A wildflower is any flower that grows naturally in the wild without human help. When discussing wildflowers during springtime, we are speaking of spring ephemerals, which have a short life cycle in the spring and grow only when their ideal conditions are met. In New York, this period is typically in and around the month of May depending on weather and other environmental conditions.
Wildflowers not only look pretty, but play a major role in our ecosystem as a valuable resource for wildlife from tiny insects to deer. They’re critical for pollinators like bees and birds. These little flowers are powerful reminder of how interconnected nature can be.
Wildflower Viewing Tips
Take your time and enjoy the moment. Looking for wildflowers isn’t a competition to see who can find the most, but as an opportunity to be enveloped by the serenity and beauty of nature. Take your time, put your phone on do not disturb, and stroll. Looking for wildflowers is a slow, meditative process. It’s an opportunity to enjoy nature and notice the details that we often miss.
Know Your Flora
Often, wildflowers are hidden like prizes among fields and forests. Each prefers a specific environment, such as woodlands, meadows, and along waterbodies. If you’re looking for a specific species, knowing their preferred environment, along with what time of year they bloom, improves your chances. Otherwise, just be open to discovery.
If you want to know where to find certain wildflowers or what blooms at your park, ask a
If you’re in a state park, New York State Parks environmental educators are dedicated to helping New Yorkers discover and connect with nature. But if you prefer to do it on your own, you can download an app like iNaturalist, a non-profit run app that helps you identify wildflowers (and all flora and fauna) through photos you take, and tracks which species you see. It adds contributions to an ongoing list, useful for fellow wildflower-hunters and scientists alike.
Anticipate The Bloom
Wildflowers peak at different times, depending on factors such as recent rainfall, temperatures and sunlight. For example, heavy rainfall will lead to more flowers in the days afterwards, while areas with a lot of sunlight will bloom earlier than shadier locations.
Pack For The Occasion
Treat a search for wildflowers like a light hike. Bring comfortable, durable shoes, a water bottle, weather appropriate clothes (rain jacket, layers, etc.) sunscreen, sunglasses, a snack, and perhaps a camera for photos.
Beware Of Ticks And Poisonous Plants
With spring comes ticks and poisonous plants, which are guaranteed to ruin your day. Expect ticks to be present anytime the temperature rises above 32 degrees. Wear closed-toe shoes, tall socks and long pants. When you get home, do a tick check to catch stowaways.
The best way to avoid brushing up against poison ivy or taking a bloodsucking friend home with you is to stick to designated trails. In doing so, you also protect sensitive natural areas.
Take A Pic, Don’t Pick
Wildflowers play an important role in our environment and that’s why you shouldn’t pick wildflowers. It’s also against the rules at New York State Parks and other public lands, and some wildflowers, especially many spring ephemerals, are rare and protected species.
Read more about wildflowers in New York State.
A version of this essay by Karin Badey, State Parks Environmental Educator and Ryan Percy, Community Engagement Coordinator of the Saratoga-Capital Region State Parks Regional Office, first appeared in the New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog.
Illustration provided by State Parks.
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