Most common wildflowers in Georgia are natives to the Southeastern United States. Others have been introduced by accident or on purpose.
A small percentage of these plants are invasive. Both native and invasive species live throughout the state.
They can be found in coastal areas, along woodlands, next to swamps, or along streams and rivers.
Wildflowers of the state are often an ornamental feature in gardens. They might also provide an important food source for horses, cows, moths, and butterflies.
Georgia is one of the states where some wildlife even migrates for these wildflowers, which is the case of moths and butterflies.
The warm climate of the state and the combination of coastal areas and alpine regions also means there’s a wide number of species living here.
While all have colorful flowers, some Georgia wildflowers should not be handled as they are toxic or because they can cause rashes.
While many are small, wildflowers of the state may be used in the manufacturing of dyes and glue.
Here are some of the most common wildflowers growing in Georgia and the main attributes that characterize them.
Table of Contents
1. Chinese Privet
Blooming period – late spring
Where to find them – Chestatee Bay
A species with white flowers and blue fruits, the Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) is poisonous to animals and humans. This species is grown as a hedge or as a natural border shrub at the edges of properties.
This species has been introduced from Asia but it has an invasive status in Southeastern US states. It can be costly to remove once it spreads out over large surfaces.
Some of the typical invaded surfaces include riparian areas, edges of woodlands, and roadsides.
Touching this species is also not recommended either as it may cause allergic reactions in some cases.
2. Striped Wintergreen
Blooming period – June to August
Where to find them – Piedmont region and coastal plains
This species of short white wildflowers (Chimaphila maculata) may appear in suburban areas but it can be found in pine woodlands and other types of woodlands the most.
It has a height of just a few inches and a large white flower with 5 petals. This flower is now listed as endangered in neighboring states.
3. Lyreleaf Sage
Blooming period – winter to spring
Where to find them – roadsides
This type of wildflower (Salvia lyrata) is found all around the state as well as in stores. It has a herb-like appearance with multiple small blue flowers.
Growing up to a height of 24 inches, Lyreleaf Sage can be grown at home. It requires well-drained soils to reach their maximum height.
4. White Clover
Blooming period – winter to spring
Where to find them – Southern Georgia
White Clover (Trifolium repens) can grow in almost any type of habitat including moist areas as well as disturbed lands.
This species is often seen along roads but it may not be planted and grown easily in gardens due to a reduced multiplication rate.
5. Purple Passionflower
Blooming period – spring to fall
Where to find them – roadsides
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) are some of the most distinct pink flowers in the state. They show multiple petals which are white and pink and attractive long and broad leaves.
This species is mostly associated with the varied wildlife it attracts. The Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar is known to use this species as a host.
Bees of Georgia are also known to visit Purple Passionflower flowers for nectar.
6. Common Blue Violet
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – all around the state
Native to Georgia, Common Blue Violets (Viola sororia) are also known to attract caterpillars, as most other violets.
These types of wildflowers have distinct violet leaves which may also be white to violet. Their capacity to spread and attract wildlife such as bees also makes them a common sight in gardens.
This species is in bloom for 3 to 4 weeks.
7. Mountain Laurel
Blooming period – spring and summer
Where to find them – F.D. Roosevelt State Park
This species (Kalmia latifolia) shows multiple clusters of white flowers. White-to-pink coloring is also specific to these clusters of flowers.
A typical substitute for azaleas, Mountain Laurel is a species grown in gardens. It stands out with its capacity to grow and bloom even when planted in a shaded spot.
8. Carolina Horsenettle
Blooming period – May to September
Where to find them – pastures
A common species throughout the summer, this plant (Solanum carolinense) has an invasive status in the state where it can grow in different vegetated areas.
Lawns are among its favorite places to grow.
Mowing the lawn isn’t sufficient to eliminate it as you need to use either chemical or pull it out by hand. This species can overgrow lawns watered too often or fertilized too much.
9. Common Jewelweed
Blooming period – summer to fall
Where to find them – backyards
Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is one of the typical species growing in Georgia yards. This species can grow to a height of several feet.
