In this guide, we’ll take a stroll through Michigan’s native plants, from the majestic white pines to the resilient, deer-resistant columbines. We’ll dive into the best native flora for your Michigan home landscape and highlight some top choices that can thrive in the Great Lakes climate.
Michigan, with its diverse climates and ecosystems, supports a wide variety of native plants. From the lush forests of the Upper Peninsula to the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan, you’ll find a rich variety of plants. If you’re looking for native plants in your area of Michigan, check out the links below.
- Native Plants of West Michigan
- Native Plants of Southeast Michigan
- Native Plants of Northern Michigan
- Native Plants of the Michigan Shoreline
- Native Plants of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Native trees of Michigan
Native trees are a cornerstone of Michigan’s ecosystem and landscape. They offer much-needed shade, provide habitats for local wildlife, and boost the curb appeal of homes across the state.
Common pawpaw
This tropical-looking tree grows 10 to 40 feet tall. Its thick, bright green leaves turn yellow-green in the fall. Common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) has six-petaled purple flowers that bloom in April and May. It produces edible, banana-flavored fruit in late summer and fall that can cause skin irritation and stomach upset in some people.
This tree prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic soils and can thrive in full sun to shade. It attracts birds and butterflies and is a good understory tree with no serious issues from diseases or insects.
Sugar maple
This popular Michigan tree, growing 60 to 75 feet tall, is commonly used for making maple syrup. Sugar maple’s five-pointed leaves, dark gray bark, and brilliant red, yellow, and orange fall foliage add year-round visual interest. Acer saccharum thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil and can grow in sun or shade, attracting birds and honey bees. Sugar maple is susceptible to salt, excessive heat, and drought.
White oak
These trees can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet and 60 to 80 feet wide. White oaks (Quercus alba) have long, lobed leaves and produce oval-shaped acorns. From March to May, their flowers can be red, yellow, green, or brown. Although they grow slowly, they can live for centuries.
White oaks thrive in full sun or moderate shade and prefer deep, moist, well-drained loam and sand. Attracts birds and butterflies. The white oak tree is durable and long-lived, despite being attractive to pests.
Native shrubs of Michigan
Michigan boasts a diverse array of native shrubs that not only beautify the landscape but also play a vital role in the local ecosystem. Among the standouts are the charming New Jersey tea, the versatile red chokeberry, and the striking blackhaw viburnum. Each of these shrubs brings its own special flair, making them fantastic choices for Michiganders looking to add some native greenery to their yards.
New Jersey tea
New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a small deciduous native shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall. It is known for its petite, fragrant white flower clusters that bloom from May to August, attracting butterflies and making it perfect for pollinator gardens. Turkeys and quail like the seeds, plus it’s deer-resistant.
It thrives in sun or part shade and prefers well-drained, moist sand, loam, or limey soils. The plant’s common name originates from the American Revolution when its leaves were used as a tea substitute.
Red chokeberry
The red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) is a versatile deciduous shrub, 6 to 12 feet tall, with year-round appeal. In spring, it blooms with clusters of white to pale pink flowers from February to May. Its dark green leaves turn orange-red in fall, accompanied by bright red edible berries loved by birds that can last until January. The reddish-brown bark adds winter color. It thrives in moist, acidic soil and full sun.
Blackhaw viburnum
Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) is a shrub or small tree, usually 12 to 15 feet tall but sometimes reaching 30 feet. It has striking clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by yellow berries that turn blue-black. These edible berries are often used in jams and attract birds and wildlife. The dark-green foliage turns reddish-purple in fall. It thrives in well-drained soils, full sun to partial shade, and is pest-free.
For further reading: Shrubs can add depth, texture, and seasonal interest to your landscape. Learn “How to Landscape with Shrubs” to make your property stand out.
Native evergreens of Michigan
Evergreens, the steadfast guardians of Michigan’s landscapes, retain their lush foliage year-round, adding a splash of color and coverage no matter the season. When planning your winter garden, native Michigan evergreens are a top choice.
