United States Department of Agriculture

Wildflowers

of the Savannah River Site
Forest Service

Southern Research Station

SU-SRS-113 

August 2015

Southern Research Station

200 W.T. Weaver Blvd.

Asheville, NC 28804

www.srs.fs.usda.gov
Wil d fl o we r s o f t he Sav a n n a h

Ri v e

r

Site
acknowledgments 

The Forest Service–Savannah River Site 

manages the natural resources for the Department 

of Energy under Interagency Agreement 

No. DE-AI09-00SR22188.

Tona Segar compiled the plant information 

and photographed the flowers for this guide. 

Charlie Davis, Joe Ledvina, and Andrew Thompson 

reviewed the plant guide and provided information 

on the relative abundance and status of the species.
Wildflowers

of the Savannah River Site

compiled by Tona Segar

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

iii

Contents

Map of the Savannah River Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Purple/Blue Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Pink Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Yellow Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

White Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Red/Orange Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Green Foliage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 

Index of Wildflowers by Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
iv

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

Map

of the Savannah River Site
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

v

This guidebook is a resource to help field personnel (nonbotanists) identify plants on the Savannah River Site 

(SRS) premises. Although not a complete flora guide, this 

publication contains information about 123 plant species 

found on the SRS. Plants are listed by their common names 

and arranged by the color of the flower. 

The SRS supports a diverse array of plant communities. 

Land use history, the establishment of the SRS, and current 

land management practices have shaped the flora presently 

found on the SRS. Located south of Aiken, SC, SRS spans 

198,344 acres with land covering Aiken, Allendale, and 

Barnwell Counties. Situated on the Upper Coastal Plain and 

Sandhills physiographic provinces, the SRS has more than 

50 distinct soil types. The topography is rolling to flat with 

elevation ranges from 50 to 400 feet above sea level.

Background

In 1951, the Department of Energy (DOE) established 

the SRS for production of nuclear weapons materials. 

Subsequently, the Forest Service, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture has managed the natural resources on the site. 

Initial work focused on reforestation of abandoned farm 

lands on the SRS; currently, work focuses on sustainable 

natural resource management that is compatible with 

missions of the DOE and SRS. 

Introduction

Purple/Blue

flowers

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

1

co m m o n n am e: Pickerelweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Pontederia cordata

fam i ly: Pickerelweed 

flow e rs: May

h ab i tat-ran g e: Nova Scotia west to MN, and south to FL and TX; 

common throughout SC in a variety of aquatic habitats, including 

tidal freshwater marshes, lakes, ponds, roadside ditches, and swamp 

forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Emergent, soft-stemmed perennial from a thick, short 

rhizome; to 3 feet tall; one leaf not far below the inflorescence, the 

others basal; leaf bases deeply heart-shaped to truncate.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
2

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Clasping Heliotrope

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Heliotropium amplexicaule

fam i ly: (Borage) Boraginaceae

flow e rs: April-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: NC to FL, west to TX; found in SC in the coastal plain 

and maritime strand; occasionally along city roadsides, in cultivated 

fields, abandoned lots, and other disturbed areas.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from a strong root; several stems; 

spreading or ascending to 20 inches tall; plant glandular-hairy; 

alternate leaves; flowers are purplish.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon; introduced, 

considered nonnative
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

3

co m m o n n am e: Smooth Purple Coneflower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Echinacea laevigata

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae

flow e rs: Late May-early July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern PA to southwestern SC and 

northeastern GA; rare in mountains, upper piedmont, and sandhills of 

SC; found mostly in dry open woodlands in calcium-rich soils.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with a fibrous rootstock; 2-4 feet tall; 

unbranched, often in clumps; basal leaves with few spaced teeth, 

6 inches long to 3 inches wide; stem leaves are similar, but smaller; 

flower heads solitary and terminal; ray flowers are violet to pale purple, 

drooping disc. Plant is federally endangered.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; federally listed as 

endangered
4

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Oak Ridge Lupine; Sky-blue Lupine

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lupinus diffusus

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae

flow e rs: March-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common in the SC coastal plain in sandy dry open 

woods and sandy roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with decumbant stems; stems generally 

in dense clumps, shaggy-hairy throughout; leaves evergreen and 

simple; Petals are light to dark blue with a conspicuous white-to-cream 

spot on the standard.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

5

co m m o n n am e: Purple Passionflower; Maypop

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Passiflora incarnata

fam i ly: (Passionflower) Passifloraceae

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: FL to TX, north to MD and MO; very common 

throughout SC along roadsides and fences, fallow fields, hedge rows, 

thickets, and open places.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, tendril bearing, herbaceous vine; to 6 feet 

long; creeping and rooting at nodes, or climbing; leaves deeply threelobed; fruit is fleshy yellow when ripe in July to October; purplish flower 

is fringy.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
6

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Healall

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Prunella vulgaris

fam i ly: (Mint) Lamiaceae

flow e rs: April-frost

h ab i tat-ran g e: Newfoundland west to AR and south to NC, SC, TN, 

and AZ; common throughout SC along roadsides, in lawns, fields, 

yards, pastures, and gardens.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from 6-12 inches tall; short branches 

anywhere below the central inflorescence; stems four-angled; leaves 

opposite; pale purplish flowers in globose spikes, but spikes become 

cylindrical as fruits mature.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

7

co m m o n n am e: Hyssop Skullcap

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Scutellaria integrifolia

fam i ly: (Mint) Lamiaceae

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC in the coastal plain; common 

in longleaf pine savannas, flatwoods, and also roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with erect, four-angled stems; 1-2.5 feet 

tall; in clumps of one to several stems; calyx with prominent hump on 

upper side.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
8

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Triodanis perfoliata

fam i ly: (Bellwort) Campanulaceaev

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southern Ontario, south to FL, and west to TX 

and to the Dakotas; common throughout SC in dry fields and gardens, 

roadsides, and in abandoned lots.

d e s cri p ti o n : Herbaceous winter annual; 8-40 inches tall; stems erect, 

freely branched at base, unbranched above; leaves alternate, sessile, 

and clasping; purple flowers sessile in leaf axils; lower flowers do not 

open and are self-pollinating.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant; introduced, considered 

nonnative/weedy
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

9

co m m o n n am e: Smooth Vetch

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Vicia dasycarpa

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; found mostly in coastal plain 

in fallow fields, roadsides, fence rows, and other disturbed sites.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual or rarely perennial herb; trailing or climbing 

tendrils; alternate leaves, pinnately compound with 14 to 20 leaflets; 

terminal leaflet modified into a branched tendril; racemes with flowers 

borne on one side; calyx bulging at base, the flower stalk appearing 

lateral.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; introduced, 

considered nonnative
10

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Brazil Vervain

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Verbena brasiliensis

fam i ly: Verbenaceae 

flow e rs: April-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: LA to FL and north to VA and west to AR; occurs 

commonly as scattered plants and small colonies in new forest 

plantations, along forest edges, ROWs, and fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Upright perennial with rough green square stems; 

3-6 feet tall; spindly, with one to few stems from the base and often 

branched at mid-plant; from a woody rootcrown or rhizome; opposite 

leaves in widely spaced pairs, ovate to elliptic to lanceolate, margins 

coarsely serrate; flowers terminal fascicles of compact slender spikes, 

atop long slender leafless stalks, also square and rough; corolla 

lavender to purple, 0.1 inches wide, within hairy sepals and bracts.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common; introduced, considered 

nonnative
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

11

co m m o n n am e: Moss Verbena

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Verbena tenuisecta

fam i ly: Briquet 

flow e rs: March-frost

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout the piedmont and coastal plain; 

in the coastal plain along roads, in pastures, fields, lawns, and vacant 

lots.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; prostrate to creeping; rooting at the 

nodes; stems branch abundantly, forming mats; opposite leaves, 

divided into numerous linear segments; corolla lavender, purple, pink, 

or white.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; introduced, 

considered nonnative
12

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: American Beautyberry

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Callicarpa americana

fam i ly: (Vervain) Verbenaceae 

flow e rs: June-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Mostly Southeastern United States; common 

throughout SC; maritime forests, fencerows, woodland borders, 

pine-mixed hardwood and oak-hickory forests, and sandy or rocky 

woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Deciduous shrub up to 8 feet tall; arching stems with 

star-shaped hairs; opposite leaves, simple; ornamental purplish berries 

mature in August to October.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

13

co m m o n n am e: Boykin’s Lobelia

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lobelia boykinii

fam i ly: (Bellwort) Campanulaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: southern DE, SC to north FL. Occurs in pond cypress 

savannas, cypress-gum depressions, depression meadows, wet 

longleaf pine savannas, and wet longleaf pine flatwoods and adjacent 

ditches.