Common up until the first frost, The Common Jewelweed can grow both in a shaded place and in full sun. It provides a food source for bees and hummingbirds in Georgia.
Its flowers show bilateral symmetry and orange coloring.
10. American Trumpet Vine
Blooming period – summertime
Where to find them – edges of woodlands
American Trumpet Vines (Campsis radicans) are known for their orange flowers.
These types of plants are native to the Eastern US states. They show an invasive behavior similar to Poison Ivy.
Deep roots and stems expanding over trees and other plants don’t recommend this plant at home. American Trumpet Vines also typically have deep and wide roots as large and long as their stems above the ground.
11. Eastern Redbud
Blooming period – March to April
Where to find them – mixed woodlands
This type of wildflower (Cercis canadensis) can grow up to a height of several feet as a type of tree. Its flowers cover its branches in the spring for 2-3 weeks.
Pink and white flowers are specific to The Eastern Redbud. This species is deciduous which means its leaves start to fall as winter approaches.
12. Flowering Dogwood
Blooming period – March to May
Where to find them – throughout the state
This type of wildflower (Cornus florida) grows into a tree within years. Multiple white flowers are specific to the species in the spring.
The number of white flowers on Flowering Dogwood depends on its location. The plant needs full sun for a maximum number of flowers.
13. Cross Vine
Blooming period – Early spring
Where to find them – South and central parts of the state
This species (Bignonia capreolata) has orange to red flowers. Growing in the shape of a trumpet, they can be seen in the spring almost throughout the state.
This species gets its name from the shape of its stems when cut. With the right humidity, Cross Vines reach a height of at least 15 feet.
14. Blue Mistflower
Blooming period – summer to fall
Where to find them – riparian areas
Moist areas around streams with partial shade are among the ideal habitats for The Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum).
This is a species with pink or pink-to-blue flowers. The florets of the species measure up to 0.5 inches in diameter.
Some of the most common butterflies of the state are found feeding on it. Seeds and cuts may be used to plant them in gardens.
15. Yellow Jessamine
Blooming period – up to April
Where to find them – Augusta
These small flowers (Gelsemium sempervirens) are among the first to bloom. A rare golden-yellow color is specific to its small flowers.
Often used as ground cover, Yellow Jessamine is also suitable for growing in containers. Eating any part of the plant is prohibited as Yellow Jessamine is poisonous.
Direct skin contact with its sap leads to rashes, red skin, swollen skin, and other types of mild reactions.
16. Kudzu
Blooming period – July to September
Where to find them – Southern territories
An invasive species in the state, Kudzu (Pueraria montana) isn’t a Georgia native. It was introduced more than 100 years ago as climbing vegetation to decorate homes, walls, fences, and gardens.
Today, the species has established itself in Southern Georgia. It’s here that it can climb trees and spread through woodlands essentially killing local species.
Kudzu can also grow as ground cover and kill all ground-level vegetation.
17. Butterweed
Blooming period – winter to spring
Where to find them – Northern counties
Butterweed (Packera glabella) is a rare type of wildflower that germinates in the winter. Its flowers are seen early in the season and can be identified by their golden yellow color.
This type of wildflower may be seen in multiple Northern parts of Georgia. It can grow on moist or sandy soil but it provides no value for livestock. Even more, the plant is poisonous to animals.
18. Mayapple
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – rivers and creeks
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a type of fruit-making wildflower that can be found in high-moisture soils or around water sources.
This is a wildflower that makes small lemon-like fruits some animals may eat. These fruits may only be eaten in the summer as they are ripe.
Otherwise, all other areas of the plant, including its flowers, are poisonous.
Mayapple has large white flowers. 6 petals that slightly overlap make up the large flower which may grow to a diameter of 3 inches.
19. Small’s Ragwort
Blooming period – April
Where to find them – throughout Georgia
Small’s Ragwort (Packera anonyma) is a common species in the state and around the US. It has an early flowering season and its yellow flowers are an ideal food source for early insects and pollinators.
