Great Wildflowers for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's diverse climates and landscapes make it a haven for a wide variety of wildflowers. These native blooms not only add beauty to gardens and landscapes but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, including providing essential food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting native wildflowers contributes to the health and sustainability of local environments. Here are ten of the best wildflowers to plant in Pennsylvania, chosen for their beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits.

1. Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

A staple in any pollinator garden, the Eastern Purple Coneflower is beloved for its large, purple-pink blooms and prominent, spiky central cones. It's a magnet for butterflies and bees, and its seeds attract birds in the fall and winter. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

With its bright yellow petals and dark brown centers, the Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful addition to any garden. It's easy to grow, drought-resistant, and blooms from June through October, offering a long season of color and nectar for pollinators.

3. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe-Pye Weed is a towering perennial that can reach heights of up to six feet, making it a striking backdrop for any garden. Its fluffy, pinkish-purple flowers bloom in late summer and attract a host of butterflies. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.

4. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

A type of milkweed, Butterfly Weed is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as a host plant for their larvae. Its vibrant orange flowers add a splash of color to the garden from June through August. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it's drought tolerant.

5. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain is a tall, slender perennial that produces spikes of small, violet-blue flowers. It's particularly attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects. This wildflower prefers wetter soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or moist meadow areas.

6. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

With its unique, nodding red and yellow flowers, Columbine is a favorite in spring gardens. It's especially popular with hummingbirds. This delicate-looking perennial is surprisingly hardy and can thrive in a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade.

7. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster is a fall blooming perennial that provides a late-season nectar source for pollinators. Its purple flowers with yellow centers can add vibrant color to the garden when many other plants are starting to fade. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

8. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in spring, featuring delicate white flowers with yellow centers. It's a woodland plant that prefers shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Bloodroot is also known for its interesting foliage and red sap, which was traditionally used as a dye by Native Americans.

9. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, is a fragrant perennial that produces clusters of lavender-pink flowers. It's a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This wildflower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and it's resistant to deer and rabbits.

10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Often unfairly blamed for hay fever (ragweed is the real culprit), Goldenrod is a vital source of late-season nectar for pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers light up the landscape in late summer and fall. Goldenrod is adaptable to various soil types and conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Planting and Care Tips

When planting wildflowers, choose a location that matches the plant's light and soil preferences. Most wildflowers prefer well-drained soil and benefit from mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, many native wildflowers require minimal maintenance, making them a sustainable choice for gardens and landscapes.

By incorporating these native wildflowers into your garden, you'll not only enjoy a vibrant and dynamic landscape but also contribute to the health and diversity of Pennsylvania's ecosystems.