Wildflower Program

Species Directory

If you would like to view more information about a specific wildflower, select the flower's name below.

Spring/Summer Blooming Wildflowers
(planted in the fall)

Fall Blooming Wildflowers
(planted in early summer)

Bidens (Bidens aristosa)
This plant is an upright annual or short-lived perennial native to the eastern United States, including South Carolina. Excellent cut flower, with a vase life of 6-10 days. Flower has bright yellow ray florets with brown-domed center. Fall/winter seeding is recommended and seeds need 20- 30 days of cool, wet soil conditions to break dormancy. Likes sunny, wet areas.

Height: 2- 3 feet
Germination: 30- 120 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: N/A
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Period: May to September
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: N/A
Seeding Rate: 3- 5 pounds per acre

Picture taken by SCDOT

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Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
Crimson Clover is an upright, winter annual native to Europe, but has naturalized throughout temperate North America. The deep red to scarlet flowers are tightly congested arising from an elongated stalk. These plants will adapt to virtually all soil types. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Height: 6-12 inches
Germination: 7- 21 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 65-68 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/8"
Blooming Period: March-June
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 160,000
Seeding Rate: 15 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: DO NOT plant Crimson Clover with other wildflower varieties; it has a tendency to become very competitive and crowd out other flowers.

Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta ‘gloriosa’)
This annual or short-lived perennial produces large (5”-9”) blooms in oranges or reds. It is native to South Carolina and does well in various soils and requires full sun.

Height: 2 to 3 feet
Germination: 7-30 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 70 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Period: June - August
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 1,451,500
Seeding Rate: 2 pounds per acre

Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
This plant is an erect, drought tolerant perennial which can also withstand prolonged periods of moisture. It is native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, including South Carolina. It is now found throughout North America. Flowers are bright yellow affixed to a single, elongated stem. It will grow in partial shade to full sun in various soil types. Lance-leaved Coreopsis normally takes two years to become established.

Height: 2- 3 feet
Germination: 20-45 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 65-70 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Period: May - June
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 221,000
Seeding Rate: 10 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: Does well in raised flower beds. Free flowers all summer with adequate moisture. Foliage makes an attractive ground cover throughout the year.

Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
This plant is a reseeding annual with yellow and maroon flowers blooming summer to fall. It reaches heights from 1 to 3 feet. Native to South Carolina.

Height: 3 feet
Germination: 15- 30 days
Blooming Period: May- August
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 1,400,000
Seeding Rate: 2 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: Prolific bloomer. Competes well with grasses. Readily reseeds. Attracts birds and butterflies.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This plant is a robust, drought tolerant perennial native to the midwestern and southeastern United States, including South Carolina. Flowers are arranged individually on sturdy, elongated stems with soft lavender or purple petals surrounding an iridescent red-orange coned center. Purple Coneflowers prefer full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soils. They are absolutely stunning!

Height: 2 - 3 feet
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 70-75 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/8"
Blooming Period: June-October
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 117,000
Seeding Rate: 12 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements with a vase life of 5 to 7 days. Propagation from root cuttings is reliable if performed in the fall.

Red Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
This plant is a native to Europe, and a hardy annual, but has been naturalized throughout the United States. The large 3- 4 inch blooms range in shades from white and pink to red and are individually borne on erect hairy stems. The foliage remains inconspicuous allowing the flower to express its full beauty. The Red Corn Poppy prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It performs best if sown in late fall in the southern regions of the U.S. or in early spring in the northern regions of the U.S.

Height: 2 -2 1/2 feet
Germination: 10- 30 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 60-70 degrees F
Sowing Depth: Surface Sow
Blooming Period: March - April
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 3,200,000
Seeding Rate: 24 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: Not enough can be said about this all time gardening favorite. The seed pods are attractive for dry floral arrangements. Can be seen from great distances, guaranteed to make the neighbors jealous.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
This plant is a hardy, erect annual requiring very little moisture once established. A native of Mexico, it can adapt easily to almost all regions of the United States. These flowers are a mixture of deep crimson, soft pink, and pure white. The leaves are deeply dissected, almost thread-like in appearance. If your soil is rich, they tend to produce extremely tall, lanky plants. It requires full sun. Sow in spring. Seedlings are not winter hardy.

Height: 2 -3 feet
Germination: 7- 21 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 70 - 80 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Period: April-November
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 89,000
Seeding Rate: 15 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: Blooms quickly. Will need to be replanted each spring for continued success.

Yellow Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)
This plant is a hardy, erect annual plant requiring very little moisture once established. A native of Mexico, it can easily adapt to all regions of the United States. The flowers are a glowing, orange-yellow and are extremely attractive, constantly blooming for weeks. Leaves are deeply dissected, almost threadlike in appearance. Fertile, rich soils tend to produce unusually tall, lanky plants. They require full sun. Sow in early spring. Seedlings are not winter hardy.

Height: 2 - 3 feet
Germination: 7 -21 days
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 70-80 degrees F
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Period: May-November
Average Number of Seeds Per Pound: 63,000
Seeding Rate: 15 pounds per acre
Miscellaneous: Blooms quickly. Will need to be replanted each spring for continued success.