It can grow in sandy soils and it generally prefers soils that are well-drained and in full sun.
The wildflower grows in clusters of small flowers. A plant can grow thousands of flowers that feed butterflies such as those in the hairstreak family.
20. Bloodroot
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – woodlands
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is one of the wildflowers of Georgia only found in woodlands. A short bloom period is specific to this species which has large white flowers with long petals.
Also known as the plant of the year almost a decade ago in Georgia, Bloodroot gets its name from its unusual red sap.
The red sap of the species was used by natives in various rituals. Most of the red sap is found in its roots.
21. Philadelphia Fleabane
Blooming period – May to June
Where to find them – roadsides
Part of the asters family, this species (Erigeron philadelphicus) resembles daisies but it has finer flowers. Its small white flowers are seen in full sun, at the beginning of June, possibly even earlier.
Commonly spread along roadsides, The Philadelphia Fleabane is also a species found in moist areas such as in woodlands.
22. Butterfly Milkweed
Blooming period – summer
Where to find them – roadsides
This perennial wildflower (Asclepias tuberosa) blooms in full sun, throughout the summer. Small orange flowers rich in pollen are characteristic of the plant.
Its rich pollen is a constant attraction to insects as well as to butterflies. The caterpillar of The Monarch Butterfly feeds on it as well.
The plant may reach a maximum height of up to 3 feet and it may sometime be spotted with yellow flowers instead of the typically bright orange flowers.
23. Common Elephant’s-Foot
Blooming period – July to September
Where to find them – Coastal and Piedmont regions
A native in the Southeast, Common Elephant’s-Foot (Elephantopus tomentosus) is part of the asters family of wildflowers.
Known as a food source for pollinators, these plants grow multiple pink or purple flowers with thread-like petals.
Growing them in gardens is not recommended or easy due to their quick spread. These plants can overgrow an area, crowing out all other plants around them.
24. Late Boneset
Blooming period – summer to fall
Where to find them – near rivers, canals, and swamps
This species (Eupatorium serotinum) is another native with a less intrusive growing pattern compared to The Common Eelphant’s-Foot.
A common presence around water, it grows as a perennial and it blooms small white flowers at the end of the summer and in the fall.
This species can reach a height of up to 6 feet and it can be grown in all types of soils with plenty of moisture.
25. Rue Anemone
Blooming period – April to June
Where to find them – deciduous woodlands
Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is a native species that live in woodlands. Falling-leaf tree woodlands are preferred.
It seeks out slopes on woodlands to maximize sun exposure and for well-drained soils.
Small white flowers are characteristic of Rue Anemone. Together, the plant may only reach a height of up to 5 inches.
26. Carolina Ruellia
Blooming period – spring to fall
Where to find them – woodlands
Found throughout Georgia, Carolina Ruellia (Ruellia caroliniensis) is a common wildflower. Sharing its habitats with petunias, this wildflower lives in woodlands all around the state.
While not exclusive to Georgia, the wildflower has a widespread presence in woodlands. Its purple flowers have an erect growing pattern and may reach a length of up to 1.6 inches.
These flowers typically grow in small clusters which open up their flowers at noon.
27. Carolina Crane’s-Bill
Blooming period – June to August
Where to find them – coastal areas
The short species (Geranium carolinianum) is found across sandy and clay soils. White to pink petals make up its colorful flowers.
These flowers only open up in the full sun.
Since it grows in clay and sandy soils, it typically grows in areas with a reduced number of wildflowers.
Planting Carolina Crane’s-Bill in gardens isn’t recommended as it tends to spread out like a weed and it may smother all short plants as it can reach a height of up to 1 foot.
28. Butterfly Pea
Blooming period – summer
Where to find them – Atlanta
A type of perennial fern, this plant (Centrosema virginianum) has large pink to purple flowers, an attraction for wildlife.
Butterflies and caterpillars are among the typical species that visit the plant.
Sandy soils around the coast, woodlands, and upper grasslands are among its typical habitats.
