Here are some of the most weird and unusual flowers. Great for adding to your yard if your climate allows it or just fun to look at.
Nature is full of fascinating and diverse species, and the world of flowers is no exception.
There’s something so fun about flowers that are a little odd and different that you don’t see everyday. Adding unique flowers to your garden or even just enjoying looking at them through pictures or by visiting garden centers and public gardens is fun.
We’ve tried finding all the world’s weirdest flowers. Some are the rarest flowers that you’ll have a hard time finding the ability to see them and some are just weird flowers that are amazing with how they look.
Table of Contents
Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
The corpse flower is known for its massive size and foul smell, reminiscent of rotting flesh. it’s native to the rainforests of Sumatra, India and is one of the largest and rarest flowering plants in the world. It only flowers once every four to five years with a single flower. These are also known as the voodoo lily.
Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica)
This peculiar orchid, native to the Mediterranean region, features small, naked man shaped flowers. The unusual shape and intricate details of these flowers make them a fascinating sight to behold.
Monkey Orchids (Dracula simia)
Found in the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru, this orchid bears a striking resemblance to a monkey’s face. It’s scientific name, Dracula simia, refers to the “little dragon-monkey” appearance of the flowers.
Hooker’s Lips (Psychotria elata)
This Central and South American plant has a unique and seductive appearance, with its bright red, lip-shaped bracts surrounding the tiny, inconspicuous flowers.
Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
Native to the Canary Islands, this rare flower is named for its curved, beak-like shape. Its vibrant, orange-red color and feathery foliage make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
Bat Plant (Tacca chantrieri)
With its large, bat-like flowers and long, whisker-like filaments, the black bat flower plant is a sight to behold. It’s native to Southeast Asia and thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Bee Orchid (Ophyrys apifera)
This European orchid’s flowers resemble a female bee, attracting male bees and ensuring pollination. The bee orchid’s unique appearance makes it a favorite among flower enthusiasts.
Swaddled Babies (Anguloa uniflora)
Native to the Andean region of South America, this orchid produces large, fragrant flowers that look like tiny babies wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana major)
This rare Australian orchid’s flowers look like tiny flying ducks. The unique shape and vibrant colors of this plant make it a sought-after species among collectors.
White Egret Flower (Pecteilis radiata)
The White Egret Flower (Pecteilis radiata), also known as the fringed orchid or sagisō, is a fascinating and delicate beauty native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its pristine, white petals gracefully unfurl to reveal a striking resemblance to a graceful egret in flight, complete with feathery, fringed edges. This captivating orchid thrives in damp habitats like wetlands and marshes.
Parachute Plant (Ceropegia sandersonii)
The Parachute Plant (ceropegia sandersonii) is a unique and intriguing flowering species native to South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. Known for it’s distinctive parachute-shaped flowers, this plant has an almost otherworldly allure.
Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Native to the southeastern United States, the passion flower is known for its intricate, radial pattern. Characterized by its unique structure, the passion flower features a central, corona-like ring of filaments surrounded by delicate, finely-pointed petals and sepals.
Jackal Food (Hydnora africana)
This unusual, parasitic plant is native to southern Africa and grows almost entirely underground. Its flowers, which emerge above ground, have a flesh-like appearance and emit a strong odor to attract pollinators.
Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)
The jewel orchid, native to Southeast Asia, is sought after for its stunning, dark green foliage with intricate, patterns. The small, white flowers are a secondary attraction compared to its striking leaves.
Heart Flower (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
This romantic perennial features heart-shaped flowers that seem to “bleed” small, white petals. Native to Asia, the bleeding heart is a popular choice for woodland gardens due to its delicate beauty.
Sea Poison Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)
Found in coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, this tree’s flowers resemble white pom-poms with long, red stamens. The fragrant flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats and moths.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
This Mexican perennial is known for its deep maroon, almost black flowers that emit a rich, chocolatey scent. Chocolate cosmos is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its unique color and fragrance.
