What Are Some Flowers Native to Minnesota?

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  The Minnesota climate presents a challenge to many gardeners. The state's hot, dry summers and snowy winters leave gardeners with few plant choices. However, the state has a variety of native flowers that are found growing along roadsides, highways and in fields. Look for some of these native plants at the local nursery to brighten up your Minnesota flower garden.

Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia)

• The purple giant hyssop has purplish-pink tubular flowers that grow from a spike. The flowers bloom in thick clusters and bloom from July to September. These plants are in abundance in thickets and wet wooded areas. The green, heart-shaped leaves have a hairy white underside and the stem is purple. Purple giant hyssop can grow up to 5 feet tall and grow best in full sun to part shade.

Dragon's Mouth (Arethusa bulbosa)

• Dragon's mouth is a small plant that will usually reach a little over 1 foot tall. The plant blooms single, pinkish flowers atop a stem. The edge of the flower has purple speckles and the center has yellow-colored hairs. The flowers bloom from spring to early summer and the plant grows best in part shade to full sun. Dragon's mouth grows in many swamps and meadows. The leaves of dragon's mouth are thin, grass-like blades.

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea)

• Indian paintbrush can reach up to 2 feet tall. The plant has hairy stems and leaves, and reddish-orange flowers. The tips of the flowers look like they were dipped in red paint. The flowers bloom from spring to summer. These plants grow best in full sun to part shade. Indian paintbrush are located in many fields, prairies and open woods.

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

• Ground ivy is an aggressive grower that grows in thick mats. The plant produces bluish-purple flowers from spring to summer. The small flowers bloom in clusters around the stem, usually in groups of three. Ground ivy has green leaves that have teeth, and are rounded and sometimes kidney-shaped. This small plant will only reach about 8 inches tall and grows best in part shade to full sun. Ground ivy grows in many thickets and lawns.

Giant Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

• Giant sunflowers are native to Minnesota and can reach a height of up to 10 feet. The flowers are bright yellow with a dark brown center. The large green leaves have a toothed edge and the underside is hairy. The flowers bloom throughout the summer and the plant grows best in full sun. Moist woods, swamps and marshes have these plants.