29. Callery Pear
Blooming period – March
Where to find them – Northern Georgia
Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a tall species that may reach a height between 30 and 50 feet. Georgia is the home to multiple types of Caellery Pear, mostly admired for their flowers and leaves.
The species has tiny white flowers which start to bloom in early spring. It also offers a distinct appearance to parks and gardens when its leaves dry out in the fall.
Callery Pear has shown its red leaves in the fall.
It’s not recommended to plant Callery Pear today following their introduction to the Southeast given their highly invasive roots.
30. Asiatic Dayflower
Blooming period – summer to fall
Where to find them – Lumpkin Country
This type of wildflower (Commelina communis) has been introduced in North America from Asia. It has a growing presence in Georgia, albeit still rarer compared to its presence in neighboring states.
The species blooms for about a month. It has large blue flowers which open in full sun.
Found around floodplains, moist areas, and gardens, The Asiatic Dayflower is an invasive species and it may be difficult to remove around riparian areas where it can overgrow.
An invasive status is also specific to gardens. While this doesn’t happen all the time, Asiatic Dayflowers can spread out smothering other plants in gardens.
31. Common Dandelion
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – throughout the state
The Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the typical asters found all around the state. With a preference for full sun, dandelions grow and overgrow fields.
Identified by their small yellow flowers, dandelions are an important nectar and pollen source for local wasps , bees, insects, and other bugs.
They have also been used traditionally as a diuretic. It is still a plant used in traditional medicine all around the world.
The flower also has diverse industrial use. For example, its sap may be used to make glue.
32. Princess Tree
Blooming period – early spring
Where to find them – parks and gardens
Princess Trees (Paulownia tomentosa) are one of the multiple Paulownia trees introduced in the state. Fast growers, these trees shave large leaves that offer plenty of shade.
Planting Princess Trees in gardens isn’t recommended due to the invasive nature of the tree, often seen as a type of weed.
Furthermore, the fast-growing rate of the species means it is a fragile species with brittle branches that can break in the high wing.
Princess Trees are known for having bright upside-down flowers in the spring.
33. Red Deadnettle
Blooming period – February to November
Where to find them – throughout the state
The flowering Red Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is one of the most common types of nettle in the state. Its top leaves are red and its tiny flowers are pink.
Moist areas around woodlands are among the typical areas where the species can be found.
Fast to spread, Red Deadnettle is also a common species along public roads and in areas where vegetation isn’t regularly trimmed.
An edible species, Red Deadnettle can be used in food, just like The Common Nettle. While a distant relative of nettle, Red Deadnettle doesn’t sting and it may even soothe itchy skin.
34. Field Madder
Blooming period – January to July
Where to find them – Northwestern counties
Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis) is one of the most common invasive species in the Northern and Northwestern territories of Georgia.
Not present in the Southern counties, this is a species that grows to a few inches and which has some of the tiniest pink to lavender flowers.
Field Madder flowers measured an average of 3mm.
This species is found in disturbed areas as well as on crops and around gardens. It spreads quickly in grassland and on lawns.
While invasive, its role may also be beneficial as Filed Madder sap may be used to make red dye.
35. Henbit Deadnettle
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – throughout the state
Moist habitats are preferred by the Henbit Deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule), a species commonly found in the state and the wider Southeastern area.
This species is known for lacking a specific odor. An s plant in the mint family, Henbit Deadnettle may grow to a height of up to 15 inches.
This species can be difficult to remove from gardens where it settles in high moisture areas due to its strong roots.
Henbit Deadnettle tends to grow in clusters and it requires weeding before it invades crops.
While it does have small pink flowers, the wildflower might not attract as many insects as other colored plants with florets in the state.
36. Ground-Ivy
Blooming period – April to June
Where to find them – Northern Georgia
This perennial is one of the invasive species in the Northern parts of the state as it doesn’t like high salinity soils.
It grows as a ground cover quickly spreading and dispersing other types of wildflowers.
More common in moist soils, Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) has a poisonous status to animals. Horses can get sick when eating it.
