Native plants thrive along the Michigan shoreline, playing a crucial role in the Great Lakes ecosystem. From eastern cottonwoods to marsh ferns, these native Michigan shoreline plants are perfectly adapted to these regions, ensuring the health and stability of the shoreline.
These native plants play a vital role in supporting the regional ecosystem, providing food and shelter for various wildlife species. They also help prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance the natural beauty of the Michigan shoreline.
For additional information on native plants found all over the state, see “Michigan Native Plants for Home Landscapes.”
Native shoreline trees
Michigan’s shoreline is home to a rich variety of native trees essential for stabilizing soil, curbing erosion, and providing habitats for local wildlife. Trees like the resilient green ash, the iconic eastern cottonwood, and the steadfast black willow thrive in the unique conditions along the lakeshores, adapting to the diverse soil types and moisture levels that make Michigan’s shoreline distinctive.
Green ash
The green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), common along the Michigan shoreline, is versatile and adapts to various soils, including wet, poorly drained ones. It grows 50 to 75 feet tall with compound leaves of 5 to 9 leaflets. In fall, its foliage turns vibrant yellow. Thriving in sun or shade, it’s resilient to harsh conditions, making it ideal for shoreline stabilization and erosion control.
Eastern cottonwood
The eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is a fast-growing tree with heart-shaped leaves. It can reach over 100 feet and provides shade and habitat for wildlife. Thriving in moist, sandy soils, it is useful for erosion control, but its roots can be invasive. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil and can live 70 to 100 years or longer in prime conditions.
Black willow
Located along Michigan’s shoreline, the black willow (Salix nigra) thrives in wet, sandy soils and can reach 10 to 60 feet in height. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall and inconspicuous flowers in clusters that appear in March and April. Its extensive root system stabilizes shorelines and controls erosion. Fast-growing and thriving in full sun to shade, it’s often used in ecological restoration.
Native shoreline wildflowers
Michigan’s native shoreline wildflowers add a unique charm and vibrant biodiversity to the Great Lakes region. Picture the delicate Canada anemone, the vibrant blue flag iris, and the striking blue vervain gracing your landscape. These stunning blooms not only add a splash of color but also create vital habitats for the local wildlife, much like the iconic shores of Michigan.
Canada anemone
A perennial wildflower that grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet, the Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis) thrives in full sun to partial shade on wet, sandy soils. From April to August, it has white, cup-shaped blooms. This plant provides a habitat for pollinators and stabilizes the soil. However, the Canada anemone can become invasive under the right conditions. Its sap can cause burning and irritation upon contact and is toxic if ingested.
Blue flag iris
The blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) is a hardy perennial, 2 to 3 feet tall, that thrives in wet, boggy conditions, making it ideal for shoreline planting. It features striking blue-violet flowers with yellow and white markings, blooming from May to August. It attracts hummingbirds and grows well in sun or part shade in moist, acidic soils. It may cause minor skin irritation when touched and has low toxicity if ingested.
Blue vervain
Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a tall, slender perennial that thrives in moist environments, growing up to 6 feet high. It produces spikes of small, tubular purple flowers from June to October, attracting various pollinators. This plant can thrive in full sun to full shade in moist soils and helps stabilize shoreline soils.
Native shoreline grasses and sedges
Native grasses and sedges play a crucial role in stabilizing the Michigan shoreline and providing habitats for local wildlife. In the Great Lakes region, these hardy plants are well-adapted to the climate, making them resilient and low-maintenance. Among these native species are cotton grass, wool grass, and sweetgrass, each adding its own charm and functionality to Michigan’s shoreline landscapes.
Cotton grass
Cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a distinctive perennial sedge found in boggy areas. It features white, fluffy seed heads that resemble cotton and bloom from April to June. Growing up to about 3 feet tall, it thrives in full sun and wet soil. This grass is well-suited for shoreline stabilization and adds a unique texture to the landscape.
Wool grass
Wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus) is a robust perennial sedge that grows in wet meadows and along shorelines. It can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet and features distinctive wooly seed heads from June to September. This plant thrives in full sun, moist soil, and even standing water. It is excellent for erosion control and habitat creation, providing food and shelter for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Sweetgrass
As a result of its high content of coumarin, sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) has a sweet fragrance. This species is characterized by small seedheads carrying broad, bronze-colored spikelets. It grows well in moist or wet soils and can reach heights of 12 to 20 inches. This grass attracts birds and butterflies due to its seeds and nectar, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens.
