5 Native Black Flowers for Home Gardens in the US

Apart from being native species, the black flowers on this list, with their charm, can effectively enliven home gardens in the US.

According to All About Gardening's Jason White, it is always important to establish the correct balance of color in any garden, which is why experts usually advocate a range of various flowers and hues.

Here are 5 examples of native black flowers that might provide a little diversity to home gardens in the US.

Flower: Penny Black

US Origins: California and Oregon

This delicate annual is a low-growing yet spreading plant that is suitable for rockeries, borders, and mass planting. It also looks great in hanging baskets. The foliage is thick and brilliant green, making the blossoms stand out even more. The flowers are 2cm wide and have five scalloped petals in a rich purple color. However, because of the white border and core, the blooms seem black in hue.

Penny blacks are true ground-hugging plants, making them suitable for pots with taller plants. They appreciate full to partial light and well-drained soil. They bloom from June through August and are relatively trouble-free, according to All About Gardening.

Flower: Green Wizard Coneflower

US Origins: Washington to California and Wyoming to Montana

Easily grown in full sun on average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates mild shade, but excessive shade causes diminished blooming and weaker stems. The best results are obtained in loams that are continually wet and biologically rich. It values good air movement. Experts advise deadheading spent flowers to stimulate more blooms.

Unlike several other rudbeckias, 'Green Wizard' does not tolerate drought. It will blossom the first year after being planted from seed in the spring. It is best to start seed germination indoors in late February to early March for the greatest results in the St. Louis region. In ideal conditions, plants may self-seed in the garden, according to Missouri Botanical Garden.

Flower: Chocolate Lily or Mission Bells

US Origins: California

The chocolate lily, or mission bells (Fritillaria biflora), is a fritillary species found in chaparral and woodlands, often in serpentine soil and hillside grasslands. This bulbous herbaceous perennial reaches heights of up to 60 cm. Its flowers can resemble chocolate, although they may also appear dark shades of greenish-purple or yellowish-green. Blooming in March and April, it should not be mistaken for Arthropodium strictum, another "chocolate lily" with a chocolate-scented fragrance instead of color, according to Calflora.

Flower: Black Lily or Wild Rice

US Origins: Alaska, Washington, and Oregon

Fritillaria camschatcensis is also known as Kamchatka fritillary, wild rice, and northern rice root. It is a lowland to subalpine perennial forb that grows on wet tide flats, meadows, open woods, rocky beaches, and stream banks. It is more widespread by the seaside and less common inland.

The plant's bulbs were eaten by coastal Native Americans, although it has a bitter taste. To eliminate the bitter taste, the bulbs were broken up and immersed in one or more changes of water. They were frequently cooked and eaten with oil or fat, as well as added to soups and stews. The bulbs might also be dried and stored in oil for winter usage. Bulbs were dried and ground into flour as well, according to the US Forest Service.

Also Read: Poison Hemlock in Texas Mistaken For Wildflower Sends Homeowner to Emergency Room

Flower: Iris 'Black Gamecock'

Origin: Louisiana to Maine

This Louisiana iris is a real water-loving plant that can thrive in as little as 4 inches of water. 'Black Gamecock' produces 4" to 6" flowers with deep purple petals and a bright gold stripe. It's an award-winning cultivar that's also quite simple to grow. Plants develop quickly under appropriate growth circumstances. Despite its name, Louisiana iris may be found as far north as Maine, according to HGTV.