A guide to Cape May flowers. updated July 1, 2023.
Cape May is home to many beautiful species of flowers.
All about native species in Cape May, New Jersey. As a coastal town, Cape May is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. In this post, we highlight some of the native species that call Cape May home. Keep an eye out for these and many more on your next trip to Cape May.
Read about Cape May Wildlife Preserve and the best nature walks in Cape May.
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Cape May Flowers in the Wild
Flowers you may find growing in Cape May in the wild.
Nettle-leaved Vervain | June to September
Nettle-leaved Vervain or White Vervain is a common species found in shady or semi-shaded woodland, fields, and roadsides. She’s unassuming when not in bloom and may be mistaken for a member of the nettle family. The white flowers are tiny and easily overlooked.
Long-stalked Crane’s Bill | June and July
Long-Stalked Crane’s Bill was Introduced from Europe and it’s currently known to grow in Cape May in the southern half of the county (it may occasionally appear elsewhere). It is easily identified by its flowers which are carried high on long stalks.
Scarlet Pimpernel | May through August
Also from Europe, Scarlet Pimpernel is a low, sprawling plant commonly found in open fields. It flowers May to August and its leaves have a slightly succulent quality to them. Stems are square with winged corners.
Carolina Horsenettle | June through October
Carolina Horsenettle typically grows in dry and sandy sites. Its leaves are rather variable in shape but easy to identify due to a distinct ridge of spines. Flowers may be mauve or fade almost to white. Berries start green (sometimes striped) and gradually turn bright yellow.
California Poppy | June through September
The California Poppy was Introduced from Western North America and crops up from time to time as a constituent of wildflower mixes. She flowers July to September. Her brilliant orange flower and delicate bluish-green foliage are distinctive.
Fall Phlox | July through September
Fall Phlox is native to New Jersey and can be found in grassy areas and roadsides. It flowers July to September and blooms may be white or various shades of pink, red or purple.
Common Cape May Planted Flowers
Flowers you may find among beds, pots, and baskets in Cape May.
Silktree
A common garden shade tree that sheds a large amount of seed. Colder winters help to prevent this tree from becoming an alien invasive. Flowers June to September.
Impatiens
Impatiens are bright and cheery annuals, staples among Cape May flowerbeds. You’ll find them in gardenscapes and pots throughout the city.
Roses
There are so many varieties of roses in Cape May as they are especially popular among local landscape artists, homeowners, and innkeepers. Here is a photograph of a rose bush at The Queen Victoria. Its flowers are wonderfully vibrant this year.
Petunias
Petunias are a popular choice for flowerbeds and hanging pots in Cape May. They make a lovely presentation due to a natural drape and tendency to stack, one flower over the other.
Scaevola
Scaevola or Fan Flower are summer annuals suitable for hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, or as bedding. Native to Australia, scaevola varieties are now popular in the United States because of heat and drought tolerance and pest resistance.
Other Native Flower Species in Cape May
All about native flower species in Cape May, New Jersey. As a coastal town, Cape May is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. In this newsletter, we will be highlighting some of the native flower species that can be found in Cape May.
- Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa) – The beach rose is a hardy shrub that is commonly found along the dunes of Cape May. It produces fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – The black-eyed Susan is a bright and cheerful flower that is commonly found in meadows and fields throughout Cape May. It produces yellow petals with a dark brown center, and blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – The butterfly weed is a vibrant orange flower that is a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is commonly found in meadows and fields throughout Cape May.
- Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) – The seaside goldenrod is a tall and showy plant that is commonly found along the beaches and dunes of Cape May. It produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – The swamp milkweed is a tall and elegant plant that is commonly found in wetlands and along the edges of streams and ponds in Cape May. It produces clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
- American Holly (Ilex opaca) – This evergreen tree is a common sight in Cape May. It is known for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, which are a favorite food source for birds during the winter months.
- Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) – The beach plum is a small shrub that is found along the dunes of Cape May. It produces small, tart fruit that is used to make jams and jellies.
These are just a few of the many native flower species that can be found in Cape May. By planting and preserving these species and their habitats, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal town.