d e s cri p ti o n : Aquatic perennial from rhizomes; 20-32 inches tall; very 

narrow linear leaves; corolla blue to white; flower stalks without basal 

brachlets; raceme one sided.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
14

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Oblongleaf Snakeherb; Pineland Dyschoriste;

 Oblong-leaf Dyschoriste 

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Dyschoriste oblongifolia

fam i ly: (Acanthus) Acanthaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: Coastal plain from southeastern SC to south FL; in SC, 

plentiful in longleaf pine flatwoods and pine/saw palmetto flatwoods.

d e s cri p ti o n : A perennial herb to 2 feet tall; flowers axillary, purplishblue with dark spots; opposite leaves.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

15

co m m o n n am e: Birdfoot Violet

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Viola pedata

fam i ly: (Violet) Violaceae 

flow e rs: March-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native. TX to GA, and north to ME and west to MI and 

MO. Occurs as single plants or small colonies under open to semishady forests and along margins.

d e s cri p ti o n : Leaves deeply lobed (5-11), usually in threes (bird-foot 

shaped); flowers blueish-purple with white centers, petals all in one 

plane.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
16

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Longleaf Lobelia

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lobelia elongata

fam i ly: (Bellwort) Campanulaceae 

flow e rs: August-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout coastal plain. Grows in alluvial 

and non-alluvial swamp forest, freshwater marshes, and longleaf 

savannas.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from basal offshoots; to 5 feet tall; leaves 

alternate and narrow, lanceolate tapering to both ends; flowers pale 

purple.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

17

co m m o n n am e: Downy Lobelia; Hairy Lobelia

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lobelia puberula

fam i ly: (Bellwort) Campanulaceae 

flow e rs: Late July-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: NJ to OH, south to FL and TX; common throughout 

SC. Plants can be found scattered in areas in forest openings, along 

forest edges and right-of-ways, in both upland and low lying sights. 

Can be found on both moist and dry sites and open to shady habitats.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from basal offshoots; to 4 feet tall; stem 

usually unbranched; soft fine hairs throughout stem; flowers violet to 

blue.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
18

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Carolina Larkspur

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Delphinium carolinianum

fam i ly: Ranunculaceae 

flow e rs: April-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Northeastern TX into southwestern MD, west-central 

IL, LA, and piedmont of GA, and southwestern SC. Occasionally 

occurs in dry places in thin woods and open, often rocky or sandy 

soils.

d e s cri p ti o n : A perennial from tuberous roots; flowers white to blue to 

violet, each with a single spur.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

19

co m m o n n am e: Fringed Bluestar

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Amsonia ciliata

fam i ly: (Dogbane) Apocynaceae 

flow e rs: April

h ab i tat-ran g e: From central NC to FL, west to TX, and north to 

southern MO; common in SC in the sandhills and inner coastal plain; 

sandy, dry, open woodlands, dry pinelands and xeric sandhills.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with hairy stems; 12-28 inches tall; 

leaves alternate, filiform to linear; the pale blue, star-shaped corolla is 

distinctive.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
20

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Elephant’s Foot

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Elephantopus tomentosus

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: Late July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout the state; in the coastal plain 

in oak-hickory forests, longleaf pine flatwoods, roadsides, maritime 

forests, and pine-mixed hardwood forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb to 2 feet tall; leaves mostly basal, up to 

12 inches long, soft-hairy beneath; flower heads with three 

conspicuous resin-dotted bracts below; pinkish-purple flowers. 

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

21

co m m o n n am e: Leather Flower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Clematis crispa

fam i ly: (Buttercup) Ranunculaceae 

flow e rs: April-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Chiefly coastal plain; common in hardwood bottoms, 

freshwater marshes, and alluvial and non-alluvial swamp forests

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, herbaceous vine, climbing or weakly 

ascending; leaves opposite, pinnately compound with three to five 

leaflets; flowers extremely fragrant; purple bell-shaped flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon

Pink

flowers

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

25

co m m o n n am e: Spurred Butterfly Pea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Centrosema virginianum

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: June-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southern NJ south to FL, and west to KY, AR, 

and TX; common throughout SC. Found in oak-hickory forests, longleaf 

pine flatwoods, dry sandy open woods, woodland openings, maritime 

forests, and coastal dunes.

d e s cri p ti o n : Trailing or twining perennial; herbaceous vine from a 

tough elongate root; leaves have three leaflets; flowers are violet to light 

pink.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
26

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Sandhill Thistle

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cirsium repandum

fam i ly: (Aster) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common in xeric sandhills; sandy, dry, open woods; 

sandy fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Deep-rooted perennial, 8-24 inches tall; stems are leafy 

to the top: leaves are alternate, covered by many small spines along 

with larger, scattered ones; heads solitary and often have terminating 

short branches coming down from the top; bracts below the flower 

heads are spiny tipped.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

27

co m m o n n am e: Pink Lady’s Slipper; Mocassin Flower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cypripedium acaule

fam i ly: (Orchid) Orchidaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widespread in Eastern North America; in SC, common 

in mountains, occasionally in upper piedmont, and rare in the sandhills; 

found in dry, acid woodlands under pine, rare in bogs or under thickets.

d e s cri p ti o n : A showy perennial herb to 18 inches tall; two basal 

leaves, up to 9.5 inches long and 5.5 inches wide; glandular-hairy, with 

riblike parallel veins; flower solitary and terminating at a leafless stalk; 

three sepals and two lateral petals are green and often tinged with 

purple; the inchesslipper inches petal is pink or rarely white.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
28

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Joe-pye-weed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Eupatorium fistulosum

fam i ly: (Aster) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: July-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: TX to FL and north to ME and west to IA; occurs as 

scattered plants in open forest and old fields, and along forest edges 

and right-of-ways.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect and robust perennial; 6-10 feet tall from a 

persistant rootcrown; have whorls of three to seven roughish, pointed, 

ovate-toothed, light-green leaves borne on tall, stout stems; bears long 

terminal clusters of purple to pink flowers grouped into numerous small 

heads; have hollow stems and each flower head contains five to seven 

disc flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; SC species of concern
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

29

co m m o n n am e: Pinkscale Blazing Star

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Liatris elegans

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: September-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: From central SC to FL, west to TX and east-central 

OK; mostly a coastal plain plant in SC. Common in sandy, dry open 

woodlands and sandy fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, erect herb to 5 feet tall; from a globose, 

tapered rootstock; stem leaves alternate, linear to narrowly elliptic; 

bracts below flower heads are dilated and pink.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
30

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Horsemint

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Monarda punctata

fam i ly: (Mint) Lamiaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: VT to MN, south to FL, TX, and AZ; in SC, primarily in 

sandhills and coastal plain; common in sandy, dry, open woodlands 

and fields; occasionally grows in piedmont in sandy or rocky 

woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Aromatic, perennial herb with four-angled stems; 

16-40 inches tall; opposite leaves; flowers in tight clusters subtended 

by several wholly or partially pink to lavender bracts; corolla is yellow, 

spotted with purple.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

31

co m m o n n am e: Eustis Lake Beardtongue

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Penstemon australis

fam i ly: (Figwort) Schrophulariaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: VA to FL, and west to AL; in SC, common throughout 

the coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont; also found in dry sandy 

open woods, dry fallow fields, burned-over thickets, and along 

roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; opposite leaves; stems one to several; 

8-28 inches tall; basal leaves shaped differently from the stem leaves; 

inflorescence hairy, the hairs are simple or glandular.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
32

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Goat’s Rue

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Tephrosia virginiana

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: NH to MN, south to FL and TX; common throughout 

SC; pine-oak forests in the mountains, dry oak-hickory forests in the 

piedmont, longleaf pine flatwoods, dry sandy open woods, clearings, 

woodlands, and along roadsides in the coastal plain.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; 8-28 inches tall; dense, grayish hairs; 

leaves odd-pinnately compound; bicolored pea-like flowers with pink 

wings and a yellow standard crowded into clusters atop a hairy stem.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

33

co m m o n n am e: Spiderwort; Piedmont Roseling

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Callisia rose

fam i ly: (Spiderwort) Commelinacea 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA through the Carolinas to 

GA and peninsular FL; in SC, found in the inner coastal plains and 

sandhills; common in longleaf pine-scrub sandhills, sandy dry open 

woods, Carolina bay ridges and sand ridges.

d e s cri p ti o n : Smooth perennial herb; 8 inches tall; narrow basal 

leaves tufted; flowers subtended by minute bracts; petal of three; six 

fertile stamens, bearded; flowers pale pink.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
34

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Eastern Purple Bladderwort

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Utricularia purpurea

fam i ly: (Bladderwort) Lentibulariaceae 

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Scattered throughout the coastal plain in a variety of 

aquatic habitats.

