15+ WEEDS WITH ORANGE FLOWERS – IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
When it comes to gardening or landscaping, the color of flowers can play a significant role in creating a vibrant and visually appealing atmosphere. While most people prefer flowers in traditional hues like red, pink, or purple, there’s something intriguing about orange flowers. They add a pop of color and a touch of uniqueness to any garden or field.
While some orange flowers can be intentionally planted to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, others may appear as weeds. But just because they’re considered weeds doesn’t mean they can’t contribute to the overall aesthetic of your garden or yard.
In this identification guide, we’ll explore 15+ weeds with orange flowers that you may find growing in your surroundings. Knowing their names and characteristics will help you make informed decisions about whether to keep them or remove them from your garden.
1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
The butterfly weed, also known as Asclepias tuberosa, is native to North America and is a favorite among both butterflies and garden enthusiasts. It produces vibrant orange flowers that not only add a burst of color to your landscape but also attract various species of pollinators.
- Identification: The butterfly weed typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and features clusters of bright orange flowers in the shape of umbels. The leaves are elongated and narrow.
- My 2 Cents: The butterfly weed is a fantastic addition to any garden, especially if you want to attract butterflies.
2. Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Orange hawkweed, also known as Hieracium aurantiacum or Devil’s Paintbrush, is a perennial plant that produces vibrant orange flowers. While it is considered an invasive weed in some areas, many gardeners appreciate its beauty and ability to thrive in various environments.
- Identification: Orange hawkweed features bright orange flowers arranged in clusters at the top of slender stems. The leaves are hairy and can vary in shape from lanceolate to elliptical.
- My 2 Cents: While orange hawkweed can be invasive, it can be a beautiful addition to a wildflower or meadow garden.
3. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)
Indian paintbrush plants, also known as Castilleja, are known for their stunning and showy orange flowers. They are native to North America and often grow in areas with high altitude and well-drained soil.
- Identification: Indian paintbrush plants have unique flowers that resemble paintbrushes dipped in vibrant orange-red paint. They typically have green or yellowish-green bracts and can range in height from 12 to 36 inches.
- My 2 Cents: Indian paintbrush plants are captivating and definitely worth growing if you can provide the right growing conditions.
4. Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva)
The orange daylily, also known as Hemerocallis fulva, is a popular perennial flower that produces stunning orange blooms. It is a low-maintenance plant that can add a burst of color to any garden.
- Identification: Orange daylilies have vibrant flowers that resemble trumpets and typically bloom in early to mid-summer. The leaves are long and arching.
- My 2 Cents: Orange daylilies are not considered weeds but can sometimes spread rapidly. Make sure to keep them in check if you don’t want them to take over your garden.
5. Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Orange jewelweed, also known as Impatiens capensis or touch-me-not, is a common weed found in North America. While it may be considered a nuisance by some gardeners, it has several medicinal properties and can be a valuable addition to your garden.
- Identification: Orange jewelweed produces small, delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers that are predominantly orange. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a slightly translucent appearance.
- My 2 Cents: While orange jewelweed can spread quickly and be invasive, it has many medicinal uses, including soothing skin irritations caused by poison ivy and insect bites.
6. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
Mexican sunflower, also known as Tithonia diversifolia, is a tall annual plant that produces bright orange flowers. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is loved by pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Identification: Mexican sunflower plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and feature large, daisy-like flowers with vibrant orange petals. The leaves are large and toothed.
- My 2 Cents: Mexican sunflowers are not considered weeds and can be a great addition to a sunny garden, especially if you want to attract pollinators.
7. Orange Honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa)
Orange honeysuckle, also known as Lonicera ciliosa, is a vine-like plant that produces tubular orange flowers with a sweet fragrance. It is native to North America and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Identification: Orange honeysuckle vines feature clusters of tubular orange flowers that are often tinged with red or yellow. The leaves are oval-shaped and opposite each other.
- My 2 Cents: Orange honeysuckle is a beautiful addition to any garden, especially if you want to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
8. Orange Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)
Orange cosmos, also known as Cosmos sulphureus, is an annual flower that produces vibrant orange blooms. It is native to Mexico and is a popular choice among gardeners due to its easy-growing nature.
- Identification: Orange cosmos plants have daisy-like flowers with vibrant orange petals. The leaves are fern-like and feathery.
