direct sunlight. In rock gardens, cut back plants in midwinter or late fall to keep them compact. Otherwise, let them ramble! Their overgrown state matches wild garden aesthetics. 

Grow Blackfoot daisies from seeds or starts. Sow either during autumn, when temperatures are mild with occasional rainfall. You can also transplant during early spring, although plants may need more water to establish themselves. 

Mealycup Sage

	botanical name Salvia farinacea
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3’
	hardiness zones 8-10

Sages in the genus Salvia are generally drought-hardy, full sun tolerant, and attuned to growing under desert conditions. Many native Salvia species originate in North America, from California to Florida. Mealycup sage stands out from all sages due to its fuzzy sepals surrounding its flowers. It gives a “mealy” appearance—this is where this species gets its name from!

Mealycup sage grows large purple-blue flower spikes typical of most sages. These brightly colored blossoms lure pollinators when they shine under direct sunlight. Use this perennial wildflower in borders, raised beds, or rock gardens. It reaches three feet tall, with gray-green narrow foliage at its base. Mealycup sage works well in desert gardens alongside deer grass, desert marigolds, and cacti.

Find mealycup sage seeds as they ripen in nature, around late summer through fall. Either locate a local source or find them available online. Store these seeds in your fridge until spring, then take them out to sow. Keeping seeds in your fridge ensures they receive their cold stratification period to germinate in spring. 

Deergrass

	botanical name Muhlenbergia rigens
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-5’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Why does grass make this list? Technically, grasses are flowering plants, so deergrass counts as a wildflower! This clumping perennial thrives throughout cooler desert regions, although it’s drought-tolerant at maturity. From California through Texas, this desert grass appreciates good drainage, direct sunlight, and little water. 

Cooler zones 7 and below may want to plant deergrass under a protected area with thick mulch—it sometimes dies during hard winter freezes within these zones. Situate it under protection from excess rain, or in a rock garden where rain drains freely. Use it ornamentally alongside cacti or desert sages for a modern, natural garden style. 

Start deergrass from transplants or seeds. Transplants are easier to get going, although seeds are more readily available. Select the best option for your garden, placing either seed or starts in the soil during fall for spring growth. 

Bluebonnet

	botanical name Lupinus texensis
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 4-8

Lupines grace North American landscapes with hooded, blue flowers that draw in pollinators. The bluebonnet is no exception—this annual wildflower attracts native pollinators with its giant flower spikes. It is the state flower of Texas, meaning you’ll find it thriving across the state. Bluebonnets are also hardier than most other lupines, tolerating sandy soil, full sun, and little water.

Give this annual wildflower a location where it can self-sow; it produces seeds annually to create the next generation of lupines. When they’re happy with harsh conditions, they’ll reseed readily. Grow bluebonnets with other drought-tolerant wildflowers, cacti, or shrubs.