45 Common Types Of Utah Wildflowers Including Photos

Utah is known for its stunning natural beauty, from its towering mountains and red rock formations to its vast deserts and winding rivers.

One of the most incredible aspects of this state’s natural landscape is the diversity of wildflowers that bloom throughout the year.

With over 5,000 species of plants growing in Utah, it’s no wonder that the state is home to such a wide range of wildflowers. 

From delicate spring ephemerals to bold summer bloomers and hardy fall perennials, the wildflowers of Utah offer a never-ending array of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or simply enjoy taking leisurely walks in nature, exploring the wildflowers of Utah is a truly magical experience. 

And with our comprehensive guide to 45 common types of Utah wildflowers, you can easily identify and appreciate the many species that call this state home.

Each wildflower on our list is accompanied by a brief description and a high-quality photo, making it easy to identify these beautiful plants in the wild. 

Whether you’re interested in learning about the medicinal properties of Bee Plant, marveling at the vibrant petals of Scarlet Gilia, or simply enjoying the beauty of the state’s iconic Arrowleaf Balsamroot, our guide has something for everyone.

So, whether you’re planning a hike in the mountains or simply want to add some color to your backyard garden, be sure to check out our guide to 45 common types of Utah wildflowers. 

We hope that it will inspire you to explore the natural beauty of this amazing state and appreciate the incredible diversity of plant life that can be found here.

The list provides a comprehensive guide to 45 common types of Utah wildflowers. Each flower is accompanied by a brief description and a high-quality photo, making it easy to identify these beautiful plants in the wild. 

This list is a useful resource for botanists, hikers, or anyone interested in exploring Utah’s natural beauty.

1. Arrowleaf Balsamroot

A yellow sunflower-like flower with arrow-shaped leaves that grows on tall stems, commonly found in open meadows and sagebrush areas.  

It is a member of the sunflower family and is known for its tall stalks and bright yellow flowers. The plant typically grows to be around 1 to 3 feet tall and has large, arrow-shaped leaves that can measure up to 10 inches in length.

2. Aspen Bluebell

A small, delicate blue flower that grows in clusters on tall stems and is typically found in aspen groves and shady forests. 

It is a member of the borage family and is known for its bell-shaped flowers that are typically blue or purple in color. The plant grows to be around 12 to 24 inches tall and has narrow leaves that are light green in color (Also check out Types Of Green Wildflowers).

3. Beach Pea

A low-growing, purple-pink flower that grows in sandy or rocky soil near the coast or in mountain meadows.

It is a member of the pea family and is known for its delicate, pink or purple flowers that grow in clusters. The plant typically grows to be around 1 to 3 feet tall and has long, slender stems and leaves.

4. Bee Plant

A tall, spiky flower with purple or pink petals that attracts bees and other pollinators, commonly found in desert regions. It is a member of the Cleomaceae family and is known for its distinctive, spiky pink or purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. 

5. Black-Eyed Susan

A bright yellow flower with a dark brown center that grows on long stems and is commonly found in open fields and meadows.  

It is a member of the sunflower family and is known for its yellow petals that surround a dark brown center, giving it a distinctive “black-eyed” appearance. The plant typically grows to be around 1 to 3 feet tall and has hairy stems and leaves.

6. Blue Flax

A delicate blue or purple flower that grows on long, thin stems and is commonly found in meadows and prairies. 

It is a member of the flax family and is known for its beautiful blue or purple flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer months. The plant typically grows to be around 1 to 2 feet tall and has slender stems and small, narrow leaves.

7. Broad-Leaved Lupin

A tall plant with spiky clusters of purple or blue flowers and broad leaves, commonly found in mountain meadows and open forests.

It is a member of the pea family and is known for its tall spikes of showy blue or purple flowers that bloom in the early summer months. 

8. Bunchberry

A small, white or pink flower that grows in dense clusters on short stems and is commonly found in moist, shady forests. It is a member of the dogwood family and is known for its distinctive white or cream-colored flowers.

9. Camas

A tall, spiky plant with purple or blue flowers that grows in wet meadows and along stream banks.  It is a member of the lily family and is known for its tall spikes of striking blue or purple flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer months.

10. Carpet Phlox

A low-growing, spreading plant with pink or purple flowers that covers the ground in dense mats, commonly found in dry or rocky soil.

11. Cliffrose

A shrub with small, fragrant white or pink flowers and thick, leathery leaves, commonly found in dry, rocky areas.

12. Columbine

A delicate flower with unique, bell-shaped petals that come in a variety of colors, commonly found in shady forests and mountain meadows.

It is a member of the phlox family and is known for its low-growing, spreading habit and its beautiful, star-shaped flowers. 

13. Coneflower

A tall plant with spiky, pink or purple petals that grows on long stems, commonly found in prairies and meadows.

