40 Michigan Native Flowers & Wildflowers

Michigan is located within the Nice Lakes area and offers a lot of various habitats for flowers and wildflowers. The Nice Lake State offers a lot of wetland and woodland areas in addition to open grasslands. On this article, we’ll discover 40 Michigan native flowers and wildflowers.

Michigan Native Vary & Rising Zones

Michigan is an Higher Midwestern state within the Nice Lakes area. It has a cooler local weather with forests and mountain areas in northern and western areas. Michigan’s climates correspond to USDA Zones 4 to six. Northern areas correspond to Zone 4, whereas southern areas correspond to Zones 5 and 6.

How are Michigan’s Native Flowers Outlined?

Michigan’s native flowers are outlined as species that have been rising in Michigan earlier than Europeans arrived within the 17^th Century. Lots of Michigan’s native flowers have been used for meals and drugs by Native American tribes. When the Europeans started to settle, they introduced new crops that turned naturalized throughout Michigan.

40 Stunning Forms of Native Michigan Flowers

1) Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is likely one of the most recognizable and iconic wildflowers in the US. These stunning Michigan native wildflowers come from the Rudbeckia genus within the aster or daisy household (Asteraceae).

Black-eyed Susan flowers have vibrant yellow ray petals that encompass darkish brown central florets. Black-eyed Susan enjoys a protracted blooming interval from early summer time till the primary frost arrives within the fall.

2) Bottle Gentian

Bottle gentian flowers are herbaceous perennials from the Gentianaceae household. These clump-forming crops are named for his or her bottle-shaped flowers that stay closed. These blue flowers emerge on the tip of the stem from late summer time till fall.

Bottle gentian flowers thrive in moist, fertile soils in shady woodlands. As soon as these crops end flowering, their slender leaves flip from medium inexperienced to golden yellow.

3) Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is a perennial species of milkweed from the dogbane household (Apocynaceae). These Michigan native flowering crops are in style with butterflies, therefore their frequent title. Butterfly weed can be an necessary meals plant for the larvae of a number of butterflies and moths.

Butterfly weed produces a number of clusters of orange, pink, or yellow flowers all through the summer time. Every flower has 5 petals and 5 sepals.

4) Frequent Night Primrose

Frequent night primrose is a wonderful biennial from the Onagraceae household. These tall crops produce yellow flowers from early summer time till fall. Every flower solely lasts for someday however offers off a lemony scent.

Frequent night primrose grows all through central and jap North America. These crops tolerate full solar or partial shade and develop greatest in well-draining soils.

5) Frequent Milkweed

Frequent milkweed is a perennial wildflower frequent throughout a lot of North America. These crops come from the Asclepias genus of the dogbane household. Frequent milkweed offers meals for over 450 completely different insect species.

These Michigan native flowers produce rounded clusters of aromatic white, pink, or purple flowers. If any a part of the plant is lower, frequent milkweed produces a milky sap that may trigger pores and skin irritation.

6) Dwarf Lake Iris

The dwarf lake iris is a beardless perennial iris that can be Michigan’s official state wildflower. This stunning iris grows on the shores of the Nice Lakes, particularly Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Sadly, it’s classed as Susceptible.

Dwarf lake irises have blue or violet flowers with yellow and white markings on the petals. Every plant produces between 8 and 12 gentle inexperienced fan-like leaves.

7) Jap Crimson Columbine

Also referred to as Canadian columbine, jap pink columbine is a herbaceous perennial from the buttercup household (Ranunculaceae). These enticing columbines develop all through jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers produce pink, nodding flowers with a crown of distinctive spurs from late spring to early summer time. Every flower head has a number of yellow interior petals surrounding a bunch of distinguished yellow stamens.

8) False Sunflower

False sunflowers are herbaceous perennials from the daisy household that develop throughout central and jap North America. These crops produce a number of vibrant yellow flowers with yellowish-brown central florets. The flowers bloom all through the summer time and finish within the fall.

These Michigan native flowers thrive in woodlands and likewise develop alongside roadsides. They like dry soils and full solar however can tolerate partial shade.

9) Foxglove Beardtongue

Foxglove beardtongues are herbaceous perennials from the plantain household (Plantaginaceae). Foxglove beardtongues thrive in prairies and open woodlands throughout jap North America. 

