WILDFLOWERS
on North Carolina Roadsides

North Carolina Department of Transportation
Roadside Environmental Unit

Rocket Larkspur

INTR OD UCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Wildflower Program began in 1985 as
an integral part of highway beautification. Twelve acres were sown during the first yearof production. Today, wildflower beds are installed and maintained across the state byRoadside Environmental personnel in each of the fourteen highway divisions.
This booklet is intended as a reference to identify the wildflowers planted by NCDOT,
as well as some of the naturally occurring ones growing along North Carolina highways.
Both botanical and common names are listed on the following pages. Photographs withdescriptions and planting information are arranged alphabetically.
This guide also contains the installation techniques used by Roadside Environmental
personnel, as well as instructions for planting your own wildflowers at home.
We hope this booklet will be useful as you drive along our highways and in your own
wildflower gardening endeavors. Remember, for your own safety, do not stop and pickthe wildflowers. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE WILDFLOWER PROGRAM✿ Former First Lady Dottie Martin (pictured to the left), wife of former Gov. Jim
Martin, is credited with initiating the idea for the N.C. program after reading anarticle in the Wall Street Journal about wildflower beds in Texas.
✿ Tourism in North Carolina provides $18 billion to the state’s economy annually.

Since most visitors arrive by vehicle, the Wildflower Program plays a particularly
important role in making the state an appealing destination. The program is oneof NCDOT’s most popular initiatives, and receives hundreds of comments of praise
each year from residents and visitors alike.

✿ Today’s Wildflower Program consists of one-third of each — annuals, perennials

and N.C. native wildflowers.
✿ The native species planted each year along state roadsides include Clasping
Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis), Bur-Marigold (Bidens aristosa),
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus
maximiliani), to name a few.

✿ Wildflowers serve as sources of nectar for pollinator species including bees,

butterflies and moths. (See page 33 for more on pollinators.)✿ The Garden Club of North Carolina is the lead sponsor of the Wildflower

Program. Other important partners include N.C. State University and the
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

B OTAN ICAL N A M E
Achillea millefolium................................................. 1
Agalinis purpurea.................................................... 1
Asclepias incarnata.................................................. 1
Asclepias tuberosa.................................................. 2
Aster divaricatus...................................................... 2
Aster grandiflorus.................................................... 2
Aster novae-angliae.................................................3
Aster pilosus............................................................3
Bidens aristosa........................................................3
Cassia fasciculata..................................................... 4
Castilleja coccinea................................................... 4
Centaurea cyanus.................................................... 4
Cheiranthus allionii.................................................. 5
Chelone lyonii......................................................... 5
Chrysanthemum carinatum..................................... 5
Chrysanthemum coronarium................................... 6
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum............................. 6
Chrysanthemum maximum...................................... 6
Chrysogonum virginianum...................................... 7
Chrysopsis graminifolia........................................... 7
Chrysopsis mariana................................................. 7
Cichorium intybus....................................................8
Clarkia unguiculata..................................................8
Clematis virginiana..................................................8
Coreopsis lanceolata............................................... 9
Coreopsis tinctoria.................................................. 9
Cosmos bipinnatus.................................................. 9
Cosmos sulphureus...............................................10
Daucus carota........................................................10
Delphinium ajacis..................................................10
Dracocephalum virginianum................................. 11
Echinacea laevigata............................................... 11
Echinacea purpurea............................................... 11
Erysimum hieraciifolium.......................................... 5
Eschscholzia californica......................................... 12
Eupatorium coelestinum....................................... 12
Eupatorium fistulosum........................................... 12
Eupatorium hyssopifolium.....................................13
Gaillardia pulchella................................................13
Gilia capitata.........................................................13
Gilia tricolor........................................................... 14
Gnaphalium obtusifolium...................................... 14
Helenium amarum................................................. 14

Helianthus angustifolius........................................ 15
Helianthus annuus................................................. 15
Helianthus atrorubens........................................... 15
Helianthus maximiliani........................................... 16
Hemerocallis fulva................................................. 16
Hesperis matronalis............................................... 16
Hibiscus moscheutos............................................. 17
Kosteletzkya virginica............................................ 17
Lathyrus latifolius................................................... 17
Lavatera trimestris ................................................18
Lespedeza bicolor ‘Natob’....................................18
Liatris spicata.........................................................18
Lilium michauxii..................................................... 19
Linaria maroccana.................................................. 19
Linaria vulgaris....................................................... 19
Linum grandiflorum rubrum..................................20
Lobelia cardinalis...................................................20
Lobelia siphilitica...................................................20
Monarda citriodora................................................ 21
Monarda didyma................................................... 21
Nemopila insignis.................................................. 21
Oenothera fruiticosa.............................................. 22
Oenothera lamarckiana......................................... 22
Papaver rhoeas................................................22, 23
Phlox carolina........................................................23
Phlox drummondii........................................... 23, 24
Rudbeckia amplexicaulis....................................... 24
Rudbeckia fulgida.................................................. 24
Rudbeckia hirta...................................................... 25
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Gloriosa’..................................... 25
Rudbeckia laciniata................................................ 25
Salvia coccinea...................................................... 26
Silene armeria........................................................ 26
Silene pendula....................................................... 26
Silene virginica....................................................... 27
Sisyrinchium bellum............................................... 27
Solidago nemoralis................................................ 27
Solidago rugosa....................................................28
Tanacetum vulgare.................................................28
Thermopsis villosa.................................................28
Verbesina alternifolia............................................. 29
Verbesina occidentalis........................................... 29
Vernonia noveboracensis...................................... 29

COM M ON N A M E
Aaron’s Rod...........................................................28
Ageratum.............................................................. 12
Annual Gaillardia...................................................13
Annual Phlox................................................... 23, 24
Baby Blue Eyes...................................................... 21
Baby Snapdragon................................................. 19
Bachelor’s Button.................................................... 4
Bee Balm............................................................... 21
Beggar Ticks...........................................................3

