Photo by Allison Acosta
Bellwort
What to look for: yellow, bell-shaped flowers with slightly twisted petals
When to find them: spring, near or just past Trillium peak
Photo by Allison Acosta
Carolina Spring Beauty
What to look for: small pink or white flowers with dark pink stripes
When to find them: early spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Celandine Poppy
What to look for: a deep yellow flower with four petals
When to find them: spring, just after Trillium peak
Photo by Allison Acosta
Columbine
What to look for: nodding red and yellow flowers
When to find them: late spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Dutchman’s Breeches
What to look for: white and yellow flowers that resemble upside-down pantaloons
When to find them: spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
What to look for: a dark, pencil-like spadix (Jack) in a green-and-purple striped spathe (pulpit)
When to find them: spring
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Squirrel Corn
What to look for: heart-shaped flowers that flare out and are slightly pink at the bottom
When to find them: early spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Trillium
What to look for: three white petals (which turn pink as they fade)
When to find them: spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Trout Lily
What to look for: nodding yellow flowers with speckled leaves (similar to the pattern on trout)
When to find them: early spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Violets
What to look for: white, yellow, light blue or purple flowers, low to the ground
When to find them: spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Wild Blue Phlox
What to look for: light blue flowers with five petals
When to find them: spring
Photo by Allison Acosta
Marsh Marigold
What to look for: bright yellow flowers in marshy wetlands
When to find them: spring
For more info on native wildflowers, check out this field guide from Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.