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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 3h

Horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis) is a perennial in the mint family blooming now along moist streamsides (although it will grow in drier soils). Foliage and flowers of this mint family member have a citronella-like fragrance. (1/2)

Bee on a small flowering plant with green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The third genus of goldenaster that you might find is Heterotheca subaxillaris, a tall annual plant that is blooming now on roadsides with bright yellow flowers. Also known as camphorweed, the plant has a strong odor to the foliage. (1/2)

Cluster of yellow wildflowers in green grass.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Cottony goldenaster (Chrysopsis gossypina) is another species related to the Maryland aster we posted yesterday; cottony goldenaster, however, is strictly a Coastal Plain species but it does overlap the range of Maryland aster. Notice the cottony buds of the unopened flowers.

A yellow flower with some dew drops and blurred background.

Close-up of a small white wildflower with a yellow center.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Maryland goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana) is another goldenaster. Native throughout the state, this perennial can be found in dry rocky soils such as roadsides and meadows/fields. (1/2)

Cluster of yellow wildflowers with green leaves in background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Another species of Pityopsis (the goldenaster featured yesterday) is Pityopsis pinifolia, a species known as Taylor County goldenaster. It is found only in a few counties, Taylor County being one of them. As indicated by its species name (pinifolia), the leaves are very thin. (1/2)

Yellow wildflowers with green stems in a meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Goldenaster is a common name given to at least 3 different plants in Georgia. All of them are blooming now, so we’ll feature them over the next 3 days. The first one is also known as silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), a misleading name as it is not a grass at all but has grass-like leaves. (1/2)

Five yellow wildflowers with narrow petals and stems in focus above a blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Another annual is scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) although current thinking is that it is not native to Georgia (but it is sold in Georgia and included in seed mixes). Although this species is an annual plant it usually reseeds enough to have more the next year. (1/2)

Red wildflowers with surrounding green leaves and stems.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Purple false foxglove (Agalinis purpurea) is a larger annual (compared to yesterday's species) blooming now along with other relatives like Agalinis fasciculata (beach false foxglove). Agalinis species are hemiparasitic on grasses so you’ll find them generally with native grasses. (1/2)

Four purple flowers with green stems and leaves.

Caterpillar with vibrant colors on a plant stem surrounded by greenery.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Slender-leaved false foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia) is another late summer annual. This small plant likely won’t be noticed on rocky woodland edges or roadsides. Once the flowers open, the small pink-purple blossoms might catch your eye - but they won’t be overlooked by bumblebees. (1/2)

Purple wildflowers with small buds and green stems.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

In addition to our native trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials – we also have native annual plants. They start and complete their life cycle in the same growing year. This one is blooming now – it is called forked blue curls (Trichostema dichotomum). (1/2)

Small purple flowers on stems with green leaves in focus.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Boltonia asteroides is a tall perennial with large aster-like flowers (hence the species “asteroides”). It is a member of the Aster family, of course, but the tall, lanky look isn’t what we think of when someone says aster. (1/2)

White daisies with yellow centers growing among green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is another favorite pass-along plant, just like yesterday’s blue mistflower/ageratum. The common name “obedient” plant comes not from the plant behaving in your garden, but from the flowers holding their position if you move them with your finger. (1/2)

Purple wildflowers growing beside a wooden border.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Rambunctious blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is blooming now and butterflies couldn’t be happier! This plant, once known as a Eupatorium and also known by the common name hardy ageratum, has been a favorite pass-along plant for many generations. (1/2)

Bee pollinating fuzzy purple flowers with yellow flowers in the background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Solidago petiolaris is the last in our series on Georgia goldenrods. We'll cover some of the other fall flowers next. This species grows to about 3 feet tall, isn't aggressive, and has fairly large and handsome yellow flowers. (1/2)

Monarch butterfly on yellow flowers surrounded by greenery.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This is the goldenrod that you see on the side of the road and the one mistakenly blamed for fall allergies. Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), is a perennial, rhizomatous native flower that keeps our roadsides cheerful and our bees/late butterflies happy as a bountiful source of nectar. (1/3)

Yellow wildflowers blooming in a green field.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

There are some shade tolerant goldenrods. This one is blue-stem or wreath goldenrod, Solidago caesia. This perennial grows to about 3 feet tall but the stems usually arch away from the center so it may not even be that tall; growth habit is clumping so this is very well behaved. (1/2)

Yellow flowers on a branch with insects crawling on them.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Solidago rugosa is called wrinkle-leaf goldenrod. It’s most often sold as the cultivar ‘Fireworks.’ A compact, mildly-spreading selection, its especially showy panicles of flowers have become popular in landscape design where it has helped champion the cause of native plants in garden design. (1/2)

Mailbox surrounded by yellow flowers and green plants.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Here is the other species with the common name “showy goldenrod.” This is Solidago erecta and it is a well behaved “clumper.” When undisturbed, it produces a single long wand of flowers; if nipped by a deer or broken by accident, it will produce multiple shorter stalks. (1/2)

A yellow flower on a long stem with grass in the background.

