48 Common WILDFLOWERS Found in Washington! (state)
There are hundreds of different wildflowers found in Washington!
Because of the vast amount of species, it can be really hard to correctly identify one that you found. In addition, there are numerous cultivars and hybrids you may come across that probably originated at a local garden center.
These facts make it difficult to put together a list of wildflowers in Washington. 🙂
Regardless, I did my best to find the most common and widespread species. To make the list easier to navigate, I have organized the wildflowers below by color. Click the links below to go directly to that section.
Please remember these two things as you read:
- This list is not a recommendation of plants you should plant in your yard. It is an ID guide to wildflowers you may encounter. While many of the wildflowers below would make excellent additions to your gardens, there are also various species that are invasive and should be avoided and destroyed if it starts growing on your property.
- Determining the color of some wildflowers is a matter of opinion. For example, certain species may appear purplish-blue to me, so I included it in the “Blue Wildflowers” section, but you think it’s more of a blue-purple, and it belongs under “Purple Wildflowers.”
Here are 48 common types of wildflowers in Washington:
BLUE WILDFLOWERS:
#1. Chicory
- Cichorium intybus
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 1-4′ (30-120 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
This non-native wildflower is found throughout Washington.
Typically you will find this plant where it’s sunny and dry, so look for it along roads and open fields.
The exciting thing about Chicory is that you can eat it! The leaves are high in vitamins and minerals. You can eat the leaves as a vegetable or in a salad, but beware, they are very bitter tasting. The roots can also be boiled and eaten with butter. Sometimes the root is roasted and ground as a substitute or additive to coffee.
Interestingly, Chicory flowers only bloom for ONE day. And in hot weather, the flower may only be open for a few hours!
#2. Blue Vervain
- Verbena hastata
Also known as the American Vervain or Swamp Verbena.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 2-5′ (60-150cm)
- Bloom Time: Early Summer-Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Look for this hardy and drought-resistant wildflower in Washington in plains, foothills, wet soils, ditches, shores, and wet fields.
The Blue Vervain attracts various native bees, honeybees, beneficial wasps, small butterflies, skippers, and moths. It is also a great host plant because the Verbena Moth and the Common Buckeye Butterfly caterpillars feed on the leaves.
#3. Common Blue Violet
- Viola sororia
Also known as Common Meadow Violet, Purple Violet, Woolly Blue Violet, Hooded Violet, and Wood Violet.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 6-10″ (15-25cm)
- Bloom Time: Mid-Spring-Late Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Some people consider this beautiful wildflower a weed in Washington!
Believe it or not, the Common Blue Violet can randomly start growing in the middle of your lawn. If it appears, it can attract mason bees, caterpillars, wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, doves, and ants. The ants are attracted to their seeds that are coated with protein.
Interestingly, this wildflower can self-fertilize inside the plant without opening. The seed capsules eventually turn upright, open, and SHOOT OUT their seeds as far as 9 feet (2.75 m) away from the plant.
#4. Common Periwinkle
- Vinca minor
Also known as Lesser Periwinkle or Dwarf Periwinkle.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 4-6″ (10-15cm)
- Bloom Time: Year-Round
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
The Common Periwinkle is not native to North America. Regardless, this perennial can attract bumblebees, Anthophorid Bees, Mason Bees, and bee flies.
This wildflower is often used as a ground cover in Washington. The main benefit is it’s deer resistant!
#5. Teasel
- Dipsacus fullonum
Also known as Wild Teasel and Fuller’s Teasel.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Biennial
- Approximate mature size: 4-6′ (120-180 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
These common wildflowers are easily identified in Washington by their prickly stem and leaves and unique purplish-blue flowers.
Teasel attracts certain types of birds, such as goldfinches, because the seeds are an important winter food resource.
Teasel has health benefits such as a kidney tonic, which promotes the healing of broken bones and torn, injured, or inflamed connective tissue. This makes it helpful in treating Lyme disease symptoms since the Lyme-inducing bacteria often target the nerve, muscle & connective tissues.
