Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Sunday - April 22, 2007
From: Notre Dame, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Time of year for wildflower viewing in Northern Indiana and Michigan
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I used to live in the southern US but now live in Northern Indiana and was wondering if wildflower fields will be blooming here and in Michigan by early May (I was hoping to do some rural exploring the first weekend of May). I have heard that they bloom later in northern areas, but I wasn't sure how "north" northern is. If you could let me know, that would be great. Thank you very much.ANSWER:
The first weekend in May is probably a little early to see very many roadside or field wildflowers. You probably will have better viewing in late May and June. However, right now is a good time to see woodland species like Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit) or trilliums such as Trillium sessile (toadshade) and Trillium undulatum (painted trillium. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildflower Viewing page for more information about wildflowers you might see. You can also see excellent photographs of many of the Michigan wildflowers from a CHS Biology Project from Crystal High School in Carson City, Michigan.For other rural outdoor activites, you might consider visiting some of the Indiana Nature Prerserves protecting old growth forests and prairies. Michigan Natural Areas also feature prairies and old growth forest preserves.
More Wildflowers Questions
Time for seeding wildflower seeds in Castle Rock CO
October 03, 2011 - I live in Castle Rock, CO. When is the best time to plant wildflower seed?
view the full question and answer
Information on Mrs. Johnsons efforts in highway beautification
January 11, 2006 - Perhaps you can help. I am trying to unearth a little history of Lady Bird and her involvement in the beautification of our highways, especially as it relates to using native plants. This is for a p...
view the full question and answer
Gathering seeds of Indian Blanket from Duncanville TX
June 09, 2012 - We have a field full of Indian Blanket that are blooming now and would like to share some seeds with our friends! Where is the seed on them and I take it we wait till they are done blooming to get the...
view the full question and answer
Something eating Monarda didyma in Washington DC
June 30, 2011 - Please Help, I have a couple of Bee Balm, Jacob Cline, plants, whose leave are being eaten, by what I do not know. None of the nurseries around here seem to have ever heard of this happening to this p...
view the full question and answer
Central Texas wildflowers
March 20, 2004 - How do I propagate specific central Texas wildflowers?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
