10 Types Of Summer Wildflowers Including Photos

The term wildflower relates to any type of flower that can be found growing naturally in the wild.

10 Types Of Summer Wildflowers Including Photos

These are the flowers that you will see when you go hiking or for a stroll through forests and meadows and they can be just as colorful and beautiful as any flowers you will see in your nearest flower shop.

One of the best and most colorful seasons for wildflowers is summer.

Whether you’re planning a hike through one of our country’s most beautiful National Parks or are looking for some wildflowers to plant at home, we have picked 10 of the most beautiful summer wildflowers for you to see. 

1. Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia Aristata)

The first thing you will notice about blanket flowers is their striking two-tone petals. The blanket flowers get their name because they are similar to an Indigenous blanket design. 

They need full exposure to the sun and should be planted in well-draining soil. They will not fare well in clay soil but can tolerate dry conditions. They should be grown in USDA growing zones 3 to 10.

2. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae)

As the name suggests, New England asters can usually be found in New England and other states in the northeastern US. These flowers can be found in a wide variety of different colors including different shades of purple, pink, and white.

They need full sun exposure as well as well-drained soil that has a little compost added.

They do prefer wet conditions and moist soil, but once the asters have had time to establish themselves they can cope with a short period of drought. They grow in USDA growing zones 4 to 8.

3. Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)

Coneflowers come in a variety of vivid colors. They generally have single-petaled blooms but you can find some that are double or triple-flowered as well, making them a versatile flower.

They are pretty hardy flowers when planted in the right conditions. They prefer moist soil but can grow in any type of soil that has fertilizer added to it. They need either full or partial sunlight and grow in USDA growing zones 3 to 8.

4. Queen Anne’s Lace Wildflower (Daucus Carota)

It’s easy to see where these beautiful flowers got their name as they look like intricate pieces of lace or oversized snowflakes. In the center of the flower head is a single darker flower that is known as the “fairy seat.”

The flowers will spread pretty aggressively once they’ve taken root so division isn’t necessary.

This flower needs evenly moist soil and once embedded can tolerate drought. The flowers thrive in virtually all sun conditions and can grow in USDA growing zones 3a to 11a.

5. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)

Cardinal is a vivid red color so it’s no surprise that the cardinal flower is commonly seen in deep red. This is a great flower for attracting hummingbirds so if you want these pretty birds in your yard, this is the wildflower to pick. 

The cardinal flower needs soil that is rich and wet and it doesn’t tolerate droughts very well. It needs full to partial sun and can grow in USDA growing zones 3 to 9.

6. Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia Hirta)

These bright yellow flowers are native to eastern North America. They’re easy to spot thanks to their petals of yellow or orange and the black pistil. They’re commonly known as “black-eyed Susan” thanks to this coloring.

They require full exposure to the sun and need average soil that is well-drained. They can tolerate drought but do prefer moist soil. They grow in USDA growing zones 3 to 8.

7. Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea Cyanus And Centaurea Montana)

The common name for these flowers comes from an old custom where bachelors would wear them in the buttonhole of their suit or shirt while they were courting.

They’re also commonly known as cornflowers and are commonly seen in shades of blue, purple, pink, or red.

They need full sun exposure and can tolerate droughts. They prefer moist soil that is well-drained and can grow in USDA growing zones 2 to 11.

8. Wild Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus)

Cosmos grows wild in Mexico but can be planted and nurtured just as easily in the United States. It’s available in a wide variety of colors such as yellow, pink, white, orange, magenta, yellow, red, and even chocolate!

The flower requires full sun and is a drought-tolerant plant, making it a great choice for some of the states that have tougher summers. You will need to plant it in well-draining soil that isn’t too nutrient-rich.

9. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum Vulgare)

Daisies have become an invasive plant in North America as they propagate and grow very easily. That doesn’t stop them from being popular, however, as their white petals and yellow center can be seen everywhere.

They need full to partial sunlight and are tolerant of small droughts. They grow best in rich and moist soil that is well-drained and in USDA growing zones 4 to 9.

10. Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis Tinctoria)

This is an annual flower that is indigenous to the prairies of North America. You can spot it because of the yellow petals and reddish-brown pistils.

It requires full sun and is extremely tolerant of drought. You can plant this in clay or dry soil and it will grow in USDA growing zones 2 to 11.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we listed 10 different types of summer wildflowers. We included photos of each flower as well to help you identify them when you’re out in nature or to help you pick the right flower for your yard.

We hope that you enjoyed this list of summer wildflowers and that you’re able to enjoy them in person as well.

Diane Peirce
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