#6. Forget-me-not
- Myosotis scorpioides
Also known as Water Forget-me-not, True Forget-me-not, Love-me, Mouse-ear, Mouse-ear Scorpion Grass, Scorpion Weed, and Snake Grass.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 6-12″ (15-30 cm)
- Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
The Forget-me-not is also known as the Scorpion Weed. The reason for this is because it has a coiled flower stalk like a tail of a scorpion. Some have also said the common name Forget-me-not comes from this plant’s unpleasant taste or odor, which is hard to forget!
The seeds of Forget-me-nots spread rapidly, and you may find them sprouting up in places you didn’t plan for. Don’t worry; you can dig up the flower and replant it anywhere you want since they are not bothered by being moved. I would suggest not destroying the plant because this perennial attracts butterflies, bees, and moths.
#7. Virginia Bluebells
- Mertensia virginica
Also known as Bluebells, Virginian Bluebells, Blue and Pink Ladies, Blue Iris, Chiming Bells, Kentucky Bluebells, Roanoke Bells, Smooth Lungwort, Tree Lungwort, Virginian Cowslip, Virginian Spiderwort, and Mertensia pulmonarioides.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 10-24″ (25-60 cm)
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Sun Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Virginia Bluebells are one of the earliest blooming wildflowers in Washington.
This BEAUTIFUL perennial is typically found in wet shade and on the edges of deciduous woods. This unique wildflower starts with pink buds; then blooms into pretty sky-blue flowers.
Virginia Bluebells attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I think they are stunning when massed together and are definitely one of my favorite wildflowers.
#8. Bachelor’s Button
- Centaurea cyanus
Also known as Cornflower.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-4
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate mature size: 1-3′ (30-90cm)
- Bloom Time: Late Spring-Late Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Light Shade
This common wildflower is a magnet for butterflies in Washington. In addition, it’s excellent for cutting and drying.
The Bachelor’s Button flowers are daisy-like and virtually pest and disease-free. And can you believe they are also deer and drought tolerant?! I recommend this easy-to-grow plant for borders of flower beds or rock gardens.
PURPLE WILDFLOWERS:
#9. Bull Thistle
- Cirsium vulgare
Also known as Boar Thistle, Common Thistle, Dodder, and Spear Thistle.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-8b
- Life Cycle: Biennial
- Approximate mature size: 2-6′ (.6-1.8 m)
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade
Bull Thistle is a common wildflower in Washington.
But be careful when handling it because it’s spiny!
The seeds of this thistle are an excellent food source for goldfinches. However, these birds also use the thistledown to line their nests; thus, they wait until the flowers bloom in late summer to raise their young. In addition, it’s also a great flower if you want to attract giant bees and butterflies.
#10. Common Burdock
- Arctium minus
Also known as Lesser Burdock, Little Burdock, Louse-bur, Button-bur, Cuckoo-button, and Wild Rhubarb.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-10b
- Life Cycle: Biennial
- Approximate mature size: 4-6′ (120-180 cm)
- Bloom Time: Mid Summer – Mid Fall
- Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
Look for this wildflower in Washington in pastures, open prairies, hayfields, roadsides, old fields, barnyards, railways, and other disturbed areas.
Common Burdock has large leaves and deep purple flowers resembling rhubarb, making it easy to identify. After the flower head dries, they are similar to velcro because they stick onto humans and animals to transport the entire seed head!
This wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. But be careful if you handle this plant; it may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
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#11. Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass
- Triodanis perfoliata
Also known as Roundleaf Triodanis and Clasping Bellflower.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate mature size: 6-36″ (15-91 cm)
- Bloom Time: Spring, Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
You can find this wildflower in Washington in dry sandy soils, such as disturbed areas, gardens, and woods.
Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass can be identified by looking for the flowers blooming in the rounded leaves. This plant can self-pollinate and attracts small butterflies, bees, and flies.
#12. Bee Balm
- Monarda fistulosa
Also known as Wild Bergamot, Horsemint, and Wild Bee Balm.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-9b
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 2-4′ (60-120 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
This perennial has beautiful lilac-purple blooms. Bee Balm can be found in dry areas of fields, prairies, and along roads in Washington.
The main reason that I grow Bee Balm in my flower garden is to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinator bees. When this NATIVE perennial is in full bloom, birds and insects can’t resist visiting the nectar-rich flowers. Many people claim that Bee Balm is so effective at drawing in hummingbirds that they no longer have to worry about filling their feeders!
