Ohio Wildflowers & State Flower

The State Flower of Ohio: Scarlet Carnation

The official state flower of Ohio is the Scarlet Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). Peak bloom in Ohio: Summer (cultivated).

Ohio's hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and Lake Erie coastline together support a strong wildflower season from March through October.

Common Wildflowers in Ohio

Whether you're hiking, gardening, or walking your neighborhood, these are some of the most frequently encountered wildflowers and native blooms across Ohio:

• Scarlet Carnation
• Trillium
• Bloodroot
• Coneflower
• Black-Eyed Susan
• Cardinal Flower
• Wild Bergamot
• Goldenrod

The free Flower Identifier app recognizes all of these and thousands more from a single photo. Just point, snap, and identify.

Ohio Climate & Bloom Seasons

Zones 5b–6b. Southern Ohio supports a richer woodland flora; the Great Lakes plain is more agricultural.

Tips for Identifying Flowers in Ohio

• Time it right. Most wildflowers in Ohio peak in Summer (cultivated). Visit the same spot every two weeks during peak season to catch different species.
• Photograph the bloom face-on. A close, well-lit shot of the open flower gives the AI the strongest identification signal.
• Add a leaf shot. If the first identification is uncertain, a second photo of a leaf usually resolves it.
• Note the habitat. Forest, meadow, roadside, wetland — habitat alone narrows the candidates significantly.
• Stay on trail in public lands. Take only photos. Many state and federal lands prohibit picking flowers.

Explore More States

← Browse all 50 US states · Read the flower blog · Download the app