- My 2 Cents: Orange cosmos is not considered a weed and can be a great addition to any garden, especially if you want to attract butterflies and birds.
9. Orange Hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca)
Orange hawkweed, also known as Pilosella aurantiaca or Fox and Cubs, is a perennial plant that produces clusters of vibrant orange flowers. It is native to Europe but has become naturalized in various parts of North America.
- Identification: Orange hawkweed plants feature upright stems with multiple flower clusters. Each cluster contains several bright orange flowers. The leaves are basal and can be lanceolate or oblanceolate.
- My 2 Cents: Orange hawkweed is considered invasive in some areas but can be a colorful addition to wildflower gardens.
10. Orange Sneezeweed (Helenium hoopesii)
Orange sneezeweed, also known as Helenium hoopesii, is a perennial plant that produces yellowish-orange flowers. It is native to North America and is known for its showy blooms and ability to attract pollinators.
- Identification: Orange sneezeweed plants have daisy-like flowers that range in color from yellowish-orange to deep orange. The leaves are lanceolate and toothed.
- My 2 Cents: Orange sneezeweed is a vibrant and attractive plant that can add a colorful touch to any garden or landscape.
11. Orange Cosmos (Bidens pilosa)
Orange cosmos, also known as Bidens pilosa or beggarticks, is an annual flower that produces small, bright orange blooms. It is native to South America but has become naturalized in various parts of the world.
- Identification: Orange cosmos plants have daisy-like flowers with vibrant orange petals and a dark center. The leaves are pinnately divided and serrated.
- My 2 Cents: Orange cosmos is not considered a weed and can be a great addition to gardens, especially if you want to attract butterflies and bees.
12. Orange Bishop’s Weed (Ammi majus)
Orange bishop’s weed, also known as Ammi majus or false Queen Anne’s lace, is an annual flower that produces delicate white flowers with a hint of orange. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has naturalized in various parts of the world.
- Identification: Orange bishop’s weed plants have clusters of small, white flowers that form a lacy umbel. Some flowers may have a slight orange tint. The leaves are finely divided and feathery.
- My 2 Cents: Orange bishop’s weed can be a beautiful addition to cottage gardens or flower arrangements.
13. Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens biflora)
Orange jewelweed, also known as Impatiens biflora or touch-me-not, is another species of jewelweed that produces vibrant orange flowers. It is native to North America and is often found in wet or shady areas.
- Identification: Orange jewelweed plants have trumpet-shaped flowers that are primarily orange. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a slightly translucent appearance.
- My 2 Cents: Orange jewelweed can be a valuable addition to your garden, as it has many medicinal uses and can attract hummingbirds.
14. Orange Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Orange zinnia, also known as Zinnia elegans, is an annual flower that produces large, showy blooms in various shades of orange. It is native to Mexico and is loved by gardeners for its long-lasting and vibrant flowers.
- Identification: Orange zinnia plants have daisy-like flowers with multiple layers of overlapping petals. The leaves are lanceolate and rough to the touch.
- My 2 Cents: Orange zinnias are a popular choice among gardeners, thanks to their vibrant color and ability to attract butterflies.
15. Orange Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri)
Orange wallflower, also known as Erysimum cheiri, is a perennial plant that produces fragrant orange flowers. It is native to Southern Europe but has become naturalized in various parts of the world.
- Identification: Orange wallflower plants feature clusters of small, fragrant flowers that can range in color from bright orange to deep red or purple. The leaves are narrow and lanceolate.
- My 2 Cents: Orange wallflowers can be a beautiful addition to rock gardens or cottage gardens.
Conclusion
Orange flowers can add a vibrant and exotic touch to any garden or landscape. While some of the plants mentioned in this identification guide are considered weeds, they can still contribute to the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Knowing their names and characteristics will help you decide whether to keep them or remove them from your garden.
Remember, not all weeds are bad. Some can be beneficial, attracting pollinators or serving medicinal purposes. So, the next time you spot a weed with orange flowers, think twice before uprooting it.
My 2 Cents:
Embrace the beauty of orange flowers in the garden! Weeds or not, they can add a pop of color and attract pollinators. Keep an eye out for these orange-flowered plants and consider their characteristics before deciding whether to keep or remove them. Don’t be afraid to let nature surprise you with its floral diversity!