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Interestingly, Bee Balm leaves make a refreshing tea that provides many health benefits, as its antimicrobial properties help ward off colds and the flu.
#13. Creeping Charlie
- Glechoma hederacea
Also known as Gill-over-ground, Ground Ivy, Hedgemaids, Field Balm, Tunhoof, Catsfoot, Run-away-robin, and Alehoof.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-10b
- Life Cycle: Perennials
- Approximate mature size: 5-8″ (12.5-20 cm)
- Bloom Time: Spring, Summer
- Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
This wildflower grows in large groups in moist semi-shaded areas and tolerates the sun very well. Bees especially love collecting pollen from Creeping Charlie.
Many people in Washington consider this wildflower a weed. It’s commonly found growing in lawns, and because of the plant’s extensive root system, it is difficult to get rid of by hand-pulling or mowing. I have personally battled with Creeping Charlie in my yard!
#14. Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum salicaria
Also known as Spiked Loosetrife and Purple Lythrum.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-9b
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 2-5′ (60-150 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Typically you will see this wildflower in Washington in wet areas.
For example, look for it in wet meadows, marshes, and along lakes. It’s hard to believe Purple Loosestrife is usually not welcome, but this invasive species can take over and push out native plants.
Purple Loosestrife reproduces VERY quickly, as each flower spike can produce up to 300,000 seeds. In addition, it also spreads by growing new shoots from its roots.
#15. Dame’s Rocket
- Hesperis matronalis
Also known as the Damask-violet, Dame’s-violet, Dames-wort, Dame’s Gilliflower, Night-scented Gilliflower, Queen’s Gilliflower, Rogue’s Gilliflower, Summer Lilac, Sweet Rocket, Mother-of-the-evening, Good & Plenties, and Winter Gilliflower.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Biennials or Short-lived Perennials
- Approximate mature size: 1-4′ (30-122 cm)
- Bloom Time: Early to Mid Spring
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
This wildflower is widespread throughout Washington.
Dame’s Rocket is fast-spreading and found in meadows and woodlands. Look for them included in prepackaged “wildflower seed” mixes.
In some areas, this plant is considered invasive. However, the young leaves of this spring-blooming flower are high in Vitamin C, can be eaten in salads, and have a slightly bitter taste.
#16. Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea purpurea
Also known as Eastern Coneflower and Eastern Purple Coneflower.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2a-10b
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 2-3′ (60-90 cm)
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade
Purple Coneflower is extremely hardy, which is why people love growing them in their gardens in Washington. The flowers are also heat and drought-resistant, which means they will thrive in harsh conditions. The only negative I have found is that rabbits LOVE nibbling and eating the leaves.
The cone-shaped disc comprises several smaller flowers, which contain LOADS of nectar. The colorful blooms draw the attention of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Make sure to select an appropriate place in your landscaping beds, as Purple Coneflower grows anywhere from two to four feet high. In addition, coneflowers grow in clumps or clusters up to two feet wide. So be sure to give your plants plenty of room to thrive!
#17. Heal-All
- Prunella vulgaris
Also known as Common Self-heal, Woundwort, Heart-of-the-earth, Carpenter’s Herb, Brownwort, or Blue Curls.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate mature size: 6-12″ (15-30cm)
- Bloom Time: Late Spring-Late Fall
- Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
This wildflower is one of the most common in Washington.
You will find Heal-all in lawns, along roadsides, and on the edge of woodlands. It’s especially aggressive in large grassy areas.
This plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. As a result, it is often used as a ground cover on border fronts, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.
PINK WILDFLOWERS:
#18. Spreading Dogbane
- Apocynum androsaemifolium
Also known as Fly-trap Dogbane, Bitterroot.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-60 in (61-152 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade
As you might have guessed from its name, Spreading Dogbane is a prolific grower, which is why you’ll find it widespread across both North America and Europe. It’s called “dogbane” because it is highly poisonous to dogs (and humans too).
Spreading Dogbane has small, pink bell-shaped flowers and a scent similar to lilac. Look for this wildflower in Washington in the sandy soil of streambanks.
#19. Joe Pye Weed
- Eutrochium
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-96 in (61-244 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade
Joe Pye Weed is the common name for plants that are in the genus Eutrochium. These wildflowers are NATIVE to Washington and highly recommended to plant in your yard! It’s recognizable by the large pink flower clusters at the end of long stems, which attract many types of pollinators!
