Spring is officially here! That means the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and the flowers are in full bloom across North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.

Here’s a guide on where to see flowers across the Brunswick Islands this season.

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Nature Preserves

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is home to spectacular nature preserves. Each one is a precious coastal ecosystem that boasts incredibly special and beautiful flora and fauna.

an up close photo of a group of Venus Flytraps growing in the Green Swamp Preserve

Green Swamp Preserve

The Green Swamp Preserve is a 15,000-acre nature reserve that contains one of the country’s finest examples of a long-leaf pine savanna. Home to at least 14 species of insectivorous plants, including pitcher plants and the vulnerable Venus flytrap, it is a must visit for plant lovers.

Please note that the Venus flytrap is a protected species. Removing plants from the Green Swamp Preserve is a felony under North Carolina state law.

  • Visit between May and June to spot blooming Venus Flytraps.
  • The flytrap’s small white flowers are visible right along the preserve’s 1.3-mile trail.
  • You can also spot flowering orchids, pitcher plants, sundews, and bladderworts.

a wooden trail sign at Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve is a 174-acre nature preserve located in Leland and operated by UNCW. The site includes two self-guided learning trails that include plant identification labels for curious minds and nature lovers alike.

  • Visit in and around May to spot blooming Stewartia, the official plant of the preserve.
  • You can also spot small aquatic flowering plants in the preserve’s ponds and flowering trees in the preserve’s groves.

Bird Island Reserve in Sunset Beach, NC

Bird Island Coastal Reserve

While perhaps best known as the home of the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, the Bird Island Coastal Reserve is also invaluable habitat for our area’s plants and animals. The site’s 1,200 acres are divided among six unique habitats, including maritime shrub thicket, maritime grasslands, and salt marsh.

  • Visit between mid-May to September to spot blooming Sea Oxeye Daisy, Marsh-pink, Adam’s Needle Yucca, and chicken claws.
  • Please stay off the sand dunes and been mindful of nesting shorebirds.  
  • There is a short nature trail accessible near the Kindred Spirit Mailbox that visitors can use to explore the maritime grasslands along a dedicated marked path.

Parks

In addition to nature preserves, there are several well-maintained and manicured parks across the Brunswick Islands that are home to gorgeous flowers. Here are a couple must-sees.  

a wooden platform and blue school house in a park with blooming azalea bushes

Franklin Square Park

Nestled in downtown Southport, Franklin Square Park is a one-acre park that regularly hosts town events and festivals. The park is also home to the Franklin Square Gallery and a wonderful display of live oak trees and azalea bushes.

  • Visit between mid-March and April to see the azalea in bloom.
  • Franklin Square Park hosts Southport’s summer concert series. Visit our Events page for dates and details.

Brunswick County Botanical Garden

The Brunswick County Botanical Garden is a hidden gem among our area parks. Located in Bolivia, the site consists of 16 gardens each with a curated selection of plants, grasses, and flowers.

  • Visit the garden throughout the year, as there is always something blooming on site!
  • You can find a variety of flowers and flowering trees throughout the garden.

Plan Your Visit

Are you ready to go flower spotting? Start planning your visit by finding a place to stay.

FAQs:

1. Can I bring my dog with me to nature preserves and parks in the Brunswick Islands?

Dogs are not allowed at Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve. Leashed pets are allowed at the Green Swamp Preserve, Bird Island Coastal Reserve, and parks across the Brunswick Islands. For more information about visiting with your dog, visit our Pets on the Beach page.

Be a friendly steward of the environment, and please remember to clean up after your pet.

2. When is the best time to visit to see flowers in NC’s Brunswick Islands?

The timing of your visit will depend on which flowering plants you want to see. Generally, visits in May allow you to see most of the area’s flora in bloom.

3. What kind of flowers can I expect to see across NC’s Brunswick Islands?

The Brunswick Islands are home to many kinds of unique and classic coastal flowering plants. Be on the lookout for orchids, azalea, Sea oxeye daisies, pitcher plants, and even Venus flytraps.