Close-up of green leaves with reddish tips among grass.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

One of two goldenrods that share the name “showy” goldenrod, Solidago speciosa is a tall, handsome clumping form. The individual flowers are fairly large compared to other species. Native to scattered areas of Georgia and all over the eastern US, this is one of the earlier blooming species. (1/2)

Yellow flowers and some white ones growing in a forest with a wooden post.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is a clumping goldenrod that is found throughout the upper 2/3 of Georgia and much of the US. The foliage is grayish and the panicles of tiny blooms arch over in a charming way. (1/2)

Yellow wildflowers growing in a field with green stems and leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Here is one species of goldenrod that is very popular in gardens thanks to a cultivar introduced: Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’. Low growing foliage serves as a groundcover most of the year. (1/3)

Yellow wildflowers in a garden with green leaves and stone edging.

Colorful caterpillar with red and yellow stripes on a green leaf.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Seaside goldenrod is a coastal species (Solidago sempervirens). While other species are also found in the coastal plain, this one can actually grow near the beach and handle salty conditions. It is native along the coast from Texas to Newfoundland. (1/2)

Yellow wildflower with tiny blooms in a grassy field.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Solidago gigantea is another earlier flowering species that you might see in wet ditches or low areas. It gets tall like Solidago altissima but the bloom time is slightly earlier and the flower sprays are more open and the stems near the flowers are generally smooth (without hairs). (1/2)

Yellow goldenrod flowers growing next to a chain-link fence.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Before we really dig into the goldenrods, let's review ragweed (which is often growing on roadsides). There are several different species of ragweed that you might find in Georgia, and these are the two most common: giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) (1/3)

Green plant with buds on its stems and large leaves.

Close-up of a green plant with jagged leaves and small buds.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The turtleheads (Chelone spp.) are blooming now and the pink ones always seem to be first. Turtleheads are native perennials that love moisture. In the wild you might find it in rich woodlands that open up to a bit of sun; you might even find it on the edges of streams and seeps. (1/2)

White flower with dark green leaves in front of blurred yellow flowers.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Folks, it’s time to have the conversation about goldenrod. The goldenrods (Solidago spp) are starting to bloom on the roadside and in fields. With every glimpse of those yellow flowers, people with allergies are getting nervous. But don’t blame the flowers, for goldenrod is not the culprit. (1/4)

Yellow flowers with a red arrow in a grassy field.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Two clematis that look so similar and often are blooming at the same time – one native and one not. Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) is the native vine, with four white petals and toothed leaflets (the edges are jagged) in groups of three. (1/2)

Collage of Clematis virginiana and Clematis terniflora with white flowers.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

If you were going to have a children’s garden, be sure to include this one as surely kids would get a giggle to have a plant called elephant’s foot (Elephantopus tomentosus). Broad, flat leaves on the ground is what gave rise to this name, no doubt. (1/2)

Close-up of small lilac wildflowers with green leaves in the background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Many native plants have unfortunately earned nicknames of “weed” and a few deserve them but not ironweed. Ironweed (Vernonia spp.) is a plant that deserves more usage in the garden and more preservation in wild spaces. (1/3)

Tall purple wildflowers in a green garden.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This is the large-flowered partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) which has flowers 2-3 times larger than the one featured yesterday. In a group, this plant can be quite showy! Equally attractive to bees and larval hosts for sulphurs, both species are annual plants found throughout the state (1/2)

Yellow wildflowers with green leaves in a natural setting.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Here’s a native annual that you might be seeing in flower now. This is small-flowered partridge pea (Chamaecrista nictitans). The flowers are pretty small (1/4 inch), for sure, but they still support plenty of small bees and the plant also has “extrafloral nectaries” that reward bees and ants. (1/2)

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Thistles (Cirsium spp.) are some misunderstood and unappreciated plants! There are native and non-native ones, of course, and they can spread aggressively. At least seven species are found in Georgia. (1/3)

Purple thistle flower with spiky petals and green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Starry campion (Silene stellata) is a delicate looking perennial blooming now in the upper half of Georgia. Tall stalks (up to 3 feet) sport a panicle that contains numerous individual white fringed flowers. Leaves are distinctly arranged in whorls of 4 with some opposite pairs as well. (1/2)

Close-up of white flowers with fringed petals on green stems.

Close-up of a white flower with green center and blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

The fringed orchids are spectacularly showy native plants. This one is yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris), blooming in north Georgia, found in places like open meadows and woods. It is one of about a dozen different species of fringed orchids that are native to Georgia.