Flame Lily (Gloriosa superb)
The flame lily, native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, is named for its fiery, red and yellow petals that resemble flames. This climbing plant is admired for its striking, exotic beauty, but it is also highly toxic.
Darth Vader (Aristolochia salvadorensis)
Aristolochia salvadorensis, a member of the pipevine family, is a fascinating plant native to Central America. Known for its unusual, jug-shaped flowers featuring intricate, maroon and white patterns, this intriguing species adds an element of mystery and exoticism to any garden or plant collection, highlighting the diversity and wonder of the plant kingdom.
Snapdragon Seed Pods (Antirrhinum majus)
When the flowers of this popular garden plant fade, the seed pods that remain take on a unique, skull-like appearance. The snapdragon is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its bright, colorful flowers.
Ghost Plant (Monotropa uniflora)
This unusual, parasitic plant is entirely white, lacking the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis. The ghost plant can be found in the shaded forests of North America, where it obtains nutrients from fungi in the soil.
Devil’s Hand (Chiranthodendron pentadactylon)
The Devil’s hand is a remarkable tree native to Mexico and Guatemala, known for its striking, claw-like flowers. The vibrant red blooms resemble a devil’s hand with long, finger-like structures, creating a dramatic visual effect that captures the imagination and highlights the boundless creativity found in nature.
Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis)
Native to the deserts of Namibia and Angola, this ancient plant produces only two leaves during its lifetime, which can span over a thousand years. The unusual, ribbon-like leaves become tattered and twisted over time, giving the plant a unique appearance.
Rainbow Trees, Eucalyptus deglupta
Rainbow Trees, also known as Eucalyptus deglupta or Mindanao gum, are captivating tropical trees native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Renowned for their distinctive, multicolored bark, these trees showcase a stunning array of hues, including blue, purple, orange, and maroon, which appear as the bark peels away in strips. The Rainbow Tree’s unique, kaleidoscopic appearance makes it a sought-after specimen for gardens and landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions, inspiring awe and appreciation for nature’s artistic prowess.
Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica)
Native to North America, this carnivorous plant features pitcher-like structures that resemble a cobra with its hood flared. The cobra lily lures insects into its pitchers, where they become trapped and are eventually digested.
Starfish Flower (Stapelia grandiflora)
This South African succulent produces large, star-shaped flowers with a distinctive, rotting odor. The smell attracts flies, which help pollinate the plant. Despite the odor, the novelty of this plant make it so people want to grow it.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
The desert rose, native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is a beautiful succulent with thick, twisted stems and vibrant pink or red flowers. Its ability to store water in its swollen trunk allows it to thrive in arid environments.
Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
This perennial plant, native to Eurasia, is known for its bright orange, lantern-shaped seed pods that enclose small, red berries. The Chinese lantern’s unique appearance makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and dried flower arrangements.
Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
This fascinating plant, native to Central and South America, is known for its ability to rapidly fold its leaves when touched. The sensitive plant’s unique response to stimuli makes it a favorite among children and plant enthusiasts alike.
Dead Horse Arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus)
Native to the Mediterranean, this unusual plant produces large, maroon-colored flowers that emit a strong odor similar to that of a dead animal. The smell attracts carrion flies, which help pollinate the plant.
Yellow Lady Slippers (Cypripedium calceolus)
This rare orchid species is native to Eurasia and is known for its unique, slipper-shaped flowers. The vibrant combination of yellow and purple makes this flower a striking addition to any garden.
Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata)
Native to Australia, this unique plant produces cylindrical, silver-gray flowers that resemble bottlebrushes. The silver banksia is an important source of nectar for birds and insects, playing a vital role in its native ecosystem.
Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
This stunning, tropical vine is native to the Philippines and produces long, cascading clusters of claw-shaped flowers in an iridescent shade of turquoise-green. The jade vine’s unique color and unusual flower structure make it a prized specimen among collectors.
Doll’s Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)
This North American woodland plant is known for its striking, white berries that resemble the eyes of a doll. While the berries may look tempting, they are highly toxic and should not be consumed.
