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Spring in Springfield, MO: What Flowers are Blooming?

Happy early spring, friends! The first official day of spring is March 19th, but we’ve already been graced by some gorgeous weather, so the flowers are among us! Do you know what’s growing when and where to find the flowery fun? Let’s take a look at what’s blooming when in Springfield, Missouri this spring.


As of early March, the midwest begins to burst with tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, forsythia, cherry blossoms, serviceberries and more, signaling the long awaited arrival of spring. Flower farmers and experienced gardeners start to see the fruits of their labors pop up around this time as well, with ranunculus and anemones ready to be cut soon. April will allow some fragrant friends to follow, such as, lilacs, viburnum, sweet peas and possibly peonies. Soon to follow in May, we will see colorful, fan favorites like stock flower, snapdragon, campanula, and allium bursting through pastel toned gardens with their bright hues. Continue reading below for a comprehensive list of additional flowers, bushes and trees (each one I could possibly think of! Not to say I didn’t miss a few :) to expect this spring, as well as some fun information and photos. At the very end, find some of my favorite flowery resources like where the local flowers are actually located around the area and links to useful floral and gardening products I love.


March-April


Beautiful poets narcissus daffodils growing in our backyard
Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Daffodils -  One of the earliest flowers to bloom, as they defy the last of winter’s chill! As part of the narcissus family (along with paperwhites) they contain a toxic compound called lycorine, which makes them unpalatable to deer, rodents, and other animals. Known for its bitter taste and mildly toxic properties, ingesting large quantities of lycorine can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Animals typically avoid consuming daffodils due to the bitter taste and potential toxicity, therefore, some gardeners and farmers strategically plant daffodils among other flowers or crops to deter animals from grazing or damaging their gardens. In addition to their lack of digestive appeal, their toxins can also be dangerous to other cut flowers that take in the toxin, therefore they cannot always be used in fresh cut floral designs.


Crocuses - Often regarded as symbols of hope, crocuses are also among the earliest to bloom in the area, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather. These hardy bulbs are known for their vibrant blooms in shades of purple, yellow, white, and striped patterns and belong to the iris family. Their petals are edible– frequently used in cooking and culinary preparations. Saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, is derived from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus flowers and is prized for its distinctive flavor and color. They are known for their ability to naturalize and spread readily in garden beds and lawns. Once established, they can multiply and form large, colorful patches of blooms over time.


Photo by Floret Flowers

Tulips - A tried and true fan-favorite, there are over 3,000 different varieties of tulips so it is nearly impossible to not find a few you love. Some of my favorite varieties include parrot tulips, double tulips, peony tulips, and fringed tulips. With colors ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to soft pinks and purples, petal varieties like parrot, peony, double, fringed and more, I absolutely adore these fun flowers. Did you know that fresh cut tulips continue growing in height for sometimes several days even after being placed in a vase? If you receive them in an arrangement, you may have to trim them down if they’re getting out of hand– and no, you’re not crazy for thinking they look longer than they were when you got them.


Hyacinth - Hyacinths are known for their strong, sweet fragrance and are often used in perfumes and essential oils. These delicate beauties have a relatively short blooming period compared to some other spring flowers, lasting on average around 1 to 2 weeks. 


Grape Hyacinth - Despite their name, these blue-hued beauties are not related to true hyacinths, but are part of the lily family! They are named for their resemblance to clusters of grapes, with their densely packed, bell-shaped flowers. Grape hyacinths are naturalizing bulbs, meaning they multiply and spread easily in the garden over time. Once planted, they can self-seed and form dense carpets of flowers, making them ideal for mass plantings, borders, and rock gardens. Additionally, they are deer-resistant, low-maintenance and attract our favorite pollinator friends like bees and butterflies, making them popular choices for gardeners looking to add early spring color to their landscapes.

Bucket full of lush, fresh picked ranunculus flowers. Apricot, peach, salmon, delicate premium blooms
Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Ranunculus - Ranunculus flowers are native to Asia and are prized for their intricate, rose-like blooms. They are often used in bridal bouquets and floral arrangements due to their vibrant colors and long vase life. The name "ranunculus" comes from Latin and is derived from two words: "rana," meaning frog, and "unculus," meaning little. Therefore, "ranunculus" roughly translates to "little frog" or "little frog-like." This name likely originated due to the plant's preference for moist habitats, similar to those inhabited by frogs. Additionally, some believe that the name may refer to the shiny appearance of the plant's leaves, which could resemble the skin of a frog. Ranunculus is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), and it includes many species of both wildflowers and cultivated ornamentals known for their brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms. 