The tall Eastern white pine, the slow-growing black spruce, and the fragrant Eastern red cedar are local favorites. Not only are these evergreens visually striking, but they also play a vital role in supporting the local wildlife and ecosystems.
Eastern white pine
The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), Michigan’s state tree, is a tall evergreen reaching up to 150 feet with a 40-inch diameter. Recognized for its soft blue-green needles, it grows quickly and is often used for reforestation. Its large cones provide food for wildlife, though it can trigger allergies. It thrives in fertile, moist, acidic soils and attracts mammals and birds for food and shelter.
Black spruce
This evergreen tree typically grows to 30 to 50 feet. Black spruce (Picea mariana) is identifiable by its descending branches, with lower limbs that touch the ground, and its dark, bluish-green needles. It grows very slowly and thrives in moist, acidic soils, from full sun to full shade. While the black spruce has some disease and insect problems, it is an important food source and nesting site for birds.
Eastern red cedar
This evergreen native of Michigan reaches 30 to 50 feet in height and has a compact crown, wide trunk, and seed cones. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) thrives with a minimum of 4 hours of sun per day and prefers dry soil but is tolerant of many types. With fragrant, gray to blue-green foliage, it’s resilient to drought, heat, and cold, and is often grown for Christmas trees. However, it can host cedar-apple rust, which affects nearby apple trees.
Native pollinator plants of Michigan
Pollinator plants are nature’s matchmakers, luring bees and butterflies to help plants reproduce. Michigan boasts a rich variety of these native beauties like American vervain, Culver’s root, and Riddell’s goldenrod. By weaving them into your garden, you can boost local biodiversity and give the hardworking pollinators a helping hand.
American vervain
This native plant grows 2 to 6 feet tall and is a stout-stemmed perennial with numerous pencil-like flower spikes. Each spike has a ring of blue-purple flowers that bloom from July to October. American vervain (Verbena hastata) thrives in moist soils and can grow in sun or shade. American vervain, also called blue vervain, is ideal for Michigan landscapes as it adds a pop of color, supports beneficial insects, and strengthens local ecosystems.
Culver’s root
Adorned with tall, candelabra-like white to pinkish flower spikes, this plant grows 2 to 6 feet tall and provides essential nectar for pollinators. It blooms from June to September and thrives in moist, acidic soils with sun or partial shade. Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is low-maintenance and can be easily integrated into any outdoor space, making it a good choice for creating a vibrant, sustainable landscape.
Riddell’s goldenrod
This late-blooming perennial enhances your yard’s fall appearance and supports pollinators like honey bees and butterflies after other plants have stopped blooming. The golden yellow flowers of Riddell’s goldenrod (Oligoneuron riddellii) grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom in September and October. It thrives in moist soil and full sun.
Interested in attracting beneficial bugs to your yard? Check out our article: “Beneficial Insects for the Lawn and Garden: How to Identify and Attract Them.”
Native shade plants of Michigan
Shade plants thrive in the low-light corners of Michigan, just like they do in the dense, wooded areas of the state. These plants are pros at growing under the canopy of larger plants or buildings, making them perfect for those dim spots in your yard. If you’re looking to brighten up those shady spaces, consider adding foamflowers, lady fern, and maidenhair ferns to your landscape.
Foamflower
This native wildflower is recognized for its beautiful white, purple, and pink blooms from March to July and its heart-shaped leaves. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) has 6 to 16 inch stalks rising above a mound of attractive, lobed leaves.
Thriving in shade, it prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and is ideal for brightening up dark corners of the yard. Foamflower also attracts pollinators and requires little maintenance, making it an easy addition to your landscape.
Lady fern
The lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a deciduous fern that grows 1 to 3 feet tall and looks elegant in shaded gardens with its delicate fronds. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soils and tolerates full to partial shade. Its vivid green color adds vitality to shaded areas, and it serves as a host plant for butterflies. The lady fern is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that enhances any outdoor space.
Maidenhair fern
This low-maintenance, easy-to-grow fern features feathery fronds and dark, shiny stems measuring 8 to 30 inches. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) flourishes in rich, moist, well-drained soils, mostly acidic, and thrives in low light, turning dim corners into beautiful retreats. Its delicate texture adds a unique and sophisticated touch to your landscape.