Bitter Sneeze Weed.............................................. 14
Bird’s Eyes............................................................. 14
Black-Eyed Susan.................................................. 25
Blue Boneset......................................................... 12Blue Cardinal Flower.............................................20
Blue-Eyed Grass.................................................... 27
Blue Sailors..............................................................8
Blue Thimble Flower.............................................13
Bur-Marigold...........................................................3

Butter and Eggs.................................................... 19
Butterfly Weed........................................................ 1
California Poppy................................................... 12
Calliopsis................................................................. 9Campion................................................................ 26
Cardinal Flower.....................................................20
Carolina Bush Pea.................................................28
Carolina Lily........................................................... 19
Carolina Lupine.....................................................28
Carolina Phlox.......................................................23
Catchfly................................................................. 26
Catfoot.................................................................. 14
Chicory....................................................................8
Clasping Coneflower............................................. 24
Common Clematis..................................................8
Common Goldenrod............................................. 27
Common Sunflower.............................................. 15
Common Toadflax................................................. 19
Cornflower.............................................................. 4
Corn Poppy...........................................................23
Cosmos................................................................... 9
Dame’s Rocket...................................................... 16
Dark-Eyed Sunflower............................................ 15
Dense Blazing Star................................................18
Drummond Phlox............................................ 23, 24
Evening Primrose.................................................. 22
Fire Pink ............................................................... 27
Firewheels.............................................................13
Flanders Poppy.....................................................23
Frost Aster...............................................................3
Garden Coreopsis................................................... 9
Garland Chrysanthemum........................................ 6
Gerardia.................................................................. 1
Globe Gilia............................................................13
Gloriosa Daisy....................................................... 25
Golden Star............................................................. 7
Great Blue Lobelia................................................20
Green and Gold...................................................... 7
Green Coneflower................................................. 25
Indian Blanket.......................................................13
Indian Paintbrush.................................................... 4
Indian Pink............................................................. 27
Ironweed............................................................... 29
Joe-Pye-Weed....................................................... 12
Lance-Leaved Coreopsis......................................... 9
Lemon Mint........................................................... 21
Lespedeza.............................................................18
Little Black-Eyed Susan......................................... 24
Marsh Mallow........................................................ 17
Maryland Golden Aster........................................... 7
Maximilian Sunflower............................................ 16
Milfoil...................................................................... 1
Mistflower............................................................. 12
Mixed Poppy......................................................... 26
Mountain Garland...................................................8
Narrow-Leaved Sunflower..................................... 15
New England Aster................................................. 2

Nodding Catchfly.................................................. 26
Obedient Plant...................................................... 11
Orange Daylily...................................................... 16
Oswego Tea.......................................................... 21
Ox-Eye Daisy........................................................... 6
Painted Daisy.......................................................... 5
Partridge Pea.......................................................... 4
Plains Coreopsis...................................................... 9
Pleurisy Root........................................................... 1
Purple Coneflower................................................ 11
Purple Horse Mint................................................. 21
Queen Anne’s Lace...............................................10
Queen-of-the-Meadow......................................... 12
Rabbit Tobacco..................................................... 14
Red Poppy............................................................23
Rocket Larkspur....................................................10
Rose Mallow..........................................................18
Rough-Leaved Goldenrod....................................28
Scarlet Flax............................................................20
Scarlet Paint-Cup.................................................... 4
Seashore Mallow................................................... 17
Shasta Daisy............................................................ 6
Shirley Poppy........................................................ 22
Showy Gaillardia...................................................13
Siberian Wall Flower............................................... 5
Smooth Coneflower.............................................. 11
Snakehead............................................................... 5
Spiked Gayfeather................................................18
Spurred Snapdragon............................................. 19
Sulphur Cosmos....................................................10
Sundrops............................................................... 22
Swamp Milkweed.................................................... 2
Swamp Rose Mallow............................................. 17
Swamp Sunflower................................................. 15
Sweet Pea............................................................. 17
Sweet William Catchfly......................................... 26
Tansy......................................................................28
Thoroughwort........................................................13
Tickseed.............................................................. 3, 9
Toadflax................................................................. 19
Tree Mallow...........................................................18
Tri-Color Chrysanthemum....................................... 5
Turtlehead............................................................... 5
Virgin’s Bower.........................................................8White Wood Aster.................................................. 2
Wild Blue Aster.......................................................3Wild Carrot............................................................10
Wild Cotton........................................................... 17
Wild Golden Glow................................................ 25
Wild Scarlet Sage.................................................. 26
Wild Snapdragon.................................................. 19
Wild Sunflower...................................................... 15
Wingstem.............................................................. 29
Yarrow...................................................................... 1
Yellow Crown-Beard.............................................. 29
Yellow Ironweed.................................................... 29
Yellow Wingstem................................................... 29

Genus and Species: Achillea millefolium
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Yarrow, Milfoil
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 2 feet
Flower Color: white
Native To: Europe
Range: throughout temperate North America
Blooming Period: May–July
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: light, rich or sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 2,770,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 1 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: very competitive; controls
soil erosion; foliage has pleasant smell whencrushedGenus and Species: Agalinis purpurea
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Gerardia
Habit: annual
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: rose-lavender, rarely white
Native To: eastern United States
Range: throughout North Carolina
Blooming Period: August–frost
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: moist
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: semi-parasitic on the roots ofgrasses

Genus and Species: Asclepias incarnata
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Common Name: Swamp Milkweed
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–4 feet
Flower Color: pink
Native To: North America
Range: Nova Scotia south to Florida; west to Utah
Blooming Period: July–September
Water Requirement: low to highSoil Type: will tolerate poorly-drained soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: there are 1,900 species of
milkweeds; attracts birds and butterflies