Ice Cream Tulip (Tulipa ice cream)
This unique tulip variety features a “scoop” of white petals surrounded by a “cone” of pink or purple petals. The ice cream tulip’s whimsical appearance makes it a popular choice for spring gardens and floral arrangements.
Baseball Plant (Euphorbia obesa)
This unusual succulent, native to South Africa, is named for its spherical shape that resembles a baseball. The baseball plant is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant species, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
Spiral Ginger (Costus barbatus)
This tropical plant, native to Central and South America, is known for its unique, spiral arrangement of leaves along the stem. The spiral ginger’s bright red, cone-shaped inflorescences add a touch of exotic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
Wolffia (Wolffia arrhiza)
Wolffia, also known as watermeal, is the world’s smallest flowering plant. These tiny, free-floating plants resemble specks of green dust and can be found in calm bodies of water across the globe.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
This striking perennial is native to Europe and Asia and features globe-shaped, blue or violet flower heads atop tall, spiny stems. The globe thistle is drought-tolerant and is often used in xeriscaping and wildlife gardens.
Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia littoralis)
This unique vine, native to South America, produces large, pipe-shaped flowers with intricate, swirling patterns. The Dutchman’s pipe is often grown for its unusual flowers and its ability to attract pipevine swallowtail butterflies.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Native to South Africa, this eye-catching perennial is known for its tall spikes of tubular, red or orange flowers that resemble a flaming torch. The red hot poker is a popular choice for adding a bold, exotic touch to gardens and landscapes. Our neighbor has this growing in his front yard and it definitely stands out and is beautiful when in bloom.
Giant Water Lily (Victoria amazonica)
This giant water lily is native to the Amazon River basin and is known for its enormous, floating leaves, which can reach up to 10 feet in diameter. The Victoria amazonica produces large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and change color over the course of a few days.
Crested Euphorbia (Euphorbia lactea cristata)
This unique succulent is known for its fan-shaped, crested growth habit and striking, coral-like appearance. The crested euphorbia is a popular choice for container gardens and indoor displays due to its low-maintenance requirements and exotic beauty.
Birds of Paradise
The birds of paradise was named because the flower shape look like a bird in flight. It is a quite popular flower in flower gardens.
Snake Head Flower ()
The Snake Head Flower (Chelone glabra), also known as turtlehead or white turtlehead, is a captivating perennial plant native to North America. Its distinctive, hooded flowers closely resemble the shape of a snake’s or turtle’s head, creating a unique visual effect that intrigues both gardeners and passersby. Boasting white or pink blooms, the Snake Head Flower thrives in wet environments like marshes and stream banks, adding a touch of natural charm and wonder to these habitats and gardens alike.
Snail Vine Flower (Vigna Caracalla)
The Snail Vine Flower is a captivating climbing vine that features unique, spiral-shaped flowers resembling snail shells. These intriguing blooms, with their delicate lavender hues and enticing fragrance, bring an element of whimsy and charm to gardens, trellises, and arbors. Native to tropical South America, the Snail Vine Flower is a stunning example of nature’s creativity and serves as a delightful addition to any landscape or plant collection.
Celosia Crest
Often referred to as the crested celosia or crested cockscomb, this fascinating plant is known for its uniquely shaped, wrinkled flowers that resemble the crest of a rooster. The celosia crest blooms in a range of colors, including red, yellow, and orange, making it an intriguing addition to any garden.
Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana)
The Shrimp Plant is an intriguing, tropical shrub native to Mexico, known for its drooping clusters of bracts that resemble shrimp tails. The bracts, which range in color from yellow to reddish-pink, create a unique, shrimp-like appearance that adds a playful touch to gardens, borders, and container displays, capturing the interest of plant enthusiasts and passersby alike.
Final Thoughts About Rare, Unusual & Weird Flowers
I love seeing what nature has come up with in the natural world and I hope you do too. These are some of the most rare, unusual or weird flowers.
It’s crazy how nature has so many flowers that mimic something else.