For more information, read our guide on “How to Build a Shade Garden” in your yard. It covers plant selection, soil preparation, and garden layout. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, you’ll find tips and instructions to create a serene shade garden.
Native ground covers of Michigan
Ground covers are the unsung heroes of Michigan landscapes. These low-growing plants spread quickly, creating a lush, dense carpet that helps prevent weed growth and halt erosion. They enhance soil structure and add vibrant color and texture to your yard. Plus, some varieties, such as wintergreen, trout lily, and wild ginger, surprise you with beautiful flowers, making them an excellent choice for sprucing up your Michigan yard.
Wintergreen
From the heath family, wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a perennial, evergreen groundcover. White bell-shaped flowers bloom in June or July, followed by bright red berries. The dark green leaves are about 2 inches long, elliptic or oblong, and it grows 3 to 6 inches tall. It grows well in acidic, moist soils, and it prefers partial shade.
Trout lily
Trout lily (Erythronium americanum), also known as dogtooth violet or adder’s tongue, is a perennial spring-flowering groundcover in the lily family. It features yellow flowers with six curved petals and orange stamens, with maroon-mottled leaves. This plant thrives in wet, shaded areas and is an excellent groundcover option for Michigan landscapes. Its spring blooms add visual interest while stabilizing soil and reducing erosion.
Wild ginger
This native ground cover, a low, colony-forming perennial, grows only 4 to 8 inches high. Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is known for its heart-shaped leaves and unique, bell-shaped greenish-purple flowers. It is a fast-growing ground cover that prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil in shaded areas. It’s an excellent choice for woodland gardens or areas under trees.
For further reading:
- Here are even more “Fast-Growing Groundcovers for Shade” to brighten up your landscape.
- Looking to replace your laborious lawn with something easier? Check out the “Best Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives” to get started.
Native wildflowers of Michigan
Wildflowers add a touch of Michigan magic to your landscape. They attract pollinators, support local wildlife, and promote sustainability by conserving water and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Easy-to-grow plants like marsh marigold, yellow coneflower, and jewelweed are a fantastic choice for Michiganders looking to beautify their yards naturally.
Marsh marigold
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is a bright, cheerful plant that grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and produces vibrant yellow flowers in April and May. This plant prefers full to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Its early blooming period provides an important nectar source for pollinators emerging after winter. Besides protecting it from drying winds during winter and early spring, marsh marigolds require little care.
Yellow coneflower
Known for its drooping golden yellow petals and purple, aromatic center, the yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) is a native plant of southern Michigan. Blooming from summer to early autumn, it adapts well to garden conditions, is drought-tolerant, and can be aggressive. It may require support for its tall stems and has traditional uses in teas and for treating toothaches.
Jewelweed
This Michigan native annual thrives in wet, shady areas and has orange or yellow trumpet-like flowers from July to October. Nicknamed “touch-me-not” for its explosive seed pods, jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It’s used to soothe poison ivy, insect bites, and stings due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Humans, especially children, should avoid eating its berries since they are toxic.
Wildflower design tips: If you are looking to enhance the beauty and charm of your outdoor space, be sure to check out some of these “Design Ideas for Your Wildflower Garden.”
Native flowers of Michigan
Perennial plants are a fantastic option for Michigan landscapes. They require minimal upkeep and come back year after year, making them a gardener’s best friend. These plants attract local pollinators and beneficial insects, helping to keep ecosystems healthy. With their diverse colors, shapes, and sizes, perennials like Jack-in-the-pulpit, spring beauty, and wild geranium offer endless possibilities for creating vibrant and eye-catching home landscapes.
Jack-in-the-pulpit
A unique perennial native to Michigan, jack-in-the-pulpit is known for its distinctive flowers, which have a hooded green and purple spathe (the “pulpit”) that envelops a slender spadix (the “Jack”). Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) grows up to 2 feet tall and blooms from March to June.
Jacks thrive in shaded, damp areas and produce red berries in late summer and fall, which provide food for wildlife. However, these berries are poisonous if ingested by humans or pets.
