The North Carolina Department of
Transportation Wildflower Program began in
1985 as an integral part of highway beautification.
Wildflower beds are installed and maintained
across the state by Roadside Environmental
personnel in each of the fourteen highway
divisions. Many of these beds are marked by the
wildflower sign pictured above.
This booklet is intended as a reference to
identify the wildflowers planted by the North
Carolina Department of Transportation as well
as some of the naturally occurring ones growing
along North Carolina highways. Both botanical
and common names are listed on the following pages.
Photographs with descriptions and planting
information are arranged by color.
Also contained, the installation
techniques used by Roadside Environmental
personnel. These instructions may vary according
to the scale of your wildflower planting. If
you are interested in wildflower gardening, the
back cover notes how you can receive additional
We hope this booklet will be useful as you
drive along our highways and in your own wild-flower
gardening endeavors. Remember, for
your own safety, do not stop and pick the wild-flowers.
Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!