- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native evergreens<\/a><\/li>
- Native pollinator plants<\/a><\/li>
- Native shade plants<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>
- Native wildflowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native deer-resistant plants<\/a><\/li>
- What to read next<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ: Native Michigan landscapes<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Native trees of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
Common pawpaw <\/span><\/h3>
![\"single](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_15639144213_906e5e1314_c.jpg\")
Wendell Smith<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) 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.\u00a0<\/p>
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.<\/p>
Sugar maple<\/span><\/h3>
![\"sugar](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sugar-Maple-.jpg\")
James St. John<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This popular Michigan tree, growing 60 to 75 feet tall, is commonly used for making maple syrup. Sugar maple\u2019s five-pointed leaves, dark gray bark, and brilliant red, yellow, and orange fall foliage add year-round visual interest. Acer saccharum<\/em> 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.<\/p>
White oak<\/span><\/h3>
![\"from](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_49912004677_9d22baca6b_c.jpg\")
Colin Durfee<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> These trees can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet and 60 to 80 feet wide. White oaks (Quercus alba<\/em>) 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.\u00a0<\/p>
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.<\/p>
Native shrubs of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
New Jersey tea<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/New-Jersey-tea.jpg\")
Salicyna<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus<\/em>) 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\u2019s deer-resistant.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
Red chokeberry<\/span><\/h3>
![\"red](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_15344307169_3a521d5633_c.jpg\")
Mr.TinMD<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Blackhaw viburnum<\/span><\/h3>
![\"bunches](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_34086388245_9587f7eb42_c.jpg\")
Katja Schulz<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
For further reading<\/strong>: Shrubs can add depth, texture, and seasonal interest to your landscape. Learn \u201cHow to Landscape with Shrubs<\/a>\u201d to make your property stand out.<\/p>
Native evergreens of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Eastern white pine<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Eastern-white-pine-1.jpg\")
S. Rae<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus<\/em>), 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.<\/p>
Black spruce<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Black-spruce-1.jpg\")
Arthur Chapman<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This evergreen tree typically grows to 30 to 50 feet. Black spruce (Picea mariana<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Eastern red cedar<\/span><\/h3>
![\"small,](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_49276275162_ea1e5ce327_c.jpg\")
Judy Gallagher<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Native pollinator plants of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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\u2019s root, and Riddell\u2019s goldenrod. By weaving them into your garden, you can boost local biodiversity and give the hardworking pollinators a helping hand.<\/p>
American vervain<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/American-vervain-1.jpg\")
\u963f\u6a4b\u82b1\u8b5c HQ Flower Guide<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Culver\u2019s root<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Culvers-root-1.jpg\")
Frank Mayfield<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) is low-maintenance and can be easily integrated into any outdoor space, making it a good choice for creating a vibrant, sustainable landscape.<\/p>
Riddell\u2019s goldenrod<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Riddells-goldenrod-1.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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\u2019s goldenrod (Oligoneuron riddellii<\/em>) grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom in September and October. It thrives in moist soil and full sun.<\/p>
Interested in attracting beneficial bugs to your yard?<\/strong> Check out our article: \u201cBeneficial Insects for the Lawn and Garden: How to Identify and Attract Them<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Native shade plants of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
Foamflower<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Foamflower-1.jpg\")
Ed<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) has 6 to 16 inch stalks rising above a mound of attractive, lobed leaves.\u00a0<\/p>
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. <\/p>
Lady fern <\/span><\/h3>
![\"picture](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Lady-fern.jpg\")
Ryan Hodnett<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Maidenhair fern<\/span><\/h3>
![\"maidenhair](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_48965836808_8ea6a10230_c.jpg\")
Staffan Cederborg<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This low-maintenance, easy-to-grow fern features feathery fronds and dark, shiny stems measuring 8 to 30 inches. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
For more information<\/strong>, read our guide on \u201cHow to Build a Shade Garden<\/a>\u201d 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.<\/p>
Native ground covers of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
Wintergreen<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/wintergreen-1.jpg\")
John Delano<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> From the heath family, wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Trout lily <\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Trout-lily-1.jpg\")
Ryan Hagerty<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Trout lily (Erythronium americanum<\/em>), 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.<\/p>
Wild ginger <\/span><\/h3>
![\"heart-shaped](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_14658158117_61e5a2565e_c.jpg\")
Kevin Faccenda<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This native ground cover, a low, colony-forming perennial, grows only 4 to 8 inches high.\u00a0 Wild ginger (Asarum canadense<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
For further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Here are even more \u201cFast-Growing Groundcovers for Shade<\/a>\u201d to brighten up your landscape. <\/li>
- Looking to replace your laborious lawn with something easier? Check out the \u201cBest Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives<\/a>\u201d to get started.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native wildflowers of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
Marsh marigold <\/span><\/h3>
![\"picture](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Marsh-marigold.jpg\")
Rawpixel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Yellow coneflower<\/span><\/h3>
![\"photo](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Ratibida-pinnata-1.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer from Madison, WI, USA<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Known for its drooping golden yellow petals and purple, aromatic center, the yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Jewelweed <\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1024px-Little_Beauties_Orange_Jewelweed_-_Impatiens_Capensis.jpg\")
Tony Alter<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) 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<\/strong>.<\/p>
Wildflower design tips: <\/strong>If you are looking to enhance the beauty and charm of your outdoor space, be sure to check out some of these \u201cDesign Ideas for Your Wildflower Garden<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Native flowers of Michigan<\/span><\/h2>
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.<\/p>
Jack-in-the-pulpit<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jack-in-the-pulpit-1.jpg\")
USFWS Midwest Region<\/a> | Flickr | Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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<\/em>) grows up to 2 feet tall and blooms from March to June. <\/p>
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<\/strong>.<\/p>
Spring beauty <\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/spring-beauty-1.jpg\")
Arthur T. LaBar<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
Wild geranium <\/span><\/h3>
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Wild-geranium-1.jpg\")
Lydia Fravel<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum<\/em>) 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.<\/p>
- Looking to replace your laborious lawn with something easier? Check out the \u201cBest Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives<\/a>\u201d to get started.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>