14. Coral Root

A small, inconspicuous flower that grows close to the ground and is commonly found in shady forests. 

Unlike most other plants, Coral Root does not produce green leaves or chlorophyll and therefore cannot photosynthesize. Instead, it obtains nutrients by forming a symbiotic relationship with certain species of fungi.

15. Desert Marigold

A yellow or orange flower with a dark center that grows in desert regions and along roadsides. 

Desert Marigold is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate drought and heat. It is often used in xeriscaping and is a popular choice for rock gardens and desert landscapes.

16. Dwarf Lupine

A small, delicate flower with purple or blue petals that grows on short stems, commonly found in dry or rocky soil. 

Dwarf Lupine has distinctive blue-violet flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The flowers are arranged in long spikes and are often seen in meadows and other open areas.

17. Fireweed

A tall plant with pink or purple flowers that grows in moist areas and is often one of the first plants to colonize burned areas. 

It is a tall and herbaceous perennial plant that can grow to be up to 8 feet tall. The flowers bloom in the summer months and are often found in areas that have been recently disturbed, such as burned or clearcut forests.

18. Goldenrod

A tall plant with bright yellow flowers that grows in open meadows and prairies.  There are many different species of Goldenrod, but they all share similar characteristics such as their tall stems, bright yellow flowers, and toothed leaves.

19. Indian Paintbrush

A bright red or orange flower with a unique shape that is commonly found in dry or rocky soil.

20. Jacob’s Ladder

A delicate blue or purple flower with small, bell-shaped petals that grows in shady forests and mountain meadows. 

It is a member of the phlox family and is known for its clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The plant typically blooms in the spring and summer months and can grow to be up to 2 feet tall.

21. Larkspur

A tall plant with blue, pink, or white flowers that grow on long, thin stems, commonly found in open meadows and sagebrush areas. 

The flowers of the Larkspur plant are very showy with a characteristic spur that extends from the back of the flower. They bloom in the summer months and are often found in meadows or along the edges of woods.

22. Lupine

A tall plant with spiky clusters of purple or blue flowers and distinctive, finger-like leaves, commonly found in mountain meadows and open forests.

23. Mallow

A low-growing plant with pink or purple flowers that bloom in clusters, commonly found in dry or rocky soil. In addition to its beauty, the Mallow plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. 

It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues.

24. Monkey Flower

A bright yellow or orange flower with a distinctive shape that attracts pollinators, commonly found in moist areas and along stream banks.

25. Mountain Bluebell

A delicate blue or purple flower that grows in clusters on short stems, commonly found in mountain meadows and open forests. 

It is a perennial plant that typically grows to be about 6-12 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. The flowers of the Mountain Bluebell are bell-shaped and range in color from light to dark blue, and sometimes even pink or white.

26. Mountain Mahogany

A shrub with small, fragrant flowers and distinctive, twisted bark, commonly found in dry, rocky areas.

27. Mountain Penstemon

A tall plant with spiky clusters of purple or blue flowers and long, narrow leaves, commonly found in mountain meadows and open forests.

28. Mountain Phlox

A low-growing plant with pink or purple flowers that bloom in dense clusters, commonly found in dry or rocky soil. The flowers of the Mountain Phlox are tubular-shaped and range in color from light pink to deep lavender. 

They typically bloom in late spring or early summer and can be found in open meadows and rocky slopes in the mountains of Utah.

29. Narrowleaf Yucca

A spiky plant with tall, thin leaves and a distinctive flower stalk, commonly found in desert regions. 

Narrowleaf Yucca is known for its distinctive foliage, which consists of narrow, sword-shaped leaves that are typically about 1 foot long and just a few inches wide. The leaves are stiff and leathery, with pointed tips and rough edges.

30. Painted Lady

A bright pink or purple flower with unique, spotted petals that is commonly found in open meadows and prairies. It is a common and widespread species that is known for its striking appearance and migratory behavior.

31. Penstemon

A tall plant with spiky clusters of pink, purple, or blue flowers and long, narrow leaves, commonly found in open meadows and sagebrush areas.

These plants are commonly known as beardtongues due to their hairy stamens that protrude from their tubular flowers.

32. Periwinkle

A low-growing plant with small, purple or blue flowers that bloom in dense clusters, commonly found in shady forests and along stream banks.

It is a low-growing evergreen perennial that typically grows to be about 6 inches tall and can spread up to 2-3 feet wide.

33. Prairie Coneflower

A tall plant with spiky, yellow or orange petals and a distinctive cone-shaped center, commonly found in prairies and meadows.

34. Primrose

A low-growing plant with delicate, white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters, commonly found in shady forests and along stream banks.

35. Purple Coneflower

A tall plant with spiky, purple or pink petals and a distinctive cone-shaped center, commonly found in prairies and meadows. In addition to its beauty, Purple Coneflower has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. 

