Part Of The American Meadows Meadowscaping Learning Center
Arizona Native Plants, State Flowers & State Bird
Native plants are adaptable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. They are the best choice for habitat-friendly gardens and thriving ecosystems. Find top picks for native plants in your state - and learn about your state bird and state flowers!
Follow Along With More Of Our Guides
Hello native plant enthusiasts! In the list below, you will find popular native plants and wildflower seeds, available from American Meadows, that have a native distribution in your state. You’ll also find information about your state bird, state flower, and state wildflower!
About Our Native Plant Lists For Each State
- The links will take you to a single plant or seed selection for the plant listed -- but in many cases, we offer multiple cultivars for each plant, and we may offer both seeds and potted plants to grow the plant on your list. This list is a work in progress as we expand our native plant educational resources.
- The list for your state is a great place for getting started with native plants - but it is by no means a comprehensive listing of the hundreds of native plants growing in each state.
Arizona Native Plants
Grow our Native Southwest Wildflower Seed Mix .
Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)
Yellow Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella)
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Yellow Prairie Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Arizona State Bird, State Flower & State Wildflower
Cactus Wren ~ Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
The Cactus Wren darts across the cracked earth to a fallen cactus joint, lifts it with the side of his bill, spies a tasty ant, and quickly devours its snack. In the heat he holds his bill open as if panting and lifts his wings for ventilation. Building several nests but living in only one, the Cactus Wren uses the others as decoys designed to confuse his natural enemies.
Saguaro Cactus Blossom ~ Carnegiea gigantea
The Saguaro, or Giant Cactus, is the largest cactus in the United States, occasionally attaining a height of more than 50 feet and developing as many as 50 arms. Large individuals are believed to be from 150 to 200 years old. The Saguaro has contributed substantially toward the subsistence of Arizona's Pima and Papago Indians, furnishing materials for food and shelter. In spring, delicate white flowers with yellow centers and a brilliant satiny sheen bloom on the tips of the Saguaro's upward-curving branches and stem.
from The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
About Native Plants
- Native plants are essential for healthy ecosystems and habitat. They have evolved over time with local wildlife and climate conditions. Many pollinators have special relationships with native plants that they rely on for survival. For instance, some bees are specialists and require nectar and pollen from specific native plants to survive; and butterflies and moths often have specific host plants needed to nourish their caterpillars. For example, Asclepias (Milkweed or Butterfly Weed) is the host plant required for Monarch caterpillars to survive and grow into Monarch Butterflies!
- It’s OK to grow native plants in your yard that may not be native to your state or region. Remember – just because a plant is not native, does not necessarily mean that it is invasive or harmful. In fact, growing well-behaved introduced plants that are suited to your growing conditions can still provide many benefits to your yard (especially when compared to a traditional turf lawn).
- Know before you grow – It's always a good idea to learn what plants are native, well-behaved, and invasive or aggressive in your region before digging in.
- Learn More: All About Native Plants
Explore our full selection of native plants and seeds
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