Minnesota Wildflowers

At this site you'll find photos and information about wildflowers that grow in Minnesota, mostly those found in and around the Twin Cities area.

There are over 200 species of wildflowers cataloged here, both native and non-native, with more added each week. The plan is to eventually add trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns to the site, though that will take time.

Using this site

This site is modeled after a field guide in the hopes of helping you identify something you've found. Flowers are primarily categorized by color, but there is a custom plant search where you can key on other plant characteristics, or sort the plant lists differently.

I avoid using scientific botanical jargon where possible so amateurs (like myself) will understand things. As you gain knowledge and experience, you'll learn the proper botanical terms, but this site is intended to serve hobbyists so will stay informal.

J.W. in Richfield writes: “I'm new to this and learning as I go. Your flower site is more useful than any field guide that I have been struggling with.”

That's exactly what I hoped this site would be. :)

Wildflower locations

I'm lucky to live near parks that have a nice assortment of prairie, woodland and wetland wildflowers growing wild, both native and non-native.

The plants found growing in selected Regional Parks are now being cataloged as a service to Ramsey County Parks & Recreation. This volunteer project will take a number of years to complete; check back now and then to see what's been found growing in a park near you:

• Long Lake Regional Park : over 250 plant species identified to date
• Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park: nearly 200 species identified to date (mostly at Sucker Lake)
• Rice Creek Trail Corridor: about 150 species identified to date
• Battle Creek Regional Park
• Bald Eagle/Otter Lake Regional Park

Try the advanced search to refine the park's plant list to your liking.

Other favorite locations are Wild River State Park, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park (especially Dunn Island), and parks within the Anoka Sand Plain, around Blaine. Most photos at this site were taken at these and the Ramsey County locations.

Notices and disclaimers

I make no guarantees that info here is 100% correct, but I do my best to prevent inaccuracies. If you do find any errors in plant information or identification, I'd appreciate it if you let me know about it. Many thanks in advance.

Finally, this site is a volunteer effort and a great deal of time and energy goes into it. If you find it useful you can show your support by making a donation to its upkeep. Monetary donations in any amount are much appreciated (see the PayPal button under the navigation menu). Content contributions are considered as well. Photos are great, but information is even more useful.

Thanks, and enjoy!