How do you identify wildflowers?

Wildflowers can be identified with the help of guide books and wildflower websites. Common characteristics that help identify wildflowers include the plant's location and growing conditions; the shape, type and color of its flowers; the shape of the leaves; and the leaves' arrangement on the plant's stems.

Wildflowers are easiest to identify when in bloom, and the time of flowering is a valuable clue. Many species have distinctive growth habits or grow only in certain habitats. Other features that can help identify a plant include the texture of its stems and leaves, its size and the type of root from which it grows.