FG-0067 · Wildflowers · 6 species
Wildflowers of North Carolina
By Derek Gauger · Updated
Overview
North Carolina's southern Appalachians are one of the richest wildflower regions in the country, with spring ephemerals in the coves and a long parade of blooms from the mountains to the coast. The season runs from March woodland flowers to fall asters.
This guide covers common and iconic North Carolina wildflowers — how to recognize them and when they bloom. Photograph the flower and leaves and use the app to confirm any bloom you find.
Key species to know
FG-0067.01
Fire Pink
Silene virginica
April–June
Brilliant scarlet, star-shaped flowers with notched petals on slender stems, glowing against rocky woodland slopes. A hummingbird magnet.
Habitat: Rocky open woods, slopes, and roadside banks.
FG-0067.02
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
ToxicMarch–April
A pure-white, many-petaled spring flower that opens briefly above a single lobed leaf. Named for the red-orange sap in its root.
Habitat: Rich, moist woods and shaded slopes.
The sap and root are toxic and irritating. Do not eat any part.
FG-0067.03
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
ToxicJune–August
A milkweed topped with flat clusters of brilliant orange flowers, swarming with butterflies in summer. Its sap is not milky like other milkweeds.
Habitat: Dry fields, roadsides, and open pinelands.
Milkweeds are toxic if eaten. Enjoy in place and do not consume.
FG-0067.04
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
ToxicJuly–September
Tall spikes of intense scarlet, tubular flowers along late-summer streambanks — one of the most vivid reds in the eastern flora. Pollinated by hummingbirds.
Habitat: Streambanks, wet meadows, and seeps.
Lobelias are toxic if eaten. Enjoy in place and do not consume.
FG-0067.05
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
April–June
Nodding red-and-yellow flowers with backward-pointing spurs, dancing on thin stems over lacy leaves. A hummingbird favorite of rocky woods.
Habitat: Rocky woods, ledges, and shaded slopes.
FG-0067.06
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
June–September
A familiar daisy with golden-yellow rays around a dark brown dome, common in meadows and along roads. Bristly stems and leaves.
Habitat: Fields, roadsides, and open ground.
Through the seasons
- March–April: spring ephemerals like bloodroot and trillium peak in the mountain coves.
- May–June: fire pink and columbine glow on rocky slopes and road banks.
- July–September: cardinal flower and asters take over along streams and meadows.
Questions
- Where are the best North Carolina wildflower spots?
- The Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (famous for its spring wildflower pilgrimage), and Roan Mountain are among the top destinations, with coves and balds full of blooms.
- How can I identify a North Carolina wildflower?
- Note the flower color and shape, leaves, and habitat, then take a photo and use an app like Spotter to identify the species and its bloom season.
From Field Notes
- What Is the Tall Pink-Purple Wildflower Buzzing With Butterflies in Late Summer? Identifying Joe-Pye Weed
- How to Identify Wildflowers on the Trail: A Practical Guide
- What Is the Weed With Big White Trumpet Flowers and Spiky Seed Pods? Identifying Jimsonweed
- How to Identify a Northern Cardinal (Male vs. Female)
Not sure what you found?
Take a photo with Spotter for the name, field marks, look-alikes and safety notes in seconds.
In this guide
- Species
- 6
- Edible
- 0
- Toxic
- 3
- Region
- North Carolina