California Poppy, Red Poppy, Cornflower and Ox-Eye Daisy mix

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Genus and Species: Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Common Name: Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root
Habit: hardy, long-lived perennial
Height: 12–36 inches
Flower Color: orange
Native To: North America
Range: all regions of United States
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: requires well-drained soil, sandy, neutral
or slightly acidic
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 87,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: produces large quantities ofnectar throughout blooming period which attracts
butterflies; takes up to two years to become
established

Genus and Species: Aster novae-angliae
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: New England Aster
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 3–3½ feet
Flower Color: blue to purple to white
Native To: United States
Range: southern Canada south to western North
Carolina and westward
Blooming Period: August–frost
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count:1,305,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: one of the showiest wild asters;
tends to become bushy; attracts birds andbutterflies; plants need to be divided every two to
three years

Genus and Species: Aster divaricatus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: White Wood Aster
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: white with yellow or red center
Native To: North America
Range: West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama
Blooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: average to poor
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Aster pilosus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Frost Aster
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–4 feet
Flower Color: white, rarely lavender
Native To: North America
Range: Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee,
Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi
Blooming Period: September–November
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Aster grandiflorus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Wild Blue Aster
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–5 feet
Flower Color: blue
Native To: North America
Range: lower Piedmont of North Carolina to
Virginia
Blooming Period: September–October
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: poor to average
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: there are more than 150 speciesof asters in North America; attracts birds andbutterflies

Genus and Species: Bidens aristosa
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Bur-Marigold, Tickseed, Beggar
Ticks
Habit: annual
Height: 1–5 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: New England south to North Carolina;
west to Texas; north to Missouri and Minnesota
Range: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas to
Oklahoma
Blooming Period: August–frost
Water Requirement: moderate to highSoil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: sun, open shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: similar to Bidens polylepsis, but hasslightly larger flowers

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Genus and Species: Cassia fasciculata
Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Partridge Pea
Habit: branching annual
Height: 2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: eastern and central United States
Range: Massachusetts to Florida
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: sandy to clay
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 28,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 15 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Cheiranthus allionii or
Erysimum hieracifolium
Family: Brassicaceae
Common Name: Siberian Wall Flower
Habit: biennial
Height: 10–18 inches
Flower Color: orange
Native To: Canary Island
Range: northern North America
Blooming Period: March–May
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: partial shade, full shade
Seed Count: 340,194 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 6 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: transplants well; light fragrance

Genus and Species: Castilleja coccinea
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet PaintCup
Habit: annual
Height: 8–24 inches
Flower Color: red
Native To: North America
Range: southern Manitoba to north Florida; west to
Louisiana and Oklahoma
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: highSoil Type: good to rich garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 4,915,200 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 1 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: adapted to low-lying moist areas infull sun; the red brush-like brackets appear to havebeen dipped in paint as suggested by the common
nameGenus and Species: Chelone lyonii
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Turtlehead, Snakehead
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: purple-rose
Native To: northeastern United States
Range: mountains of North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia
Blooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: moderate to wet
Soil Type: rich coves and bogs
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: requires humus-rich soil kept
constantly moist

Genus and Species: Centaurea cyanus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Cornflower, Bachelor‘s Button
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 2½ feet
Flower Color: blue
Native To: Europe
Range: naturalized throughout North America
Blooming Period: April–June
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: light, sterile
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 96,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 4 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: easily grown; also available
commercially in white, pink and burgundy colors;
excellent for dried flower arrangements

Genus and Species: Chrysanthemum carinatum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Painted Daisy, Tri-Color
Chrysanthemum
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 18–30 inches
Flower Color: red, yellow, orange, white andpurpleNative To: Morocco
Range: naturalized throughout United States
Blooming Period: spring–summer
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 235,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: competes well with grasses; very
aggressive; attracts birds and butterflies

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Genus and Species: Chrysanthemum coronarium
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Garland Chrysanthemum
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–5 feet
Flower Color: yellow, rarely white
Native To: Europe
Range: naturalized throughout eastern UnitedStates and Canada
Blooming Period: spring–fall
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: light
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 288,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: prolific bloomer; attracts birds andbutterflies

Genus and Species: Chrysogonum virginianum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Green and Gold, Golden Star
Habit: perennial groundcover
Height: 1 footFlower Color: yellow
Native To: central Atlantic region
Range: Piedmont and Coastal Plain
Blooming Period: April–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: fertile, well-drained
Exposure: open deciduous forest, full sun tofiltered sunlight
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: an outstanding long-blooming
semi-evergreen groundcover

Genus and Species: Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Ox-Eye Daisy
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: white
Native To: Europe and Asia
Range: all regions of the United States
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: light, ordinary garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 859,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: thought to hold medicinal value;
attracts birds and butterflies; excellent cut flower;a mainstay of any wildflower program

Genus and Species: Chrysopsis graminifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: None
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: throughout Piedmont North Carolina,
Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi
Blooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: silver-gray grass-like foliage; also
know botanically as Heterotheca graminifolia

Genus and Species: Chrysanthemum maximum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Shasta Daisy
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: white
Native To: Europe and Asia
Range: all regions of the United States
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: prefers fertile soil
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 436,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: generally grows 6 to 12 inches
taller than Ox-Eye Daisies and flowers are larger;
excellent cut flower

Genus and Species: Chrysopsis mariana
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Maryland Golden Aster
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: eastern United States
Range: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabamaand Mississippi
Blooming Period: June–October
Water Requirement: low to average
Soil Type: average to poor
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 192,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: low maintenance; also known
botanically as Heterotheca mariana

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Genus and Species: Cichorium intybus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Chicory, Blue Sailors
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–4 feet
Flower Color: blue
Native To: Europe
Range: throughout United States
Blooming Period: May–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 426,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: used to make coffee during WorldWar II; flowers remain on plant for one day

