Orchidaceae. Native. Wetland margins, bogs. Throughout region. Napeague, Long Island, 2018.
Thank you for visiting my gallery of New York’s wildflowers. Most of the photos are my own, but I wish to thank Alex Roukis for his contribution, particularly of hard-to-find wetland wildflowers. He’s on Flickr, and his album of New York State plants can be accessed here . You can also visit my Flickr pages where you can browse my album of New York Wildflowers .
I’ve been photographing the wild plants I observe in the field for over a decade with the intention of keeping a record of sightings. Hopefully, this gallery will help you to identify a plant, as well as to appreciate the diversity and beauty of our wildflowers. This gallery is not intended as a comprehensive guide to all the wild flora of New York. Please see my New York Wild Flora page for a list of print and digital resources and guides.
Wildflowers include flowering vines, shrubs and small trees, and grasses. Plants are arranged by habitat, and within each habitat, by color group, and within each color group, alphabetically by family. Colors can vary, so check a similar color group. Also, some plants may appear in more than one habitat. I give the common name followed by the Latin name, using the nomenclature in The Catalogue of Vascular Plants of New York by David Werier (The Torrey Botanical Society, 2017), which is updated on the New York Flora Association Plant Atlas website. It’s an excellent resource for identifying wild flora, but its photo database is limited. For an excellent image database, I go to the website of the New England Wildflower Society . Even though their focus excludes New York, it’s a very useful resource.
Using print and online guides, I make every effort to accurately identify the plants, but it can be a tricky business. Different species of plants can look similar, they can hybridize, and they can evolve local variants or even subspecies. I welcome any corrections from you botanists out there. Just email me. Thanks!
–Betsy McCully, updated August 2023
Note: Click on the picture to view the caption and an enlarged image in Lightbox; mobile users click twice.
Wetland Wildflowers: marshes, swamps, bogs, streams and ponds Blue-violet wetland wildflowers
New York Aster (Symphyotrichum nova-belgii). Asteraceae.
New York Aster (Symphyotrichum nova-belgii). Asteraceae.
Perennial Salt Marsh Aster (Symphyotrichum tenuifolium). Asteraceae.
Slender Blue Iris (iris prismatica). Iridaceae.
Slender Blue Flag (Iris prismatica). Iridaceae.
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor). Iridaceae.
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor). Iridaceae.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Lythraceae.
Swamp-loosestrife (Decodon verticillata). Lythraceae.
Blue Marsh Violet (Viola cucullata). Violaceae.
Pink-purple wetland wildflowers
Saltwort (Salsola kali). Amaranthaceae.
Sweet-scented camphorweed (Pluchea odorata). Asteraceae.
Sweet-scented camphorweed (Pluchea odorata). Asteraceae.
Nuttall's Lobelia (Lobelia nuttallii). Campanulaceae.
Salt Marsh Sand-spurry (Spergularia marina). Carophyllaceae.
Thread-leaf Sundew (Drosera filiformis). Droseraceae.
Thread-leaf Sundew (Drosera filiformis). Droseraceae.
Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Ericaceae.
Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Ericaceae.
Pinksterbloom Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides). Ericaceae.
Sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia). Ericaceae.
Annual rose-gentian (Sabatia stellaris). Gentianacaea.
Virginia Marsh St. John's Wort (Triadenum virginicum). Hypericaceae.
American Germander (Teucrium canadense). Lamiaceae.
American Germander (Teucrium canadense). Lamiaceae.
Lavender Bladderwort (Utricularia resupinata). Lentibulariaceae.
Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). Malvaceae.
Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Virginia Meadow-beauty (Rhexia Virginica). Melastomataceae.
Tuberous Grass-pink (Calopogon tuberosus). Orchidaceae.
Grass Pink (Calopogon tuberosus). Orchidaceae.
Grass Pink (Calopogon tuberosus). Orchidaceae.
Rose Pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides). Orchidaceae.
Rose Pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides). Orchidaceae.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). Rosaceae.
Cross-leaved Milkwort (Polygala cruciata). Polygalaceae.
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa). Rosaceae.
Red-orange wetland wildflowers
Common Glasswort (Salicornia depressa). Amaranthaceae.
Common Glasswort (Salicornia depressa). Amaranthaceae.
Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens canadensis). Balsaminaceae.
Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). Balsaminaceae.
Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea). Cornaceae.
Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Droseraceae.
Purple Pitcher Plant (Saracenia purpurea). Sarraceniaceae.
Purple Pitcherplant (Sarracenia purpurea). Sarraceniaceae.
