45 Common Types Of Oregon Wildflowers Including Photos

Oregon is home to many different species of wildflowers. You can find them all over the state and because there are so many, it can be quite difficult to learn how to identify them, especially if you are new to plant identification. 

The state is home to lots of colorful and unique flowers. There are some that you will only find in Oregon, and there are others that you may be able to find all over North America.

Oregon is the perfect place to go wildflower hunting because the ecosystem is so diverse. 

While we can’t list every single type of wildflower, we help you get off to a fantastic start. Below, you will find a list of 45 common types of wildflowers that you can find in Oregon.

We have included photos so you can have a better understanding of what each of these wildflowers looks like and next time you go out for a walk, you might just find some of them! So let’s get started. 

1. Birds-Foot Trefoil

The Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is an invasive species of wildflower that usually blooms in the late spring to the early summer. It is especially invasive and aggressive in fields, parks, roadsides, and sandy soil. 

While it is considered to be an invasive species in Oregon, it is a great source of food for bees, butterflies, and moths.

2. St. John’s Wort

ST. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) can usually be found growing abundantly in areas such as sandy soils, prairies, pastures, and disturbed fields. It can be fatal to livestock and horses, so it is important to remove it if you keep any animals. 

It is also known by many other names, some of which include Klamath Weed, Tipton Weed, and Goat Weed. 

3. Sneezeweed

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) blooms in both the summer and the fall and it is also known by the names False Sunflower and Bitterweed. You can usually find this wildflower growing in areas such as ponds, streams, swamps, and other wetlands. 

Sneezeweed attracts lots of insects such as honey bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles, so you can expect to find them close by if you come across this wildflower yourself. 

4. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a type of wildflower that is native to Oregon, and it can be found in areas such as roadsides, prairies, open woodlands, and fields. 

Though they are most often yellow in color, you can also find variations of the wildflower in orange, red, and brown. They bloom in the summer and the fall and lots of insects are attracted to them and can be found near them.

5. Wild Parsnip

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a wildflower that blooms in the early summer and while it looks pretty from a distance, it is actually incredibly harmful to humans.

If you touch or are exposed to their leaves and stems, there is a high chance you can get burns and even blisters. This wildflower is considered an invasive species in North America. 

6. Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago) can be found all over Oregon and there are actually over 120 sub-species that are native to North America alone. Lots of people blame Goldenrod for hay fever, but it is usually other similar-looking plants that are to blame. 

7. Common Sunflower

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is one of the most well-known wildflowers in the whole world, and they can be found all over Oregon!

You will come across many sunflowers in gardens, but they can also be found in areas such as old fields, roadsides, prairies, and on forest edges.

8. Common Mullein

The Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) (This wildflower is also present in Mississippi. Click here to know more)blooms in the summer and can be found in areas such as pastures, meadows, and on roadsides.

Originally, this wildflower was native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it is now considered to be a naturalized species in Oregon. 

Common Mullein is believed to have medical benefits that help to treat diseases, inflammations, and various ailments. 

9. Spiny Sow-Thistle

Siney Sow-thistles (Sonchus asper) are another kind of invasive wildflower species that can be found in Oregon. It usually grows in areas such as construction sites, grasslands, vacant lots, and pastures. 

This wildflower is known for hosting diseases and pests that can overwhelm other flowers in the area. 

10. Dandelion

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) can be found all over Oregon, but to find some for yourself, start looking in areas such as lakes, river shores, fields, and meadows. 

You can actually eat the roots, leaves, and flowers of a dandelion and they taste quite similar to honey, just with a more bitter taste. 

11. Bull Thistle

Bull Thistles (Cirsium vulgare) go by many other names, some of which include Boar Thistle, Common Thistle, Dodder, and Spear Thistle. They bloom in the summer and the fall and they are one of the most common wildflowers found in Oregon. 

The leaves of the Bull Thistle are a great food source for goldfinches and they also use the thistledown from this flower to line their nets. Giant bees and butterflies are also attracted to Bull Thistles. 

12. Common Burdock

The Common Burdock (Arctium minus) can be found all over Oregon, especially in areas such as barnyards, old fields, roadsides, open prairies, hayfields, and pastures. It usually blooms in the mid-summer to the mid fall. 

While you can handle this wildflower, you still need to be careful because it can cause irritation to the skin, and in some cases, humans can have an allergic reaction when coming into contact with it. 

13. Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass

Clasping Venus’ Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata) is a wildflower that blooms in both the spring and summer, and it is more commonly known by the names Roundleaf Triodanis and Clasping Bellflower.

They are usually found in disturbed areas, as well as gardens, woodlands, and dry sandy soils. This wildflower regularly attracts small butterflies, bees, and flies and it is a self-pollinating plant. 

14. Bee Balm

Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) attracts lots of different species, some of which include hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinator bees. They bloom in the summer and can survive in direct sunlight and partially shaded areas.