Foxglove beardtongues have tubular white flowers with 5 lobes; two on the higher lip and three on the underside lip. These crops bloom from late spring till midsummer.

10) Nice Blue Lobelia

Also referred to as blue cardinal flowers, nice blue lobelias are enticing upright perennials from the bellflower household (Campanulaceae). Nice blue lobelias develop in woodlands and wetland habitats throughout central and jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers produce flower spikes coated in darkish blue or violet tubular flowers with two lips. The higher lips have three lobes whereas the decrease lips have two lobes.

11) Harebell

Harebells are elegant upright perennials from the bellflower household. These crops are a kind of bluebell native to the Northern Hemisphere. Harebells thrive in nutrient-poor soils in grassland and woodland habitats.

These Michigan native flowers bear their pale blue to violet bell-shaped flowers on slender stalks. These stalks simply bend underneath the burden of the flowers. Harebells flower for a number of months from summer time till fall.

12) Hoary Vervain

Hoary vervain is a perennial wildflower from the verbena household (Verbenaceae). It grows in meadows and prairies throughout the central United States. These flowers are exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrive even in dry areas.

Hoary vervain produces spikes of purple, pink, or white tubular flowers from spring till fall. Because the plant grows, the spike develops clusters of tiny nut-like seeds above the remaining flowers.

13) Indian Pipe

Indian pipe crops are uncommon perennials from the heather household (Ericaceae). These unusual crops are widespread throughout a lot of North America and thrive in damp, shady woodlands.

Indian pipe crops appear like waxy white fungi and produce a single flower stem. As these crops age, they could develop black spots. The stems are curled over to guard the tiny flowers inside.

14) Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Jack-in-the-Pulpit is an uncommon wildflower that resembles a pitcher plant or an orchid. These unusual tuberous perennials come from the arum household (Araceae). Jack-in-the-Pulpit thrives in shady woodlands throughout jap North America.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit crops have a purple or inexperienced hooded spathe that encloses a spadix of tiny purple flowers. Jack-in-the-Pulpit crops even have two giant leaves which can be break up into three leaflets.

15) Marsh Marigold

Marsh marigolds are herbaceous perennials that thrive in wetland habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. These vibrant wildflowers are also referred to as kingcups and are available from the buttercup household.

These Michigan native flowers bloom all through spring and summer time earlier than dying again to a couple buds above the soil throughout fall and winter. Marsh marigolds have vibrant yellow cup-shaped flowers that look much like buttercups.

16) Mayapple

Also referred to as American mandrakes, mayapples are hardy herbaceous perennials from the barberry household (Berberidaceae). Mayapples are native to shady woodlands all through jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers produce clumps of enormous, umbrella-like leaves with 5 to 9 lobes. Every leaf might be as much as 12 inches huge and solely unfurls as soon as the mayapple reaches its mature top. Mayapples produce small, nodding white flowers within the spring.

17) Meadow Phlox

Meadow phlox is a clump-forming perennial from the phlox household (Polemoniaceae). As its title suggests, meadow phlox grows greatest in meadows and prairies throughout jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers produce dense clusters of tubular, fragrant pink or purple flowers from late spring till fall. These flowers have a candy scent and are in style with pollinators.

18) New England Aster

New England asters are a few of North America’s hottest and recognizable wildflowers. These colourful wildflowers come from the aster household and are widespread throughout central and jap North America.

New England asters have small, daisy-like purple flowers with vibrant yellow central florets. These flowers are borne on bushy stems above lance-shaped leaves. New England asters thrive in unfastened, dry soils.

19) Obedient Plant

Also referred to as false dragonhead crops, obedient crops are herbaceous perennials from the mint household (Lamiaceae). Obedient crops develop in a variety of habitats together with meadows, prairies, and woodlands.

These Michigan native flowering crops produce tall spikes of tubular pink flowers from midsummer till fall. The flowers look much like these of snapdragons and have a tendency to remain in place, therefore their frequent title.

20) Ohio Spiderwort

Ohio spiderwort is a colourful herbaceous perennial from the spiderwort household (Commelinaceae). This species thrives throughout central and jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers have bluish-green, glaucous stems and slender, arching leaves. Throughout spring and summer time, Ohio spiderworts produce blue flowers that solely final for someday. The leaves are edible when cooked whereas the flowers and stems might be eaten uncooked.

