There’s nothing quite like hiking through the Midwest’s natural landscapes during the spring time, where prairies, woodlands, and wetlands are bursting with life. Whether you’re exploring a local forest preserve or a quiet trail winding through restored prairie, you’re bound to come across some incredible native plants along the way.
Many of these species not only add beauty to the landscape but also play a vital role in supporting pollinators and wildlife. Here’s a guide to some common native plants you might encounter on your next hike—some of which you can even bring to your own backyard with Natural Communities!
Woodland Wonders
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)
- A sure sign that spring has arrived, Spring Beauty carpets woodland floors with delicate pink and white flowers. This early bloomer provides an important nectar source for emerging bees.
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
- A standout in shaded trails and woodland edges, Wild Geranium boasts five-petaled pinkish-purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
- Recognizable by its large, umbrella-like leaves, Mayapple is a spring woodland plant that produces small, edible (but slightly toxic if unripe) fruits enjoyed by wildlife. While it forms dense colonies, its flowers remain hidden beneath the foliage.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
- A favorite for woodland landscaping, Virginia Bluebells burst into bloom in early spring with clusters of bell-shaped blue flowers. These ephemeral plants disappear by summer, making them a perfect seasonal highlight.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
- Named for its red sap, Bloodroot is a striking early bloomer with white flowers and unique, deeply lobed leaves. It thrives in rich woodland soils and is an important early food source for pollinators.
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
- This low-growing sedge is a great alternative to traditional turf grass in shady areas. It spreads slowly, forming soft, green carpets that thrive in woodland habitats.
Prairie Treasures
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- A Midwest icon, the Purple Coneflower brightens up prairies with its vibrant purple petals and spiky, orange center. A favorite among pollinators, this hardy perennial also provides seeds for birds in the fall. (Available at Natural Communities!)
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- This bright orange milkweed species is a magnet for monarch butterflies, serving as both a nectar source and a host plant for caterpillars. Drought-tolerant and stunning in bloom, it’s a great addition to both prairies and home gardens.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
- Blazing Star stands tall with its striking purple flower spikes, drawing in bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. This plant thrives in open prairies and roadsides, offering late-season nectar for pollinators. (Available at Natural Communities!)
Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)
- A stunning prairie and woodland plant, Shooting Star produces delicate, backward-facing pink or white flowers that resemble falling stars. A must-see in early spring!
Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides)
- This prairie and woodland plant features delicate blue flowers atop tall stems, creating a striking spring display.
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)
- Named for its ladder-like leaves, this early bloomer produces clusters of blue flowers that attract a variety of pollinators.
- This low-growing native phlox adds vibrant pink to spring prairies and provides nectar for early-emerging butterflies.
Common Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
- Despite its name, this plant is actually an iris relative. Its delicate blue flowers brighten up prairies and woodlands in the spring.
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
- A showstopper in spring landscapes, Prairie Smoke gets its name from its feathery seed heads, which resemble plumes of smoke. This unique plant is a favorite for naturalized gardens.
Wetland Highlights
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- A cousin of Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed thrives in moist soils near wetlands, streams, and ponds. Its fragrant pink flowers attract a variety of pollinators, making it a valuable species for wetland restoration.
Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica)
- A striking wetland plant, Blue Flag Iris features vibrant blue-violet blooms and sword-like leaves. Found along water’s edge, this species helps stabilize soil and improve water quality.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
- One of the first wetland flowers to bloom in spring, Marsh Marigold produces bright yellow flowers that attract early pollinators.
Bringing the Midwest to Your Backyard
Hiking through the Midwest’s diverse ecosystems is a great way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. As a reminder, do not dig up or harvest seeds from protected natural areas. A great way to bring these plants home is to purchase them from Natural Communities.
Many of these native plants are available through Natural Communities, allowing you to create your own pocket prairie or woodland retreat while supporting local biodiversity.
Ready to start your own native plant journey? Check out our selection at Natural Communities and help restore the Midwest—one plant at a time!