Oklahoma has a diverse climate with varying soils, making it an ideal place for a wide variety of plants to thrive. From wildflowers to trees, the state boasts a selection of plants that are native to North America, as well as others that have adapted to the area over time. Here are some of the most popular plants in Oklahoma.
Indian Blanket Flower: One of Oklahoma’s most iconic wildflowers, the Indian Blanket Flower is a strikingly beautiful plant that blooms in late spring to early summer. This wildflower is hardy and easy to grow, and it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Indian Blanket Flowers are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a pop of color to their landscape, and they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Oklahoma Redbud: The Oklahoma Redbud is a small tree that produces an explosion of pink and purple blossoms in early spring. This tree is highly valued for its ornamental beauty, and it’s an excellent choice for landscaping, especially in smaller yards. Redbuds thrive in full sun or partial shade and require well-drained soil. Oklahoma Redbuds are native to the state, and they are hardy and drought-tolerant.
Eastern Red Cedar: The Eastern Red Cedar is a common tree in Oklahoma, and it’s a symbol of the state’s rugged beauty. These trees are typically found in rocky areas, and they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Eastern Red Cedars are often used for windbreaks, and they provide habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Black-Eyed Susan: Another popular wildflower in Oklahoma is the Black-Eyed Susan. These brightly colored flowers are a member of the sunflower family, and they bloom from late spring to early fall. Black-Eyed Susans are easy to grow and prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their yard, as they are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Oklahoma has a wide variety of plants that are well-suited to the state’s diverse climate and soil conditions. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful ornamental tree, a native wildflower, or a plant that will attract pollinators, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill in Oklahoma’s varied landscape.
The Most Popular Plants in Oklahoma (Factsheet)
Plant Name | Scientific Name | Native Habitat | Uses |
Oklahoma Redbud | Cercis canadensis var. texensis | Eastern and south-central Oklahoma | Ornamental, Medicinal, Wildlife Habitat |
Eastern redbud | Cercis canadensis | Eastern and southeastern Oklahoma | Ornamental, Medicinal, Wildlife Habitat |
Indian blanket | Gaillardia pulchella | Central and western Oklahoma prairies | Ornamental, Medicinal, Erosion Control, Wildlife Habitat |
Plains coreopsis | Coreopsis tinctoria | Central and western Oklahoma prairies | Ornamental, Medicinal, Erosion Control, Wildlife Habitat |
Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | Throughout Oklahoma | Ornamental, Medicinal, Erosion Control, Wildlife Habitat |
If you want to dig deeper and learn more about the most popular plants in Oklahoma, here are some references you can check out:
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service has a range of fact sheets available online, covering everything from fruits and nuts to ornamental plants and landscaping. You can search their database and find information on specific plants that are popular in Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma Native Plant Society: This organization is dedicated to the study, conservation, and promotion of native plants in Oklahoma. Their website has a wealth of information on native plant species, including photos, descriptions, and growing tips.
- Oklahoma Proven: This program is run by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and is designed to promote the use of plants that are well-suited to the state’s climate and growing conditions. They publish an annual list of “Oklahoma Proven” plants, which includes both native and non-native species.
- Oklahoma Gardening: This PBS television show is produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and provides practical gardening advice and information for Oklahoma gardeners. You can watch episodes online or search their website for specific topics or plants.
By using these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the most popular plants in Oklahoma and learn how to grow and care for them in your own garden.
In order to access comprehensive materials related to Popular Plants, we suggest referring to the US Online Directories and references mentioned earlier.