d e s cri p ti o n : Carnivorous, free-floating, rootless aquatic; usually 

in bunches or mats with flowering stalks supported above the water 

surface by the mass of submerged, branching stems that often 

terminate in bladders; flowering stalks grow to 4 inches tall with one to 

three purple flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

35

co m m o n n am e: Carolina Rose

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rosa carolina

fam i ly: (Rose) Rosaceae 

flow e rs: May-June, sporadically later

h ab i tat-ran g e: Nova Scotia to MN, south to FL and TX, throughout SC 

(except the maritime strand); common in xeric, hardpan forests, upland 

pastures, woodland borders, and pinelands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Low, semi-upright shrub to 3 feet tall; stems have straight 

prickles; leaves compound usually with five coarsely serrate leaflets.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
36

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Scaly Blazing Star

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Liatris squarrosa

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: June-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; coastal plain and piedmont 

species; common in longleaf pine flatwoods and dry, open, sandy 

woods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; stems 12-32 inches tall, leaves are linear, 

those near base 3-10 inches long; tips of bracts below flowering heads 

are facing away from the heads.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

37

co m m o n n am e: Prairie Fleabane

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Erigeron strigosus

fam i ly: Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native throughout the United States and southern 

Canada. Inhabits new forests plantations, common in ROWs, 

abandoned fields, pastures, and waste places.

d e s cri p ti o n : Upright annual or rarely biennial, 1-3 feet tall; sparsely 

branching and sparsely leafy from shallow fibrous roots. Alternate 

leaves with early basal rosette, basal leaves oblanceolate to elliptic, to 

6 inches long and 1 inch wide; flowers are terminal heads on slender 

stalks, white to lavender ray petals, usually 40-60; involucral bracts in 

single row.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common; weedy/invasive
38

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Tall Bush-clover

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lespedeza stuevei

fam i ly: Fabaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native found throughout the Eastern United States; 

scattered along sandy, open forests, barren clearings, and roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Tall stemmed, erect or ascending; 2-5 feet tall; numerous 

alternate leaves that are crowded; leaflets are oblong to linear, 

0.2-1.2 inches long and 0.4 inches wide; crowded clusters of small 

flowers, 0.2-0.3 inches long, pea-shaped, lavender-pink to rose-purple 

streaks.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

39

co m m o n n am e: Smooth Ticktrefoil

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Desmodium laevigatum

fam i ly: Fabaceae 

flow e rs: September-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: A native found throughout the Eastern United States. 

Found along open forests and right-of-ways.

d e s cri p ti o n : Upright perennial legume; 1-5 feet tall; leaves have three 

leaflets with terminal leaflet ovate to elliptic-ovate, 1-2 inches wide and 

2-3 inches long with blunt tip; flowers are irregular pea-shaped, pink to 

purple, 0.3-0.4 inches long, found on long branching stalks.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
40

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Pinxter Flower; Pink Azalea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhododendron periclymenoides

fam i ly: (Heath) Ericaceae 

flow e rs: Late March-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: NY and OH, south to GA and AL; in SC, in the 

mountains, piedmont, and inner coastal plain; SC’s most common 

azalea, except in the coastal plain where it is rare; found in 

streambanks, beech forests, and a variety of moist to dry oak-hickory 

forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Decidous shrub to 10 feet tall; leaves not present or 

not fully expanded at flowering, with hairs on the margins and stiff 

hairs on the main veins below; flowers pink to white; sepals less 

than 0.04 inches long, without stalked glands.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

41

co m m o n n am e: Sweet Mountain Azalea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhododendron canescens

fam i ly: (Heath) Ericaceae 

flow e rs: March-early May

h ab i tat-ran g e: DE and MD, south to FL, and west to TX and OK; 

in SC, found throughout the coastal plain and into the southwest 

piedmont; mostly found in moist, wooded slopes along the edges of 

swamps and hardwood bottoms, low woods and thickets, riverbanks 

and streambanks, rocky open woodlands, and borders of pocosins 

and bogs.

d e s cri p ti o n : Decidous shrub to 16 feet tall; flowers fragrant, 

appearing before the leaves, corolla is pale to deep pink, without yellow 

markings.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
42

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Virginia Meadow-beauty

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhexia virginica

fam i ly: (Meadow-beauty) Melastomaceae 

flow e rs: May-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC, but less so in piedmont; 

common in the coastal plain in wet, longleaf pine savannas; edges of 

swamp-gum ponds, and roadside ditches.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with stems to 40 inches tall; spongy, 

thickened near the base; stems usually branched, with coarse hairs; 

roots tuberous; stem wing-angles with four nearly equal faces at 

midstem; leaves conspicuously ciliate-toothed on margins; anthers 

curved; flowers purplish to lavender pink.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

43

co m m o n n am e: Barbara’s Buttons

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Marshallia graminifolia

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: Late July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: From eastern NC to southeastern AL; in SC, it is 

primarily a plant of the sandhills and inner coastal plain; found in xeric 

communities and pine flatwoods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Fibrous-rooted perennial herb; stems 16-32 inches tall; 

basal leaves firm and ascending, linear to narrowly elliptic, 2-8 inches 

long; heads with whitish to light pink disc flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Unknown
44

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Pink Wild Bean; Pink Fuzzybean

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Strophostyles umbellata

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae

flow e rs: June-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southern NY west to Ohio, south to FL and TX; 

common throughout SC in fields, thickets, dry sandy woods, and 

clearings.

d e s cri p ti o n : Trailing or climbing herbaceous vine from a perennial 

root; stems to about 5 feet long; leaf blades pinnately three-foliate; 

petals pink or pale purple; flowers few to several in headlike clusters on 

stalks to 12 inches long; legumes mature in August-October.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

45

co m m o n n am e: Violet Woodsorrel

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Oxalis violacea

fam i ly: (Wood sorrel) Oxalidaceae 

flow e rs: April-May; fall

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; found in the coastal plain in 

beech and oak-hickory forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; 4-8 inches tall; leaves and flowering 

stalks all arise from a bulbous base; leaves palmately divided into three 

segments, reddish or purple beneath; pink flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
46

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Carolina Phlox

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Phlox carolina

fam i ly: (Phlox) Polemoniaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; common in the outer coastal 

plain in longleaf pine flatwoods, oak-hickory forests, clearings, and 

roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; stems erect, solitary, or clustered; stems 

to 3 feet tall; pink flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Yellow 

flowers

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

49

co m m o n n am e: Woodland Sunflower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Helianthus divaricatus

fam i ly: (Aster) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: June-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Eastern United States as far south as central FL, MS, 

and LA; occurs in new forest plantations, forest edges, and roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Smooth stems up to 5 feet tall; leaves opposite, narrowly 

lanceolate, 2-7 inches long and 0.5-2 inches wide; short non-winged 

petioles to 0.2 inches long; yellow ray petals.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
50

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: St. Peter’s-wort

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Hypericum stans

fam i ly: (St. John’s-wort) Hypericaceae 

flow e rs: May-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: NY south to FL, west to TX, and north to KS and KY; in 

SC, mainly in the coastal plain, sandhills, and lower piedmont; common 

in longleaf-pine flatwoods and savannas, ditches, and sandy open 

woods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect shrub, 1-3 feet tall; stems with shredded old bark; 

sepals four and unequal, the two outer, larger ones enclosing the two, 

much narrower, inner ones; yellow-gold flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

51

co m m o n n am e: Pitted Stripeseed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Piriqueta caroliniana

fam i ly: (Turnera) Turneraceae 

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Coastal plain species from the western coastal 

counties of SC to FL; occasionally found in sandy, dry open 

woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb to 20 inches tall; spreads and forms 

colonies from root sprouts; yellow flowers stay open only on sunny 

days, and petals fall off easily.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
52

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Showy Rattle-box

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Crotalaria spectabilis

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA to FL, and west to the east half 

of TX and central MO; common in the piedmont, sandhills, coastal 

plain, and maritime strand, roadsides, cultivated and fallow fields, and 

other disturbed areas.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual herb, 2-4 feet tall, from a woody taproot; 

alternate, simple leaves, markedly obovate; stems commonly dark 

purple; legume inflated, many seeds becoming black at maturity in 

August-October.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant; noxious weed
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

53

co m m o n n am e: Partridge Pea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cassia fasciculata

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: June-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC in various disturbed sites; 

especially common in abandoned agricultural fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual herb, reclining or erect, to 3 feet tall; leaves 

sensitive, folding when touched, even-pinnately compound with 12 to 

36 leaflets; sessile, depressed, saucer shaped gland near the middle 

of the leaf stalk; legume mature July-November.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
54