21) Pale Beardtongue

Pale beardtongues are a kind of beardtongue that grows all through central and jap North America. These herbaceous perennial wildflowers come from the plantain household. Pale beardtongues thrive in dry woodlands, rocky areas, and roadsides or railway tracks.

Pale beardtongues have lance-shaped leaves and upright stems of pale pink or white tubular flowers. Pale beardtongues bloom from Could to July.

22) Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflowers are one of the vital iconic and in style forms of coneflowers. These herbaceous perennials come from the daisy household and develop all through jap North America. Purple coneflowers thrive in nutrient-poor soils on America’s prairies and plains.

These Michigan native flowers have purple ray petals surrounding orange-brown central florets. Purple coneflowers have been used extensively in Native American drugs and might be dried to make tea.

23) Rose Mallow

Also referred to as swamp rose mallows, rose mallows are hardy, woody perennials from the mallow household (Malvaceae). Rose mallow grows in wetland habitats and riverbanks all through the jap United States.

Rose mallow blooms from midsummer to fall and produce giant, showy flowers. These flowers are often white or pink and might be as much as 8 inches huge. Every flower lasts for a few days.

24) Tough Blazing Star

Tough blazing star is a wonderful herbaceous perennial from the aster household. These crops produce stems coated in fluffy purple flowers. Tough blazing star additionally has slender leaves with a texture much like sandpaper, therefore its frequent title.

These Michigan native flowers thrive throughout central and jap North America. It grows in a number of habitats together with dry prairies and pine woodlands.

25) Showy Goldenrod

Showy goldenrod is a tall herbaceous perennial from the aster household. Its most well-liked habitats embody dry prairies and open woodlands throughout the central and jap United States.

These Michigan native flowers produce tall stems coated in clusters of tiny golden-yellow flowers. The stems have a reddish tinge to them, offering further shade. Showy goldenrod blooms for a couple of month throughout summer time and fall.

26) Clean Phlox

Clean phlox is a pretty herbaceous perennial that grows throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. It comes from the phlox household (Polemoniaceae) and thrives in moist prairies and woodlands.

Clean phlox produces dense clusters of purplish-pink flowers in spring and summer time. The flowers have a stunning candy scent and bloom for a number of weeks.

27) Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is a aromatic herbaceous perennial from the dogbane household. Swamp milkweed thrives in wetland habitats akin to swamps and river meadows all through the jap United States.

These Michigan native flowers produce dense clusters of vanilla-scented pink flowers from July till August. Like different milkweeds, it produces milky sap when broken however is necessary for butterflies.

28) Swamp Rose

Swamp roses are hardy deciduous shrubs from the rose household (Rosaceae). These enticing roses develop in marshes and different wetland habitats throughout jap North America.

These Michigan native flowers have small, darkish inexperienced leaves with toothed edges. These leaves flip pink throughout the fall. Throughout late spring, swamp roses produce single rose pink flowers which have a robust perfume.

29) Virginia Bluebells

Virginia bluebells are stunning herbaceous perennials from the borage household (Boraginaceae). In the course of the spring, Virginia bluebells have clusters of flower buds that open to disclose trumpet-shaped nodding flowers. These flowers are initially pink however then flip pale blue or violet.

Virginia bluebells even have blueish-green oval-shaped leaves. These attractive crops develop in moist, fertile woodlands throughout jap North America.

30) Wild Bergamot

Generally referred to as bee balm, wild bergamot is a herbaceous perennial from the mint household. Wild bergamot is widespread throughout most of North America however prefers prairies and open woodlands with dry, fertile soils.

These native Michigan flowers bloom all through the summer time, producing clusters of tubular lilac or lavender flowers with white bracts. These flowers produce a robust scent that pulls pollinators.

31) Wild Blue Phlox

Also referred to as woodland phlox, wild blue phlox is native all through jap North America. These pungent perennials develop in deciduous woodlands and are available from the Polemoniaceae household.

Wild blue phlox covers the bottom in mats of blue or lilac flowers. Wild blue phlox flowers have 5 lobed petals that kind a star form. Wild blue phlox additionally has lance-shaped leaves and sticky, bushy stems.

