15 Beautiful Yellow Summer and Autumn-Blooming Wildflowers to See
Check out the spectacular splash of yellow in the outdoor space with our list of the most beautiful yellow summer and autumn-blooming wildflowers. These beauties will surely uplift your mood as the season changes.
Evening-primrose is an herbaceous perennial plant recognized by its yellow flowers which open in the evening and close again at sunrise. It is often cultivated as a decorative plant, especially in drought-prone areas. Native Americans cooked Evening-primrose roots as a food source but it’s said that consumption of this plant could cause headaches and diarrhoea.
Solidago canadensis, colloquially known as Canada goldenrod, is a perennial herb native to North America. This plant can be found growing in a variety of different habitats and it often forms colonies. In many parts of Europe and East Asia, Canada goldenrod is considered an invasive species.
The Black-eyed susan is a flowering black and yellow plant with curving leaves. It is culturally important in the Southern U.S., and is often used to attract butterflies to gardens. It long ago spread throughout North America and much of the world. Black-eyed susan is the state flower of Maryland and was important in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi.
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is a flowering toadflax species native to Europe and Central Asia. The plant gets its unusual nickname from the yellow color of its flowers. The Yellow toadflax is mildly toxic for livestock to consume. Because of the curved, semi-closed shape of its flowers, it needs strong pollinators like bumblebees.
The Smooth hawksbeard is distributed throughout Africa and the Northern hemisphere. This common weed is most often found alongside roadways, in vacant lots, or other neglected areas. The bright yellow flowers attract certain flies and moths, while the seeds can be a food source for some birds.
Dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima subsp. maritima) is an evergreen perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Another common name for Dusty miller is silver ragwort. Dusty miller is widely used in ornamental horticulture because of its pleasing silvery look and texture.
Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) is an herb in the sunflower family. It is widespread in the central and eastern United States and Mexico. Giant goldenrod is found in a variety of natural habitats and nature landscaping cultivation throughout the United States and grows in moderately moist soils. It is the state flower in Kentucky and Nebraska.
Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It has gained many nicknames related to its yellow flowers and ubiquity in meadow-like environments. Meadow buttercup is moderately toxic to both humans and livestock.
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a plant native to Europe and Asia. The Common tansy has been introduced in other global regions and is sometimes considered to be an invasive species. The Common tansy can be used as a substitute for sage.
Shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa) is a plant species that is also referred to by the alternative latin name Potentilla fruticosa. The Shrubby cinquefoil is very popular in Japan for use as a bonsai tree. 14 cultivars of this species have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Cutleaf evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata) is a biennial flowering shrub that only blooms at night. The Cutleaf evening primrose’s blossoms close up again by noon the following day. This species is native to the eastern United States.
Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is a member of the aster family and a relative of sagebrush. This shrub grows 2 to 5 feet tall. Each of its numerous flower heads consists of five tiny golden tube-shaped flowers. The stems of this species range from green to white. Native Americans used this plant to make yellow dye.
Moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria) is a biennial plant that grows in wastelands and farms. It resembles an orchid with white or yellow flowers that are clustered along the stalk. It multiplies rapidly and is considered an invasive weed. Plant parts have been used for centuries as a natural cockroach repellent. Grows from 1 to 3 feet tall.
Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida) is a plant species that grows in Canada and the United States in wet soils. Yellow jewelweed blooms during midsummer and through the fall. Its flowers are almost completely pollinated by bees, which are attracted to their nectar.
Autumn hawkbit (Scorzoneroides autumnalis) is also called “Autumn Hawkbit.” It’s native to Eurasia, but was brought to North America. Its common name references its resemblance to the common dandelion.