Genus and Species: Coreopsis lanceolata
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Lance-leaved Coreopsis, Tickseed
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 3 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native to: United States, east of the Rocky
Mountains
Range: throughout North America
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: low, withstands drought andprolonged periods of wetness
Soil Type: heavy or light, rich or sterile
Exposure: full sun to light shade
Seed Count: 221,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: readily reseeds; competes well withgrasses; attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Clarkia unguiculata
Family: Onagraceae
Common Name: Mountain Garland
Habit: annual
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: multi-colored, burgundy, pink
Native To: United States
Range: United States
Blooming Period: May–July
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: partial shade, full shade
Seed Count:1,587,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attractive variety for floral
arrangements; also called Clarkia elegans

Genus and Species: Coreopsis tinctoria
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Plains Coreopsis, Garden
Coreopsis, Calliopsis
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 3 feet
Flower Color: yellow with maroon centers
Native To: southwest United States
Range: naturalized throughout the United States
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: sterile
Exposure: full sun, partial shade
Seed Count: 1,400,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: prolific bloomer; competes wellwith grasses; readily reseeds; attracts birds andbutterflies

Genus and Species: Clematis virginiana
Family: Ranunculaceae
Common Name: Virgin’s Bower, Common Clematis
Habit: perennial vine
Height: stem 6–10 feet long
Flower Color: white
Native to: eastern United States
Range: Manitoba to Nova Scotia; south from New
England to Georgia; west to Alabama, Mississippi
and Louisiana; north to Kansas
Blooming Period: July–September
Water Requirement: moist to average
Soil Type: rich to average
Exposure: sun to light shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: attractive fruit; tendency to spread
has caused many to avoid its use

Genus and Species: Cosmos bipinnatus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Cosmos
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: white to pink to reddish-burgundy
Native To: southwestern United States
Range: southern and coastal United States
Blooming Period: June–frost
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 89,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10–15 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: plant in spring or summer (it is not
winter hardy); performs best in less fertile soils;
attracts birds and butterflies

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Genus and Species: Cosmos sulphureus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Sulphur Cosmos
Habit: annual
Height: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: yellow or mix of yellow, orange andred
Native To: southwestern United States
Range: southern and coastal United States
Blooming Period: June–frost
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: sandy, well-drained, sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 63,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10–15 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: plant in spring or summer (it is not
winter hardy); blooms in 4 to 6 weeks

Genus and Species: Dracocephalum virginianum
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Obedient Plant
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–4 feet
Flower Color: pink, lavender
Native To: North America
Range: New Brunswick and Quebec south toFlorida; west to Mississippi; north to Missouri and
Minnesota
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: highSoil Type: good garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: grows best in damp thickets,
swamps and roadside ditches

Genus and Species: Daucus carota
Family: Apiaceae
Common Name: Queen Anne’s Lace, Wild Carrot
Habit: biennial
Height: 4–5 feet
Flower Color: white, rarely pale purple
Native To: Afghanistan
Range: naturalized throughout eastern UnitedStatesBlooming Period: June–July
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average garden soil to barren dry soils
Exposure: full sun to at least a half day’s full sun
Seed Count: 876,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: the root contains carotin,
sometimes grated and mixed with oil to soothesunburn; attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Echinacea laevigata
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Smooth Coneflower
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: pink
Native To: Granville, Durham and Orange counties
in North Carolina
Range: eastern United States
Blooming Period: June–August
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: sterile to fertile
Exposure: sun to filtered sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: this is a federally endangered plant;
unlawful to pick flowers, collect seeds or dig plants

Genus and Species: Delphinium ajacis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Common Name: Rocket Larkspur
Habit: annual
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: pink, purple, white and dark blue
Native To: Europe
Range: southern Europe
Blooming Period: April–September
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 150,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: a delightful and easy to growgarden favorite; marvelous plant to accent any cut
flower arrangement

Genus and Species: Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Purple Coneflower
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: reddish-purple
Native To: Midwestern and southeastern UnitedStatesRange: naturalized throughout Midwest, Northeast
and Southeast
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low, fairly drought tolerant
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 117,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 12 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: performs best in cooler climates
without irrigation; withstands very dry conditions;
excellent cut flower

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Genus and Species: Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae
Common Name: California Poppy
Habit: annual or tender perennial, reseeds
Height:18 inches
Flower Color: orange
Native To: California
Range: Alberta south to Mexico, eastward to
Colorado
Blooming Period: spring–summer
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: light, sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 293,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: very adaptable; grows almost
anywhere within natural range; state flower ofCalifornia; blooms close at night or on cloudy day;foliage is bluish-green; excellent flower for pressing

Genus and Species: Eupatorium hyssopifolium
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Thoroughwort
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: white
Native To: North America
Range: southern Ontario to New Brunswick; south
through New England to Virginia and upland
Georgia; west to Louisiana; northwest to Texas
Blooming Period: August–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: poor to average
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: attractive fruit

Genus and Species: Eupatorium coelestinum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Ageratum, Mistflower, Blue
BonesetHabit: perennial
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: blue, violet
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: scattered throughout Southeast
Blooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: moderate to highSoil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 3,200,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: rare in mountains of North Carolina;
less frequent in Piedmont; withstands hot, humid
summer weather

Genus and Species: Gaillardia pulchella
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Indian Blanket, Firewheel, Showy
Gaillardia, Annual Gaillardia
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: red with yellow tips
Native To: United States, east of the Rocky
Mountains throughout the Midwest
Range: naturalized in the southeastern UnitedStatesBlooming Period: summer–frost
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: sandy
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 153,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: color varies to solid red or yellow