The plant only reproduces by stems which means it grows in clusters and it can be an issue on disturbed soils. Spaces around woodlands are also favored by the wildflower.
37. Common Vetch
Blooming period – March to May
Where to find them – Southern and central counties
Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) is a species seen both as beneficial and detrimental. A type of weed, Common Vetch is often cultivated as fodder.
Often fed to cattle, Common Vetch may also spread out to crops, particularly grain crops.
A short plant, Common Vetch has long pink flowers which feed various local species of bumblebees.
When a type of weed, Common Vetch fodder is often attacked by fungi.
Even small bugs may feed on its leaves. Spider mites are among the bugs that eat Common Vetch.
38. Common Selfheal
Blooming period – June to September
Where to find them – throughout Georgia
Part of the mint family, Common Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a type of weed in Georgia.
Small purple flowers are seen on the species which can invade parks, gardens, and lawns.
Pink variants of its flower also exist, but mainly in Northern states.
Not all lawns are invaded by Common Selfheal as this species spreads rapidly in shade or partial shade.
If left unmanaged, the perennial Common Selfheal reaches a height between 15 and 20 inches.
Some benefits are attributed to the plant according to traditional medicine.
39. Oriental False Hawksbeard
Blooming period – summer
Where to find them – Southern border
An invasive species that bloom in the summer, Oriental False Hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) is a common species around human settlements.
It invades lawns, gardens, disturbed land, crops, and roadsides. This wildflower is identified by its larger yellow flowers.
An invasive species is only tied to the North American habitat of the plant.
The height of the species varies considerably, depending on its growth stage. Some of the tallest Oriental False Hawksbeard may reach a height of up to 50 inches.
Clusters are specific to the species which may regenerate after cutting.
40. Southern Dewberry
Blooming period – March to April
Where to find them – throughout Georgia
This perennial herb (Rubus trivialis) is native to Georgia and the Southeast. Its range expands South to Mexico,
The common nature of the species makes it a plant that’s easy to spot and may be grown in gardens.
Its flowers aren’t known for having too many petals. 4 spaced-out petals make it a distinct type of wildflower in the garden.
The species has a short flowering season which ranges between 2 and 4 weeks.
41. Tiny Bluet
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – coastal plains
Multiple dry habitats across the state are the natural habitat of Tiny Bluet (Houstonia pusilla). This species also grows on rocky formations as well as on slopes in full sun.
Its name is inspired by its small blue flowers with a yellow central section. These flowers may also be blue-purple.
Tiny Bluet also comes in white flower subspecies.
A short plant, Bluet might not be an ideal species in gardens where its tiny flowers that only grow up to 0.3 inches in diameter might not be easy to spot.
Some of the tallest Tiny Bluets measure 4-6 inches.
42. Blue Toadflax
Blooming period – spring to summer
Where to find them – throughout Georgia
This slender tall plant has been introduced to Georgia and North America. Initially seen as an ornamental plant, Blue Toadflax has spread out around the state where it’s known as food for wildlife.
A common host of caterpillars and butterflies, Blue Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis) doesn’t have blue flowers as the petals of its flowers are purple.
Multiple small flowers grow on its erect stems.
Blue Toadflax measures anywhere between 10 and 20 inches.
It can be found along grasslands in full sun all around the state. It is a common host species of butterflies that migrate short distances for food, such as The Common Buckeye.
43. Wild Geranium
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – Eastern Georgia
A perennial species, Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is among the typical flowers also grown in gardens.
This wildflower has large pink flowers which bloom in the spring. Its colorful nature also makes for a good species in gardens in the fall, when its leaves turn red or dark brown.
A species that grows well in shaded areas as well as in partial shade, Wild Geranium can also vary in size, considerably, depending on soil moisture levels.
It can grow to a full size between 15 and 20 inches with only the tallest wildflowers reaching a height of up to 24 inches.
44. Wild Potato Vine
Blooming period – spring to fall
Where to find them – throughout the state
This type of vine (Ipomoea pandurata) is seen in different areas such as at the edges of woodlands. Full sun is preferred for its multiple white flowers with yellow centers.