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Pencilflower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Stylosanthes biflora

fam i ly: (Bean or Pea) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: June-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; in the outer coastal plain it 

grows in longleaf pine flatwoods, roadsides, waste places, and sandy, 

dry, open woods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with one to several prostrate to erect 

stems, 5-20 inches long; leaves trifoliate; legume consists of two 

portions, the lower frequently aborting and becoming stalklike; 

legumes mature in July-October.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

55

co m m o n n am e: Rabbit-bells

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Crotalaria angulata

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae

flow e rs: April-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Piedmont species and coastal plains species in dry, 

sandy, open woods and roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial to 16 inches tall; stems numerous and erect 

creeping to ascending, simple, hairy leaves on upper surface; legumes 

inflated. Plant is poisonous.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare
56

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Common Goldenrod

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Solidago altissima

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: September-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native to the Eastern United States, common 

throughout SC; found in dry forests, woodlands, old fields, and along 

roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial erect herb, 2-7 feet tall; has long, slender 

rhizomes; stems with appressed hairs; lower leaves are narrow and 

lanceolate.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon; weedy/ invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

57

co m m o n n am e: Southern Sneezeweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Helenium flexuosum

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: May-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout the Eastern United States; 

common throughout SC; found in longleaf flatwoods and savannas, 

ditches, alluvial pastures, wet meadows, and riverbanks.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb, 16-36 inches tall; alternate leaves, with 

base of the blades extending down the stems making them winged.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
58

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Southern Ragwort

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Senecio anonymus

fam i ly: (Aster) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: FL to AL, south-central KY, southeastern PA, and 

southern NC; common in fields, pastures, open woods, savannas, and 

roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial to 2 feet tall; stem densely woolly at base; 

basal leaves cuneate, lanceolate, and crenate to serrate or once 

pinnately dissected; yellow flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

59

co m m o n n am e: Squarehead

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Tetragonotheca helianthoides

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA and eastern TN, south to 

peninsular FL and southern MS; in SC, scattered throughout; longleaf 

pine-scrub oak sandhills, sandy woods, roadsides, and thickets.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, cespitose, erect herb with one to several 

stems; to 3 feet tall; leaves opposite, elliptic to ovate, coarsely dentate 

to serrate; yellow petaled flower heads subtended to four ovate bracts.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare
60

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Hairy False Foxglove

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Aureolaria pectinata

fam i ly: (Figwort) Scrophulariaceae 

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern TX to FL, north to VA, KY and 

MO; throughout SC, but mostly in the piedmont, sandhills, and inner 

coastal plain; common in longleaf pine-turkey oak and pine scrub oak 

sandhills, sandy dry open woods and Carolina ridges.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual herb; densely covered with glandular hairs; to 

3 feet tall; leaves deeply dissected. This plant is a hemiparasite on the 

roots of turkey oak or other members of the black oak group.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

61

co m m o n n am e: Yellow Stargrass

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Hypoxis hirsuta

fam i ly: (Iris) Iridaceae 

flow e rs: March-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From MA to Manitoba, south to FL and TX; in SC, 

common throughout except the outer coastal plain; is found in open 

woodlands, meadows, road banks, and pine oak heaths in the 

mountains.

d e s cri p ti o n : Herbaceous perennial from a swollen underground stem; 

leaves basal only, grasslike, ascending to nearly erect; yellow flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
62

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Eastern Prickly-pear; Devil’s-tongue

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Opuntia humifusa

fam i ly: (Cactus) Cactaceae 

flow e rs: August-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout the State; in the coastal plain, in 

sandy dry open woods, coastal dunes, and pastures.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, woody, fleshy plant with photosynthetic stems; 

stem segments (joints) tightly held together; large spines present or 

absent; nodes with tuft of hairlike spines that readily penetrate the skin; 

leaves alternate, promptly deciduous; fruit is a berry, purple to reddish 

brown when ripe.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

63

co m m o n n am e: Whorled-leaf Coreopsis

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Coreopsis major

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae

flow e rs: July-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: From PA south to FL, and west to MS; common 

throughout SC; found in sandy streamsides, dry woodland margins, dry 

oak hickory forests, longleaf pine flatwoods, sandy dry open woods, 

and along roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb, 20-40 inches tall; leaves opposite and 

deeply palmately divided into three segments, giving the appearance 

of six leaves in a whorl; flowers are yellow.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
64

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Lance-leaved Coreopsis

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Coreopsis lanceolata

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae or Compositae

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: VA south to FL, west to LA, north to MO and MI; grows 

in sandy or rocky soil, disturbed areas.

d e s cri p ti o n : Solitary yellow daisy-like flower heads bloom on long 

stalks (1-2 feet tall) and have eight yellow ray flower petals with three 

to four notches at tips; leaves lower and basal 3-6 inches long, 

short-stalked, elliptic to linear, occasionally lobed; upper leaves few, 

opposite, unstalked, linear to oblong.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

65

co m m o n n am e: Green-and-gold

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Chrysogonum virginianum

fam i ly: (Aster of Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: Late March-early June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern SC, northwestern NC, and eastern 

TN, south to FL, and east-central AL; piedmont, sandhills, and coastal 

plain; moist to fairly dry forests and woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Herbaceous perennial, flowering early when small; at 

first stemless or short-stemmed, but later flowering stems elongating to 

4 inches tall; opposite leaves; flowers yellow.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
66

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Carolina False Dandelion

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Pyrrhopappus carolinianus

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: DE to KS, and south to FL and TX; common 

throughout SC (but less common in the mountains); along roadsides, in 

pastures, fallow and cultivated fields, lawns, and meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual or short-lived perennial, with milky juice from 

a well-developed taproot; to 4 feet tall; basal leaves pinnately lobed 

or dissected to merely toothed; upper leaves reduced; heads often 

solitary.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

67

co m m o n n am e: Dollarweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhynchosia reniformis

fam i ly: Fabaceae 

flow e rs: June-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native. TX to FL and north to NC and TN; occurs as 

small colonies in dry forests, savannas, prairies, and right-of-ways; also 

inhabits forest edges and openings.

d e s cri p ti o n : Short and erect perennial legume, 3-8 inches tall, from 

a slender woody rhizome and forming small colonies; moderately stout 

stems, strongly angled, densely hairy; alternate leaves, single or rarely 

three leaflets, rounded or kidney shaped, wrinkled surface with hairlike 

stipels at leaf bases; flowers terminal and axillary raceme clusters, peatype, yellow petals, 0.2-0.3 inches long, calyx lobed, 0.2-0.4 inches 

long; each flower has a linear bract, 0.1-0.2 inches long.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
68

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Puccoon

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lithospermum caroliniense

fam i ly: (Borage) Boraginaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern SC, south to FL, and west to TX; in 

SC, in the sandhills and southeast coastal plain; xeric sandhills, sandy 

roadsides, and fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Herb 12-40 inches tall; has a strong-staining taproot; 

leaves alternate; stems are leafy and rough; yellow flowers in dense 

cymes, leafy-bracted.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

69

co m m o n n am e: Coastal Plain Yelloweyed Grass

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Xyris ambigua

fam i ly: Xyridaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common in sandy peats of moist sands; found in 

roadside ditches, savannas, bogs, and pine flatwoods from NC south 

to FL, and west to TX.

d e s cri p ti o n : Annual or perennial with small, inconspicuous yellow 

flowers. The bright yellow corollas protrude from behind woody scales 

that are in a small terminal spike on a leafless stem.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
70

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Black-eyed Susan

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rudbeckia hirta

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Throughout the United States; common throughout SC 

along roadsides, pastures, open woods, fields, and meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Tap-rooted annual, but sometimes a biennial or fibrous 

rooted perennial; 12-40 inches tall; leaves and stems rough and bristly 

haired; as a biennial it forms a rosette of leaves the first year, followed 

by yellow flowers the second year; it has a brown center in the flower 

head.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

71

co m m o n n am e: Eastern Green Eyes

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Berlandiera pumila

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: Late May-frost

h ab i tat-ran g e: Mainly a coastal plain plant from north-central SC, to 

north FL, west to east TX; in SC, found in lower piedmont, sandhills, 

and inner coastal plain; common in longleaf pine-scrub oak sandhills, 

pine-turkey oak sandhills, and sandy ridges.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb to 3.5 feet tall; leaves alternate, hairy on 

both surfaces; disc flowers green in bud, bracts below yellow flower 

heads are wide.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
72

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Rosemary Sunrose

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Helianthemum rosmarinifolium

fam i ly: (Rockrose) Cistaceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From south-central NC to FL panhandle, and west to 

