Arkansas, the natural state, is beautiful in all seasons and most especially in fall. Wildflowers are abundant along roadsides and meadows. Read on to discover the fall wildflowers of Arkansas, one of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Black-eyed Susan
The black-eyed Susan is a flower all Arkansans are familiar with. These beautiful flowers are commonplace along the roadsides and in fields from late May to October. These fall wildflowers of Arkansas feature large flowers with bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. They act as browse for deer and other wildlife.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Goldenrod
Goldenrod is one of the most widespread fall wildflowers of Arkansas. They are tall, beautiful flowers of deep yellow, hence the name Goldenrod. The flowers are small but plentiful and are grouped together along a tall main stalk. These fall wildflowers of Arkansas can be found in rocky and open areas of the western two thirds of the state.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Mexican Hat
Mexican hat has flowers that grow up to three feet and begin blooming in June all the way through October throughout the entire state. The flower petals are broad, drooping and yellow and are colored reddish-brown near the base. These fall wildflowers of Arkansas can be found growing in prairies and pine forests.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are more than just beautiful fall wildflowers of Arkansas. They are also used extensively as medicinal herbs. Many local Arkansans, including myself, harvest these gorgeous wildflowers which can be found along roadsides and woodlands. The purple flowers of these fall wildflowers of Arkansas are cone-shaped and bloom from June to October throughout the state.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as wild carrot, is a wild ancestor of the cultivated carrot we know today. These beautiful fall wildflowers of Arkansas are fabulous to behold and have been used as a natural form of birth control. The flowers are small, white umbels sometimes with a pink tint. They can be found along roadsides and fields throughout the state from May to the first frost.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Rose Vervain
Rose Vervains are breathtaking fall wildflowers of Arkansas. They are only found in the most southwestern parts of the state from May to September. Rose colored petals in round clusters distinguish these beautiful fall wildflowers of Arkansas.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Tickseed
Tickseed is one of the most bothersome, although beautiful fall wildflowers of Arkansas. Its name is derived from its two pronged seed pod that adheres itself to clothing and animal fur. As a child, we often called these fall wildflowers of Arkansas “hitchhikers” because they would hitch a ride on your clothes. The flowers can grow to six feet tall and are found along roadsides and fields throughout the state from May to November.
Fall Wildflowers of Arkansas – Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot, also known as bee balm, can be found in fields and along roadsides from June to September. These fall wildflowers of Arkansas are lavender in color with spiked petals. They serve as browse for deer and other wildlife.
Sources:
http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=4059
