6 Kinds of PINK Wildflowers in British Columbia (w/Pics)

Did you find a PINK wildflower in British Columbia?

Types of pink wildflowers in British Columbia

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 pink wildflowers. There are so many species, varieties, and subspecies that it would be impossible to name them all. But if you want to dive deeper into all the pink wildflowers in British Columbia, check out this field guide!

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Today, we will look at 6 different PINK wildflowers found in British Columbia.


#1. Spreading Dogbane

  • Apocynum androsaemifolium

Also known as: Fly-trap Dogbane, Bitterroot

Pink wildflowers in British Columbia

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 24-60 in (61-152 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Summer
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade

As you might have guessed from its name, Spreading Dogbane is a prolific grower, which is why you’ll find it widespread across both North America and Europe. It’s called “dogbane” because it is highly poisonous to dogs (and humans too).

Spreading Dogbane has small, pink bell-shaped flowers and a scent similar to lilac. Look for this pink wildflower in British Columbia in the sandy soil of streambanks.


#2. Crown Vetch

  • Securigera varia

Also known as: Purple Crownvetch, Crownvetch

British Columbia pink wildflowers

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 12-72 in (30-183 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Even though the large, pink clover-like blooms of Crown Vetch are beautiful, this plant is invasive in North America. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, Crown Vetch was introduced locally to be used as a groundcover in controlling soil erosion.

This pink wildflower grows in British Columbia on sunny, sandy banks where it can push out less hardy plants.

If you plant Crown Vetch on your property, choose an isolated location far away from flower gardens. Don’t forget to control its growth so it doesn’t spread to other areas and invade native species and ecosystems.


#3. Fireweed

  • Chamerion angustifolium

Also known as: Willow Herb

Types of pink wildflowers in British Columbia

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8
  • Life Cycle: Annual or Perennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 18-120 in (46-305 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring and Summer
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

True to its name, Fireweed is a resilient plant that will be the first to grow in clearings recently devastated by forest fires. In fact, Fireweed was seen growing throughout Washington State one year after Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.

To find Fireweed, look for striking spikes of purplish-pink flowers covering a landscape. Hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies like to feed on this pink wildflower in British Columbia.


#4. Deptford Pink

  • Dianthus armeria

Also known as: Grass Pink

Pink wildflowers in British Columbia

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8a
  • Life Cycle: Annual or Biennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 12-30 in (30-76 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

The blooms of the Deptford Pink may be tiny, but they make up for their small size with their gorgeous coloring. A closer look at the petals will reveal an intricately dotted pattern of pink, white, and purple.

Deptford Pink is native to Europe, but this pink wildflower is a naturalized species in British Columbia. It grows so well that it can take over roadsides, ditches, and fields.

Although the nectar is attractive to butterflies, skippers, and bees, Deptford Pink is a self-pollinating plant that doesn’t rely much on these insects.


#5. Everlasting Pea

  • Lathyrus latifolius

Also known as: Perennial Pea, Perennial Peavine

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 60-120 in (152-305 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

The Everlasting Pea is a frost-hardy vine that requires little care and grows like a weed when not controlled. It is native to Europe but has been naturalized in North America since the 1700s. Look for this pink wildflower in British Columbia on sunny banks with clay-rich soil.

The long tendrils and purplish-pink flowers of the Everlasting Pea look beautiful when climbing trellises or fences in your garden. You can also use it as a sprawling groundcover for banks and slopes.

Butterflies and bees find the pea-shaped blooms attractive. The vibrant colors will fade to white as the Everlasting Pea matures.


#6. Prairie Onion

  • Allium stellatum

Also known as: Prairie Onion, Autumn Onion

Growing Information:

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Approximate Mature Size: 12-24 in (30-61 cm) tall
  • Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prairie Onion blooms look like floating balls of pink and white. Their flower clusters form on the end of long stalks that grow from tufts of leaves. Butterflies, in particular, are attracted to this pink wildflower in British Columbia.

Look for Prairie Onion where plants typically don’t grow, like sandy, rocky, and dry soils and limestone cliffs.

Like other allium varieties, you can eat the Prairie Onion! With a strong flavor, the bulbs and the flower stems can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled, or used as a seasoning for salads and soups. Native Americans and early settlers also used the bulbs to repel insects.


Which of these pink wildflowers have you seen before in British Columbia?

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