TX; in SC, primarily the sandhills and coastal plain; also common in dry, 

sandy, open woodlands, sandy roadsides and fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Small perennial herb up to 16 inches tall; leaves very 

narrow; has both chasmogamous (flowers with showy yellow petals) 

and cleistogamous (flowers with no petals) present. Both flowers 

mature at the same time.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

73

co m m o n n am e: Sundrops

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Oenothera Fruticosa

fam i ly: (Evening Primrose) Onagroceae 

flow e rs: May-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widespread in Eastern North America; scattered 

throughout SC, but mostly in the mountains; primarily dry meadows 

and roadsides, but also in and around seepages.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb to 3 feet tall; stem branched above; 

alternate leaves more than 0.25 inches wide; yellow petals to 1 inch 

long; capsule angled, widest at the middle, smooth or glandular hairs.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon

White

flowers

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

77

co m m o n n am e: Easter Lily

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Zephyranthes atamasca

fam i ly: (Amaryllis) Amaryllidaceae 

flow e rs: Late March-April

h ab i tat-ran g e: VA to north FL and west to MS; in SC, common in the 

coastal plain and lower piedmont; found in bottomland forests and 

adjacent road shoulders and wet meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from a bulb; flowering stalk to 1 foot tall, 

usually solitary, terminated by a single flower; leaves basal and linear; 

perianth usually white, rarely pink.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
78

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Fragrant Waterlily

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Nymphaea odorata

fam i ly: (Water-lily) Nymphaeaceae 

flow e rs: June-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Newfoundland west to Manitoba, south to FL and TX; 

in SC, mainly a coastal plain species; scattered in the piedmont and 

mountains, where it is rare in pools, ponds, and stream margins.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; free-floating and anchored from a thick 

rhizome; known for its distinct, showy, sweet smelling, white flowers; 

leaves purple beneath.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

79

co m m o n n am e: Cottonweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Froelichia floridana

fam i ly: (Amaranth) Amaranthaceae 

flow e rs: June-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: A coastal plain species; common in sandy, dry, open 

woods; sandy fields; and sandy roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Stiffly erect herb; 3-6 feet tall, usually with a few welldeveloped branches; branching mostly from upper nodes; stems and 

leaves with whitish hairs; leaves opposite, entire, few.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
80

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Jointweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Polygonella americana

fam i ly: (Buckwheat) Polygonaceae 

flow e rs: June-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern NC to southern GA, west to TX 

and NM, north to MO and AR; in SC, primarily found in the sandhills, 

frequently in longleaf pine-shrub oak sandhills and pine-turkey oak 

sandhills.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial semi-shrub with many short, leafy branches; 

24-32 inches tall; appears as a depressed matted shrub early in 

growing season; petals absent; sepals white.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

81

co m m o n n am e: Hatpin

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Eriocaulon decangulare

fam i ly: (Pipewort) Eriocaulaceae 

flow e rs: June-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Mostly on the coastal plain, from NJ to FL, and west 

to east TX; in SC, common in the coastal plain and sandhills; sandy or 

peaty lake shores, longleaf pine flatwoods, pond cypress savannas, 

margins of cypress ponds, ditches, and sometimes around ponds and 

lakes.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with flowering stalks 12-32 inches tall, 

finely 8-12 ridged; flowers white, in dense, hard button heads on the tip 

of leafless stalks; leaves mostly basal, linear, with air chambers visible 

to the naked eye.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
82

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Wild Garlic

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Allium canadense

fam i ly: (Lily) Liliaceae 

flow e rs: Mid April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southern SC south to FL, and west to TX; in 

SC, found locally abundant in the west-central counties of the coastal 

plains, piedmont, and sandhills, longleaf pine-scrub oak sandhills, 

pastures, moist and dry woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, bulbous, scabose smooth herb; 8-24 inches 

tall; leaves 6-18 inches long; linear, flat umbel entirely of normal white 

flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

83

co m m o n n am e: Partridge Berry

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Mitchella repens

fam i ly: (Madder) Rubiaceae

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From Nova Scotia west to MN, south to peninsular FL 

and TX; common throughout SC; found in coniferous and deciduous 

forests, maritime forests, and streamsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Evergreen perennial, trailing; opposite leaves; flowers in 

pairs; white flowers; a single berry forms from the fusion of the ripened 

ovaries of two flowers, leaving two scars on the mature fruit; fruits 

mature in June-July, but persist throughout winter.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
84

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Fringe-tree

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Chionanthus virginicus

fam i ly: (Olive) Oleaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: NJ south to FL, west to OK and TX; common 

throughout SC; wide variety of habitats including dry mesic or wet 

forests, glades and barrens, over various rocks, and swamp forests 

and pocosins in the coastal plain.

d e s cri p ti o n : Fast growing, short-lived shrub or small tree; leaves 

opposite, simple, deciduous; each flower has a four-parted calyx and 

four white petals; drupes are blue and mature July to September.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

85

co m m o n n am e: Sweet Bay

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Magnolia virginiana

fam i ly: (Magnolia) Magnoliaceae 

flow e rs: April-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From eastern MD and southern PA, south to southern 

FL, west to east TX, and north in the Miss. Valley to TN and AR; in SC, 

primarily common in the sandhills and coastal plain, but found in the 

piedmont and mountains where it is rare; found in pocosins, longleaf 

pine and pond cypress savannas, swamp and bay forests, and low wet 

woodlands.

d e s cri p ti o n : Small shrub or tree up to 30-80 feet tall; leaves entire, 

evergreen or semi-evergreen, persisting into winter with a few 

remaining until spring; leaves white beneath; has creamy white flowers; 

fruits mature July to October, with stalks keeping the bright red seeds 

attached to the open follicles.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
86

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Bigroot Morning Glory

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Ipomoea pandurata

fam i ly: (Morning glory) Convolvulaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From CT, NY west to OH, KS, south to peninsular FL 

and east TX; common throughout SC along fencerows and roadsides, 

lawns, sandy open woods, and fallow fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial, trailing vine from a deep, vertical, enlarged 

root growing to 30 pounds; corolla white, with a purple center.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

87

co m m o n n am e: Ox-eye Daisy

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Leucanthemum vulgare

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout the United States; in SC, more 

so in the northern part; along roadsides, around buildings and waste 

places, lawns, old fields, pastures and meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
88

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Nestronia

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Nestronia umbellula

fam i ly: (Sandalwood) Santalaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: VA south to AL, also KY; in SC, rare in piedmont, 

sandhills, and inner coastal plain; found in dry forests with a somewhat 

open canopy, usually upslope from Pacolet soils.

d e s cri p ti o n : A colony-forming shrub 1.5-4.5 feet tall; opposite leaves, 

entire, and 0.75-2 inches long; male and female flowers are produced 

on different plants; the small greenish flowers consist of four to five 

petal-like sepals; female flowers are borne singly in the axils of leaves, 

the male flowers are in umbels; fruit is a greenish drupe, to 0.5 inches 

in diameter and matures in July.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

89

co m m o n n am e: Oakleaf Hydrangea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Hydrangea quercifolia

fam i ly: Hydrangeaceae

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native. LA to northwestern FL and GA and north to 

central TN and west to Miss. River; occurs in shady to semi-shady 

habitats on moist slopes and in bottomland forests, and along ravines 

and streams.

d e s cri p ti o n : Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, 3-6 feet tall; sparsely 

branched; young twigs are reddish-brown hairy, larger branches and 

stems with thin reddish-brown bark peeling in films; leaves opposite, 

deciduous, oak-shaped with four to six lobes; showy elongated 

panicles (6-12 inches long); each lateral branch bearing cymes of tiny 

fertile flowers (white petals) terminating in a larger single sterile flower 

with four greatly enlarged sepals.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare
90

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Spurge-nettle

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cnidoscolus stimulosus

fam i ly: (Spurge) Euphorbiaceae 

flow e rs: Late March-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA south to FL, west to TX; mainly 

on coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont of SC; longleaf pine-turkey 

oak and pine-scrub oak sandhills; Carolina bay rims; fluvial ridges; 

sandy, dry, open woods; and stable dunes.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect or reclining perennial herb, 6-36 inches tall; entire 

plant covered with stinging hairs; petals absent; alternate leaves, 

sepals white, palmately lobed or dissected.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

91

co m m o n n am e: Woolly White

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Hymenopappus scabiosaeus

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: Late April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From south-central SC to northern peninsular FL, 

west to AR and OK; in SC, abundant in the sandhills region of Aiken 

and Lexington Counties; longleaf pine-turkey oak and pine-scrub oak 

sandhills, sandy fields, and along sandy roadsides.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from a thick taproot, 1-2 feet tall; leaves 

clothed with whitish hairs on the underside; basal rosette of leaves 

present; stem leaves alternate, finely twice-dissected; ray flowers 

absent, but subtending bracts have a petal-like, whitish tip; has white 

disk flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
92

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Bigleaf Snowbell

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Styrax grandifolius

fam i ly: (Storax) Styracaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: Primarily a piedmont and coastal plain species, 

occasional in the coastal plain as understory species in moist oakhickory forests, along streambanks, and in pine-mixed hardwood 

forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Small tree up to 20 feet tall, but more commonly a large 

shrub; flowers fragrant; leaves with star-shaped hairs beneath.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