Yellow wetland wildflowers
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens). Asteraceae.
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens). Asteraceae.
Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Asteraceae.
Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Asteraceae.
Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus). Iridiaceae.
Common Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris). Lentibulariaceae.
Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta). Lentibulariaceae.
Fringed Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata). Myrsinaceae.
Pale Fringed Orchid (Platanthera pallida). Orchidaceae.
Yellow Pond-lily (Nuphar variegata). Nymphaeaceae .
Yellow Pond-lily (Nuphar variegata). Nymphaeaceae.
Green -brown wetland wildflowers
Poison-sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). Anacardiaceae.
Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Araceae.
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Araceae.
Bog-Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia). Ericaceae.
Cattail (Typha latifolia). Typhaceae.
White wetland wildflowers
Northern Wild Raisin (Viburnum Nudum). Adoxaceae.
Boneset Thoroughwort (Eupatorium Perfoliatum). Asteraceae.
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Adoxaceae .
Groundsel Tree (Baccharis halimifolia). Asteraceae.
Groundsel Tree (Baccharis halimifolia). Asteraceae.
Coastal Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia). Clethraceae.
Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea). Cornaceae.
Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum). Ericaceae.
High-bush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Ericaceae.
White Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata). Nymphaeaceae.
White Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata). Nymphaeaceae.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). Rosaceae.
Lance-leaved Violet (Viola lanceolata). Violaceae.
Coastal Wildflowers Blue–violet coastal wildflowers
Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus). Fabaceae.
Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus). Fabaceae.
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima). Rosaceae.
Pink coastal wildflowers
Saltwort (Salsola kali). Amaranthaceae.
Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula). Brassicaceae.
Trailing Fuzzy-bean (Strophostyles helvola). Fabaceae.
Coastal Jointed Knotweed (Polygonum articulatum). Polygonaceae.
Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa). Rosaceae
Virginia Rose (Rosa Virginiana). Rosaceae.
Rough Buttonweed (Diodia teres). Rubiaceae.
Red –orange coastal wildflowers
Red bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi). Ericaceae.
Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa). Rosaceae.
Yellow coastal wildflowers
Shaggy Golden-aster (Chrysopsis mariana). Asteraceae.
Sickle-leaved Golden-aster (Pityopsis falcata). Asteraceae.
Sickle-leaved Golden-aster (Pityopsis falcata). Asteraceae.
Coastal Plain Flat-topped Goldenrod (Euthamia caroliniana). Asteraceae.
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago Sempervirens). Asteraceae.
Eastern Prickly-pear (Opuntia cespitosa). Cactaceae.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa). Cactaceae.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa). Cactaceae.
False Heather (Hudsonia tomentosa). Cistaceae.
Round-headed Bush-clover (Lespedeza capitata). Fabaceae .
Round-headed Bush-clover (Lespedeza capitata). Fabaceae.
Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria). Fabaceae.
White coastal wildflowers
Fragrant Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Asteraceae.
Fragrant Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Asteraceae.
Pine Barrens Sandwort (Sabulina caroliniana). Carophyllaceae,
Pine Barrens Sandwort (Sabulina caroliniana). Carophyllaceae.
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima). Rosaceae.
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima). Rosaceae.
Rosa virginiana. Rosaceae.
Coastal Shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis var. canadensis). Rosaceae.
Yucca filamentosa (Agavaceae)
Brown –green coastal wildflowers
Saltwort (Salsola kali). Amaranthaceae.
American beach grass (Ammophila brevilligulata). Poaceae.
Grassland Wildflowers Blue-violet grassland wildflowers
Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis). Fabaceae.
Coastal Plain Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum). Iridaceae.
Atlantic Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum). Iridaceae.
Slender Blue Iris (iris prismatica). Iridaceae.
Forked Blue Curls (Trichostema dichotomum). Lamiaceae.
Forked Blue Curls (Trichostema dichotomum). Lamiaceae.
Old Field Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis). Plantaginaceae.
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Verbenaceae.
Arrow-leaved Violet (Viola sagittata). Violaceae.
Bird's Foot Violet (Viola pedata). Violaceae.
Bird's Foot Violet (Viola pedata). Violaceae.
Pink-purple grassland wildflowers
New England Blazing-star (Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae). Asteraceae.
Common Thistle (Cirsium vulgare). Asteraceae.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Apocynaceae.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Apocynaceae.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Apocynaceae.
Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). Caryophyllaceae.
Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis). Caryophyllaceae.
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Convolvulaceae.