You can find these wildflowers all over Oregon, but you will most commonly find them in areas such as fields, along roads, and prairies. Bee Balm is one of the wildflower species that are actually native to Oregon. 

15. Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is quite a small species of wildflower, but the vibrant purple flowers are absolutely beautiful. They bloom in both the spring and the summer and they regularly attract bees. 

Lots of people consider Creeping Charlie to be a weed in Oregon, and this has a lot to do with the plant’s extensive root system, which can be difficult to remove from gardens once it has grown enough. 

16. Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is also known by the names Spiked Loosestrife and Purple Lythrum. These vibrant purple flowers bloom in the summer and they need full sun cover in order to survive. 

You will typically find this species of wildflowers in wet areas of Oregon. Places such as wet meadows, marshes, and near lakes are the best places to find them. Though this wildflower is extremely beautiful, it is considered to be an invasive species in Oregon. 

17. Dame’s Rocket

Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) blooms in the early to mid-spring and it is also known by a lot of other names. Some of these names include amask-violet, Dame’s-violet, Dames-wort, Dame’s Gilliflower, Night-scented Gilliflower, and Queen’s Gilliflower.

Dame’s Rocket is a fast-spreading species of wildflower and can be found in abundance in places like meadows and woodlands.

In some areas, this wildflower is considered invasive, but in others, it isn’t. This wildflower is considered to be edible and it is high in Vitamin C. 

18. Purple Coneflower

Purple Cornflowers (Echinacea purpurea) bloom in the summer and the fall and they are also known by the names Eastern Coneflower and Eastern Purple Coneflower.

This species of wildflower is extremely hardy and it is both drought-resistant and heat resistant. It thrives really well in harsh conditions and rabbits love to eat the leaves. You can find Purple Cornflowers all over Oregon. 

19. Heal-All

The Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris) is actually one of the most common wildflowers found in Oregon. It can be found in all sorts of areas, especially places like lawns, along roadsides, and on the edge of woodlands.

It is a late spring to late fall blooming plant, so it can be seen throughout most of the year. This wildflower attracts lots of insects, some of which include butterflies and bees. Heal-Alls can survive in sunny areas as well as partially shaded areas. 

20. Scarlet Bee Balm

Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a wildflower that is native to Oregon. It blooms in the summer and fall and goes by other names such as Scarlet Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle, and Woodbine.

This wildflower is usually found in gardens, but if you want to find it in its natural habitat, look out for it on the edge of forests in full sun cover. 

21. Orange Hawkweed

Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) was introduced into Oregon sometime in the 1800s. It is a beautifully vibrant orange wildflower and it attracts many kinds of pollinators. 

It has many other names, such as Orange Hawkbit, Orange Aster, Devil’s Paintbrush, King Devil Hawkweed, Devil’s Weed, Tawny Hawkweed, Red Daisy Flameweed, Grim-the-collier, Fox, and Cubs. It blooms during the summer all the way to the early fall. 

22. Spotted Touch-Me-Not

Spotted Touch-Me-Nots (Impatiens capensis) is a great wildflower to find if you want to see lots of birds because they are heavily attracted to them!

As the name would suggest, it is advised not to touch the Spotted Touch-Me-Not because its seed pods will explode if you do. 

This wildflower is especially attractive to hummingbirds and it’s one of the main parts of their diet. You can find this wildflower blooming in the summer. 

23. Fleabane

Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) is a type of wildflower that can be found all over Oregon. There are over 400 species of Fleabane and a lot of them can be found in this state.

You can find them in lots of different areas, some of which include pastures, roadsides, dry mountains, and grasslands.

They are also great pollinators and they attract lots of different species, some of which include bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

24. Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) is more commonly known as Dogbane, as well as Hemp Dogbane, Prairie Dogbane, Amy Root, Rheumatism Root, and Wild Cotton. They bloom from spring to summer and can grow in partial shade to full sun. 

It should be noted that Indian Hemp is highly toxic to humans, dogs, and livestock and if you touch the milky sap, it can cause your skin to blister. 

25. English Plantain

The English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is one of the most recognizable lawn weeds and can be found all over Oregon. Some of the most typical places you will find it include dry meadows, grazing pastures, disturbed habitats, and on roadsides. 

This wildflower is highly adaptable to different conditions, which makes it hard to eradicate from gardens and other human-occupied areas. 

26. Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) naturally grows in areas such as grasslands, open forests, and roadsides. Most yarrow species were introduced into North America from Europe during colonial times. 

They also go by the names Bloodwort, Carpenter’s Weed, and Devil’s Nettle.

27. Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is well known for its effects on cats, but it also has a long history in medicinal and culinary uses.

It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has now been naturalized in Oregon, and you can find it in places like roadsides, streams, waste grounds, dry banks, and fields. 

28. Queen Anne’s Lace

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) was introduced to North America by European settlers. It blooms in the summer, all the way to the fall and you can find it in areas such as meadows, roadsides, and degraded prairies. 

