2 Kinds of ORANGE Wildflowers in Alaska (w/Pics)
Did you find an ORANGE wildflower in Alaska?
If so, I’m sure you’re wondering what type of wildflower you found! Luckily, you can use this guide to help you identify it. 🙂
Please be aware that today I’m ONLY listing and focusing on the most common orange wildflowers. There are so many species, varieties, and subspecies that it would be impossible to name them all. But if you want to dive even deeper into the many orange wildflowers in Alaska, check out this field guide!
Today, we will look at 2 ORANGE wildflowers you can find in Alaska.
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RELATED: The 9 MOST Common BIRDS in Alaska! (w/ pics)
#1. Orange Hawkweed
- Hieracium aurantiacum (synonymous with Pilosella aurantiaca)
Also known as: Orange Hawkbit, Orange Aster, Devil’s Paintbrush, King Devil Hawkweed, Devil’s Weed, Tawny Hawkweed, Red Daisy Flameweed, Grim-the-collier, Fox and Cubs
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 10-24 in (25-61 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Orange Hawkweed is a favorite of many gardeners for its coppery, orange-red to yellow flowers with black tips that attract many pollinators. Did you know the ancient Greeks believed that the milky sap of hawkweeds gave hawks their sharp eyesight?
This orange wildflower was introduced to Alaska in the 1800s. Interestingly, research in 2009 revealed that most Orange Hawkweed populations collected in North America are genetic clones of one another. This reveals that they all came from the same original plant!
Beware! Orange Hawkweed grows aggressively fast!
#2. Orange Agoseris
- Agoseris aurantiaca
Also known as: Orange-flowered False-dandelion and Mountain Dandelion
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Unknown
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-36 in (30-91 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Summer to Early Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
The Orange Agoseris belongs to the Sunflower family, which includes asters, daisies, and sunflowers. Its coppery-orange flower heads can be used to make Dandelion beer or wine. You can even eat the leaves!
Once this orange wildflower in Alaska has gone to seed, the flower head turns into a white, puffy ball. The wind carries each seed to create new plants.
Which of these orange wildflowers have you seen before in Alaska?
Leave a comment below!