Spring beauty
Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica) is a delicate, early-blooming wildflower with small, star-like flowers ranging from white to pink, often with darker pink veins. It creates a lovely carpet in woodlands or lawns in April and dies back within a month. Preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, it’s an important early nectar source for pollinators and adds elegance to woodland gardens.
Wild geranium
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) prefers rich, moist soils but can handle drier conditions. It blooms pink-lavender flowers from late spring to early summer. Historically, its roots were used by Native Americans and pioneers for medicinal purposes like treating burns, toothaches, and diarrhea. The plant’s five-lobed green leaves turn deep red in fall. It attracts bees and butterflies and spreads easily through self-seeding, and is low-maintenance.
Perennial planting advice: Here are some “Tips for Planting Perennials” in your yard that can help you create a beautiful and sustainable garden.
Native deer-resistant plants of Michigan
For Michigan homeowners eager to safeguard their landscaping, opting for native, deer-resistant plants is a smart move. These hardy plants not only flourish in Michigan’s climate, but they also offer a low-maintenance and eco-friendly solution for your yard. They enhance biodiversity and keep those pesky deer from turning your landscape into their personal buffet.
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial plant known for its striking, delicate flowers that come in shades of red, yellow, and pink. It blooms in late spring to early summer and prefers part to full shade. This deer-resistant plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.
Bleeding heart
This unique plant features heart-shaped flowers in pink and white. Its elegant arching stems add charm to gardens. Bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) is excellent for small yards because the vines can climb a trellis or fence. Bleeding hearts prefer partial to full shade and well-drained, moist soil. It blooms in May and goes dormant in the summer, so it pairs well with other plants that take over later in the season.
Golden Alexanders
This wildflower is a perennial that reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) bloom in clusters of small, vibrant golden flowers from May to mid-June. In July, dried seed heads with a purple hue offer visual interest. They can tolerate both full sun and light shade, and they grow best in moist, well-drained soils. The stems and leaves smell like parsley when crushed.
More deer-resistant options: For comprehensive tips and strategies to safeguard your beloved outdoor space from deer, check our detailed “Guide to Deer-Resistant Landscaping” to protect your yard.
What to read next
Native plants are adapted to the local environment; however, Michigan planting zones vary throughout the state, ranging from 4a to 6b. Check out our guide on “How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard” to plan the thriving landscape of your dreams.
For more information on creating a vibrant lawn in Michigan, try one of our other guides.
- The Best Grass Seed for Michigan Lawns
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Michigan
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Michigan
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Michigan
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Michigan
FAQ: Native Michigan landscapes
Where can I find native plants locally?
You can find native plants in Michigan at various local nurseries and conservation organizations. Local Master Gardeners like the Michigan Master Gardener group can also supply valuable information. Additionally, look out for native plant sales that regularly take place throughout the state.
Here are a few organizations around the state where you can buy native plants:
- Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District: Houghton
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens: Grand Rapids
- East Michigan Native Plants: Durand
- Native Connections: Kalamazoo
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make with native plants?
We asked Lindsey Kerr, the Wayne County Extension Office’s Consumer Horticulture Educator, and she said, “The biggest mistake is taking on too much, too quickly. Folks who are new to gardening often underestimate how much time it takes to maintain a garden. They are very enthusiastic and create a garden that they do not have the time, energy, resources, or knowledge to maintain.”
Why should you choose native plants?
There are several reasons you should grow native plants. Native plants, with their unique features, create a stunning landscape reflecting Michigan’s natural beauty. They’re adapted to local conditions, resilient, and low-maintenance. They also:
- Promote biodiversity
- Provide for local wildlife
- Conserve water
- Resist pests and diseases
- Reduce the need for chemicals
- Contribute to a healthier environment
When to call a pro
While planting native plants can often be a DIY project, professional help can be advantageous in some situations. If you’re dealing with a large area, need to remove existing vegetation, or are uncertain about the best native plants for your landscape, consider hiring a professional.
Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care experts to help establish a beautiful, sustainable landscape in Michigan.
Main Image Credit: ianpreston | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