93

co m m o n n am e: Flowering Spurge

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Euphorbia corollata

fam i ly: (Spurge) Euphorbiaceae 

flow e rs: May-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; in the coastal plain in oakhickory forests, longleaf pine flatwoods, pine-mixed hardwood forests, 

roadsides, fields, and along railroads.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect perennial with milky juice; stem freely branched 

above, 10-36 inches tall; leaves symmetrical, alternate below, opposite 

in the inflorescence.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
94

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Highbush Blackberry

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rubus argutus

fam i ly: Rosaceae 

flow e rs: April-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native. TX to central FL and north to MD and west to 

KS; common invader of harvested forests; occurs on wet to dry sites 

and open to semi-shady habitats; common along ROWs and forest 

edges.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect and arching cane-like shrub, 3-10 feet tall; stem 

armed with broadbased and flattened hook thorns; alternate leaves, 

blades elliptic to lanceolate with long tapering tips, margins are serrate 

to twice serrate; petioles and lower surface midveins with thorns; 

racemes on axillary branchlets, having leafy bracts, five petals, white 

(pink in bud).

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

95

co m m o n n am e: Pipsissewa; Spotted Wintergreen

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Chimaphila maculata

fam i ly: (Heath) Ericaceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widespread in Eastern North America; common 

throughout SC; found in beech, oak-hickory, pine-mixed hardwood 

forests, and coniferous forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Small rhizomatous herb to 8 inches tall; leaves 

evergreen, whorled, and variegated, with white on the midrib and larger 

veins; flowers nodding, fragrant.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
96

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Water Hemlock

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cicuta maculata

fam i ly: (Parsley) Apiaceae 

flow e rs: May-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Throughout North America; common throughout 

SC; most often found in streamsides, roadside ditches, swamps, and 

freshwater tidal marshes.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect branching perennial to 9 feet tall; leaves are 

compound, and can be pinnate, bipinnate, or tripinnate.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

97

co m m o n n am e: Sandhill Lily; Georgia Beargrass

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Nolina georgiana

fam i ly: (Lily) Liliaceae 

flow e rs: Late May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: From north-central SC south to south-central GA; in 

SC, occurs in the sandhills and inner coastal plain north to Kershaw 

County; occurs in longleaf pine-turkey oak and longleaf pine-shrub oak 

sandhills.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb to 5 feet tall; leaves in a basal rosette, 

linear, 12-18 inches long, reduced upward, gracefully arching away 

from the stem; inflorescence is a large panicle; flowers white; fruits are 

a three-lobed, bladderlike capsule, with thin wings on each angle.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
98

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Yucca

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Yucca filamentosa

fam i ly: Agavaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native; LA to south FL and north to MD; occurs mostly 

on sandy soils and open to semi-shady habitats, but also on ridges of 

the piedmont and mountains.

d e s cri p ti o n : Short, leafy-stemmed woody plant, 8-24 inches tall, with 

flower stalks to 10 feet tall; from stout branching roots; numerous leaves 

spiraling rosette-like, stiff, linear and dagger shaped, 8-32 inches 

long, parallel veined with white flaring bases, long tapering tips to 

a spiny point, white margins fraying into threadlike curly fibers; tall 

stalked panicle, 3-10 feet tall with showy bell-shaped white to cream 

flowers, drooping on hairy or hairless bracts, six unequal length petals, 

lanceolate to ovate.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

99

co m m o n n am e: Sticky Catchfly

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Silene caroliniana

fam i ly: (Pink) Caryophyllaceae 

flow e rs: April-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Lower piedmont, sandhills, and coastal plain from NC 

south to SC just into eastern GA; in sandhills and coastal plains of SC; 

also in sandy, dry, open woods and xeric habitats; in the piedmont in 

sandy, dry, open woodlands, especially around granitic flatrocks.

d e s cri p ti o n : Tufted perennial up to 8 inches tall from a thin, deep 

taproot; leaves oblong, well separated, up to 2 inches long; petals vary 

from white to pink, about 0.5 inches long.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
100

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Flowering Dogwood

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Cornus florida

fam i ly: (Dogwood) Cornaceae 

flow e rs: March-April

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; in the coastal plain in oakhickory, beech, and pine-mixed hardwood forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Fast growing, short-lived tree to 50 feet tall; bark rough, 

fissured into small, thin, angular scales; leaves opposite, deciduous, 

turning scarlet in fall; flowers in heads, surrounded by four large, white, 

petal-like bracts notched at the apex; berries scarlet red, maturing in 

fall.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

101

co m m o n n am e: Green Fringed Orchid

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Platanthera lacera

fam i ly: (Orchid) Orchidaceae 

flow e rs: June-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widespread in northeastern North America and 

south to SC, GA, AL, AR, and OK; in SC, it is scattered throughout 

(except absent in maritime strand) and rare; found in bogs, openings 

in wet swamps, longleaf pine savannas in the coastal plain, and wet 

meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb, 8-20 inches tall, with tuberlike roots; 

leaves stiffly erect, to 5 inches long; flowers whitish green or yellowish 

green, lip petal deeply fringed.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
102

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: White Milkweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Asclepias variegata

fam i ly: (Milkweed) Asclepiadaceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: FL to TX, north to CT and MO; throughout SC, but 

mostly in the mountains and piedmont where it is common; occasional 

elsewhere; dry oak-hickory forests; sandy, dry, open woods; and 

upland woodland margins.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with milky juice; stem simple, solitary, 

1-3 feet tall; leaves broad, in two to five pairs; corolla bright white; 

follicles mature July-September.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Unknown
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

103

co m m o n n am e: Sericea Lespedeza

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lespedeza cuneata

fam i ly: (Bean or Pea) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Naturalized and common throughout the Southeast; 

common in SC along roadsides, fields, and in waste areas.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial with erect or strongly ascendant, strigose 

stems to 5 feet tall; leaves narrowly oblong, wedge-shaped to linearoblanceolate; petals creamy white, with violet purple along the veins of 

the standard; legumes mature in October-November.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant; nonnative/invasive, 

considered naturalized, noxious weed
104

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Wire-plant

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Stipulicida setacea

fam i ly: (Pink) Caryophyllaceae 

flow e rs: May-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA, south to FL, west to LA; in SC, 

in coastal plain and sandhills; found in xeric communities, including 

maritime forests and dry pine flatwoods. 

d e s cri p ti o n : Dichotomously branched, smooth, wiry annual or shortlived perennial; stems 2-8 inches tall with scaly leaves: very small white 

flowers in clusters of one to six.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

105

co m m o n n am e: Pale Meadow Beauty

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhexia mariana

fam i ly: (Meadow Beauty) Melastomaceae 

flow e rs: May-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC; in coastal plain in longleaf 

pine savannas, roadside ditches, and meadows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Branched or unbranched perennial herb; often from 

elongate, horizontal roots; stems to 32 inches tall; petals white to 

purplish pink; anthers prominently curved; stems bear gland-tipped 

hairs.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant
106

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: White Wild Indigo

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Baptisia alba

fam i ly: (Bean or Pea) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Chiefly a piedmont species, but still widespread in the 

coastal plain; common in longleaf pine flatwoods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Rhizomatous, perennial herb to 4 feet tall; leaves 

trifoliate; creamy white flowers in several terminal racemes.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

107

co m m o n n am e: Bloodroot

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Sanguinaria canadensis

fam i ly: (Poppy) Papaveraceae 

flow e rs: Early March-April

h ab i tat-ran g e: From Nova Scotia west to MN, south to FL and OK; 

in SC, it is mostly found in the mountains and piedmont; sometimes 

scattered in the coastal plain in moist, nutrient-rich forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb, 4-16 inches tall, with no leafy stem; 

rhizome with bright orangish-red juice; single flower on a leafless stem, 

opening in the day, closing at night. The single leaf continues to grow 

after petals drop.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
108

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Smooth Solomon’s-Seal

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Polygonatum biflorum

fam i ly: (Lily) Lilaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: MO and IN, south to FL and MS; common in 

mountains and piedmont; rare and scattered in coastal plains and 

sandhills; in a variety of dry moist forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from elongate white rhizomes; stems 

unbranched and arching to 2 feet long; leaves whitish below; flowers 

in all but the upper leaf axils; flowers white to greenish. The species is 

found in drier habitats than look-alike, false solomon’s-seal.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