Genus and Species: Eupatorium fistulosum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Joe-Pye-Weed, Queen-of-theMeadow
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–10 feet
Flower Color: pink to lavender
Native To: North America
Range: throughout eastern United States, acrosssouthern Canada and northern United States
Blooming Period: July–August
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: moist to wet
Exposure: full sun to filtered
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: once used to cure fevers; folklore
tells that an Indian, “Joe Pye,” used this plant tocure fevers

Genus and Species: Gilia capitata
Family: Polemoniaceae
Common Name: Blue Thimble Flower, Globe Gilia
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: blue
Native To: California
Range: Alaska; northern California to British
Columbia; east to Idaho
Blooming Period: spring
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: light
Exposure: full sun to partial shade, tolerates fullshade
Seed Count: 1,020,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: tends to become bushy

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Genus and Species: Gilia tricolor
Family: Polemoniaceae
Common Name: Bird’s Eyes
Habit: annual
Height: 12–24 inches
Flower Color: white, pink with dark center
Native To: western United States
Range: western United States
Blooming Period: spring, early summer
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 1,020,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: flowers are fragrant; retains color
when dried

Genus and Species: Helianthus angustifolius
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Narrow-Leaved Sunflower, Swamp
Sunflower
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont of North
Carolina, rare in mountains
Blooming Period: August–frost
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: rare in upper Piedmont andmountains; can tolerate wet soils

Genus and Species: Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Rabbit Tobacco, Catfoot
Habit: biennial
Height: 1–4 feet
Flower Color: white
Native To: North America
Range: throughout eastern North America
Blooming Period: August–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: poor to average
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: leaves are sometimes smokedhence the common name; leaves are white orgrayish white

Genus and Species: Helianthus annuus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Common Sunflower
Habit: annual
Height: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: black heads surrounded by brightyellow ray petals
Native To: North America
Range: United States
Blooming Period: May–September
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 60,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: Goldfinch and other birds love theseeds; allow the flower-heads to dry on the stalk to
attract birds

Genus and Species: Helenium amarum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Bitter Sneeze Weed
Habit: annual
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: throughout North Carolina
Blooming Period: May–frost
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: rare in mountains; pest in pasturescauses milk to have bitter taste

Genus and Species: Helianthus atrorubens
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Wild Sunflower, Dark-Eyed
Sunflower
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–5 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia,
Tennessee and Kentucky
Blooming Period: August–October
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 58,500 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attractive flowers; some containpurple disks

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Genus and Species: Helianthus maximiliani
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Maximilian Sunflower
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–9 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: Saskatchewan and Manitoba; Minnesota
south to Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas
Blooming Period: July–frost
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 182,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: produces heavy crop of seeds;
attracts birds; good forage for wildlife; takes two
years to become established

Genus and Species: Hibiscus moscheutos
Family: Malvaceae
Common Name: Marsh Mallow, Swamp Rose
Mallow, Wild Cotton
Habit: annual
Height: 12–14 inches
Flower Color: pink to creamy white, red or purple
centers
Native To: North America
Range: coastal areas from Massachusetts to Florida
Blooming Period: July–September
Water Requirement: highSoil Type: rich
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 48,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: often found in upper wetlands;
susceptible to Japanese beetles

Genus and Species: Hemerocallis fulva
Family: Liliaceae
Common Name: Orange Daylily
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: orange
Native To: central Europe to China, especiallyJapan
Range: eastern United States
Blooming Period: May–June
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: average
Exposure: sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: best propagated by division; best
time to divide in early spring or fall; commonly
found in ditch banks along roadsides

Genus and Species: Kosteletzkya virginica
Family: Malvaceae
Common Name: Seashore Mallow
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–5 feet or more
Flower Color: pink
Native To: North America
Range: Long Island south to Florida; west to
Louisiana
Blooming Period: May–October
Water Requirement: highSoil Type: good garden soil
Exposure: full sun to filtered shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: natural habitat in the Southeast isbrackish marshes in coastal counties

Genus and Species: Hesperis matronalis
Family: Brassicaceae
Common Name: Dame’s Rocket
Habit: perennial
Height: 1–4 feet
Flower Color: violet, rarely white
Native To: Europe
Range: throughout United States
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: moist to moderate
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: partial shade to full sun
Seed Count: 296,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: sweet fragrance; competes wellwith grasses

Genus and Species: Lathyrus latifolius
Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Sweet Pea
Habit: perennial
Height: trailing vine
Flower Color: purplish-pink
Native To: Europe
Range: all regions of the United States
Blooming Period: summer–fall
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: heavy
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 9,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 20 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: may be difficult to control in theWest and Midwest

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Genus and Species: Lavatera trimestris
Family: Malvaceae
Common Name: Rose Mallow, Tree Mallow
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: pink, ice-white, rose
Native To: Europe
Range: naturalized throughout Midwest andSoutheast
Blooming Period: summer–fall
Water Requirement: moderate to highSoil Type: rich
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 70,800 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 25 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: tolerates low pH; easily cultivated;
fast growing; deeply rooted which makes
transplanting difficult; not winter hardy

Genus and Species: Lilium michauxii
Family: Liliaceae
Common Name: Carolina Lily
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–3½ feet
Flower Color: reddish-yellow (orange), spotted
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: Texas to West Virginia and the eastern midAtlantic states including North Carolina
Blooming Period: July–August
Water Requirement: low, medium water use
Soil Type: sandy, dry to moist
Exposure: partial shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: North Carolina’s Official State
Wildflower; adopted 2003; named for Frenchbotanist Andre Michaux

