Wildflower Index In Indiana Woodlands and Fields © 2006

A wealth of native wildflowers can be found in the fields and forests of Indiana

In the rural area of Indiana which we live in native wildflowers of woodland and field are abundant. Learning identification of these various wildflowers can be tricky, as many flowers have dozens of variations as well as some bearing similiarity to each other.

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The wildflowers of the woodlands are the first to bloom here in Indiana, usually by late March. These flowers of the deep forest must get an early start, before the tree canopy fills in and blocks the availability of sunlight. The early show of the spring beauties, trilliums, and dog tooth lilies signals the arrival of spring. The later native wildflowers, the bonesets and jewelweeds are more tolerant of the shade and color the late summer forest with their snow white, oranges and yellows.

The wildflowers of the fields can afford to be a bit more patient. The asters, black eyed susans, daisies and other flowers of the wild meadows and fencerows enjoy the heat of summer and the extended daylight of the waxing summer Indiana sun.

The pages of this section will focus mainly on helping to identify the native and introduced wildflowers here in Indiana. But this will also be helpful to the neighboring states of Ohio and Illinois because the same types of flowers also grow there.

Learning to identify the various wildflowers of field and woodland is a fun activity, and the forests of our native Indiana abound in many different types. Every month of the year, save the winter months of December, January and February boasts an array of different types of native wildflowers to grace the wild lands about.

I have resisted the urge to try to transplant wildflowers into my flower gardens. But I am lucky, the forest is a mere steps away from doorstep, so enjoying the wildflowers in their natural state is easy. So included in most of the information will include propagation helps. Just remember that taking plants from the wild is illegal in most states. State Forests in Indiana allow limited harvest of seeds of some flowers and trees, and I have augmented my garden by collecting a very few seeds from these sources.
This is an index of wildflowers encountered along the road, in the woods, and in meadows here in Indiana. These are mostly found in the southeastern part of the state, but there will be others as well. The inventory of wild plants found here is by no means complete.

The list found here will grow over time, so check back often. This list is in alphabetical order and will include spring, summer, and fall blooming wildflowers from locations here in Indiana. All types will be listed, woodland, field, and roadside - in short as many different types of wildflowers as can be found, photographed and described.

An effort will be made later on to group the native wildflowers into lists to make it easier to identify them. As the listings found here grow, I hope that you will find this an invaluable tool for you to enjoy the nature experience here in Indiana.

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