29. Oxeye Daisy

Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a type of wildflower that can be found in areas like grassy fields, meadows, disturbed sites, and open woodlands.

Unfortunately, this species is considered to be invasive in Oregon. 

30. White Clover

White Clovers (Trifolium repens) didn’t originate in Oregon, but it is considered to be naturalized there now. You can find it all over the state, especially in places such as lawns, roadsides, pastures, and waste areas. 

This wildflower blooms from the spring all the way to the fall, so you can enjoy the flowers for most of the year. 

31. Chicory

The Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is not native to Oregon, but it can be found throughout the state. You can typically find it in places that are sunny and dry, so roads and open fields are a good place to start.

Chicory flowers are actually edible and they work wonderfully in salads. They are very bitter in taste though, so they may not be to everyone’s taste. They bloom anytime in the summer and fall, but only for one day, and that day needs to be HOT! 

32. Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) can be found all over Oregon, especially in areas such as  plains, foothills, wet soils, ditches, shores, and wet fields.

This wildflower attracts many kinds of species, some of which include small butterflies, skippers, moths,  honeybees, and beneficial wasps.

33. Common Periwinkle

The Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is not native to North America, but it can be found in abundance throughout Oregon. This wildflower attracts lots of pollinators, some of which include bumblebees, Anthophorid Bees, Mason Bees, and bee flies. 

This wildflower is also known by the names Lesser Periwinkle or Dwarf Periwinkle.

34. Teasel

Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum) are one of the more easily identifiable wildflowers found in Oregon. They are actually quite beneficial to human health and can help with kidney health, broken bones, and even injured, or inflamed connective tissue. 

Typically, the Teasel blooms in the summer and fall months. 

35. Forget-Me-Not

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis scorpioides) is more commonly known as the Scorpion Weed due to it’s coiled flower stalk that is like the tail of a scorpion. It also goes by other names such as True Forget-me-not, Love-me, Mouse-ear, and Mouse-ear Scorpion Grass.

The seeds of Forget-me-nots tend to spread rapidly and if you plant them in one place, it’s very common for them to appear in other locations that you did not expect to happen! 

36. Bachelor’s Button

Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus) is a type of wildflower that typically blooms in the late spring to the late summer. They are virtually pest free and immune to disease. 

They are like a magnet to butterflies and you will usually find lots of different butterfly species around them! They are also deer and drought-tolerant too! 

37. Spreading Dogbane

Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) is also known by the names Fly-trap Dogbane, and Bitterroot. It blooms only in the summer, so you won’t get to see the flowers at any other time of the year. 

This wildflower is called “dogbane” because it is highly poisonous to dogs, but it is also highly poisonous to humans too. 

38. Wild Mint

Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis) can be found mainly on streams and riverbanks. It is a wildflower that is native to Oregon and as the name would suggest, it smells just like mint!

The smell is most potent when the leaves are damaged or broken. It usually blooms from the late spring to the early summer. 

39. Fireweed

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) is also known by the name Willow Herb (This wildflower is also present in Alaska. Find out more about it.). It blooms in the late spring and the summer and it is a very resilient plant. In the event of a forest fire, the Fireweed will be one of the first wildflowers to grow back. 

You will find lots of hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies around this wildflower as they like to feed on it. 

40. Crown Vetch

Crown Vetch (Securigera varia) is a wildflower that was originally introduced into Oregon from Europe and Asia, in order to be used as a ground cover in controlling soil erosion. Unfortunately, this wildflower is now considered to be invasive throughout the whole state. 

Typically, you can find the Crown Vetch wildflower in areas like sunny, sandy banks. 

41. Columbian Monkshood

Columbian Monkshood (Aconitum Columbianum) is also known by the names western monkshood and aconite and they bloom during the summer months. 

In the right conditions, the Columbian Monkshood can grow quite large (sometimes as tall as 6 feet!), and they are considered to be very poisonous to both humans and dogs. 

42. Twincrest Onion

The Twincrest Onion (Allium Bisceptrum) is a type of wildflower that blooms during the late spring and early summer. They are quite a small wildflower and they can be found growing in woodlands and meadows. 

43. Red Windflower

The Red Windflower (Anemone Multifida) can usually be found blooming in Oregon from the late spring, all the way through to the late summer. 

You can find them in many different areas, some of which include open woodland, grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and meadows.

44. Sea Thrift

Sea Thrift (Armeria Maritima) is a wildflower that also goes by the name Sea Pink. It blooms from early spring all the way to the early autumn months, so you can see it for most of the year. 

You can find it growing in areas such as grassland, and sandy locations. 

45. Red Maids

Red Maids (Calandrinia Ciliata) are a type of wildflower that can be found blooming in Oregon during the spring months. Typically, you will find it growing in areas such as Sandy places, grassland, fields, and slopes. 

Conclusion

So there you have it! 45 common types of wildflowers that grow in Oregon. You can find these wildflowers all over the state and at different times of the year, so you have plenty of flowers to go looking for! 

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