36. Queen Anne’s Lace

A delicate white flower with a distinctive, lacy appearance that grows in open fields and meadows. It is a biennial plant that typically grows to be about 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.

37. Scarlet Gilia

A bright red or orange flower with delicate, tube-shaped petals that is commonly found in dry or rocky soil. The flowers of the Scarlet Gilia plant are trumpet-shaped and are typically a bright shade of red, although they can also be pink or orange.

38. Shasta Daisy

A tall plant with white petals and a distinctive yellow center, commonly found in open meadows and along roadsides.

39. Shooting Star

A delicate, pink or purple flower with unique, pointed petals that grow in clusters, commonly found in shady forests and mountain meadows. 

The flowers of the Shooting Star are quite striking, with a distinctive shape that resembles an upside-down, five-pointed star. They range in color from white to pink to deep purple and bloom in the springtime, typically from April to June.

40. Silverleaf Lupine

A tall plant with spiky clusters of purple or blue flowers and distinctive, silver-green leaves, commonly found in dry or rocky soil.

41. Skyrocket

A tall plant with spiky clusters of bright pink or purple flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer, commonly found in dry or rocky soil.

42. Snowdrop

A small, white flower that blooms in the early spring, commonly found in shady forests and along stream banks. 

It is a perennial plant that typically grows to be about 3-6 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide. The flowers of the Snowdrop are small and bell-shaped, with six white petals

43. Sunflower

A tall plant with large, yellow petals and a distinctive, brown center, commonly found in open meadows and along roadsides.

44. Trillium

A low-growing plant with delicate white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters of three, commonly found in shady forests and along stream banks. 

The flowers of the Trillium are quite striking, with three petals that are usually white or pink, and a center that is often a darker shade of the same color. They bloom in the springtime and are typically found in woodland areas or in areas with moist soil.

45. Wild Rose

A shrub with delicate, pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, commonly found in open meadows and along stream banks. The flowers are often followed by edible fruit in the fall.

Where To Search For Wildflowers In Utah 

Utah is known for its beautiful wildflowers, and there are many places where you can go to search for them. Here are some suggestions:

• National Parks: Utah is home to several national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. These parks have many hiking trails and scenic overlooks where you can see a variety of wildflowers.
• State Parks: Utah also has many state parks that are great places to search for wildflowers. Some popular options include Snow Canyon, Dead Horse Point, and Goblin Valley State Park.
• Mountain Ranges: The Wasatch Range, Uinta Mountains, and other mountain ranges in Utah are home to many wildflowers, particularly in the summer months.
• Deserts: Utah’s deserts are also home to many wildflowers, including the iconic desert marigold. Look for wildflowers in areas like the Moab Desert or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
• Local Botanical Gardens: Many cities and towns in Utah have botanical gardens where you can see a variety of wildflowers up close. Consider visiting places like Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City or the Ogden Botanical Gardens.

Remember to check for any restrictions or permits needed before heading out to search for wildflowers in protected areas, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect these beautiful natural areas for future generations.

Tips For Spotting Utah Wildflowers

Here are some tips for spotting Utah wildflowers:

• Timing: Many wildflowers in Utah have a short blooming season, so it’s important to know when to look for them. Check online resources or local field guides to find out when different species are expected to bloom.
• Location: Different species of wildflowers prefer different habitats, so it’s important to know where to look. Some may be found in meadows, while others prefer rocky slopes or forested areas.
• Look for clusters: Wildflowers often grow in clusters, so if you spot one, there’s a good chance there are more nearby.
• Keep an eye out for color: Wildflowers are known for their striking colors, so keep an eye out for bright pinks, yellows, blues, and purples.
• Get up close: Many wildflowers are small and can be easy to miss from a distance. Take the time to get up close and examine the flowers and foliage to help with identification.
• Bring a field guide: There are many excellent field guides available that can help you identify different species of Utah wildflowers. Consider bringing one with you on your hikes to help with identification.

Final Thoughts

The wildflowers of Utah are a stunning representation of the state’s incredible natural beauty.

From the high peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the red rock canyons of southern Utah, these plants offer a vibrant and diverse palette of colors and textures throughout the year.

Our comprehensive guide to 45 common types of Utah wildflowers is intended to serve as a resource for anyone interested in learning more about these incredible plants. 

Whether you’re a botanist, hiker, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, we hope that our guide has provided you with valuable information and inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.

By identifying and appreciating the many species of wildflowers that grow in Utah, we can deepen our connection to the natural world and gain a greater appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on this planet. 

So whether you’re exploring the state’s wilderness areas, taking a stroll through a local park, or simply admiring the flowers in your own backyard, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Utah’s wildflowers and the amazing natural world around us.

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