Naturally, Joe Pye Weed grows naturally at the edges of woodlands and wet meadows. If you plant it in your yard, it does best when in partial shade. And one of my favorite things about this wildflower is that it’s deer resistant. 🙂
There are 5 species of wild Eutrochium found in North America:
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Eutrochium dubium: Also known as Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed, it’s located in the eastern USA and Canada, and its range extends from Nova Scotia to Georgia.
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Eutrochium fistulosum: This species is also referred to as Hollow Joe Pye Weed, Trumpetweed, or Purple Thoroughwort. It thrives from southern Canada to the eastern and southern USA, from Maine west to Ontario, Wisconsin, and Missouri, and south as far as Florida.
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Eutrochium maculatum: Commonly called Spotted Joe Pye Weed, it’s found throughout much of the USA and Canada. It’s the only wild Joe Pye species that is located west of the Great Plains.
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Eutrochium purpureum: This species is native to eastern and central North America. It’s commonly known as Purple Joe-Pye Weed, Kidney-root, Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed, and Sweet Joe Pye Weed.
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Eutrochium steelei: Found only in parts of the Appalachian Mountains. This Joe Pye Weed species is commonly known as Steele’s eupatorium.
When you go shopping for Joe Pye Weed at your local garden center, you probably won’t find any of the wild species listed above. That’s OK, most of the options you will find at a store will be a cultivar of a wild variety.
#20. Wild Mint
- Mentha arvensis
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3.9-39 in (10-99 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Light Shade
Wild Mint has dense clusters of lavender, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers. Like other species of mint, the fragrance is most potent when the leaves are damaged.
Look for this native wildflower in Washington in wetlands with partial sunlight. It grows best on stream and river banks.
#21. Fireweed
- Chamerion angustifolium
Also known as Willow Herb.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8
- Life Cycle: Annual or Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 18-120 in (46-305 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Spring and Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
True to its name, Fireweed is a resilient plant that will be the first to grow in clearings recently devastated by forest fires. For example, Fireweed was seen growing throughout Washington State one year after Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.
To find Fireweed, look for striking spikes of purplish-pink flowers covering a landscape. Hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies like to feed on this wildflower.
#22. Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus latifolius
Also known as Perennial Pea, Perennial Peavine.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 60-120 in (152-305 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
The Everlasting Pea is a frost-hardy vine that requires little care and grows like a weed when not controlled. It is native to Europe but has been naturalized in North America since the 1700s. Look for this wildflower in Washington on sunny banks with clay-rich soil.
The long tendrils and purplish-pink flowers of the Everlasting Pea look beautiful when climbing trellises or fences in your garden. You can also use it as a sprawling groundcover for banks and slopes.
Butterflies and bees find the pea-shaped blooms attractive. The vibrant colors will fade to white as the Everlasting Pea matures.
#23. Crown Vetch
- Securigera varia
Also known as Purple Crownvetch, Crownvetch.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-72 in (30-183 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Even though the large, pink clover-like blooms of Crown Vetch are beautiful, this plant is invasive in North America. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, Crown Vetch was introduced locally to be used as a groundcover in controlling soil erosion.
Look for this wildflower in Washington on sunny, sandy banks where it can push out less hardy plants.
If you plant Crown Vetch on your property, choose an isolated location far away from flower gardens. Don’t forget to control its growth so it doesn’t spread to other areas and invade native species and ecosystems.
YELLOW WILDFLOWERS:
#24. Birds-foot Trefoil
- Lotus corniculatus
Also known as Birdfoot Deervetch, Bloomfell, Cat’s Clover, and Crowtoes.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 2-8 in (5-20 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Birds-foot Trefoil has yellow, orange, and sometimes red-streaked flowers atop long stalks. As beautiful as the blooms are, this wildflower is considered invasive in many areas of Washington. It tends to choke out native plants and overtake entire gardens and fields.
It’s especially aggressive in sandy soil, fields, parks, and roadsides. However, Birds-foot Trefoil is useful as long as you can control its growth. Its flowers serve as an important food source for many pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths.
