Native Michigan Flowers

Michigan, with its rich variety of ecosystems, hosts a beautiful array of native flowers. Here are some notable ones:

1. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): Vital for the survival of monarch butterflies, these plants have clusters of pinkish, fragrant flowers.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): These bright yellow flowers with a dark brown center are a staple in prairies and meadows.

3. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Known for their unique red and yellow flowers, these plants attract hummingbirds and can often be found in woodlands.

4. Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum): Also called Large-Flowered Trillium, this spring-blooming wildflower has three white petals and is the state wildflower of Michigan.

5. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as Bee Balm, this plant has lavender to pink flowers and is a great pollinator attractor.

6. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for their large, purple-pink petals surrounding a spiky, central cone, these flowers are both beautiful and beneficial for wildlife.

7. Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis): Featuring spikes of blue to purple flowers, this plant is important for certain butterfly species including the Karner blue butterfly.

8. Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica): These tiny, delicate flowers have white or pink petals with darker pink veins, appearing in early spring.

9. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum): Recognized by their unique, pink feathery seed heads, this plant adds a whimsical touch to prairies and open woodlands.

10. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): With its distinctive hooded flower structure, this unique plant is commonly found in moist, woodland areas.

These flowers not only add beauty to Michigan’s landscapes but also play crucial roles in their respective ecosystems, supporting various pollinators and wildlife.