Anemones - Beautiful flowers known for their delicate petals, Anemones are named after the Greek word for "wind" due to their delicate, windblown appearance. These pretties are premium flowers, meaning sometimes they are a bit pricey! The higher pricing as premium, cut flowers is due to the facts that they are extremely temperature sensitive and have a thinly lined, hollow stem making them easily breakable.


Chinese Forget-Me-Nots - Chinese Forget-Me-Nots feature clusters of small, five-petaled flowers that range in color from shades of blue and purple to pink and white. In addition to their desirable ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, these nectar-rich flowers have a delicate, bell-like appearance and are used to add color to gardens and landscapes. 


Photo by Jason Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens

Pansies - Pansies come in a wide range of colors and are valued for their cheerful, "faces" and long-lasting blooms. They are highly adaptable and versatile plants that can be grown in a wide range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade. While they thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, pansies are often planted in early spring or late fall in temperate climates and provide colorful blooms throughout the cooler months. An excellent choice for gardeners looking to add color to their landscapes, they are available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit different preferences. Pansy flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and other culinary creations. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used fresh or candied for decorative purposes.


Primroses - Known for their clusters of colorful flowers and attractive foliage, primroses come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, yellow, white, and red. They have attractive, low-growing foliage that forms rosettes of leaves. Some species, such as Primula veris (cowslip), have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries and are believed to have various health benefits, including treating respiratory ailments, insomnia, and headaches.


Serviceberries - With their delicate white blossoms beginning to bloom, serviceberries signify that the soil is starting to warm and it is time for gardeners to start planting cool season vegetables and herbs! Begin with cool weather produce like lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, peas, and carrots, as well as, parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, and mint. Serviceberries themselves are also edible and often used in jams, pies, and desserts, in addition to being valued for their ornamental beauty. This useful foliage grow as shrubs and trees, also known as Juneberries or Saskatoon berries. 


Forsythia - Forsythia bushes produce bright yellow flowers that cover the branches before the leaves emerge. In traditional Chinese medicine, forsythia is used to treat various ailments, including fever, inflammation, and infections. 


Photo by Gardenia.net

Flowering Quince - Flowering quince is part of the rose family and produces beautiful, early spring blooms on a shrub or bush. The fruit of the flowering quince is edible but is usually quite tart, often used in jams and jellies.


Redbuds - These small trees are known for their clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring.The flowers of the redbud tree are edible and can be used in salads, desserts, and beverages.


Magnolias - Magnolia trees produce large, fragrant flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple, with Some species having large, showy flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Magnolias are suspected to be one of the oldest flowering plants, with fossils dating back over thousands of years. 


Cherry Blossoms - As the national flower of Japan, these stunning trees are celebrated during the annual Hanami festival. The blossoms have a short blooming period, typically lasting only about one to two weeks, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life. 


Dogwoods - Native to North America and known for their showy flowers and distinctive bark, dogwood trees provide food and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and butterflies.


Bradford Pear - This fluffy, flowering tree is dreaded in most communities- but why? With beautiful white blooms in early spring and colorful fall foliage in later months, it’s interesting that these trees are considered an invasive nuisance. For starters, the flowers emit a strong, unpleasant odor, often described as similar to that of rotting fish. Another major reason people dislike them is for their weak branch structure. The branches tend to grow at narrow angles and are prone to splitting, especially during storms or high winds. The trees also produce numerous small, hard fruits that are readily consumed and dispersed by birds. As a result, they can spread rapidly, forming dense thickets and displacing native vegetation. 