Orange wildflower with intricate petals set against green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Not every blooming plant is a winner with us humans and this camphor weed (Pluchea camphorata) is proof of that. Blooming now, this pink member of the Asteraceae family is often mistaken for a Joe pye weed (Eutrochium). (1/2)

Close-up of a plant with pink flowers and green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Do you like to support butterflies? Native perennials in the Rudbeckia genus are a beautiful way to do it. This is cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), one of the few that doesn’t have a dark center. This tall perennial has leaves that are lobed or which appear to be divided or cut. (1/2)

Butterfly with orange and black wings on a yellow flower.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Another summer yellow blooming now is the perennial known as woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus). Often found on part-shade roadsides, this modest but tough plant shines through the grasses and other plants around it, reaching up to 5 feet tall. (1/3)

Yellow flower with green leaves and a bud in the background.

Close-up of yellow flower with green sepals and petals.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The summer yellows are gaining steam. We featured one rosinweed (Silphium) in July and more rosinweeds are coming. Likewise, the sunflowers (Helianthus) are showing up too on the roadsides. Let’s start with something else first – a giant of a plant with bear paw-sized leaves! (1/3)

Yellow flower with green leaves and some holes in the foliage.

Back view of a yellow flower showing petals and green sepals.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

This is another twining, summer pea; it has pink flowers and is known as milkpea. There are several species of milkpea in Georgia, this one’s Galactia regularis. It can be found throughout the state. The flowers, 3-part leaves & fruit pods make it recognizable as in the pea family (Fabaceae). (1/2)

Small pink flower with green leaves in the background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Spurred butterfly pea (Centrosema virginianum) is the second pea vine that we referenced yesterday. It’s similarity to pigeon wings (Clitoria mariana) is enough for most people to do a double-take. Add to that similar leaves, a similar range in the state and similar habit preferences. (1/3)

Bee on a purple flower surrounded by green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

We missed featuring this native shrub when it was blooming in June/July. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a fragrant, summer-blooming shrub that sustains a lot of pollinators. The long racemes of tiny white flowers provide pollen and nectar to a variety of bees & butterflies over many weeks. (1/2)

White flowers with long stamens on green leafy branches.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The most noticeable of Eupatoriums can be seen on roadsides: Late thoroughwort (Eupatorium serotinum), sometimes called late boneset. It may look like a dead-end to us, but it’s a feast for pollinators! It spreads by seeds (not roots); it’s easy to pull out as a seedling if you get too many. (1/2)

A yellow 'Dead End' sign next to tall grass and bushes.

Bee on white flowers collecting pollen with a blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We’ve been talking about the bonesets, but Eupatorium perfoliatum is perhaps the one you are most likely to find for sale. Reported native range in Georgia includes the Piedmont, the Ridge & Valley as well as the Coastal Plain in areas with good moisture. (1/3)

Close-up of white wildflower with green leaves and blurred background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

A third Eupatorium species blooming now is hyssop-leaf thoroughwort (Eupatorium hyssopifolium) and it is perhaps the prettiest of them all. Finely textured foliage and a neat, flat topped appearance with a bloom height of 3 feet makes this one quite garden worthy. (1/2)

White wildflowers growing among tall grass in a sunny meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Roundleaf thoroughwort (Eupatorium rotundifolium) is very similar to yesterday’s plant in terms of flowers, but the leaves are roundish and shorter. Leaves are still oppositely arranged and the stem is pubescent. This species is more common and gets a little taller, perhaps closer to 3 feet.

Cluster of small white wildflowers against a grassy background.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The genus of bonesets and thoroughworts is a workhorse group of white blooming perennials that are in fields, under powerlines, and along roadsides where they generally thrive in poor soils. The genus name is Eupatorium and it no longer includes the more popular and well known Joe pye weed. (1/3)

Close-up of white flower clusters with green leaves.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Coastal Plain Joe pye weed (Eutrochium dubium) is a compact species that is not actually found in Georgia but we’ll feature it because it does get sold in Georgia, usually as the cultivar ‘Little Joe’ and ‘Baby Joe.’ (1/2)

Purple wildflowers with green leaves in a grassy meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Sweet-scented Joe pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is generally a smaller species and often found in north Georgia (but there are a few reports of it in the upper Coastal Plain). It tends to grow in more shade, is not as tall, and has paler flowers than the other two species we’ve mentioned. (1/2)

Close-up of white wildflowers with green leaves in a natural setting.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

This species of Joe pye is Eutrochium maculatum, known as spotted Joe pye (spots on the stem). Natural range is much smaller than yesterday’s species and mainly in NE Georgia. It is often sold as a cultivar known as ‘Gateway,’ grown for its shorter stature (4-6 feet). (1/2)

Pink wildflowers growing in a green meadow.

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Georgia Native Plant Society @ganativeplants.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The tallest Joe Pye weed species is Eutrochium fistulosum, sometimes called trumpetweed or hollow-stem Joe Pye weed. In sunny, moist areas it can reach up to 11 feet tall. The inflorescence is a tall, dome-like arrangement of small flower heads composed of many small florets. (1/3)

Two butterflies resting on pink flowers with green foliage in the background.

Close-up of a hollow plant stem with surrounding foliage.

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