Wild flowers are becoming an industry unto
themselves in Nova Scotia. In recent years, the variety and ease of access to these
naturally occurring beauties has attracted tourists from around the world. With species
such as lupins, seaside golden rod, and a variety of hawkweeds, our fields and roadsides
often resemble gardens. These plants can be seen simply by driving along our highways, but
we recommend that you become adventurous (see our resources section in outdoor
activities for map sources) and explore our back roads to truly experience the beauty of
these plants. The different habitats in our area allow for spectacular viewing and the
variety of wild flowers found in our area provide colourful viewing throughout the spring
and summer and even into the fall. We hope that you will explore our area and enjoy these
beautiful gardens that nature has given us and don't forget to take time to stop and smell
the flowers.
Orange
Hawkweed(Hieracium aurantiacum)
There are over 18 species of this herbaceous plant found in
Nova Scotia. Also known as Devil's Paintbrush, Orange Hawkweed is the only one with orange
leaves, making it easily identifiable. Blooming in late spring, they reach a height of
around 10-cm and have multiple flower heads on a central stock.
Ox-Eye Daisy
With its distinctive white petals, yellow-orange centre and jagged leaves on a central
stock, this is one of the most common wildflowers found in Nova Scotia. Blooming in late
spring this plant can be found growing in fields, meadows and along roadside ditches.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Termed an aggressive weed, this plant grows
in wet meadows, the upper edges of salt marshes and in the moist ditches along our roads
and highways. In bloom from July to August, Purple Loosestrife can be as tall as 1 m and has
numerous flowers on long spikes. Purple Loosestrife is often confused with Fireweed.
Almost identical in appearance, the two plants come from different families, with the
Fireweed preferring a dryer habitat than the Purple Loosestrife.
Wild flowers are becoming an industry unto
themselves in Nova Scotia. In recent years, the variety and ease of access to these
naturally occurring beauties has attracted tourists from around the world. With species
such as lupins, seaside golden rod, and a variety of hawkweeds, our fields and roadsides
often resemble gardens. These plants can be seen simply by driving along our highways, but
we recommend that you become adventurous (see our resources section in outdoor
activities for map sources) and explore our back roads to truly experience the beauty of
these plants. The different habitats in our area allow for spectacular viewing and the
variety of wild flowers found in our area provide colourful viewing throughout the spring
and summer and even into the fall. We hope that you will explore our area and enjoy these
beautiful gardens that nature has given us and don't forget to take time to stop and smell
the flowers.
Orange
Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Termed an aggressive weed, this plant grows
in wet meadows, the upper edges of salt marshes and in the moist ditches along our roads
and highways. In bloom from July to August, Purple Loosestrife can be as tall as 1 m and has
numerous flowers on long spikes. Purple Loosestrife is often confused with Fireweed.
Almost identical in appearance, the two plants come from different families, with the
Fireweed preferring a dryer habitat than the Purple Loosestrife.