Scenic Wildflowers Of Georgia

Very few things can make a great hike even better, but one thing that will always be treasured are the blooms of wildflowers sprinkled across the landscape. It is estimated there are 6,400 plant species unique to the state of Georgia, many of which bloom into beautiful budding flowers. 

From the coastal plains to the valleys to the mountains, wildflowers can be found all over the state throughout the year — with spring and summer being the most opportune time. 

10 flowers to find on your next hike

White trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

Each plant of white trillium produces a single, odorless white flower on top of three leaves. The flower’s petals and leaves are very similarly shaped. While only one flower comes from a single rooted plant, these plants tend to grow together forming very dense colonies. 

Fire pink

Silene virginica

Fire pink flowers are known for their vibrant red colors. Historically this plant was used by Native Americans and European settlers for medicinal purposes. Nowadays this flower has picked up the nickname of catchfly due to its naturally produced sticky substance that traps smaller insects. This plant ranges in size from six inches to just about two feet tall.

Flame azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum

The bright blooms of this plant grow from a shrub ranging from six to twelve feet tall. The flowers of the flame azalea range in color from yellow to orange to red. Blooming occurs as early as March and goes all the way through August. 

Mountain laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain laurel grows as shrub and ranges in size from 12-20 feet tall. The bloom is most prominent from May to July and can hold beautiful foliage year-round. The flowers grow in clusters with each individual flower being about 1 inch wide. The flowers range in color from rose to white and have purple markings inside the bloom. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, including any honey made as a product from the mountain laurel. Historically Native Americans used parts of the plant as a topical salve.

Dutchman’s breeches

Dicentra cucullaria

Dutchman’s breeches, or sometimes Dutchman’s britches, occur in many states across the country but is considered “vulnerable” status in Georgia. Seeing this flower in the wild is such a treat given its rarity. The common name of plant is derived from the bloom appearing to be a row of trousers hung out to dry. The flower is commonly white to pale yellow but can also occur in shades of pink. Blooming begins in early spring and lasts through summer. 

Bachelor’s button (cornflower)

Centaurea cyanus

Considered an invasive plant in Georgia, bachelor’s button can be found quite easily in the grasslands, woodlands and forests. The vibrant blue and purple buds make it easy to spot. Originating from Europe, bachelor’s button can be found naturally in the wild in every state except Alaska. The outer petals of the flower are enlarged and bell-shaped with sharp pointed ends. Most commonly this flower is found in shades of blue but can also appear as pink, purple, red and white.

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

These beautiful white flowers are stunning against the greenery that typically surrounds them. Bloodroot flowers can be found in the southern Appalachian Mountains among other areas of Georgia. This delicate spring flower blooms in the early spring and disappears early in summer. Once in bloom, the petals open proudly in full sun and close in on themselves at night or on cool and cloudy days. Each flower sprouts off its own stem and can grow to a height of about 10 inches. The bloom spreads about 3 inches wide and consists of eight symmetrical petals per flower.

Yellow trout lily

Erythronium americanum

Growing almost eight inches tall, the yellow trout lily has a yellow inside and bronzy outside. The leaves are green with swirls of maroon dancing throughout the leaf. It is the markings of these leaves that give way to the “trout” part of the name due to similar markings on the brown or brook trout. A single flower comes from each stem and together many flowers grow alongside each other in colonies creating beautiful patches of yellow and bronze. Keep an eye out for these beauties from early spring until early summer. 

Pink lady’s slipper

Cypripedium acaule

This native orchid grows spectacularly in many habitats and is one of the largest native orchid populations. Pink lady’s slipper gets its common name from the slipper-like petals that form to create this unique flower. While two can occur, typically only one flower grows from each stem. The leaves at the base of the stem grow opposite one another and frame the pink flower quite nicely. 

Coral honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Vibrant red tubular petals shaped like trumpets form the blooms of the coral honeysuckle. This climbing vine plant can reach heights up to 20 feet high or enjoys sprawling out as a ground cover. The flowers invite hummingbirds and butterflies before turning into berries later in the season. Native occurring honeysuckle is not invasive and grows quite heartily in its natural habitat. The coral honeysuckle is rated to have extreme flammability so build campfires with caution and following proper Leave No Trace principles.

Next time you’re on a trail around the Chattahoochee or beyond, keep an eye out for these spectacular wildflowers on your next hike and see how many you can find! 

“Are not flowers the stars of the earth?”

-Clara Lucas Balfour

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/KarstenBergmann