4 Kinds of RED Wildflowers in Montana (w/Pics)
Did you find a RED wildflower in Montana?
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 I’m ONLY listing the most common red wildflowers today. 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 ALL the red wildflowers in Montana, check out this field guide!
4 RED wildflowers in Montana.
#1. Spotted Coralroot
- Corallorhiza maculata
Also known as: Summer Coralroot, Speckled Coral Root, Many-flowered Coral Root
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3.9-31 in (10-79 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Shade
This red wildflower is commonly found in wooded areas in Montana.
The most interesting feature of Spotted Coralroot is that it doesn’t have any leaves! Instead, the bare stalks produce clusters of flowers. Since this plant isn’t capable of photosynthesis, it siphons nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi, which is a natural fungus that occurs in its roots.
Mining bees are especially attracted to Spotted Coralroot. Although they pollinate this native orchid, it can also self-pollinate by transferring its pollen as its flower opens.
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RELATED: 25 Types of BUTTERFLIES in Montana! (ID Guide)
#2. Prairie Smoke
- Geum triflorum
Also known as: Red Avens, Three-flowered Avens, Old Man’s Whiskers
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 6-18 in (15-46 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Mid Spring to Early Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Prairie Smoke is one of the most striking red wildflowers in Montana.
Its green leaves turn red, purple, or orange in colder seasons. It produces bright red flower buds that droop from long stems during the spring.
However, the real show starts when the flowers start to seed. They open to reveal feathery, silvery-pink seed heads that unfurl into puffy clouds. It’s easy to mistake these wispy pink plumes for smoke, which is how they got their common name, Prairie Smoke.
#3. Scarlet Gilia
- Ipomopsis aggregata
Also known as: Scarlet Trumpet, Skyrocket
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Life Cycle: Biennial or Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-60 in (30-152 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
The Scarlet Gilia is also called Skunk Flower for its potent putrid odor. However, that won’t stop long-tongued moths and hummingbirds from enjoying the sweet nectar inside the flowers.
The nickname “Skyrocket” is especially fitting for this red wildflower in Montana.
Its pointed, long petals extend from a central flower and look like a vibrant firework!
#4. Pinedrops
- Pterospora andromedea
Also known as: Giant Pinedrops, Woodland Pinedrops, Giant Bird’s Nest
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 12-79 in (30-201 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Early Summer to Mid Summer
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Pinedrops spend most of their life as a clump of fleshy roots underground. Without leaves, Pinedrops don’t need chlorophyll like other plants do. Instead, they are parasitic and steal nutrients from their host plants.
Sometimes, the roots of the Pinedrops will sprout tall, stiff, reddish-purple stems that will grow upright without branches. From these stems, you will see urn-shaped yellow, pink, or white flowers which face downward.
What are your FAVORITE red wildflowers in Montana?
Let us know in the COMMENTS below!