Wild Potato Vines don’t make any potatoes. They get their names from their edible roots which may resemble the taste of cooked potatoes.
This is a species known for having very long leaves which go deep in the ground.
Above the ground, the vine may also spread over walls considerably. It can grow tens of feet, covering fences.
Various species of mammals feed on the species.
45. Common Yucca
Blooming period – June to September
Where to find them – beach scrub
Common Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) can grow all around the state. It prefers beach scrub and sandy terrains where it can reach its maximum height.
Common Yucca may be known under tens of other names locally. It may also be called Adam’s needle.
This is one of the taller wildflowers native to Georgia and Florida.
It reaches a height of up to 10 feet and it has some of the largest flower stems.
The fruits of Common Yucca can be cooked. This is the reason why this plant may be a common cultivar in some of the warmest regions of the world.
Common Yuccas also have an important role in the ecosystem. They are food and host plants to the Yucca moth, which is also its main pollination method.
46. Chinese Bushclover
Blooming period – summer to fall
Where to find them – Southern counties
Introduced in North America, the Chinese Bushclover (Lespedeza cuneata) is among the invasive species of the state.
Spread through the Southern counties, these herbs are known for their small white and pink flowers.
An invasive growing habit means the Chinese Bushclover can overcrowd an area and outcompete native plants for resources.
Multiple management techniques are suitable for the species. Apart from chemicals, this wildflower may also be controlled with webworm moths.
47. Multiflora Rose
Blooming period – May to June
Where to find them – throughout Georgia
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) is an invasive exotic wildflower with a growing presence in the state.
This tall species has white flowers with yellow central sections and they are known to grow tall. A maximum height of over 15 feet is specific to this trailing species.
Multiflora Roses can be found around woodlands where they can grow on trees and kill them.
This type of weedy plant is known for growing tall and wide which means it also blocks access to wildlife from one region of the woodland to another.
Much of its spread is through seeds which are dispersed by wind and birds.
48. Rattlesnakeweed
Blooming period – May to September
Where to find them – Southern counties
Woodlands across the state may be habitats for the Rattlesnakeweed (Hieracium venosum). This short plant is known for its yellow globular flowers and its dark green leaves.
Its leaves are only found at the base of the stems as they don’t grow on upper stems. This allows the species to survive mowing.
While it grows in woodlands, the species prefers clearings with dryer soil where there’s at least some exposure.
Growing up to a height of 18 inches, this species shares its habitat with rattlesnakes, as its name suggests.
49. Mountain Azalea
Blooming period – spring
Where to find them – throughout the state
Mountain Azaleas (Rhododendron canescens) are found along woodlands and in gardens. Bright flowers and a fragrant profile make them a common sight around the homes in the state.
A height of up to 8 feet is specific to Mountain Azaleas. Its flowers are white to pink.
This species is found all around the state but it might not be the best-bordering wildflower in homes with pets due to its toxicity.
Some of the state’s hummingbirds and butterflies are still known to feed on the species.
50. Common Hibiscus
Blooming period – May to October
Where to find them – throughout the state
The colorful Common Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is a species that thrives in moist areas. It blooms white, pink, and pink-to-orange flowers.
A tall wildflower, Common Hibiscus grows to a height of at least 6 feet with some of the tallest examples reaching a height of around 8 feet.
The tallest Common Hibiscus can be found around swamps and water sources.
It may also be grown in gardens. It’s here that the species is planted for its bright flowers which attract wildlife.
Butterflies and bees are often attracted to The Common Hibiscus.
51. Greater Periwinkle
Blooming period – spring to summer
Where to find them – Northern and Eastern counties
This type of ground cover shows invasive behavior in most areas of the state.
Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) tends to become invasive in Southern and Southeastern states as opposed to Northern states.
A common sight in gardens, the species can also appear on lawns.
Greater Periwinkle also grows along rivers and streams which helps new plants grow downstream.
The short species is identified by its purple leaves and it can quickly smother all other short wildflowers.