#25. St. John’s Wort
- Hypericum perforatum
Also known as Klamath Weed, Tipton Weed, and Goat Weed.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 11-35 in (28-89 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
St. John’s Wort has clusters of showy yellow flowers. It grows abundantly in prairies, pastures, disturbed fields, and sandy soils.
Unfortunately, this plant is an invasive species in North America. Not only does St. John’s Wort outcompete other plants, but it can also be fatal to horses, sheep, and other livestock when ingested.
Although some bees, butterflies, and beetles feed on the pollen of St. John’s Wort, you shouldn’t allow this plant to spread in landscapes. It can do more harm than good in ecosystems.
#26. Sneezeweed
- Helenium autumnale
Also known as False Sunflower, Bitterweed.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-60 in (90-150 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
To identify this wildflower in Washington, look for pretty daisy-like flowers blooming in the fall. You can find Sneezeweed along streams, ponds, swamps, and wetlands. Some cultivars are popularly grown in gardens and have showier flowers than ones in the wild.
Despite the name Sneezeweed, the pollen from this plant isn’t likely to cause allergic reactions. Its name comes from an old medicinal practice of drying and crushing its leaves to make snuff, a powder that causes sneezing. This practice was thought to remove evil spirits from the body!
Native bees, honey bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles are attracted to the Sneezeweed. It will grow in most soil conditions and is resistant to common diseases.
#27. Black-eyed Susan
- Rudbeckia hirta
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Biennial or short-lived Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-36 in (30-90 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Look for this native wildflower in Washington in open woods, prairies, fields, and roadsides.
Black-eyed Susans grow graceful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. It owes its common name to the fact that each flower has a striking dark “eye” in the center. You can expect to see many species of bees, birds, and butterflies visiting the beautiful blooms. Goldfinches also occasionally eat the seeds.
Black-eyed Susans are a crowd favorite in gardens and parks everywhere. It will look excellent in mixed borders, wildflower gardens, and container pots. Best of all, it blooms within a year after you sow the seeds.
#28. Green-headed Coneflower
- Rudbeckia laciniata
Also known as Wild Goldenglow, Cutleaf Coneflower, and Thimbleweed.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 36-108 in (90-270 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
You’re likely to find Green-headed Coneflower growing near woods, stream banks, swamps, and roadside ditches. The large, tall, and bright yellow flowers are difficult to miss.
You can grow this wildflower in Washington in prairies and meadows to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Then, in the fall, leave some flowerheads for songbirds like goldfinches that like to eat the seeds.
Keep in mind that the rhizomes of the Green-headed Coneflower will spread quickly underground, so this wildflower needs space to grow. The tall blooms are better suited for larger landscapes.
#29. Wild Parsnip
- Pastinaca sativa
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Life Cycle: Biennial or Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 48-59 in (122-150 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
You might be familiar with parsnip as a delicious root vegetable, but its relative that grows in the wild is dangerous to your health! Wild Parsnips smell and taste like cultivated parsnips, except their leaves and stems cause severe blisters and burns. (see below!)
To identify this wildflower in Washington, look for its grooved stems and flat-topped flower clusters of yellow blooms.
Wild Parsnip is an invasive species in North America. It spreads rapidly, threatening to choke native plants and poisoning livestock that eats it. You can spot its vivid yellow blooms in ditches, roadsides, and abandoned fields in early spring.
#30. Goldenrod
- Solidago
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 36-60 in (90-150 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
There are over 120 species of Goldenrod native to North America!
The blooms of Goldenrod may be tiny, but they make up for their small size with their vibrant color in the summer and fall. They grow in clusters on top of branched stems with stiff leaves.
Although Goldenrod is often blamed for hay fever, pollen grains from similar-looking plants like ragweed are likely the culprit. Enjoying the uniquely-shaped blooms is perfectly safe, but this wildflower can spread aggressively in gardens. You can contain its growth by planting it in pots and pruning it regularly.
A wide variety of bees, butterflies, and beetles rely on this native wildflower in Washington.
#31. Common Sunflower
- Helianthus annuus
Buy sunflower seeds for planting HERE!
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 36-120 in (91-304 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
The Common Sunflower is one of the most popular flowers all over the world, and rightfully so. The impressively large yellow petals and attractive dark centers are a classic sight in the late summer and early fall.
