Native Plants for Michigan - What to Plant, and When
Michigan spans 2 ecoregions:Eastern Temperate ForestsNorthern Forests
280 plants on this site are native to Michigan, 48 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Michigan spans 2 ecoregions (Eastern Temperate Forests, Northern Forests), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 4a to 6b, which is why the list sorts by zone rather than by state.
Start with the keystones (an oak or native cherry if you have room, then goldenrods, asters and milkweeds), and plant in early fall or early spring, at least six weeks before a frost. Pick your zone above and each plant shows its own sowing and bloom window for where you garden.
American Plum
Prunus americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Zones 4b–9a · native to 36 states and provinces
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 6a
Bog Blueberry
Vaccinium uliginosum
Zones 2a–6b · native to 26 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Boxelder
Acer negundo
Zones 2a–9b · native to 48 states and provinces
Brown-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba
Zones 3a–7b · native to 26 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Zones 3a–8b · native to 34 states and provinces
Calico Aster
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Campfire Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'
Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 6a
Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana
Zones 4b–8a · native to 23 states
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Zones 2a–7b · native to 55 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Curlycup Gumweed
Grindelia squarrosa
Zones 3a–9a · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Field Thistle
Cirsium discolor
Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Giant Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea
Zones 5a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Giant Sunflower
Helianthus giganteus
Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Gray Alder
Alnus incana
Zones 3a–6b · native to 44 states and provinces
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Zones 4a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 6a
Jack Pine
Pinus banksiana
Zones 2a–6a · native to 25 states and provinces
Missouri Ironweed
Vernonia missurica
Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Nodding Bur Marigold
Bidens cernua
Zones 3a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Zones 3b–8a · native to 38 states and provinces
Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Zones 4a–9a · native to 26 states
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Zones 2a–7a · native to 32 states and provinces
Pin Cherry
Prunus pensylvanica
Zones 2a–6b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Zones 4b–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Prairie Willow
Salix humilis
Zones 2a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 6a
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Red Pine
Pinus resinosa
Zones 2b–6b · native to 21 states and provinces
Sandbar Willow
Salix interior
Zones 2a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Zones 4b–9a · native to 27 states
Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Zones 5b–9b · native to 24 states and provinces
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Sky Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum oolentangiense
Zones 3a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 6a
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Zones 3a–8a · native to 42 states and provinces
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Sweet Crabapple
Malus coronaria
Zones 4a–8a · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Tall Tickseed
Coreopsis tripteris
Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Tickseed
Coreopsis lanceolata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
White Oak
Quercus alba
Zones 3b–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Wild Aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Wreath Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
'Angel Wings' Foamflower
Tiarella hybrid 'Angel Wings'
Zones 4a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
'Golden Jubilee' Agastache
Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'
Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Agastache
Agastache foeniculum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
Zones 4a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Alum Root
Heuchera americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
Zones 2a–7b · native to 25 states and provinces
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Zones 3b–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
American Bellflower
Campanula americana
Zones 4a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
American Cranberrybush
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Zones 2a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
American Linden
Tilia americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
American Lotus
Nelumbo lutea
Zones 4a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
American Spurred Gentian
Halenia deflexa
Zones 2a–7b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
American Vetch
Vicia americana
Zones 3a–9b · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 6a
American White Water Lily
Nymphaea odorata
Zones 3a–11b · native to 56 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
American Wisteria
Wisteria frutescens
Zones 5a–9b · native to 24 states
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
American Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Oct – Jan in zone 6a
Amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 29 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea
Zones 3a–6a · native to 22 states and provinces
Bartram's Serviceberry
Amelanchier bartramiana
Zones 3a–6b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife
Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'
Zones 3a–8b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'
Andropogon gerardii
Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Black Ash
Fraxinus nigra
Zones 2b–6b · native to 24 states and provinces
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Zones 3a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Black Crowberry
Empetrum nigrum
Zones 2a–6b · native to 22 states and provinces
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Zones 4a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Zones 4a–9a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blackhaw Viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium
Zones 3b–9a · native to 28 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Bloodtwig Serviceberry
Amelanchier sanguinea
Zones 3a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Zones 3a–8a · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Blue Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum
Zones 5a–9b · native to 30 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Blue Waxweed
Cuphea viscosissima
Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Blue-fruited Dogwood
Cornus obliqua
Zones 4a–8b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
Bluebead Lily
Clintonia borealis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Bluejoint
Calamagrostis canadensis
Zones 2a–7b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Bottle Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii
Zones 3a–7b · native to 27 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Broadleaf Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Zones 3a–10b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Broadleaf Cattail
Typha latifolia
Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces
