The Tip of the Mitt brims with the natural beauty of native species, from the majestic American beech trees to charming wildflowers like columbine. This guide is your go-to resource for selecting the best native plants for your Northern Michigan landscape.
Northern Michigan native plants are adapted to the local environment and will thrive with minimal care. They also provide essential habitat and food for local wildlife. Learn what each plant needs to create amazing landscapes that support local wildlife and the ecosystem, including perennials, grasses, and ground covers.
- The plant list below is for the upland part of Northern Michigan. For wet conditions, check out our guide: “Native Plants of the Michigan Shoreline.”
- See “Michigan Native Plants for Home Landscapes” for more information on native plants found throughout the state.
Native trees
Northern Michigan boasts a rich variety of native trees that are integral to the local ecosystem. From the iconic trembling aspen, with its fluttering leaves, to the stately American beech, and the majestic red pine, each tree brings its own unique charm and plays a vital role in preserving the region’s natural charm and biodiversity.
Trembling aspen
Native to Northern Michigan, the trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) also called the quaking or golden aspen — is a fast-growing deciduous tree. It typically reaches 35 to 50 feet in height but can grow taller. It is notable for its fluttering leaves and vibrant golden fall color. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including deer, elk, beavers, and many birds and butterflies. It is drought-tolerant, grows in various soil moisture levels, and can endure both sun and shade.
American beech
The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a slow-growing deciduous tree that can grow 50 to 70 feet and live for centuries. It has smooth gray bark and produces small, edible nuts favored by many species. This tree thrives in lush highland woods with damp, well-drained soils. Its dark green leaves turn copper in the fall and stay on the tree most of the winter. Beechnuts are a crucial food source for animals.
Red pine
An indigenous conifer to the northern regions of Michigan, the red pine (Pinus resinosa) grows 50 to 80 feet high and sometimes reaches above 100 feet. Known for its characteristic reddish-brown bark and long, slender needles, the red pine thrives in dry or moist, sandy or gravelly acidic soils and full sunlight.
It is a valuable timber tree and provides habitat for various wildlife species. In addition to providing excellent windbreaks, it also prevents erosion in landscaping.
Native shrubs
Northern Michigan is home to a splendid array of native shrubs that play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Picture the vibrant red berries of fragrant sumac, the glossy foliage of Michigan holly, and the striking leaves of maple leaf viburnum. These shrubs not only improve the appearance of local landscapes, but they also provide food and shelter for local birds, insects, and small mammals.
Fragrant sumac
With aromatic leaves and stems, fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its bright red berries provide food for wildlife and persist into March. The leaves turn orange, red, purple, and yellow in the fall. It thrives in various soils and from full sun to full shade. Flowers appear from April to June and serve as a nectar source for butterflies.
Michigan holly
Michigan holly (Ilex verticillata) is a medium-to-large shrub that thrives in moist soils in sunny or partially shaded areas. It starts blooming in early summer with white flowers. Its deep green, glossy leaves contrast with the red berries that appear in late summer and last all winter. The striking contrast between the plant and the snowy background makes it stand out even more. For female plants to bear fruit, you need to plant at least one male specimen nearby.
Maple leaf viburnum
Maple leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) is a deciduous shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It has maple-like leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, purple, and pink in the fall. This shrub produces clusters of small white flowers from April to August, followed by blue-black berries that attract birds. It thrives in moist or dry acidic soils and grows well in both full sun and shade.
Native flowers
Northern Michigan boasts a stunning array of native perennials that flourish in the climate and soil conditions. Consider the delicate paleleaf woodland sunflower, the vibrant Eastern red columbine, and the striking foxglove beard-tongue, all adding their own touch of beauty to the landscape. These perennials don’t just beautify their surroundings; they also create essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife.
Paleleaf woodland sunflower
This perennial plant typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and has 4-inch-wide blooms. Paleleaf woodland sunflowers (Helianthus strumosus L.) have pale green leaves and produce bright yellow flowers from August to early September. Paleleaf woodland sunflowers thrive in full sun to partial shade and mid-range soil moisture. It attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Eastern red columbine
Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial evergreen plant that typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It has distinctive red, pink, and yellow flowers that bloom from February to July. This plant prefers sandy, well-drained soils and can grow in part shade or full shade. Columbine is a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is also relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Foxglove beard-tongue
A perennial plant, foxglove beard-tongue (Penstemon digitalis) grows up to 4 feet tall. It produces tall spikes of white tubular flowers with purple streaks inside starting in spring. This plant prefers well-drained soils, ideally acidic, but tolerates lime. It is a great bloomer for clay loam in areas with poor drainage and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and bumblebees.