April-May


Photo by Floret Flowers

Sweet Peas - Sweet peas are renowned for their many delightful features such as a sweet fragrance, vining nature and edibility. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, white, and blue. Additionally, there are many bi-color and multi-color varieties available, offering an array of beautiful blooms to enjoy. They are climbing plants that produce long, slender vines, well-suited for growing on trellises, arbors, fences, or other supports in the garden. The vines can reach vertical heights of up to 6 to 8 feet or more, providing a cascade of colorful blooms. While primarily grown for their ornamental value, sweet peas are also edible. The blossoms can be used to add color and flavor to salads, desserts, and other culinary creations, however, it's essential to note that only the flowers are edible- other parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Beautiful deep violet iris blooming in our backyard in the spring time
Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Iris - Irises are hardy perennials that are easy to grow and maintain. They thrive in a wide range of climates and soil conditions, although they typically prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established, these flowers can be divided and replanted every few years to maintain their vigor and bloom productivity. Some species of irises have edible or medicinal properties. The rhizomes of certain iris species, such as Iris pallida, are used to flavor and scent gin. 


Viburnum - Also known as “Snowball Bush”, produces fragrant flowers that are often described as sweet, spicy, or musky smelling. These flowers are prized for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as producing clusters of colorful berries that are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife. These berries provide a valuable food source for wildlife, especially in the fall and winter when other food options may be scarce. Some species, such as Viburnum opulus (European cranberry bush), produce bright red berries that persist into winter.


Crabapples - Crabapple trees bear clusters of colorful flowers ranging from white to pink to red. They are part of the apple family and produce small, tart fruits that are often used in jams and jellies. Valued for their ornamental beauty, they are often planted for their spring blooms and colorful fruit.


Lilacs - Lilac bushes are known for their fragrant clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. In the language of flowers, lilacs symbolize love, innocence, and purity.


Azaleas - Azalea bushes produce vibrant clusters of flowers in various colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. They are part of the rhododendron family and are known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are often used in landscaping and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.


Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Spirea - A lovely flowering shrub, including over 80 different species, known for their clusters of small, delicate flowers and are often used in landscaping for their ornamental value. I think these beautiful branches are very feminine and bridal looking.


May-June


Peonies - Peonies are herbaceous perennials with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Known for their large, fragrant blooms, they are often considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. In Missouri, peonies typically bloom for a relatively short period, generally lasting around 1 to 2 weeks. 


Petunias - Origin and Name: Petunias are native to South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay. The name "petunia" is derived from the French word "petun," which means tobacco, as petunias were initially thought to have a fragrance similar to tobacco flowers. They are versatile plants that can be used in various landscaping applications, including flower beds, borders, hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes. Loved for their long-lasting blooms and ability to cascade over edges, petunias are relatively low-maintenance plants that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of heat and drought, making them excellent choices for gardens in hot climates. 


Photo by Floret Flowers

Stock - Stock, aka gilly flower, are known for their sweet, spicy fragrance that resembles cloves or cinnamon and are part of the cabbage family! Yes, the blooms are edible! They come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, lavender, mauve and more.


Snapdragon - The name "snapdragon" comes from the flower's resemblance to a dragon's mouth, which opens and closes when squeezed. Snapdragons are often used in floral arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms and vibrant colors. My favorite variant is the madame butterfly-- they're simply magical looking!


Campanula - Commonly known as canterbury bells or bellflowers due to their bell-shaped blooms, some varieties of campanula are known for their ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden. The blooms grow more vertically and come in various colors such as vibrant magenta, violet and bright white. I love designing with these due to their unique shape and texture.


Large ornamental onions, allium growing with beautiful purple blooms
Photo by Longfield Gardens

Allium - Alliums are members of the onion family and are closely related to garlic, onions, and chives. Also known as “ornamental onions” these vibrant guys smell delightfully onion-y in my opinion! Some varieties of allium, such as Allium giganteum, produce large, spherical flower heads that can reach several inches in diameter, and others resemble “drum sticks” (see below!) In addition to their awesome color, they provide fun textures to spice up floral arrangements and gardens.


Larkspur - Part of the Delphinium genus, larkspur gets its name from the unique shape of its flower spikes, resembling the spur of a lark's foot. This nectar rich flower blooms in a wide range of colors, including shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, attracting and feeding several polinator populations. I love the shape and height of this flower, as well as how long it lasts in a vase (I've had some last over two weeks!)


Lily - Named after the genus Lilium, lilies come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them popular garden plants and cut flowers. While they are not typically consumed as food, some species of lilies are toxic to cats if ingested.


Lace Orlaya - An annual flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Named for its delicate, lacy white flowers, this plant adds an elegant touch to garden borders and flower beds and is a favorite amongst florists for its unique texture.


