In this article, readers will discover an enchanting array of 11 orange wildflowers found in South Carolina. Focusing on the most common species in the region, each wildflower is unveiled with its scientific name, alternative monikers, growing instructions, and distinct qualities. From the delicate Spotted Touch-Me-Not to the vibrant Tiger Lily, these mesmerizing blossoms are described in terms of their appearance, preferred habitats, and their vital role in supporting pollinators and local wildlife. However, alongside their beauty, the article also explores certain warnings and precautions associated with a few wildflowers, such as their toxicity or invasiveness. Explore the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s orange wildflowers and uncover the fascinating stories they hold.
Spotted Touch-Me-Not
Scientific Name
Impatiens capensis
Other Names
Orange Balsam, Jewelweed, Yellow Jewelweed, Snapweed
Growing Information
Spotted Touch-Me-Not is a perennial wildflower that usually grows 2-5 feet tall. It thrives in moist and shady environments, and can often be found near streams, ditches, or other wet areas. The plant blooms from July to September, producing vibrant orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Unique Characteristics
One interesting characteristic of the Spotted Touch-Me-Not is its seed pods. When the ripe pods are touched, they explode, scattering the seeds several feet away. This natural mechanism helps the plant disperse its seeds and colonize new areas.
Appearance
The Spotted Touch-Me-Not features delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange. The petals are spotted with reddish-brown markings, giving the plant its name. The leaves are oval in shape and have a serrated edge. The stem of the plant is succulent and often reddish in color.
Growing Conditions
Spotted Touch-Me-Not prefers partially shaded areas with moist soil. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hot summer regions, it requires shade to thrive. The plant is easy to grow from seeds and can self-seed in the right conditions.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The bright orange flowers of the Spotted Touch-Me-Not attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. These pollinators help facilitate the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, ensuring the survival and reproduction of the plant. Additionally, the plant provides food and shelter for various insects and small animals.
Warnings/Precautions
While the Spotted Touch-Me-Not is generally safe, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when in contact with the plant. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Butterfly Weed
Scientific Name
Asclepias tuberosa
Other Names
Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root
Growing Information
Butterfly Weed is a perennial wildflower that thrives in dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil. It is a popular choice for butterfly gardens due to its attractive flowers and its appeal to various butterfly species. The plant blooms from early summer to early fall.
Unique Characteristics
Butterfly Weed is a member of the milkweed family and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed plants, making Butterfly Weed an essential plant for their survival. The plant also has medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat respiratory issues.
Appearance
Butterfly Weed displays clusters of bright orange flowers on upright stems. The flowers are flat-topped and have a unique star-shaped structure. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are densely packed along the stem. The stem and leaves exude a milky sap when broken.
Growing Conditions
Butterfly Weed prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought once established. The plant does not require frequent watering but should be watered deeply during prolonged dry spells.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
As the name suggests, Butterfly Weed is highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for these insects and contribute to their overall survival. Additionally, the plant serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies, playing a crucial role in their life cycle.
Warnings/Precautions
Butterfly Weed contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It is not recommended for consumption by humans or pets. Additionally, the milky sap of the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Crossvine
Scientific Name
Bignonia capreolata
Other Names
Trumpet Flower, Trumpet Vine
Growing Information
Crossvine is a perennial vine that climbs and attaches itself to supports and structures by twining. It is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in South Carolina. The plant blooms from March to May, producing clusters of trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers.
Unique Characteristics
Crossvine is known for its rapid growth and its ability to cover large areas. It is often used to provide a natural screen or cover for fences, trellises, or walls. The plant attracts hummingbirds with its showy flowers, making it a favorite addition to hummingbird gardens.
Appearance
Crossvine features vibrant orange-red flowers that are tubular in shape and have yellow throats. The flowers are arranged in clusters along the stem. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and leathery. The vine can reach lengths of up to 50 feet.
Growing Conditions
Crossvine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. Regular watering is necessary during dry periods, especially when the vine is newly planted.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The bright flowers of Crossvine are irresistible to hummingbirds and other nectar-seeking birds. These birds act as pollinators for the plant, transferring pollen from one flower to another. The vine also provides shelter and nesting sites for various small animals and birds.
Warnings/Precautions
Crossvine is generally non-toxic, but caution should be exercised if using it around structures or sensitive plants. The vine’s quick growth and strong attachment can cause damage to surfaces, so it is best to provide proper support and guidance for the plant’s growth.