Genus and Species: Lespedeza bicolor “Natob”
Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Lespedeza
Habit: shrubby, perennial
Height: 1–12 feet
Flower Color: lavender to pink
Native To: North America
Range: throughout North Carolina
Blooming Period: July–September
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: low fertility, slightly acidic, well-drained
clay, sand, loam
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: good food for quail, dove and wild
turkeyGenus and Species: Linaria maroccana
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Toadflax, Baby Snapdragon,
Spurred Snapdragon
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: bicolored with yellow and red, pink,
white or purple
Native To: Europe
Range: naturalized throughout United States
Blooming Period: March–May
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: tolerates most soils
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 6,850,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 0.5 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: rapid bloomer; not winter hardy; donot sow seed too deeply

Genus and Species: Liatris spicata
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Dense Blazing Star, Spiked
Gayfeather
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: rosy-purple to lavender
Native To: central United States
Range: eastern and central United States
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 138,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 12 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: tolerates low pH soils; competes
well with grasses; excellent in dried flower
arrangements

Genus and Species: Linaria vulgaris
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Butter and Eggs, Common
Toadflax, Wild Snapdragon
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–3 feet
Flower Color: yellow and orange
Native To: Europe, Asia
Range: throughout North America
Blooming Period: summer
Water Requirement: low, drought tolerant
Soil Type: light, sterile
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 4,096,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 0.75 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: easily grown; orange coloration on
lower lip attracts insects

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Genus and Species: Linum grandiflorum rubrum
Family: Linaceae
Common Name: Scarlet Flax
Habit: annual
Height: 12–36 inches
Flower Color: red
Native To: northern Africa
Range: Africa, southern Europe, northern North
AmericaBlooming Period: summer
Water Requirement: dry, average, well-drained
Soil Type: sandy, drought/dry
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 122,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: showy flowers with extended
bloomsGenus and Species: Monarda citriodora
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Lemon Mint, Purple Horse Mint
Habit: annual
Height: 2 feet
Flower Color: pink to white with purple spots
Native To: North America
Range: Missouri to Nebraska, Utah, Texas andArizona
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: best in soils rich in limestone (basic pH)
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 819,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies;
crushed leaves release citrus aroma; excellent cut
flowerGenus and Species: Lobelia cardinalis
Family: Campanulaceae
Common Name: Cardinal Flower
Habit: short-lived perennial
Height: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: red
Native To: Mexico
Range: throughout eastern United States
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: moist to average
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: sun to shade
Seed Count: 8,600,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 0.5 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: attracts hummingbirds; overgathering has decreased its numbers; can bepropagated from stem cuttings; may take up to two
years to become established

Genus and Species: Monarda didyma
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Bee Balm, Oswego Tea
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: red
Native To: North America
Range: throughout northeastern United States tosouthern Appalachians
Blooming Period: June–August
Water Requirement: moist to wet
Soil Type: light
Exposure: full sun to filtered sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies; leaves
give off pleasant mint odor when crushed

Genus and Species: Lobelia siphilitica
Family: Campanulaceae
Common Name: Great Blue Lobelia, Blue Cardinal
FlowerHabit: short-live perennial
Height: 2–3 feet or more
Flower Color: purple, blue, rarely white or pink
Native To: northern and central United States
Range: found only in western mountains of North
Carolina
Blooming Period: August–October
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: average, moist
Exposure: will tolerate sunny locations
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A

Genus and Species: Nemophila insignis
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Common Name: Baby Blue Eyes
Habit: annual
Height: 6–12 inches
Flower Color: light blue with white center
Native To: United States
Range: United States
Blooming Period: March–May
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: light sandy
Exposure: partial shade
Seed Count: 258,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: an enjoyable and easily grownvariety from seed; this low-growing plant requires
little maintenance; does not transplant well

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Genus and Species: Oenothera fruticosa
Family: Onagraceae
Common Name: Sundrops
Habit: perennial
Height: 2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: eastern United States
Range: chiefly in mountains of North Carolina
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: average to dry
Soil Type: good garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 2,032,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: appears to hybridize with othersimilar species and therefore are quite variable;
flowers open during the day

Genus and Species: Papaver rhoeas
Family: Papaveraceae
Common Name: Corn Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Red
Poppy
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 3 feet
Flower Color: red
Native To: Europe, Asia
Range: throughout United States, predominantly in
the Northeast and Midwest
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: light
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 3,200,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: common field poppy of Europe;
contains no opium; must specify red when buying

Genus and Species: Oenothera lamarckiana
Family: Onagraceae
Common Name: Evening Primrose
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–3½ feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: unknown
Range: naturalized throughout the United States
Blooming Period: July–September
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: light
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 864,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: tolerates high pH; flowers open
in late afternoon; less aggressive than other
Oenothera species

Genus and Species: Phlox carolina
Family: Polemoniaceae
Common Name: Carolina Phlox
Habit: perennial
Height: 3 feet
Flower Color: pink
Native To: North America
Range: throughout North Carolina, southeastern
United States
Blooming Period: May–July
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: light to heavy
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 907,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: attracts birds and butterflies

Genus and Species: Papaver rhoeas
Family: Papaveraceae
Common Name: Mixed Poppy, Shirley Poppy
Habit: annual
Height: 2–2½ feet
Flower Color: white, pink and red
Native To: Europe
Range: throughout United States
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: well-drained
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 3,200,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: large showy flowers; inconspicuous
foliage when in bloom; contains no opium; mustspecify mixed colors when buying

Genus and Species: Phlox drummondii
Family: Polemoniaceae
Common Name: Annual Phlox, Drummond Phlox
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–1½ feet
Flower Color: red
Native To: Texas
Range: naturalized throughout southeastern UnitedStates into Florida
Blooming Period: April–August
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: light, rich
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 234,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: blooms longer if wateredfrequently; tends to become bushy; fragant flowers
attract birds and butterflies