Viburnum - Also known as “Snowball Bush”, produces fragrant flowers often described as sweet, spicy, or musky smelling and attract pollinators.


Nigella - Commonly known as Love-In-A-Mist, nigella is an annual flowering plant native to southern Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia. Its name comes from the intricate, fern-like foliage that surrounds its flowers, creating a mist-like appearance.


Chinese Forget-Me-Nots - These flowers get their name from their ability to self-seed and appear year after year, ensuring they are not forgotten. While they have a similar appearance to true forget-me-nots, they belong to a different botanical family.


Hosta - Hostas are shade-loving perennial plants native to Asia. They are relatively pest and disease resistant and require minimal watering once established, making them a popular choice among beginning gardeners. While the flowers are often attractive to pollinators, some species of hostas are toxic to pets if ingested.


Agrostemma - Commonly known as Corn Cockle, is a wildflower native to Europe and Asia. Its name comes from its tendency to grow as a weed in cornfields. They are toxic if ingested and should be handled with care.


Sweet Pea Photo by Floret Flowers

Sweet Peas - Sweet peas are renowned for their many delightful features such as a sweet fragrance, vining nature and edibility. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, white, and blue. They are climbing plants that produce long, slender vines and can reach vertical heights of up to 6 to 8 feet or more.


Yarrow- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat wounds and stop bleeding, earning it the nickname "soldier's woundwort." It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, is drought-tolerant, and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.


Mint- AKA, Mentha, is known for its refreshing aroma and flavor, widely used in culinary dishes, teas, and as a natural remedy for digestive issues. It spreads rapidly through its roots and can become invasive in gardens, so it’s best grown in containers to control the spread.


Pennycress- Field pennycress is being researched for its potential as a biofuel crop due to its high oil content. It is considered a weed by many, but is actually one of my favorite greenery/fillers to use in floral design! I love the organic, whimsical feel it provides.


Bells of Ireland- These beauties symbolize good luck in the language of flowers, making them popular in arrangements for special occasions. Despite their name, they are not from Ireland and are known for their striking, green, bell-shaped calyxes.


Feverfew- Feverfew has been traditionally used to treat headaches, particularly migraines. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators.


Bupleurum- Bupleurum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat liver diseases and boost the immune system. The plant is known for its attractive, greenish-yellow flowers and long-lasting, lance-shaped leaves that add texture to floral arrangements.

Bright yellow sunflower in a sunflower field and blue skies in the background. Two bumblebees pollinating in the dark center of the sunflower
Sunflower photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward at Finley Farms

Sunflower- Young sunflower plants exhibit heliotropism, meaning they follow the sun from east to west during the day. Sunflowers are commonly grown for their seeds, which are used for oil, snacks, and bird feed.


Solomon's Seal- This plant's roots have been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and joint pain. It thrives in shady, woodland areas with rich, well-drained soil and is valued for its arching stems and bell-shaped flowers.


Wild Indigo- Wild indigo (Baptisia) was historically used by Native Americans to produce blue dye. This perennial is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.


Delphinium- Delphiniums contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested, so they should be planted with care. Known for their tall spikes of vibrant flowers, delphiniums come in various shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. Bella Donna Blue Delphinium is my personal favorite variation to design with.


Ammi- Often referred to as false Queen Anne’s Lace and is known for its delicate, lacy white flower clusters, it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, making it a good companion plant in the garden.


Summer Snowflakes- Despite their name, summer snowflakes typically bloom in spring, producing delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can often be found growing near streams or ponds.


Catmint- Catmint contains nepetalactone, a compound that is highly attractive to cats and induces a euphoric response. It's a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, known for its lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage.


Shining Blue Star- Shining blue star is known for its star-shaped, light blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Its foliage turns a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall, providing multi-season interest in the garden.


Tall, white foxglove flower in a lush garden area. Large cream, white and yellow blooms are opening up on a summer day in late June
Foxglove photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward at Springfield Botanical Gardens

Foxglove- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is the source of digitalis, a group of medicines used to treat heart conditions. They are typically biennial, meaning they grow foliage the first year and flower the second before setting seed and dying.


Smoke Bush- Known for its dramatic, smoke-like flower plumes and colorful foliage that turns vibrant shades in the fall, smoke bush can be grown as a shrub or small tree and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.