Native shoreline shrubs
Shrubs along Michigan’s shores are critical to preserving the local ecosystems. Picture the aromatic swamp rose, the lofty silky dogwood, and the adaptable meadowsweet. Whether you’re strolling along a sandy beach or exploring a shaded wetland, these resilient plants are hard at work, stabilizing soils and supporting wildlife in the Great Lakes State.
Swamp rose
Swamp rose (Rosa palustris) is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It thrives in both sun and shade and prefers wet, rich soils. It produces fragrant pink flowers in their third year during the summer and has thorny stems. It attracts pollinators and provides valuable habitat. This shrub is excellent for erosion control but is susceptible to fungal problems.
Silky dogwood
Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall and prefers moist, clay, loam, or sandy soils in shady areas. It produces clusters of small white flowers from March to August, followed by bluish drupes that attract birds and other wildlife. Its dense root system is excellent for erosion control along shorelines.
Meadowsweet
A hardy shrub, Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba), can grow up to 3 to 6 feet tall. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can withstand full sun to full shade. From June to August, it produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers that attract pollinators and birds. Its foliage is yellow-green, turning golden-yellow in the fall. This shrub is excellent for erosion control.
Native shoreline ferns
Native ferns along the Michigan shoreline play a crucial role in maintaining soil stability and adding lush, green beauty to the landscape. The marsh fern thrives in the wetlands of the Great Lakes, while the Christmas fern adds greenery even in winter, showcasing its year-round resilience. These ferns are uniquely adapted to Michigan’s shoreline environment and are essential to the local ecosystem’s health and vitality.
Marsh fern
Marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) is a deciduous plant that thrives in wet, marshy environments. Its fronds grow 6 to 30 inches long and 3 to 7 inches wide. The delicate, arching fronds are bright green and turn golden in the fall. It prefers wet, sunny places but can tolerate light shade. It is not typically found in standing water.
Christmas fern
During the holiday season, the Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) remains green, which gives it its name. This evergreen fern thrives in shaded, moist areas but does not tolerate clay soils or standing water. Its leathery, dark green fronds can reach 1.5 to 2 feet in length and stay green throughout the winter, providing year-round interest. This fern is excellent for erosion control on slopes and adds a lush, green presence.
Sensitive fern
Known as a moist-loving perennial, the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) thrives in damp and shady locations. It has vivid green, lance-shaped fronds that can grow up to 3 feet long. One popular name for this plant is bead fern, due to the “beaded” look of its stalks. In the spring, pale crimson fiddleheads emerge. The fern gets its name from its vulnerability to frost, which causes the fronds to die back in the fall.
What to read next
Although native plants are acclimated to their particular habitat, Michigan has several planting zones across the state, ranging from 4a to 6b. To plan the lush landscape of your dreams, see our tutorial on “How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard.”
Try one of our other guides for additional details on cultivating a lush lawn:
- 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 shoreline plants
Where can I buy native shoreline plants in Michigan?
You can purchase native shoreline plants from local nurseries specializing in native species or from online retailers that focus on regional flora. Additionally, some conservation organizations, like the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, have a list of native plant suppliers in your area:
Keep in mind the light and soil conditions of your yard when choosing native plants. According to Lindsey Kerr, the Wayne County Extension Office’s Consumer Horticulture Educator, “Just because a plant is native to Michigan does not mean that it will thrive in every garden. Soils across Michigan vary dramatically. For example, the native dragon’s mouth orchid (Arethusa bulbosa) needs consistently wet, peaty, bog-like conditions. It will not survive in a sandy yard in Ottawa County.“
What makes a plant native?
A plant is native if it has developed naturally in a specific area, coexisting with the local fauna, soil, and climate. Native plants maintain ecosystem balance, prevent soil erosion, need less upkeep, and provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
How do I care for my native shoreline plants in Michigan?
To care for your native shoreline plants, ensure they are planted in suitable conditions, with the appropriate soil type and sunlight exposure. Regularly monitor for invasive species and pests, and water the plants during dry spells to help establish strong root systems. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
When to call a pro
If maintaining your native shoreline plants becomes overwhelming, or if you encounter persistent issues with pests or invasive species, it might be time to consult a professional. An expert can provide valuable advice and services to keep your shoreline healthy and vibrant.
Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care professionals to help create a stunning, environmentally friendly landscape in Michigan. You can find our pros in Traverse City, Grand Haven, Holland, Saint Joseph, and more cities across Michigan.
Main Image Credit: Nichole Ouellette | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