109

co m m o n n am e: False Solomon’s-Seal

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Smilacina racemosa

fam i ly: (Lily) Lilaceae 

flow e rs: Mid April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widespread in North America, absent only in the far 

west; in SC, common in the mountains, piedmont, and inner coastal 

plain; moist deciduous forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from a long rhizome; stems arching, 

unbranched to 2 feet long; leaves alternate, to 2 inches wide and 

6 inches long; leaves with raised veins above and fine hairs below; 

petals and sepals white to green; flowers in a terminal panicle.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon

Red/Orange

flowers

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

113

co m m o n n am e: Coral Honeysuckle

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lonicera sempervirens

fam i ly: (Honeysuckle) Caprifoliaceae 

flow e rs: March-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: ME to New Brunswick, south FL and TX; in SC, 

common in the piedmont, sandhills, coastal plain, and maritime strand; 

found in thin oak-hickory and pine-hardwood forests, thickets, and 

fencerows.

d e s cri p ti o n : Trailing or high-climbing woody vine with simple, 

opposite leaves, partially evergreen; twining from left to right; has 

one or two pair of leaves below the inflorescence joined at the bases; 

berries red, maturing in July-September.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
114

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Curly Milkweed; Clasping Milkweed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Asclepias amplexicaulis

fam i ly: (Milkweed) Asclepiadaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common throughout SC, in the outer coastal plain; 

common in longleaf pine flatwoods and dry, sandy, open woods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; one to three stems from a root crown; 

16 inches to 3 feet tall; juice is milky; leaves opposite, margins wavycrisped, auriculate clasping.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

115

co m m o n n am e: Coral Bean

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Erythrina Herbacea

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern NC to FL, and west to southeastern 

TX; in SC, it occurs in the maritime coastal dunes; sandy, dry, open 

woods; and clearings, often persistently around abandoned house 

sites.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb; 2-5 feet tall; branchlets usually prickly; 

leaves alternate, trifoliate; flowers appear before the leaves; fruit pod 

constricted between the seeds and upon breaking open, have brilliant 

scarlet seeds; fruits mature July-September.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Unknown
116

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Oconee Azalea

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Rhododendron flammeum

fam i ly: (Heath) Ericaceae 

flow e rs: April

h ab i tat-ran g e: Restricted to the Savannah River drainage in GA and 

SC; rare in sandhills and piedmont; dry-mesic oak-hickory forests on 

slopes.

d e s cri p ti o n : Decidous shrub to 15 feet tall; flowers deep orange to 

brilliant red; scales of flower buds with marginal hair; corolla tube with 

short hairs on outside. Can be confused with flame azalea, but flame 

azalea blooms in May-June.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare; SC species of concern
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

117

co m m o n n am e: Cardinal Flower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lobelia cardinalis

fam i ly: (Bellwort) Campanulaceae 

flow e rs: July-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: From New Brunswick to MN, and south to SC, north 

FL, and east TX; common throughout SC in freshwater tidal marshes, 

swamp forests, riverbanks and streambanks, wet meadows, and bogs.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect, usually unbranched perennial from basal 

offshoots; 2-6 feet tall; red flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
118

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Indian Pink

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Spigelia marilandica

fam i ly: (Logania) Loganiaceae 

flow e rs: May-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: SC west to southern IN and OK, south to FL and TX; 

scattered throughout SC; upland forests and woodlands, usually on 

circumneutral soils, in the mountains and piedmonts; in the sandhills, 

coastal plain, and maritime strand usually abundant in calcareous sites.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect perennial herb to 28 inches tall; stems with four to 

seven pairs of opposite, stalkless leaves; flowers are scarlet on outside, 

yellow-green on the inside.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

119

co m m o n n am e: Lady Lupine

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Lupinus villosus

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common in coastal plain on sandy roadsides, or dry 

open woods.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with creeping stems coming from a deep, 

woody taproot; stems are in thick clumps and are hairy throughout; 

flowering stalks up to 20 inches tall; leaves are simple; flowers have 

standard with a deep reddish purple spot (sky-blue lupine looks similar, 

but has a white to cream spot on the standard).

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
120

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Crimson Clover

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Trifolium incarnatum

fam i ly: (Pea or Bean) Fabaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Widely naturalized in the Southeastern United States; 

common throughout SC along roadsides and fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect, annual herb; 8-16 inches tall; plant softly downy; 

leaves palmately three-foliate; petals scarlet, deep red.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon; nonnative invasive/

weedy, considered naturalized
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

121

co m m o n n am e: Butterfly Weed

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Asclepias tuberosa

fam i ly: (Milkweed) Asclepiadaceae

flow e rs: May-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native wide-ranging species, from NH west to 

OH, south to FL panhandle and east TX; common throughout SC in 

sandy oak-hickory forests; sandy, dry, open woods; dry fields, along 

roadsides; and in woodland margins. 

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb from a thick root; stems from 1-2.5 feet 

tall, one to several; erect, creeping, or ascending; juicy, not milky; 

plants rough-hairy throughout; leaves abundant, alternate, obovate to 

oblanceolate, margins flat.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
122

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Indian Blanket; Blanket Flower

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Gaillardia pulchella

fam i ly: (Aster or Sunflower) Asteraceae 

flow e rs: April-frost

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern VA south to FL, and west to TX and 

beyond; in SC, on the outer coastal plain and maritime strand; beach 

dunes, roadsides, and sandy habitats.

d e s cri p ti o n : Short-lived, hairy, perennial herb; 6-28 inches tall; 

creeping to erect; reddish ray and disc flowers, tipped with yellow, or 

occasionally all yellow.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

123

co m m o n n am e: Orange Daylily

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Hemerocallis fulva

fam i ly: Liliaceae 

flow e rs: May-July

h ab i tat-ran g e: SC, FL to east TX, eastern New Brunswick, MN; 

widely domesticated, and escapes occur along roadsides, abandoned 

homesites, and borders of fields.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial to 3 feet tall; rising from swordlike basal leaves 

is a leafless stalk bearing several orange funnel-shaped flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional; nonnative invasive/

weedy, escaped cultivation
124

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Jewelweed; Spotted Touch-me-not

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Impatiens capensis

fam i ly: (Touch-me-not) Balsaminaceae 

flow e rs: May-frost

h ab i tat-ran g e: Saskatchewan to Newfoundland; south to FL 

panhandle, AL, and TX; common throughout SC in shaded wetlands, 

tidal freshwater marshes, streamsides, and moist forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Fleshy annual to 6 feet tall; leaves alternate with 

succulent translucent stems and pendant golden-orange flowers 

splotched with reddish brown.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

125

co m m o n n am e: Orange Milkwort

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Polygala lutea

fam i ly: (Milkwort) Polygalaceae 

flow e rs: April-October

h ab i tat-ran g e: NY to NJ south to peninsular FL, west to LA; in SC, 

found in the sandhills and coastal plain; longleaf pine savannas and 

flatwoods and adjacent ditches.

d e s cri p ti o n : Biennial or perennial to 16 inches tall; stems unbranched 

and smooth, one to several from base; bright orange flowers.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
126

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Yellow Fringed Orchid

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Platanthera ciliaris

fam i ly: (Orchid) Orchidaceae 

flow e rs: July-September

h ab i tat-ran g e: Mostly a mountain and coastal plain species; common 

in the coastal plain in longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods, edges of 

cypress swamps, roadsides, and pocosins.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect, robust, perennial herb, 1-2.5 feet tall; roots fleshy, 

tuberous-thickened; stem smooth, leafy below, reduced to bracts 

above; flowers bright yellow to orange; lip fringed.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Green Foliage

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

129

co m m o n n am e: Hooded Pitcher Plant

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Sarracenia minor

fam i ly: (Pitcher-plant) Sarraceniaceae 

flow e rs: April-May

h ab i tat-ran g e: From southeastern NC to north FL; common in SC 

in sandhills and coastal plain, longleaf pine savannas, pond cypress 

savannas, and wet ditches.

d e s cri p ti o n : Carnivorous, perennial flowering herb; evergreen and 

rhizomatous; leaves 6-24 inches tall, modified into hollow, tubular 

structures to catch insects; winged leaves; hood arching closely over 

the opening of the pitcher; upper portion of hood spotted with white or 

translucent blotches; flowering stalk usually shorter than the leaves.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Rare
130

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Jack-in-the-pulpit

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Arisaema triphyllum

fam i ly: (Arum) Araceae 

flow e rs: March-April

h ab i tat-ran g e: Common and widespread in Eastern North America; 

common throughout SC in rich woods, low woods, and bogs.