Columbine- Columbine flowers are known for their unique, spurred petals that come in a variety of colors. They are highly attractive to hummingbirds, making them a great addition to wildlife gardens.


Bachelor's Buttons- Also known as cornflowers, were traditionally worn by bachelors in love as a sign of their devotion. They are hardy annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, often self-seeding for years of continuous blooms.


Fringe Tree- Fringe tree produces fragrant, fringe-like white flowers in late spring. It is native to the southeastern United States and prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.


Mock Orange- Mock orange is named for its citrus-like fragrance, reminiscent of orange blossoms. It is a hardy, deciduous shrub that requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of soil types.


Billy Balls- Billy balls (Craspedia), also known as drumstick flowers, are known for their bright yellow, spherical flower heads. They are highly drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.


Saponaria- Saponaria, or soapwort, contains saponins that can produce a soapy lather when the plant is crushed, historically used for cleaning. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its mild antiseptic properties and to soothe skin irritations.


Cornus- Commonly known as dogwood, includes trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, all valued for their showy flowers and colorful bark. In many cultures, dogwood flowers symbolize durability and resilience, often used in folklore and literature.


Lavender scoop scabiosa flower in a floral arrangement. Also known as pincushion flower
Scabiosa Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Scabiosa- Scabiosa is commonly known as the pincushion flower due to its unique flower shape that resembles a pincushion with pins. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and grow in a variety of beautiful colors such as lavender, plum, raspberry, blush, cream and more.


Calendula- Calendula flowers are edible and often used to add color to salads, soups, and herbal teas. The petals have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, often found in skin care products.


Gypsophilia- Gypsophila, commonly known as baby’s breath, is popular in floral arrangements for its delicate, airy clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. It symbolizes everlasting love and purity, making it a common choice for wedding bouquets and decorations.


Golden Tansy- Golden tansy was historically used for its medicinal properties, including as a treatment for digestive issues and as an insect repellent. It can be invasive in some areas, spreading rapidly through its rhizomes and self-seeding habit.


Willow- Willow bark contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin, historically used to treat pain and inflammation. Its wood is highly flexible and has been used for centuries to make baskets, furniture, and even cricket bats.


Enjoy the Beauty!


Fortunately, here in the 417 we are in a wonderful community full of amazing local flowers and resources. Take a walk at one of the several stunning gardens around the city, enjoy a “You Pick” flower farm experience, or support small local businesses by strolling their greenhouses and nurseries. In addition to enjoying all the community has to offer visually, it is easy to get involved with local gardening groups, volunteer at our community gardens, attend workshops or participate in internships to expand your education and meet fellow garden enthusiasts. Details and links to all of this listed below!


Where to find local flowers around Springfield, Missouri:

For enjoyment and education visit…

For flower farms, gardens and greenhouses you can purchase from (or also just enjoy) visit/contact…


LINKS to floral and garden products I LOVE:


LINKS to my SPRING ESSENTIALS:

  • The best Bose Bluetooth Speaker. Everyone needs at least one of these. Perfect for patio tunes or tossing in a bag to take with you wherever you go, we use ours every day.

  • The best, puncture proof Gardening Gloves 

  • The most functional Gardening Apron 

  • My favorite Camera Lens! I use my 50mm 1.2 for almost everything, it is simply the best, but it's especially ideal for all the flower photos I like to snap in the spring.

  • The Best Hammock Ever. It's comfy, it's cute, it fits two people- it's my favorite purchase so far this year.

  • The Spring Colored Stanley Cup I love. I have a few other Stanleys and tumblers, but this one tops them all. It's the perfect size (IMO), the color is amazing and most importantly I love the straw that flips shut. I have had traumatic experiences with my other tumblers where bugs have gotten in them through the opening or straw and yes, I did suck them up. EW. Never again with this one!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you use my recommended links to purchase products, I receive a percentage of commissions! I will never recommend products simply to sell, I will always recommend products I love/want and products I use. Thank you!


Some of my favorite general resources on local flowers and gardening:

Missouri Flower Exchange

Rooted Farmers

Missouri Dept of Conservation 

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Christian County Master Gardeners 

Missouri Invasive Plant Council 

Resources for this blog post:


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