Blanket Flower
Scientific Name
Gaillardia pulchella
Other Names
Indian Blanket, Firewheel
Growing Information
Blanket Flower is a perennial wildflower that is native to parts of North and Central America. It is known for its vibrant display of orange, red, and yellow flowers. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Unique Characteristics
Blanket Flower is well-adapted to dry and arid environments, making it a resilient and hardy plant. It is also deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with deer populations. The flowers of Blanket Flower have long-lasting blooms, making them a striking addition to bouquets and floral arrangements.
Appearance
Blanket Flower features daisy-like flowers with vibrant red or orange petals that have yellow tips. The center of each flower is dark brown or maroon, creating a striking contrast. The plant has lance-shaped, gray-green leaves that are hairy and toothed.
Growing Conditions
Blanket Flower prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soil. The plant is drought tolerant once established, but regular watering during hot and dry periods will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The nectar-rich flowers of Blanket Flower attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These creatures rely on the plant’s nectar as a food source and play a crucial role in pollination. The plant also provides habitat and food for small mammals and birds.
Warnings/Precautions
Blanket Flower is generally safe and non-toxic. However, individuals with plant allergies may experience skin irritation when handling the plant. It is advisable to wear gloves while working with the plant, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Carolina Lily
Scientific Name
Lilium michauxii
Other Names
Wood Lily, Michael’s Lily
Growing Information
Carolina Lily is a perennial wildflower that is native to the southeastern United States, including South Carolina. It grows best in woodland areas with dappled shade and well-drained soil. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of showy, orange-red flowers.
Unique Characteristics
Carolina Lily is known for its striking beauty and its ability to thrive in shady conditions. It is a rare and protected plant in some areas. The flowers of Carolina Lily are fragrant and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Appearance
Carolina Lily produces tall stalks with clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers are orange-red and have prominent, recurved petals. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in whorls along the stem.
Growing Conditions
Carolina Lily prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is often found in woodland areas, where it can take advantage of the filtered sunlight. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The fragrant flowers of Carolina Lily attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. These pollinators help transfer pollen from one flower to another, ensuring the plant’s reproduction. The plant also provides habitat and food for small mammals and birds.
Warnings/Precautions
Carolina Lily is generally safe and non-toxic. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when working with the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Tiger Lily
Scientific Name
Lilium lancifolium
Other Names
Leopard Lily, Ditch Lily
Growing Information
Tiger Lily is a perennial wildflower that is native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea. It has been naturalized in many areas, including South Carolina. The plant is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom in mid- to late summer.
Unique Characteristics
Tiger Lily is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil conditions. It is tolerant of wet areas and can even be grown in shallow water. The plant has been cultivated for its ornamental value and is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
Tiger Lily produces tall, erect stems with clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers at the top. The flowers are bright orange and have black or dark red spots on the petals. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in whorls along the stem.
Growing Conditions
Tiger Lily prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The vibrant flowers of Tiger Lily attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These creatures rely on the plant’s nectar as a food source and play a crucial role in pollination. The plant also provides habitat and food for small mammals and birds.
Warnings/Precautions
Tiger Lily is generally safe and non-toxic. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when working with the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Orange Milkwort
Scientific Name
Polygala lutea
Other Names
Yellow Milkwort
Growing Information
Orange Milkwort is a perennial wildflower that is native to the southeastern United States, including South Carolina. It grows best in moist, sandy soils and can often be found in pine flatwoods, wet ditches, and moist meadows. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Unique Characteristics
Orange Milkwort is a member of the milkwort family and is known for its vibrant orange flowers. The plant gets its name from the milky sap that is released when the stem is broken. The sap was traditionally used to treat various ailments, including toothaches and digestive issues.
Appearance
Orange Milkwort produces clusters of small, orange flowers that are densely packed along the stem. The flowers have a unique structure, with three petals that are fused together at the base. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem.
Growing Conditions
Orange Milkwort prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to maintain its vibrant flowers.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The nectar-rich flowers of Orange Milkwort attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and wasps. These pollinators play an essential role in the plant’s reproduction by transferring pollen from one flower to another. The plant also provides habitat and food for small mammals and birds.