In the wild, look for sunflowers in prairies, grasslands, old fields, roadsides, and forest edges. But, of course, you will also find sunflowers in gardens where they’re enjoyed by people and animals alike.
Aside from their aesthetic value, Common Sunflowers also feed populations of bees, butterflies, and insect pollinators. Birds and mammals enjoy the seeds, and the best part is that you can eat them too for a tasty snack!
#32. Common Mullein
- Verbascum thapsus
Also known as Flannel Plant, Big Taper, Velvet Dock.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-84 in (60-213 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Common Mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but this wildflower is now considered a naturalized species in Washington. It grows so well that it can take over roadsides, meadows, and pasture lands.
You can recognize it by its small yellow blooms densely grouped on a tall stem and the velvety, dense leaves at the base of the plant. As the stems shoot upwards from a base of large leaves, the overall appearance of this plant might remind you of corn.
Common Mullein is a valuable medicinal plant. In ancient times, it was used to treat pulmonary diseases, inflammations, and various ailments. Today, you can find its dried leaves, flowers, and oil extracts in health stores.
#33. Buttercups
- Ranunculus
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
- Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 8-18 in (20-45 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Early Spring to Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
You may be familiar with the well-loved Buttercup, but you might not know that it is a genus of flowers with 600 unique species worldwide. Buttercups are most commonly known for their yellow flowers, but they also come in beautiful shades of orange, pink, red, purple, and cream. You can cut the flowers for arrangements and grow them in gardens to attract pollinators.
In Washington, look for this wildflower growing in moist habitats, fields, meadows, and roadsides. They usually bloom in the spring and summer.
#34. Spiny Sow-thistle
- Sonchus asper
Also known as Rough Milk Thistle.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-9a
- Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 11-43 in (30-110 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Spiny Sow-thistle is an invasive wildflower that grows throughout Washington. It can be found in pastures, roadsides, vacant lots, construction sites, grasslands, and waste areas. It’s native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Don’t let Spiny Sow-thistle spread if you see it growing near your yard. It can overwhelm native plants and host diseases and pests that affect garden plants and crops. To identify Spiny Sow-thistle, look for spiky leaves and dandelion-like yellow flowers on tall stems.
#35. Dandelion
- Taraxacum officinale
Also known as Common Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Blowball.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 6-12 in (15-30 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
The bright yellow flowers that turn into balls of silver-tufted seed heads make Dandelions easy to recognize. Look for these common wildflowers in Washington in meadows, fields, river shores, lakes, and disturbed habitats. Honeybees and other beneficial insects are attracted to Dandelions.
Dandelions tend to grow like weeds on lawns and roadsides. This species is native to Europe and Asia but has spread worldwide because of how resilient it is in most soil conditions.
You can eat the leaves, roots, and flowers of the Dandelion! They taste like honey when fresh but turn bitter as the plant ages. Use them to make jam, salad, wine, or tea.
WHITE WILDFLOWERS:
#36. Fleabane
- Erigeron annuus
Also known as Daisy Fleabane, Dependable Daisy, Vergerettes.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8a
- Life Cycle: Annual, Biennial, or Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-24 in (10-61 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Fleabane is a genus of at least 400 species, many of which are native wildflowers that can be found in Washington. They’re often a favorite of gardeners! It boasts thin, delicate petals attached to yellow disc centers.
Bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds love to visit Fleabane’s daisy-like flowers. They bloom enthusiastically from spring to fall in pastures, roadsides, dry mountains, and grasslands.
Fleabane is a breeze to care for in the garden because it’s drought-resistant, self-seeding, and not fussy with soil type. You can plant it as a groundcover or use it to soften the edges of hard landscapes. Fleabane flowers look good in mixed borders, rock, or coastal gardens.
#37. Indian Hemp
- Apocynum cannabinum
Also known as Dogbane, Hemp Dogbane, Prairie Dogbane, Amy Root, Rheumatism Root, Wild Cotton.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3b-11
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-60 in (61-152 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Despite being native to North America, this wildflower is considered an aggressive weed in Washington.
You’ll likely find it in dry, rocky woods, meadows, and prairies. Unfortunately, it also thrives on farms where it’s known to reduce the yield of corn, soybeans, and other crops.