d e s cri p ti o n : Erect, perennial herb 8-30 inches tall from a corm; one 

or two leaves, palmately divided; flowers on a fleshy spadix, male 

above, female below; spathe (the pulpit) with a tube and a hood that 

arches over the spadix (jack); fruit is a red berry in clusters, maturing 

in July.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

131

co m m o n n am e: Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Goodyera pubescens

fam i ly: (Orchid) Orchidaceae 

flow e rs: June-August

h ab i tat-ran g e: New Brunswick to Ontario and MN, and south to FL, 

MS, and AK; in SC, common in the upper piedmont and mountains, 

rare in the coastal plain; found in a wide variety of moist to dry 

coniferous or hardwood forests.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb covered with short hairs; from a creeping 

rhizome; has very distinctive basal leaves, which are blue-green and 

variegated with a network of white veins.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
132

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Indian Cucumber-root

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Medeola virginiana

fam i ly: (Lily) Liliaceae 

flow e rs: April-June

h ab i tat-ran g e: Quebec, west to MN, south to GA, FL panhandle, and 

LA; in SC, in the mountains, generally absent from the piedmont and 

sandhills, commonly present in the coastal plain; generally found in 

moist forests, usually with acidic soils.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial herb with a white swollen rhizome; stems 

0.8-2.5 feet tall; leaves usually in two whorls, the upper whorl usually of 

three leaves, the lower of 6-10 leaves; flowers borne on recurved stalks 

beneath the top whorl of leaves; in fruit, the stalks are ascending or 

erect; fruits mature in September-October.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

133

co m m o n n am e: Netted Chain Fern

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Woodwardia areolata

fam i ly: Blechnaceae 

h ab i tat-ran g e: Coastal areas of Eastern North America from Nova 

Scotia to TX.

d e s cri p ti o n : Bright green fronds that grow in lines or loose clusters 

along creeping rhizomes; sterile fronds are with flat wide pinnae at 

the base and narrower lobes toward the top of the fronds; elongated 

sori with thin indusia are borne in chain-like formations on the linear 

segments of the fertile fronds; plants are from 1-2 feet tall.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Common
134

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Cinnamon Fern

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Osmunda cinnamomea

fam i ly: Osmundaceae 

h ab i tat-ran g e: Eastern North America from Labrador to Ontario, 

south to FL and TX.

d e s cri p ti o n : A 2-4 feet tall, statuesque plant with erect clusters of 

emerging fiddleheads covered in tawny hairs that radiate from a short, 

wiry, crown-forming rhizome; deep green fertile fronds rise from the 

center of the clump and turn bright cinnamon brown as they mature, 

forming a tall arching vase that matures as the ephemeral fertile fronds 

dry out; in fall, these fronds turn from russet to golden. 

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Occasional
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

135

co m m o n n am e: Southern Woodfern

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Dryopteris ludoviciana

fam i ly: Dryopteridaceae 

h ab i tat-ran g e: Swamps and wetlands from FL west to TX, and as far 

north as KY and NC.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial rhizome forming upright branching crown; 

clumps of glossy fronds up to 3 feet tall.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Uncommon
136

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

co m m o n n am e: Brackenfern

s ci e n ti fi c n am e: Pteridium aquilinum

fam i ly: Dennstaedtiaceae 

h ab i tat-ran g e: Native. Widely occurs on acid soils from open pine 

forests to abandoned pastures, especially those frequently burned. 

Also occurs on moist sites under mature forests, along forest margins 

and ROWs.

d e s cri p ti o n : Perennial coarse fern with stiff upright stems having 

triangular-shaped fronds; has erect stiff alternate branches; flowers 

are spore clusters, brownish, along margins on underside of leaflets at 

specific time, usually after fire or disturbance.

re lati v e ab u n d an ce an d s tatu s: Abundant; weedy/invasive
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

137

Duncan, Wilbur H.; Duncan, Marion B. 1999. Wildflowers of the Eastern United States. 

Athens: University of Georgia Press. 380 p.

Jones, Samuel B., Jr.; Foote, Leonard E. 1993. Gardening with Native Wild Flowers. 

Portland, OR: Timber Press. 247 p.

Kilgo, John C.; Blake, John I., eds. 2005. Ecology and management of a forested 

landscape: fifty years on the Savannah River Site. Washington, DC: Island Press: 

12–18.

Miller, James H.; Miller, Karl V. 2005. Forest Plants of the Southeast and their Wildlife 

Uses (revised edition). Athens: University of Georgia Press. 454 p.

Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. 1998. National Audubon Society Field Guide 

to North American Wildflowers. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 696 p.

Porcher, Richard D.; Raynor, Douglas A. 2001. A Guide to the Wildflowers of South 

Carolina. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. 551 p.

Porcher, Richard D. 1995. Wildflowers of the Carolina Lowcountry and Lower Pee Dee. 

Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. 302 p.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2005. South Carolina 

Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Columbia, SC: South Carolina 

Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/cwcs/plan/Chapter2.

pdf. [Date accessed: April 2015].

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. The PLANTS database. 

Greensboro, NC: National Plant Data Team: http://plants.usda.gov. [Date 

accessed: January 2015].

references
138

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

Purple/Blue Flowers

1 Pickerelweed

2 Clasping Heliotrope 

3 Smooth purple Coneflower

4 Oak Ridge Lupine

5 Purple Passionflower

6 Healall

7 Hyssop Skullcap

8 Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass

9 Smooth Vetch

10 Brazil Vervain

11 Moss Verbena

12 American Beautyberry

13 Boykin’s Lobelia

14 Oblongleaf Snakeherb

15 Birdfoot Violet

16 Longleaf lobelia

17 Downy Lobelia

18 Carolina Larkspur

19 Fringed Bluestar

20 Elephant’s Foot

21 Leather Flower

Pink Flowers

25 Spurred Butterfly Pea

26 Sandhill Thistle

27 Pink Lady’s Slipper

28 Joe-pye-weed

29 Pinkscale Blazing Star

30 Horsemint

31 Eustis Lake Beardtongue

32 Goat’s Rue

33 Spiderwort

34 Eastern Purple Bladderwort

35 Carolina Rose

36 Scaly Blazing Star

37 Prairie Fleabane

38 Tall Bush-clover

39 Smooth Ticktrefoil

40 Pinxter Flower

41 Sweet Mountain Azalea

42 Virginia Meadow-beauty

43 Barbara’s Buttons

44 Pink Wild Bean

45 Violet Woodsorrel

46 Carolina Phlox

Yellow Flowers

49 Woodland Sunflower

50 St. Peter’s-wort

51 Pitted Stripeseed

52 Showy Rattle-box

53 Partridge Pea

54 Pencilflower

55 Rabbit-bells

56 Common Goldenrod

57 Southern Sneezeweed

58 Southern Ragwort

59 Squarehead

60 Hairy False Foxglove

61 Yellow Stargrass

62 Eastern Prickly-pear

63 Whorled-leaf Coreopsis

64 Lance-leaved Coreopsis

65 Green-and-gold

66 Carolina False Dandelion

67 Dollarweed

68 Puccoon

69 Coastal Plain Yelloweyed

Grass 

70 Black-eyed Susan

71 Eastern Green Eyes

72 Rosemary Sunrose

73 Sundrops

index

of wildflowers by color
Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site

139

White Flowers

77 Easter Lily

78 Fragrant Waterlily

79 Cottonweed

80 Jointweed

81 Hatpin

82 Wild Garlic

83 Partridge Berry

84 Fringe-tree

85 Sweet Bay

86 Bigroot Morning Glory

87 Ox-eye Daisy

88 Nestronia

89 Oakleaf Hydrangea

90 Spurge-nettle

91 Woolly White

92 Bigleaf Snowbell

93 Flowering Spurge

94 Highbush Blackberry

95 Pipsissewa

96 Water Hemlock

97 Sandhill Lily

98 Yucca

99 Sticky Catchfly

100 Flowering Dogwood

101 Green Fringed Orchid

102 White Milkweed

103 Sericea Lespedeza

104 Wire-plant

105 Pale Meadow Beauty

106 White Wild Indigo

107 Bloodroot

108 Smooth Solomon’s-seal

109 False Solomon’s-seal

Red/Orange Flowers

113 Coral Honeysuckle

114 Curly Milkweed

115 Coral Bean

116 Oconee Azalea

117 Cardinal Flower

118 Indian Pink

119 Lady Lupine

120 Crimson Clover

121 Butterfly Weed

122 Indian Flower

123 Orange Daylily

124 Jewelweed

125 Orange Milkwort

126 Yellow Fringed Orchid

Green Foliage

129 Hooded Pitcher Plant

130 Jack-in-the-pulpit

131 Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

132 Indian Cucumber-root

133 Netted Chain Fern

134 Cinnamon Fern

135 Southern Woodfern 

136 Brackenfern

index

of wildflowers by color

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