Bulblet Bladder Fern
Cystopteris bulbifera
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Zones 2a–6b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Zones 5a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Canadian Burnet
Sanguisorba canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Dec in zone 6a
Canadian Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 30 states and provinces
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Carolina Geranium
Geranium carolinianum
Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Aug in zone 6a
Carolina Rose
Rosa carolina
Zones 4a–9b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Oct in zone 6a
Clustered Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Cockspur Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli
Zones 4a–7b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – May in zone 6a
Common Bladderwort
Utricularia macrorhiza
Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 6a
Common Butterwort
Pinguicula vulgaris
Zones 2a–7b · native to 24 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Common Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 6a
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Zones 2a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Common Hoptree
Ptelea trifoliata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Common Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Cream Wild Indigo
Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea
Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Creeping Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces
Culver's Root
Veronicastrum virginicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Culver's Root 'Challenger'
Veronicastrum virginicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Cup Plant
Silphium perfoliatum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Deceitful Pussytoes
Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 6a
Doll's Eyes
Actaea pachypoda
Zones 3a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Zones 4a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Eastern Gamagrass
Tripsacum dactyloides
Zones 4a–10b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 6a
Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
False Solomon's Seal
Maianthemum racemosum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Fireweed
Chamerion angustifolium
Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Zones 5a–9a · native to 33 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Fringed Gentian
Gentianopsis crinita
Zones 3a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Gaspe Serviceberry
Amelanchier gaspensis
Zones 3a–5b · native to 4 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Ghost Pipe
Monotropa uniflora
Zones 3a–9b · native to 47 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Goat's Beard
Aruncus dioicus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Golden Ragwort
Packera aurea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Grape Honeysuckle
Lonicera reticulata
Zones 4a–8a · native to 15 states
Blooms Sep – Oct in zone 6a
Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
Zones 4a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 6a
Gray-Headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Zones 4a–9a · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Zones 3a–9a · native to 47 states and provinces
Gro-low Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low'
Zones 2a–8b · native to 33 states and provinces
Ground Phlox
Phlox subulata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 27 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Hairy False Goldenaster
Heterotheca villosa
Zones 4a–9a · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
Hairy Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza claytonii
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Harebell
Campanula rotundifolia
Zones 2a–7b · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Hay-scented Fern
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Zones 3a–8a · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos
Zones 4a–9a · native to 32 states and provinces
Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale
Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Apr in zone 6a
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Zones 4a–9a · native to 48 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Intermediate Serviceberry
Amelanchier intermedia
Zones 3a–7a · native to 19 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium reptans
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium purpureum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Juniper Bush
Juniperus communis
Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces
Juniper Tree
Juniperus virginiana
Zones 2a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Kinnikinnick
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Zones 2a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Large-Flowered Bellwort
Uvularia grandiflora
Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Lavender Twist Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'
Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Leadplant
Amorpha canescens
Zones 2b–9b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Limber Honeysuckle
Lonicera dioica
Zones 3b–8a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Low Serviceberry
Amelanchier humilis
Zones 2a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Zones 3a–8a · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Mapleleaf Viburnum
Viburnum acerifolium
Zones 3a–8a · native to 33 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Meadow Phlox
Phlox maculata
Zones 3b–8b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Zones 3a–8a · native to 15 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Monarda 'Jacob Cline'
Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
Zones 2b–8a · native to 33 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Zones 4a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Zones 2b–7b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Northern Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces
Northern Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Zones 5a–9a · native to 32 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Zones 2b–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White'
Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Zones 3a–7b · native to 23 states
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Zones 3a–7b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Pale Gentian
Gentiana alba
Zones 3a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Zones 5a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Pearly Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Zones 3a–8a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata
Zones 3a–10b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 6a
Prairie Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya
Zones 3a–9a · native to 18 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Prairie Dock
Silphium terebinthinaceum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Prairie Dropseed 'Cloud'
Sporobolus heterolepis 'Cloud'
Zones 3a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Prairie Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha
Zones 3a–9b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Prairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Prairie Rose
Rosa arkansana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Zones 3a–9b · native to 35 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Purple Lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis
Zones 5a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Purple Pitcher Plant
Sarracenia purpurea