In addition to its invasive nature, all parts of Indian Hemp are highly toxic to humans, dogs, and livestock. Avoid touching the milky sap, which can cause blisters on your skin. Its stiff, reddish stems and bushy lance-shaped leaves will help you identify this plant.
The small white flowers are rich with nectar, so don’t be surprised to see lots of butterflies and moths where Indian Hemp grows.
#38. English Plantain
- Plantago lanceolata
Also known as Ribwort Plantain, Lanceleaf Indianwheat, Ribgrass.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-20 in (10-51 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
The English Plantain is an introduced wildflower in Washington, originally native to Europe and Asia.
It’s one of the most recognizable lawn weeds with its long, hairy, flowering spikes. These spikes contain small and inconspicuous white flowers. You can spot English Plantain growing in disturbed habitats, dry meadows, grazing pastures, and roadsides. Its flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles, while songbirds eat their seeds.
Interestingly, English Plantain can adapt to different conditions depending on how humans try to eradicate it! For example, this plant naturally grows in tall stalks, but if the area where it grows is frequently mowed, it will grow low to the ground to avoid being cut.
#39. Yarrow
- Achillea millefolium
Also known as Bloodwort, Carpenter’s Weed, Devil’s Nettle.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-36 in (61-91 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
Planting Yarrow in your garden will reward you with abundant flowers that grow in clusters. They have small feathery leaves that look like ferns, and their scent might remind you of chrysanthemums (mums).
Some Yarrow plants were introduced from Europe in colonial times. However, there are many native subspecies of this wildflower in Washington. Together, they form colorful hybrids that will attract bees, wasps, beetles, moths, and butterflies to your garden.
Yarrow plants naturally occur in disturbed areas, grasslands, open forests, and roadsides. They can tolerate drought and survive in less than perfect conditions.
#40. Catnip
- Nepeta cataria
Also known as Catswort, Catmint, Field Balm.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-36 in (61-91 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Catnip is a famous plant with a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Of course, you might know of Catnip as a recreational stimulant for cats. As a member of the Mint family, it has aromatic leaves that can repel mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites.
Catnip is native to Europe and Asia, but this wildflower is naturalized in Washington. You can find it growing on roadsides, streams, waste grounds, dry banks, and fields. The triangular, veiny leaves and the small white or purple spotted flowers will help you recognize this plant.
Bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, and many pollinators love the nectar-laden flowers of Catnip. In addition, you can expect goldfinches and other birds to eat the seeds in the fall. Catnip grows best in full sun and well-drained soils.
#41. Queen Anne’s Lace
- Daucus carota
Also known as Wild Carrot, Bird’s Nest, Bishop’s Lace.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-11a
- Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-48 in (30-122 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Queen Anne’s Lace was introduced to North America by early European settlers. This wildflower is an aggressive weed in many areas, invading grasslands, meadows, roadsides, and degraded prairies.
Interestingly, this wildflower is the ancestor of domesticated carrots that we cultivate and eat. Also known as the Wild Carrot, it is edible when young, but the roots quickly become woody and fibrous as they age.
To identify this plant, look for two-foot-tall umbels with small white flowers and hairy stems. Queen Anne’s Lace adapts to most soils and can be difficult to pull up from the ground. It produces and spreads seeds prolifically, so it’s best to prevent them from taking root in your planned garden.
#42. Oxeye Daisy
- Leucanthemum vulgare
Also known as Dog Daisy, Marguerite, White Weed.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-24 in (30-61 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Oxeye Daisy has beautiful white petals surrounding yellow disc-shaped centers. Unfortunately, this wildflower is from Europe and is an invasive species in Washington. Its seeds and underground rhizomes spread aggressively, colonizing native ecosystems. Today, you can find it growing in grassy fields, meadows, disturbed sites, and open woodlands.
Although it can self-fertilize, the Oxeye Daisy gets help with pollination from bees, flies, beetles, moths, and butterflies.
#43. White Clover
- Trifolium repens
Also known as Dutch Clover, Shamrock, Honeysuckle Grass.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 4-6 in (10-15 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
White Clover is native to Europe and Asia, but this wildflower is considered a naturalized species in Washington. It grows so well that it can take over lawns, roadsides, pastures, and waste areas. Fortunately, however, White Clover doesn’t usually compete with native vegetation!