Warnings/Precautions
Orange Milkwort is generally safe and non-toxic. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as the milky sap may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when working with the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Orange-fringed Orchid
Scientific Name
Platanthera ciliaris
Other Names
Yellow Fringed Orchid
Growing Information
Orange-fringed Orchid is a perennial wildflower that is native to the eastern United States, including South Carolina. It is typically found in wet habitats, such as bogs, fens, and wet meadows. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of showy, orange flowers.
Unique Characteristics
Orange-fringed Orchid is a rare and beautiful wildflower that is highly sought after by plant enthusiasts and orchid lovers. It is known for its intricate flowers, which have a delicate fringed appearance. The plant is considered an indicator species, as its presence indicates the health of wetland habitats.
Appearance
Orange-fringed Orchid produces tall spikes with clusters of tubular flowers at the top. The flowers are bright orange and have fringed edges, giving them a unique and intricate appearance. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette.
Growing Conditions
Orange-fringed Orchid prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. It requires consistent moisture and cannot tolerate drought well. The plant is best suited for wetland habitats or gardens with consistently moist soil.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The intricate flowers of Orange-fringed Orchid attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. These pollinators help facilitate the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, ensuring the reproduction of the plant. The plant also provides habitat and food for various wetland insects and animals.
Warnings/Precautions
Orange-fringed Orchid is a protected species in many areas and should not be collected or disturbed in the wild. Additionally, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as it is fragile and easily damaged. If attempting to grow Orange-fringed Orchid in a garden, ensure proper research and care to provide the specific growing conditions it requires.
Standing Cypress
Scientific Name
Ipomopsis rubra
Other Names
Texas Plume, Scarlet Gilia
Growing Information
Standing Cypress is a biennial or short-lived perennial wildflower that is native to the southeastern United States, including South Carolina. It typically grows in dry, rocky soil in open wooded areas or along roadsides. The plant blooms in mid-summer, producing tall spikes of vibrant red or orange flowers.
Unique Characteristics
Standing Cypress is known for its striking beauty and its resemblance to a flaming torch when in bloom. The plant is a favorite among hummingbirds, which are attracted to its nectar-rich flowers. Standing Cypress is also a popular choice for wildflower gardens and xeriscaping projects.
Appearance
Standing Cypress produces tall spikes with clusters of tubular flowers at the top. The flowers are typically bright red or orange and have a trumpet-like shape. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem.
Growing Conditions
Standing Cypress prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soil. The plant is drought tolerant once established and does not require frequent watering.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The nectar-rich flowers of Standing Cypress attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. These pollinators rely on the plant’s nectar as a food source and contribute to the plant’s reproduction. Standing Cypress also provides habitat and shelter for various insects and small animals.
Warnings/Precautions
Standing Cypress is generally safe and non-toxic. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is advisable to wear gloves when working with the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Tropical Milkweed
Scientific Name
Asclepias curassavica
Other Names
Bloodflower, Mexican Butterfly Weed
Growing Information
Tropical Milkweed is a perennial wildflower that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is commonly found in gardens and landscapes across South Carolina. The plant blooms from spring to fall and is a favorite among gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics
Tropical Milkweed is known for its vibrant orange and red flowers, which are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. It is a host plant for monarch butterflies, as the caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. Tropical Milkweed is easy to grow and provides a valuable food source for pollinators.
Appearance
Tropical Milkweed produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of orange or red. The flowers are arranged in umbels at the top of the plant. The plant has long, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem.
Growing Conditions
Tropical Milkweed thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. The plant is drought tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry spells.
Significance for Pollinators and Wildlife
The nectar-rich flowers of Tropical Milkweed attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These creatures rely on the plant’s nectar for energy and play a crucial role in pollination. The plant is also a food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Warnings/Precautions
Tropical Milkweed is generally safe and non-toxic. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as the milky sap may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when working with the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In conclusion, South Carolina is home to a diverse array of orange wildflowers, each with its unique characteristics and significance for pollinators and wildlife. From the explosive seed pods of the Spotted Touch-Me-Not to the vibrant and nectar-rich flowers of the Butterfly Weed and Tropical Milkweed, these wildflowers provide a splash of color and contribute to the ecological balance of the region. While some precautions may be necessary, such as wearing gloves when handling certain plants, the overall message is one of appreciation and conservation. By cultivating and protecting these orange wildflowers, we can support pollinators, wildlife, and the natural beauty of South Carolina.