Goat's Rue (Tephrosia virginiana). Fabaceae.
Rabbit's Foot Clover (Trifolium arvense). Fabaceae.
Purple Agalinis (Agalinis purpurea). Orobanchaceae.
Purple Agalinis (Agalinis purpurea). Orobanchaceae.
Sandplain Gerardia (Agalinis decemloba). Orobanchaceae.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Poaceae.
Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis). Poaceae.
Racemed Milkwort (Polygala polygama). Polygalaceae.
Dock-leaved Smartweed (Persicaria lapathifolia). Polyonaceae.
Red –orange grassland wildflowers
Shining Sumac (Rhus copallinum). Anacardiaceae.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Apocynaceae.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Apocynaceae.
Black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata). Ericaceae.
Yellow grassland wildflowers
Shining Sumac (Rhus copallinum). Anacardiaceae.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Asteraceae.
Camphor weed (Heterotheca subaxillaris). Asteraceae.
Coastal Plain Flat-topped Goldenrod (Euthamia caroliniana). Asteraceae.
Common Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia). Asteraceae.
Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora). Asteraceae.
Wrinkle-leaved Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa). Asteraceae.
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia). Asteraceae.
Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Asteraceae.
Bushy Frostweed (Crocanthemum dumosum). Cistaceae.
Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus ocrniculatus). Fabaceae.
Partridge Sensitive-pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata). Fabaceae.
Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria). Fabaceae.
Common St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Hypericaceae.
Spotted St. John's Wort (Hypericum punctatum)
Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta). Hypoxidaceae.
Common Evening-primrose (Oenethera biennis). Oenagraceae.
Common Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta). Oxalidaceae.
Common Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta). Oxalidaceae.
Butter-and-Eggs Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris). Plantaginaceae.
Silvery Cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea). Rosaceae.
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Scrophulariaceae.
Brown –green grassland wildflowers
Clustered Mountain-mint (Pycanthemum muticum). Lamiaceae.
Sweet-Fern (Comptonia peregrina). Myricaceae.
Bracted Plantain (Plantago aristata). Plantaginaceae.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Poaceae.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Poaceae.
White grassland wildflowers
Fragrant Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Asteraceae.
Fragrant Rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Asteraceae.
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Asteraceae .
Boneset Thoroughwort (Eupatorium Perfoliatum). Asteraceae.
Hyssop-leaved Boneset (Eupatorium hyssopifolium). Asteraceae.
Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus). Asteraceae.
Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota). Apiaceae.
Nodding Ladies-tresses (Spiranthes cernua). Orchidaceae.
Little Ladies Tresses (Spiranthes tuberosa). Orchidaceae.
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis). Plantaginaceae.
Common Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Rosaceae.
Woodland Wildflowers Blue woodland wildflowers
Trailing Bush-clover (Lezpedeza procumbens). Fabaceae.
Northern Downy Violet (Viola sagitata var. ovata). Violaceae.
Pink woodland wildflowers
Maple-leaved Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium). Adoxaceae.
Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium). Apocynaceae.
Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) Apocynaceae.
Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana ssp. pensylvanica). Caryophyllaceae.
Pink Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides). Ericaceae.
Panicled Tick-trefoil (Desmodium paniculatum). Fabaceae.
Panicled Tick-trefoil (Desmodium paniculatum). Fabaceae.
Black Oak (Quercus velutina). Fagaceae.
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Geraniaceae.
Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule). Orchidaceae.
Red-orange woodland wildflowers
Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). Balsaminaceae.
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum). Melanthiaceae.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). Vitaceae.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Yellow woodland wildflowers
Sassafras albidum. Lauraceae.
Fringed Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata). Primulaceae.
Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia). Primulaceae.
White woodland wildflowers
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Adoxaceae.
Toothed Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum). Adoxaceae.
Toothed Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum). Adoxaceae.
Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense). Asparagaceae.
Starry Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum). Asparagaceae .
Toothed White-topped Aster (Sericocarpus asteroides). Asteraceae.
Toothed White-topped Aster (Sericocarpus asteroides). Asteraceae.
Coastal Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia). Clethraceae.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Ericaceae.
Spotted Wintergeen (Chimaphila maculata). Ericaceae.
Clammy Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum). Ericaceae.
Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule). Orchidaceae.
Starflower (Lysimachia borealis). Primulaceae.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). Rosaceae.
Partridge-berry (Mitchella repens). Rubiaceae.
Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia). Ranunculaceae.
Feathery False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum). Ruscaceae.
c. Betsy McCully 2018-2023