32) Wild Geranium

Also referred to as noticed geraniums, wild geraniums are native to jap North America. These herbaceous perennials come from the Geraniaceae household and thrive in dry or moist woodland habitats.

These Michigan native flowers have pale pink or lilac cup-shaped flowers with yellow stamens. Faint pink veins radiate from the white facilities of every petal. Wild geraniums even have inexperienced leaves with three to 5 lobes.

33) Wild Ginger

Also referred to as Canadian snakeroot, wild ginger is a herbaceous perennial from the birthwort household (Aristolochiaceae). These clump-forming crops unfold by way of rhizomes and thrive in shady deciduous woodlands throughout jap North America.

Wild ginger has distinctive darkish inexperienced, kidney-shaped leaves that may be as much as six inches huge. Wild ginger additionally has small purple-brown flowers which can be principally hidden among the many leaves.

34) Wild Indigo

Also referred to as blue false indigo, wild indigo is a pretty herbaceous perennial frequent throughout central and jap North America. Wild indigo comes from the legume household (Fabaceae) and thrives in open meadows or alongside woodland borders.

Wild indigo produces upright flowering stems laden with blue or purple pea-like flowers. Wild indigo blooms for a number of weeks however retains curiosity all year long because of its medium-green trifoliate foliage.

35) Wild Lupine

Also referred to as previous maid’s bonnets, wild lupine is a herbaceous perennial from the legume household. Wild lupines produce colourful spikes of blue, pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers from mid-spring till midsummer. These nectar-rich flowers entice legions of pollinators.

Wild lupines are frequent throughout jap North America. These perennials thrive in meadows, prairies, and sandy dunes. Like different members of the pea household, wild lupines can enrich the soil with nitrogen.

36) Wild Petunia

Wild petunias are charming herbaceous perennials from the acanthus household (Acanthaceae). Wild petunias are frequent all through the jap United States and are steadily grown as native decorative crops.

Wild petunias have lavender or lilac tubular flowers that may be as much as three inches lengthy. The flowers have 5 rounded lobes. These Michigan native flowers bloom from spring till fall, offering curiosity all year long. Wild petunias even have bushy stems and leaves.

37) Wild Quinine

Additionally referred to as American feverfew or prairie dock, wild quinine is a herbaceous perennial from the aster or daisy household. It grows all through the jap and midwestern areas of the US and prefers meadows and prairies.

Wild quinine crops produce toothed leaves and several other umbrella-like clusters of tiny white flowers. These flowers bloom from late spring to late summer time and have a pretty, barely medicinal scent.

38) Wild Sarsaparilla

Wild sarsaparilla is a flowering perennial from the Araliaceae household. It’s also referred to as false sarsaparilla or rabbit root. Wild sarsaparilla spreads by way of its underground creeping stems.

These Michigan native flowers have giant oval-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges. From spring to summer time, these crops produce three globe-like clusters of tiny white flowers. These flowers are borne on separate stems from the leaves.

39) Yellow Woman’s Slipper

Also referred to as moccasin flowers, yellow girl’s slipper orchids are perennial flowers from the orchid household (Orchidaceae). Yellow girl’s slipper orchids thrive in wetland habitats akin to fens, marshes, and moist woodlands throughout North America.

Yellow girl’s slipper flowers have a yellow slipper-like pouch with pink spots inside. These bulbous pouches are protected by three inexperienced petals which can be typically barely twisted. Yellow girl’s slipper orchids even have as much as 5 leaves which have tremendous hairs.

40) Yellow Trout Lily

Also referred to as yellow dogtooth violets, yellow trout lilies are showy members of the lily household (Liliaceae). These low-growing perennials are widespread all through jap North America. Yellow trout lily flowers bloom in mid-spring, opening within the morning and shutting within the night.

Yellow trout lilies have giant, vibrant yellow flowers with three petals and three sepals which can be curved backward. Yellow trout lilies have grayish-green leaves with mottled markings that resemble the pores and skin of a trout.

Michigan Native Flowers FAQs:

Wrapping Up

Michigan’s dazzling array of gorgeous wildflowers is likely one of the state’s nice botanical treasures. A few of Michigan’s most stunning native flowers embody apple blossom and the dwarf lake iris. Michigan’s native flowers thrive in USDA Zones 4 to six.

Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s enthusiastic about nature and sustainability with a concentrate on gardening and wildlife.