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Genus and Species: Phlox drummondii
Family: Polemoniaceae
Common Name: Annual Phlox, Drummond Phlox
Habit: annual
Height: 8–24 inches
Flower Color: red, white, pink or variegated
Native To: Texas
Range: southeastern United States
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: sandy
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 234,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 10 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: fragant flowers attract birds andbutterflies; grows chiefly in sandy soils in coastal
areas; represents escaped horticulturally grown
forms

Genus and Species: Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: yellow-orange with brown centers
Native To: United States, east of the Rocky
Mountains
Range: throughout North America
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 1,710,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: noxious weed in Hawaii; the stateflower of Maryland; low maintenance

Genus and Species: Rudbeckia amplexicaulis
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Clasping Coneflower
Habit: annual
Height: 1½–2 feet
Flower Color: black, cone-shaped heads
surrounded by bright yellow petals
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: North America
Blooming Period: June–September
Water Requirement: moist
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 800,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 3 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: very heavy reseeder; wonderfulvariety for cut arrangements

Genus and Species: Rudbeckia hirta “Gloriosa”
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Gloriosa Daisy, Black-Eyed Susan
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: shades of bright yellow with red andmahogany, bi-colors
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: throughout the United States
Blooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: ordinary garden soil, preferably heavy
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 450,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: drought resistant; tetraploid form;
also in doubles

Genus and Species: Rudbeckia fulgida
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Little Black-Eyed Susan
Habit: short-lived perennial, reseeds
Height: 2½–3 feet
Flower Color: deep yellow, dark center
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: throughout United States
Blooming Period: midsummer-early fall
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: ordinary garden soil, preferably heavy
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 1,710,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: can spread by rhizomes

Genus and Species: Rudbeckia laciniata
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Green Coneflower, Wild Golden
Glow
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–8 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: Quebec to northern Florida; west to the
Rocky Mountains
Blooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: heavy to average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun to light shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: 2 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: can spread by rhizomes

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Genus and Species: Salvia coccinea
Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Wild Scarlet Sage
Habit: hardy annual or tender perennial
Height: 12–24 inches
Flower Color: red
Native To: Texas
Range: all regions of United States
Blooming Period: June–July
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: sandy to gravelly
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 276,800 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: excellent species to attract
hummingbirds and butterflies; excellent reseeder

Genus and Species: Silene virginica
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Common Name: Fire Pink, Indian Pink
Habit: short-lived perennial
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: crimson, pink, rarely white
Native To: North Carolina
Range: eastern United States
Blooming Period: April–July
Water Requirement: average
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun to filtered sunlight
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: normally grows in dry, rocky woods
and on road banks; more common in mountains

Genus and Species: Silene armeria
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Common Name: Catchfly, Campion, Sweet William
Catchfly
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: pink
Native To: southern Europe
Range: naturalized throughout most of the UnitedStatesBlooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 4,480,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 1 lb./acre
Miscellaneous: easily grown; stem exudes a sticky
sap which captures small insects

Genus and Species: Sisyrinchium bellum
Family: Iridaceae
Common Name: Blue-Eyed Grass
Habit: perennial, reseeds
Height: 1 footFlower Color: blue with yellow center
Native To: California
Range: California north to Alaska; east to the Rocky
Mountains
Blooming Period: spring
Water Requirement: moderate
Soil Type: heavy or light, rich or sterile
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: 315,000 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 8 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: flowers open in sunlight and last
one day; foliage persists through fall and mild
winters

Genus and Species: Silene pendula
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Common Name: Nodding Catchfly
Habit: annual, reseeds
Height: 1–2 feet
Flower Color: pink, white
Native To: southern Europe
Range: naturalized throughout most of the UnitedStatesBlooming Period: May–August
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: heavy or light
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: 606,400 seeds/lb.
Seeding Rate: 5 lbs./acre
Miscellaneous: easily grown; stem exudes a sticky
sap which captures small insects

Genus and Species: Solidago nemoralis
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Common Goldenrod
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–4 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: eastern United States
Range: widespread; eastern United States;
throughout North Carolina
Blooming Period: September–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average, well-drained
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A

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Genus and Species: Solidago rugosa
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Rough-Leaved Goldenrod
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–4 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: eastern United States
Range: North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, Kentucky and West Virginia
Blooming Period: September–October
Water Requirement: low
Soil Type: average to poor
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: low maintenance; good cut flower

Genus and Species: Verbesina alternifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Wingstem, Yellow Ironweed
Habit: perennial
Height: 3–6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: throughout mountains and Piedmont;
Florida to Texas; north to Ontario
Blooming Period: August–September
Water Requirement: low to moderate
Soil Type: average
Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A

Genus and Species: Tanacetum vulgare
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Tansy
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: yellow-orange
Native To: Europe
Range: Alleghany and Avery counties in North
Carolina; throughout North America
Blooming Period: August–October
Water Requirement: average
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: aromatic leaves

Genus and Species: Verbesina occidentalis
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Yellow Wingstem, Yellow CrownBeard
Habit: perennial
Height: 6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Native To: North America
Range: Maryland to Florida
Blooming Period: late summer–fall
Water Requirement: highSoil Type: rich, moist
Exposure: full to filtered sunlight
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A

Genus and Species: Thermopsis villosa
Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Carolina Bush Pea, Aaron’s Rod,
Carolina Lupine
Habit: perennial
Height: 2–5 feet
Flower Color: deep yellow
Native To: North Carolina
Range: throughout southeastern AppalachianregionBlooming Period: May–June
Water Requirement: low to average
Soil Type: average
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: excellent cut flower; sometimes
known botanically as Thermopsis caroliniana

Genus and Species: Vernonia noveboracensis
Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Ironweed
Habit: perennial
Height: 6 feet or more
Flower Color: purple
Native To: southeastern United States
Range: throughout North Carolina except outer
Coastal Plain; most of the eastern third of UnitedStatesBlooming Period: July–October
Water Requirement: moist to wet
Soil Type: average garden soil
Exposure: full sun
Seed Count: N/A
Seeding Rate: N/A
Miscellaneous: grows best on stream margins,
meadows, low woodlands

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WI L DF LOW E R PL ANT I NG IN ST R UCT ION S
For Large Areas
1. Soil Preparation. Proper soil preparation is one of the most important factors toensure success in planting wildflowers. The site must first be prepared by removing
all existing vegetation. Compost may be applied to provide slow-release nutrientsand to aid the soil’s water holding capacity.
The site is then cultivated with a series of equipment to loosen the soil (Photos 1
and 3) and create a smooth seedbed. Soil testing is important to determine soil
conditions (a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is optimal). Dolomitic limestone (Photo 2) could be
added if test results indicate very acidic soil. If the results indicate a lack of nutrients,
fertilizer should be added during bed preparation (Photo 5).

