The Southeast United States refers to the region of the United States that includes states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The region supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a rich environment for various types of wildflowers, including vibrant red blooms like these.
1. Fire Pink
Scientific name: Silene virginica
Blooms: Late spring to early summer
Fire Pink is known for its bright red, star-shaped flowers with deeply notched petals. The blooms attract hummingbirds and are about 1-1.5 inches across. The plant grows up to 20 inches tall with hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves.
Fire Pink thrives in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and along the edges of forests. It is commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains and throughout the Southeast, particularly in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
2. Indian Pink
Scientific name: Spigelia marilandica
Blooms: Late spring to early summer
Indian Pink boasts striking red tubular flowers with yellow throats, growing in clusters at the tops of the stems. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall with glossy green leaves and is highly attractive to an assortment of pollinators.
This wildflower thrives in rich, moist soils and partial shade, commonly found in woodlands and along stream banks. It is native to areas from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas.
3. Cardinal Flower
Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis
Blooms: Midsummer to early fall
Cardinal Flower features brilliant red, tubular flowers that grow on tall spikes. The vibrant flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators like hummingbirds, and the plant can reach heights of up to 4 feet.
This species thrives in wet areas such as stream banks, swamps, and moist meadows. Cardinal Flower is commonly found throughout the Southeast, from the coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, in areas with rich, moist soil.
4. Scarlet Sage
Scientific name: Salvia coccinea
Blooms: Summer to fall
Scarlet Sage, also known as Tropical Sage, produces spikes of bright red, tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees. The plant grows to about 2-3 feet tall with oval, toothed leaves.
This wildflower is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including open woods, fields, and gardens. It is native to the southeastern United States and is often found in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
5. Red Columbine
Scientific name: Aquilegia canadensis
Blooms: Spring to early summer
Red Columbine features distinctive red and yellow flowers with long, spurred petals. The flowers hang downward and are a favorite of hummingbirds. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall with lobed leaves.
This species thrives in rocky woodlands, slopes, and shaded areas. Red Columbine is commonly found in the eastern United States, including the Southeast, particularly in well-drained, rocky soils.
6. Coral Honeysuckle
Scientific name: Lonicera sempervirens
Blooms: Spring to fall
Coral Honeysuckle has tubular red flowers that bloom profusely from spring to fall. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The vine can grow up to 20 feet long, with semi-evergreen leaves.
This plant thrives in well-drained soils and can be found in open woodlands, fences, and trellises throughout the Southeast. It is especially common in coastal areas and sandy soils.
7. Royal Catchfly
Scientific name: Silene regia
Blooms: Midsummer to late summer
Royal Catchfly features vibrant red, star-shaped flowers that bloom in midsummer. The blooms are about 1.5 inches across and attract hummingbirds. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in prairies, open woodlands, and rocky glades. It is native to the Midwest and the Southeast, particularly in areas with well-drained, sandy soils.
8. Red Buckeye
Scientific name: Aesculus pavia
Blooms: Early spring
Red Buckeye produces clusters of tubular red flowers in early spring. It’s no surprise that these 1 inch across blooms are loved by hummingbirds. The shrub or small tree can grow up to 15-20 feet tall with palmate leaves.
This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found in woodlands and along streams throughout the Southeast. It is especially prevalent in the Gulf Coastal Plain and the Piedmont.
9. Texas Paintbrush
Scientific name: Castilleja indivisa
Blooms: Spring to early summer
Texas Paintbrush features bright red bracts that surround the small, inconspicuous flowers. The plant grows up to 18 inches tall and is known for its striking appearance.
This wildflower thrives in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It is native to Texas and the Southeast, particularly in well-drained, sandy soils.
10. Red Spider Lily
Scientific name: Lycoris radiata
Blooms: Late summer to early fall
Red Spider Lily produces striking red flowers with long, spidery stamens. The blooms appear in late summer and can reach up to 12-18 inches tall. The plant grows from bulbs and has strap-like leaves.
This plant thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in gardens, old homesteads, and along roadsides in the Southeast. It is especially common in the Gulf Coastal Plain.
11. Scarlet Rosemallow
Scientific name: Hibiscus coccineus
Blooms: Summer to early fall
Scarlet Rosemallow, also known as Swamp Hibiscus, features large, bright red flowers that can reach up to 6 inches across. The plant grows up to 6-8 feet tall with deeply lobed leaves.
This wildflower thrives in wet areas such as swamps, marshes, and along stream banks. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in areas with consistently moist soil.
12. Red Clover
Scientific name: Trifolium pratense
Blooms: Spring to fall
Red Clover has round, red to pink flower heads that bloom from spring to fall. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall with trifoliate leaves.
This wildflower thrives in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It is commonly found throughout the Southeast and is known for its ability to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
13. Firewheel
Scientific name: Gaillardia pulchella
Blooms: Summer to fall
Firewheel, also known as Indian Blanket, features red and yellow, daisy-like flowers. The blooms are about 2-3 inches across and are highly attractive to butterflies. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and is commonly found in prairies, fields, and along roadsides. It is native to the central and southeastern United States.
