Native wildflowers support local ecosystems by providing critical resources for many species of wildlife in every state. Once planted, they require less watering and maintenance than other non-native plants so it is important to identify wildflowers that are suitable for your region.
Find the Right Wildflowers for Your Region
If you would like to offer pollinators a helping hand you can do so by planting native wildflowers in your backyard, in pots or even a window box. Even a small area makes a difference. Whenever it is possible, it is a good idea to plant wildflowers that are native to your area and to choose a mix of plants that bloom throughout the season. To get you started, we have put together a sample of wildflowers native to regions across the US. Just select your region to learn more about the native wildflowers local to you!
Swamp Milkweed
Summer | Perennial
These flowers are better started as plants, but can also easily be grown from seeds. Milkweeds take longer to establish than other wildflowers, but are extremely hardy once they've grown and are great for bees and monarch butterflies.
New England Aster
Summer, Fall | Perennial
These wild flowers are grown in rich, moist soil as these plants tend to wilt in poorly drained clay soil. When planting, make sure to provide good air circulation, keeping in mind the large spreading area.
Wild Bergamot
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The Wild Bergamot is plant known for its medicinal qualities. Native Americans used leaf tea for colic, flatulence, colds, fevers, stomach aches, nosebleeds, insomnia, and heart trouble.
Evening Primrose
Summer | Biennial
Evening Primrose is so named for its habit of only showing its attractive flowers late in the day, similar to four o’clock, though it does leave them open until around mid-morning the following day.
Black-eyed Susan
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The Black-eyed Susan is part of the sunflower family and has similar daisy-like flowers. It’s a low maintenance flower that is easy to grow from seed. Plant them directly in the garden in spring or summer for a beautiful, bright addition.
Purple Coneflower
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The seeds of the Purple Coneflower usually need to experience a period of cold before they will germinate. They can be placed in a fridge or freezer for a few weeks before planting only if seed packets do not specify that they are ready to go into the soil.
Blazing Star
Summer, Fall | Perennial
Blazing Star is an easy perennial to grow, but it must have full sun. Plant it in well-drained, light soil. Plants grown from seed will not bloom the first year.
Black-eyed Susan
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The Black-eyed Susan is part of the sunflower family and has similar daisy-like flowers. It’s a low maintenance flower that is easy to grow from seed. Plant them directly in the garden in spring or summer for a beautiful, bright addition.
Lemon Mint
Summer | Annual
These plants are typically reseeders and often form large colonies. They can be perennial in warmer areas and are attract both bees and butterflies.
Butterfly Weed
Summer | Perennial
The butterfly weed is from the Milkweed family. These are better started as plants, but can also easily be grown from seeds. Milkweeds take a little while to establish but are extremely hardy once they've grown. It’s beautiful flowers typically attract all types of butterflies.
Butterfly Weed
Summer | Perennial
The butterfly weed is from the Milkweed family. These are better started as plants, but can also easily be grown from seeds. Milkweeds take a little while to establish but are extremely hardy once they've grown. It’s beautiful flowers typically attract all types of butterflies.
Prairie Blazing Star
Summer, Fall | Perennial
To achieve good plant growth for the Prairie Blazing Star it requires both sun and adequate moisture. Dry conditions can cause leaf loss and too little sun may cause twisted growth.
Brown-eyed Susan
Fall | Perennial
The Brown-eyed Susan is easy to grow, but does best in full sun or light shade in sandy, loamy soil. It prefers moderate moisture, but is drought tolerant once established. It will bloom in year two.
Purple Coneflower
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The seeds of the Purple Coneflower usually need to experience a period of cold before they will germinate. They can be placed in a fridge or freezer for a few weeks before planting only if seed packets do not specify that they are ready to go into the soil.
Evening Primrose
Summer | Biennial
Evening Primrose is so named for its habit of only showing its attractive flowers late in the day, similar to four o’clock, though it does leave them open until around mid-morning the following day.
Prairie Aster
Mid/Late Summer | Annual
The Prairie Aster is typically a reseeder and easy to grow.
Blanket Flower
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The Blanket Flower is a resilient wildflower with a long blooming season and bright, lovely petals. They is an easy flower to grow that likes heat and well drained soil.
Blue Flax
Summer, Fall | Perennial
Choose a sunny site with well-drained, sandy soil for the Blue Flax to grow in. Direct planting is preferred. This plant is also known for its erosion control.
Mexican Hat
Summer, Fall | Perennial
This vibrant red flower has drooping petals that resemble a sombrero, hence the name. It is a drought tolerant plant that withstands competition.
Black-eyed Susan
Summer, Fall | Perennial
The Black-eyed Susan is part of the sunflower family and has similar daisy-like flowers. It’s a low maintenance flower that is easy to grow from seed. Plant them directly in the garden in spring or summer for a beautiful, bright addition.
Join the Movement and Spread our Mission
Once you decide on what native wildflowers to plant, pick up a pack of seeds from your local store and plant One Square Foot in your backyard. Nurture your wildflowers and watch them grow. Share your progress on social media with #SquareFootSuperBloom and encourage others to join the movement!