From spring to fall, White Clover blooms with an abundance of creamy white, rounded flowers. You might be familiar with its green leaves, which typically have three leaflets. But if you find one with four, you can consider yourself lucky! 🙂
Interestingly, all parts of the White Clover are edible. You can use the dried flowers to make tea or the young leaves in a salad. You can also grind the flowers and seed pods to be sprinkled as a seasoning on cooked food. It has a subtle vanilla-like flavor.
RED & ORANGE WILDFLOWERS:
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View a complete list of RED wildflowers in Washington HERE
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View a complete list of ORANGE wildflowers in Washington HERE
#44. Spotted Coralroot
- Corallorhiza maculata
Also known as Summer Coralroot, Speckled Coral Root, and Many-flowered Coral Root.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3.9-31 in (10-79 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Shade
This wildflower is found in wooded areas in Washington.
The most interesting feature of Spotted Coralroot is that it doesn’t have any leaves! Instead, the bare stalks produce clusters of flowers. Since this plant isn’t capable of photosynthesis, it siphons nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi, which is a natural fungus that occurs in its roots.
Mining bees are especially attracted to Spotted Coralroot. Although they pollinate this native orchid, it can also self-pollinate by transferring its pollen as its flower opens.
#45. Scarlet Bee Balm
- Monarda didyma
Also known as Scarlet Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle, and Woodbine.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-72 in (61-183 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
A native wildflower in Washington, Scarlet Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It can grow up to 4′ (1.2 m) tall and produces bright red tubular blooms that are a fantastic nectar source. Deadheading flowers will encourage a second round of blooms.
Although it’s most commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, you may spot Scarlet Bee Balm on the edge of forests in full sun.
#46. Orange Hawkweed
- Hieracium aurantiacum (synonymous with Pilosella aurantiaca)
Also known as Orange Hawkbit, Orange Aster, Devil’s Paintbrush, King Devil Hawkweed, Devil’s Weed, Tawny Hawkweed, Red Daisy Flameweed, Grim-the-collier, Fox, and Cubs.
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 10-24 in (25-61 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Orange Hawkweed is a favorite of many gardeners for its coppery, orange-red to yellow flowers with black tips that attract many pollinators. Did you know the ancient Greeks believed that the milky sap of hawkweeds gave hawks their sharp eyesight?
This wildflower was introduced to Washington in the 1800s. Interestingly, research in 2009 revealed that most Orange Hawkweed populations collected in North America are genetic clones of one another. This reveals that they all came from the same original plant!
Beware! Orange Hawkweed grows aggressively fast!
#47. Spotted Touch-Me-Not
- Impatiens capensis (formerly known as Impatiens biflora)
Also known as Orange Balsam, Orange Jewelweed, Jewelweed, Common Jewelweed, Spotted Jewelweed, Snapweed, Spotted Snap Weed, Silver Leaf, and Silver-cap.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-60 in (61-152 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Exposure: Shade to Partial Sun
Spotted Touch-Me-Not is famous for its yellowish-orange flowers with brown spots. As the name suggests, its seed pods will explode if you touch them!
Plant this wildflower in your yard if you want to attract birds!
The Spotted Touch-Me-Not comprises approximately one-tenth of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s diet. The long tubular flowers of the Spotted Touch-Me-Not are especially attractive to hummingbirds who use their slender beaks to collect the nectar. In addition to hummingbirds feasting on the nectar, the seeds are eaten by birds such as grouse and pheasants.
#48. Blanket Flower
- Gaillardia pulchella
Also known as Indian Blanketflower, Beach Blanket-flower, Indian Blanket Flower, Firewheel, Sundance, Girasol Rojo, and Gaillardia.
Growing Information:
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-11
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-24 in (30-61cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall; Year-round in some areas
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Light Shade
Blanket Flower is a type of sunflower with an impressive display of red, orange, and yellow petals. Don’t be surprised if you spot many bees and birds where these flowers grow!
Many beekeepers use Blanket Flower in the production of honey. The honey made from this wildflower is mild, buttery, and amber-colored.
Goldfinches enjoy the seeds of Blanket Flower, so don’t forget to leave some seedheads after the flowering season!
Do you want to dive deeper into all the wildflowers in Washington?
Then check out this field guide!
Which of these wildflowers have you found in Washington?
Leave a COMMENT below! 🙂
