Oklahomans are proud of their state wildflowers, as proven by their participation in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Roadside Wildflower Program. They have voluntarily contributed a total of $280,086 for the purchase of seeds for highway planting during the last 19 years. In 2006, ODOT crews planted 121 acres in 62 roadside sites statewide. There are now 1345 active acres in 586 different sites around Oklahoma.

Please contact your local Oklahoma Department of Transportation Field Division for assistance in planning and implementing roadside wildflower programs.

Wildflower seed is expensive. The state flower, Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), costs approximately $20 a pound, and 10 pounds are needed to plant one acre. ODOT requests that enough seed be purchased to plant a minimum of one acre (approximately $200 worth of seed).

ODOT uses three drill seeders, specifically designed for wildflowers, to plant on highway roadsides. The Beautification Office must be contacted before July 15th to schedule a seeder. Wildflowers must be planted in the fall. Contact us in the spring or early summer to ensure a smooth planting period as you start the fundraising process.