14. Red Phlox
Scientific name: Phlox drummondii
Blooms: Spring to summer
Red Phlox produces clusters of red flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The plant grows up to 1 foot tall with lance-shaped leaves and is known for its vibrant color.
This wildflower thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in meadows, open woodlands, and gardens. It is native to Texas and the Southeast.
15. Scarlet Gaura
Scientific name: Gaura coccinea
Blooms: Spring to fall
Scarlet Gaura features delicate red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves and wiry stems.
This wildflower thrives in dry, sandy soils and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in well-drained, sandy soils.
16. Wild Bergamot
Scientific name: Monarda didyma
Blooms: Summer
Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, produces vibrant red, tubular flowers that bloom in dense clusters. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall with aromatic, lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly found in meadows, along streams, and in open woodlands throughout the southeastern United States.
17. Coral Bean
Scientific name: Erythrina herbacea
Blooms: Spring to summer
Coral Bean features bright red, tubular flowers that grow in dense, upright clusters. The plant can reach up to 6 feet tall and has trifoliate leaves with spiny stems.
This wildflower thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and is commonly found in coastal areas, pine forests, and open woodlands in the Southeast, particularly in Florida and Georgia.
18. Red Trillium
Scientific name: Trillium erectum
Blooms: Spring
Red Trillium, also known as Wake Robin, has striking red, three-petaled flowers that bloom in early spring. The plant grows up to 12-18 inches tall with large, whorled leaves.
This wildflower thrives in rich, moist, deciduous forests and shaded areas. It is commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains and throughout the eastern United States, including the Southeast.
19. Trumpet Creeper
Scientific name: Campsis radicans
Blooms: Summer to early fall
Trumpet Creeper, also known as Cow Itch Vine, produces large, trumpet-shaped red flowers that attract hummingbirds. The vine can grow up to 40 feet long with pinnate leaves.
This vigorous climber thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fence rows, and riverbanks. It is widespread throughout the Southeast and particularly common in the coastal plain regions.
20. Scarlet Bee Balm
Scientific name: Monarda didyma
Blooms: Summer
Scarlet Bee Balm produces clusters of bright red, tubular flowers that bloom in midsummer. The plant grows up to 4 feet tall and has fragrant, lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in moist, rich soils and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly found in meadows, along streams, and in open woodlands throughout the southeastern United States.
21. Scarlet Lychnis
Scientific name: Lychnis chalcedonica
Blooms: Summer
Scarlet Lychnis, also known as Maltese Cross, produces clusters of bright red, star-shaped flowers. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It is commonly found in gardens and naturalized areas throughout the Southeast.
22. Firecracker Plant
Scientific name: Russelia equisetiformis
Blooms: Spring to fall
Firecracker Plant features tubular red flowers that bloom profusely from spring to fall. The plant has a cascading growth habit and can reach up to 3-4 feet tall and wide.
This plant thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It is commonly found in gardens and naturalized areas in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida.
23. Texas Star Hibiscus
Scientific name: Hibiscus coccineus
Blooms: Summer
Texas Star Hibiscus produces large, star-shaped red flowers that can reach up to 6 inches across. The plant grows up to 6-8 feet tall with deeply lobed leaves.
This wildflower thrives in wet areas such as swamps, marshes, and along stream banks. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in areas with consistently moist soil.
24. Red Milkweed
Scientific name: Asclepias rubra
Blooms: Summer
Red Milkweed features clusters of red to pink flowers that bloom in midsummer. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in wet meadows, marshes, and along streams. It is native to the southeastern United States and provides important habitat for monarch butterflies.
25. Red Bush Monkeyflower
Scientific name: Diplacus puniceus
Blooms: Spring to fall
Red Bush Monkeyflower produces bright red, tubular flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall with sticky, lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun. It is commonly found in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and coastal scrub in the Southeast.
26. Cardinal Monkeyflower
Scientific name: Mimulus cardinalis
Blooms: Summer to fall
Cardinal Monkeyflower features bright red, tubular flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant grows up to 2-4 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves.
This wildflower thrives in moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. It is commonly found in riparian areas, along streams, and in moist meadows in the Southeast.
27. Scarlet Pimpernel
Scientific name: Anagallis arvensis
Blooms: Spring to fall
Scarlet Pimpernel, also known as Red Pimpernel, features small, red, star-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The plant grows up to 6-12 inches tall with oval leaves.
This wildflower thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and full sun. It is commonly found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas in the southeastern United States.
28. Red Morning Glory
Scientific name: Ipomoea coccinea
Blooms: Summer to fall
Red Morning Glory produces vibrant red, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The vine can grow up to 10 feet long with heart-shaped leaves.
This wildflower is often referred to as the scarlet creeper (or the scarlet morning glory) and thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. It’s commonly found in open woodlands, fields, and along fences in the southeastern United States.
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