Native grasses and sedges
Native grasses and sedges are vital to Northern Michigan’s ecosystem. Plants like switchgrass, Canada wild rye, and Indian grass provide food and habitat for wildlife and enhance environmental health. They also prevent erosion, filter water, and support pollinators. Embrace these grasses and sedges to capture Northern Michigan’s wild beauty.
Switchgrass
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a versatile tallgrass species thriving in various conditions. It has an upright form, bright yellow fall color, and an attractive winter silhouette. In August, the flowers bloom, and the seed heads mature into feathery seed heads, reaching 4 to 6 feet in height. Leaves range from deep green to gray-green in summer. Switchgrass is ideal for erosion control, wildlife cover, and as food for birds and animals.
Canada wild rye
Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) is a short-lived perennial that grows 3 to 5 feet tall. It has arching, blue-green leaves and produces nodding flower spikes, maturing in July. This grass prefers well-drained, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. It is often used for erosion control, provides habitat for wildlife, and is deer-resistant.
Canada wild rye establishes easily, offering quick initial cover. It is a versatile, cool-season plant that requires little to no maintenance.
Indian grass
A warm-season grass, Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) grows 2 to 5 feet tall. It has blue-green leaves and yellow flower plumes from August to October. Preferring moist, rich soils, it thrives in sun, part shade, and shade. Drought-tolerant, it offers excellent wildlife cover and food.
In the summer, the grass remains short but grows taller before blooming in the fall. Its deep root system also helps prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Native ground covers
Natural ground covers are abundant in Northern Michigan and play a vital role in the local ecology. Consider the tenacious red bearberry, the delicate trout lily, and the lovely wintergreen, which are all common sights in Northern Michigan landscapes. Besides their aesthetic value, these native ground covers are crucial in preventing soil erosion and maintaining healthy soil quality.
Bearberry
Michigan bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and partial to full sun. This drought-tolerant plant grows 5 to 8 inches tall, has leathery leaves, and produces pinkish-white flowers. Bearberry is self-fertilizing, the flowers are followed by red berries in October, and it’s resistant to pests and diseases.
Trout lily
Trout lily (Erythronium americanum) is a plant that blooms in early spring and then goes dormant. This ground cover grows 3 to 6 inches tall, has mottled green and brown leaves, and produces yellow, nodding flowers in March, April, and May. It prefers moist, rich soils and partial to full shade. Trout lily is often found in rich, wooded areas and adds early-season interest to your landscape.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a perennial, evergreen groundcover from the heath family. It blooms with white bell-shaped flowers in June or July, which produce bright red berries. It grows 3 to 6 inches tall, with elliptic or oblong dark green leaves about 2 inches long. It thrives in acidic, moist soil and partial shade.
What to read next
- The Best Grass Seed for Northern Michigan
- 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 Northern Michigan plants
Where can I find native plants in Northern Michigan?
Native plants are available at local nurseries, garden centers, and plant sales hosted by conservation organizations. Many native plant nurseries offer online ordering and shipping options. Additionally, the Michigan Master Gardener Association provides information on where to find native plants by region.
How do you know which native plants are right for your yard?
The ideal native plants for your yard depend on several factors, including moisture content, sunlight exposure, and soil type. To make informed choices, evaluate your garden’s soil and observe light patterns to ensure you know the environment where your plants will thrive. Seeking advice from local nurseries or landscapers can also provide helpful suggestions for native plants suitable for your outdoor space.
How do I take care of native plants?
Because native plants are acclimated to their surroundings, they usually require less maintenance than non-native ones. Important techniques include weed management, periodic pruning, frequent watering throughout the establishment phase, and pest and disease monitoring. Mulching can aid in weed suppression and moisture retention.
Weed control is key with native plants according to Lindsey Kerr, the Wayne County Extension Office’s Consumer Horticulture Educator. She told us, “I cannot stress enough the need to weed native gardens. Native gardens are not “no care.” If they are not weeded regularly, invasive species will quickly take over.”
When to call a pro
Consider calling a professional landscaper if you need help to design, plant, or maintain your native plant garden. Professionals can provide expert advice and ensure your outdoor retreat is set up for success. Lawn Love can quickly connect you with qualified local lawn care professionals who specialize in native plants in Northern Michigan.
You’re only a click away from professionals in Traverse City and other cities in Northern Michigan.
Main Photo Credit: Cadillac, Michigan / Nathaniel Gonzales | Adobe Stock Free | License
