New York Flowers That Live for 20 Years or More

Hikers exploring local trails could be in for surprise this season... if they know where to look.

New York State is a nature lover's paradise, with fascinating animals (did you know these spiky mammals were great tree climbers?) and plants around every corner. That includes several flowers with some seriously impressive lifespans.

Long-Living Wild Flowers in New York

While most New Yorkers wouldn't be blamed for thinking about animals when the term "protected species" comes up, there are many protected plants as well. Trillium, for example, is a protected flower that can take up to ten years to bloom (below).

Trillium Plants in New York

Since trillium's flower production takes up to a decade, it should come as no surprise that the patient plants can live for up to 25 years... and they're not the only ones. In the Adirondacks, an orchid species is growing that could be old enough to vote.

Pink Lady's Slipper Flowers in New York

While more abundant than trillium (and also not classified as "protected"), pink lady’s slipper orchids are another one of New York's longest-living wild flowers. As the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation explains below, the plant is unique for several reasons.

Long-Living Domestic Flowers in New York

Luckily, there are several options for New York gardeners what want long-living flowers in their own back yard. Peonies, for example, thrive in New York State and are able to bloom for decades (some are said to be over 100 years old).

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Long-Living Flowers to Plant in Your New York Garden

Other choices include the daylily, iris, hosta, and salvia. After planting "lifers", check out some other helpful garden plants that keep pests at bay below.