Zones 3a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
Purplehead Sneezeweed
Helenium flexuosum
Zones 5a–9a · native to 25 states
Blooms May – Aug in zone 6a
Purpletop
Tridens flavus
Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Queen of the Prairie
Filipendula rubra
Zones 3a–9b · native to 14 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Zones 3a–7b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 6a
Red Mulberry
Morus rubra
Zones 4b–9a · native to 34 states and provinces
Red-twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Zones 2a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Zones 4b–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Roughleaf Dogwood
Cornus drummondii
Zones 4a–8b · native to 18 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Round-leaved Dogwood
Cornus rugosa
Zones 3a–7b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Round-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica americana
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 6a
Ruby Falls Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'
Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Running Serviceberry
Amelanchier spicata
Zones 2a–6b · native to 19 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Zones 4a–9b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Seersucker Sedge
Carex plantaginea
Zones 3a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 6a
Shooting Star
Primula meadia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Dasiphora fruticosa
Zones 2a–7b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Sep in zone 6a
Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
Zones 3a–10b · native to 25 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Smooth Beardtongue
Penstemon calycosus
Zones 4a–8b · native to 33 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Smooth Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Zones 3a–9b · native to 33 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
Soapwort Gentian
Gentiana saponaria
Zones 5a–9b · native to 22 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Soft Rush
Juncus effusus
Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming'
Polygonatum biflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Solomon's Seal (Native)
Polygonatum biflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 6a
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis
Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 6a
Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium maculatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Sundial Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa
Zones 4a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Sweet Everlasting
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Zones 3a–9b · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Sweet Fern
Comptonia peregrina
Zones 2a–6b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 6a
Sweet Flag
Acorus americanus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces
Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Tall Thimbleweed
Anemone virginiana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 6a
Tamarack
Larix laricina
Zones 2a–5b · native to 28 states and provinces
Trillium
Trillium grandiflorum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Tufted Hairgrass
Deschampsia cespitosa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 6a
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Zones 4a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Twinberry Honeysuckle
Lonicera involucrata
Zones 3b–9a · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 6a
Twinflower
Linnaea borealis
Zones 2a–6b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Two-leaf Miterwort
Mitella diphylla
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Virgin's Bower Clematis
Clematis virginiana
Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Zones 3a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 6a
Virginia Iris
Iris virginica
Zones 5a–9b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Virginia Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Western Dog Violet
Viola adunca
Zones 2a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 6a
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
White Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album'
Zones 2a–7b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
White Snakeroot
Ageratina altissima
Zones 3a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 6a
White Spruce
Picea glauca
Zones 2a–6b · native to 27 states and provinces
White Wild Indigo
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla
Zones 4a–8b · native to 18 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 6a
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Zones 3a–9b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 6a
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 6a
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 6a
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Zones 3a–7b · native to 40 states and provinces
Wild Leek
Allium tricoccum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Wild Raisin
Viburnum cassinoides
Zones 3a–8a · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Wild Senna
Senna hebecarpa
Zones 3a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Zones 3b–9a · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Sep in zone 6a
Direct-sow ~10 wks after your last spring frost
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Wood Lily
Lilium philadelphicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 6a
Woodland Phlox
Phlox divaricata
Zones 3b–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 6a
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 6a
Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost
Yellow Giant Hyssop
Agastache nepetoides
Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 6a
Common questions
- What plants are native to Michigan?
- 'Angel Wings' Foamflower, 'Golden Jubilee' Agastache, Agastache, Allegheny Serviceberry, Alum Root, American Arborvitae, American Beech, American Bellflower, and 272 more are native to Michigan. Every one links to its own growing page.
- When should I plant natives in Michigan?
- Timing depends on your hardiness zone. Each plant on this page shows its sowing and bloom window relative to your zone's last spring and first fall frost, so the dates stay correct wherever in Michigan you garden. As a rule, plant perennials and shrubs in early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost, or in spring once the soil drains.
- What hardiness zones does Michigan cover?
- Michigan runs from zone 4a to 6b. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
- Which keystone plants should I start with in Michigan?
- American Plum, Black Cherry, Black Oak, Black-Eyed Susan, Bog Blueberry, Boxelder, among others. Keystone plants host the most caterpillar species in their ecoregion, which is what feeds nesting birds; one oak or native cherry does more than a bed of showy non-natives. Use the Keystones only toggle to see all 48.
How this list is built
Native ranges follow the USDA PLANTS Database; hardiness ranges follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; pollinator value draws on the Xerces Society. Where a reference almanac would stop at “confirm with your local authority,” we go one step further - every plant here links to its full growing page with frost-relative tasks for your zone.
Nature timing varies year to year. To calibrate to your own yard, the Garden Digest builds a weekly task list around your plants and frost dates.
The month ahead in your zone, free in your inbox.
What to sow, plant and watch for, timed to your frost dates. Once a month.
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