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

2. Application of Pre-emergent Herbicides. Research conducted over several years
at N.C. State University demonstrated the advantages of pre-emergent herbicides tomanaging weeds in wildflower beds. Managing weeds prolongs the longevity of thewildflower bed.
3. Planting Times and Techniques. Best results are obtained when seeds are sownin the fall between mid-September and early November. The wildflower planting
schedule follows historic small grain installation schedules. In addition, certain
wildflowers can be sown in the spring between mid-March and mid-April. Examples
include: Biden, Black-eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy, NarrowLeaved Sunflower and most aster species. Hydroseeders are used for large area
seed application (Photo 4). Wildflower seed should be evenly distributed over the
prepared soil and firmed (Photo 6) to ensure good seed-soil contact.
4. Mulch Cover. Seeded wildflower beds should receive a light covering of coastal
bermuda hay to prevent erosion and conserve moisture to aid germination. A
standard mulch blower (Photo 7) can be utilized to apply one ton of coastal hay toeach acre of wildflower beds. Avoid leaving clumps of hay on the beds as they will
impede wildflower seed germination.
5. Maintenance. Once the wildflower beds are sown, little maintenance is required(Photo 8). In mid-January, watch for annual ryegrass seed germination. Use a
selective herbicide to remove grasses that compete with wildflowers for nutrientsand detract from the bed’s aesthetics. After the plants have flowered, do not mow
until they have produced seed. In North Carolina, most wildflower beds are mowedin late November. Include “Green Manure” crops to avoid depleting the soil fromyears of tillage and organic matter loss.

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W I L DFLOW E R GR OWING T IP S
For Homeowners
Follow these steps for planting wildflowers at your own home.
1. Do your research. Consider varieties, seeding times, seeding rates andavailabilities. Most vendors have complimentary catalogs that offer this information.
Tips for what to plant and when:✿ October is the best time in North Carolina to sow most wildflowers—such
as Red Poppy, Catchfly, Rocket Larkspur, Shasta Daisy and Lance-leaved
Coreopsis.
✿ To achieve fall blooms, varieties of cosmos perform best when sown in early

July.

✿ In early April, you can successfully sow Black-eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower,

Biden, Gloriosa Daisy, Narrow-leaved Sunflower and most aster species.

2. Find a good spot in your yard. Your bed should ideally receive at least 6 hours ofsun each day.
3. Remove weeds. Use glyphosate to remove all grasses and weed competition
from your selected wildflower area.

POLLINATORS IN NORTH CA R OLINA
Wildflowers serve as important sources of nectar for pollinator species, including
bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. Different
flower colors, shapes and scents attract a wide variety of pollinators.
Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce.
Most fruit, vegetable and seed crops—and other plants that provide fiber, medicine
and fuel—are pollinated by animals.
Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists
because of animal pollinators.
In the United States, the annual economic value of pollinators is estimated at $3
billion.
The honey bee alone contributes to the production of billions of dollars of crops inAmerica every year. Bees are the main pollinators for fruits and vegetables.
How it Works
Pollinators visit flowers in their search for food (nectar and pollen). During a flower
visit, a pollinator may accidentally brush against the flower’s reproductive parts,
unknowingly depositing pollen from a different flower. The plant then uses the pollen
to produce a fruit or seed. Many plants cannot reproduce without pollen carried tothem by foraging pollinators.

4. Prepare the soil.
a. Lightly till the soil with a rotary tiller or use garden tools to turn the soil.
b. If possible, collect a sample of the soil and have it analyzed for free by the
Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, visit ncagr.gov/agronomi/
sthome.htm.
c. In lieu of a soil test, incorporate a 5-pound bag of dolomitic limestone
to every 50 square feet of prepared area.
d. Incorporate 40 to 50 pounds of compost or processed animal manure
to every 50 square feet of prepared area.
e. Using a leaf rake, smooth the soil surface.
5. Plant your seeds. Sow the wildflower seed into the surface of the prepared site.
Do not cover the seed with soil. Don’t worry, the birds will not eat the seed. Do notcover the seed with mulch as the seeds require sunlight to germinate.
6. Water as needed. If possible, water the site once — then walk away.
7. Enjoy the results!
8. Do not mow wilted blooms. Let the plants develop seed for next year.

Credit: Information from U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Shirley Poppy

On the cover: Mixed Cosmos / Back cover: Tetra Versailles and Psycho-white Cosmos

W I LDFLOW ERPR O GR A M
FU NDI NG
Revenue from the sale of personalized license
plates provides the principle source of funding
for the North Carolina Department ofTransportation Wildflower Program. Whenyou purchase a personalized plate you aresupporting wildflowers and highway
beautification with a portion of the extra
fee. Many people choose to make a directcontribution to the wildflower program, since
100 percent of such contributions are used forthe program. Contributions can be made to theNorth Carolina Department of Transportation.

For more information or to make a contribution
to the Wildflower Program write to the:North Carolina Department of Transportation
Roadside Environmental Unit
1557 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1557