Landscaping with native plants is beneficial to your local environment as well as your wallet. Since these plants have evolved to grow naturally in your area, they are able to withstand weather and thrive in your soil. If you’re doing a complete landscaping refresh, it’s important to be aware of the best plants to grow in Michigan.
Why Should You Choose Native Plants to Grow in Michigan Over Non-Native?
Choosing native plants for gardening in Michigan offers a range of ecological benefits, as they are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and supporting local wildlife.
Native plants thrive with minimal water resources, reducing dependence on irrigation and conserving crucial water supplies, which is particularly important in the state of Michigan. Their deep root systems enhance soil health by promoting water infiltration and reducing erosion, ultimately improving local water quality and supporting native plants like milkweed and bee balm, while also adding a pop of color to the landscape.
Furthermore, incorporating native species fosters biodiversity, creating resilient ecosystems that provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including pollinators and birds, while also enhancing the beauty of gardens with purple flowers and yellow flowers.
Native Plants for Different Sun and Soil Conditions in Michigan
Michigan’s diverse ecosystems offer a variety of native plants that thrive in different sun and soil conditions, enabling gardeners to immerse themselves in vibrant landscapes tailored to their specific environments.
For full sun areas, native plants such as Butterfly Weed and Purple Coneflower are ideal, providing brilliant colors while attracting pollinators, including bee balm which adds showy blooms to the garden.
In partial shade, Yellow Giant Hyssop and Cardinal Flower flourish, enhancing local ecosystems with diverse pollinator habitats that provide nectar and pollen, while also attracting hummingbirds, perfect for cottage gardens.
For those challenging full shade conditions, Eastern Columbine and Pennsylvania Sedge not only survive but also aid in moisture retention.
Understanding the specific soil conditions alongside sun exposure is essential for selecting the right native plants, ensuring successful growth and promoting ecological health in Michigan’s gardens, particularly those that provide a wildlife habitat.
Top Native Flowers to Grow in Michigan
When selecting native flowers for cultivation in Michigan, several standout species, such as black-eyed susan and bright yellow flowers, offer both beauty and ecological benefits.
Notable among these are Yarrow, Giant Hyssop, Smooth Aster, Woodland Sunflower, and Cardinal Flower, each contributing to local biodiversity while thriving in the state’s diverse environments, making them easy to grow for any gardener.
These flowers not only attract pollinators such as monarch butterflies but also enhance the overall resilience of native plantings in Michigan gardens by adding texture and a pop of color.
1. Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) consistently proves to be a valuable addition to native gardens in Michigan, thanks to its stunning white blooms and ecological benefits, while also attracting monarch butterflies.
This native perennial thrives in well-drained soils and is particularly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping that can tolerate light shade.
Yarrow’s fragrant clusters bloom in early summer, attracting essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing biodiversity, including the presence of monarch butterflies.
Additionally, its dark green foliage provides a habitat for wildlife and supports soil health by preventing erosion and promoting beneficial insect populations, including those attracted to lavender flowers.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, yarrow has medicinal properties, further solidifying its importance in both ecological and human health contexts, making it a vital component of Michigan native plants for landscaping.
Incorporating yarrow and black-eyed susans into gardens fosters a sustainable, thriving ecosystem in Michigan.
Finally, yarrow is found at local plant nurseries for under $10 for a 1 gallon pot.
2. Giant Hyssop
Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) stands out as a remarkable native perennial, renowned for its striking greenish-yellow flower spikes that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting a diverse array of pollinators.
This plant typically reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet and thrives in well-drained soils, adapting well to conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, making it a great companion for goldenrod and other native plants.
Its ability to attract butterflies and bees enhances the biodiversity of any garden setting, making it a great choice for those looking for plants that support pollinator populations. Remarkably drought-tolerant once established, giant hyssop requires minimal water, contributing to sustainable gardening practices while supporting Michigan native plants important for the environment.
Moreover, its deep root system helps improve soil health, promoting better water infiltration and reducing erosion, which is essential for supporting native plants like goldenrod and enhancing the free garden design. This versatile plant serves both aesthetic and ecological purposes in Michigan landscapes, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking low maintenance additions.
Giant hyssop can be found for a little over $12 a pot at your local nursery.
3. Smooth Aster
Smooth Aster (Aster laevis) is a striking native perennial that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Michigan gardens but also plays a vital role in supporting local pollinator populations, particularly during its mid summer bloom.
Blooming from late summer to early fall, this native species features beautiful pale blue to violet flowers with bright yellow centers, providing essential nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during a critical time of year.
Smooth Aster thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it versatile for various garden settings.
Typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet, it serves as an attractive backdrop in flower beds while supporting local wildlife, contributing to overall biodiversity in Michigan’s ecosystems, particularly for pollinators like monarchs.
Smooth aster is a relatively inexpensive flower found for less than $10 for 1-4 plants.
4. Woodland Sunflower
The Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) stands out as a vibrant addition to Michigan gardens, celebrated for its striking yellow blooms and essential role in supporting local pollinator populations.
This native perennial flourishes in woodland edges and open areas, growing up to 4 feet tall and blooming from late summer to early fall, often accompanied by red and yellow flowers. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden spaces, particularly for those exploring Michigan native plants for landscaping.
Furthermore, the woodland sunflower is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance compared to non-native species, making it an ideal choice for a partial shade garden with low maintenance additions.
Its deep, fibrous root system not only helps prevent soil erosion but also enhances soil health, making it a valuable component of sustainable landscaping and local ecosystems, particularly in cottage gardens.
All in all, woodland sunflowers can be found as seeds or grown plants between $5-10.
5. Cardinal Flower
Renowned for its stunning deep crimson blooms, the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) stands out as a top choice among native flowers to cultivate in Michigan gardens, attracting a variety of pollinators such as hummingbirds.
This striking perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is particularly well-suited for rain gardens, where its orange showy flowers can flourish. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the Cardinal Flower reaches heights of up to 3 feet, adding vertical interest to landscapes while enhancing biodiversity, especially for pollinators like the pearl crescent butterfly.
As a native plant, it plays a significant role in supporting local ecosystems, providing essential habitat for various pollinators, including those that thrive on lavender and pale yellow flowers, which are also called bergamot. Incorporating the Cardinal Flower into your garden promotes ecological health and fosters a thriving environment for wildlife, including essential pollinators such as monarch butterflies, making it a great choice from your local nursery.
Cardinal flower can be found at your local nursery for under $10 for about 10 buds.
Native Trees and Shrubs to Grow in Michigan
Michigan’s native trees and shrubs play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and enhancing landscape aesthetics, often providing habitats for species such as the monarch.
Notable species such as Dogwood, Ninebark, Common Elderberry, Michigan Holly, and Buttonbush not only provide food and habitat for wildlife but also offer unique visual and textural elements to gardens.
1. Dogwood Shrub
Known for its striking red stems, Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a valuable native shrub that enhances both the aesthetic and ecological quality of Michigan landscapes, making it an easy to grow option for gardeners.
This dogwood shrub typically grows between 6 to 9 feet tall and thrives in wet soil, making it ideal for rain gardens and erosion control along streams and ponds.
In spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by white berries that serve as food sources for various wildlife species during the summer and fall, making it a low maintenance addition to your garden.
Native to Michigan, the Red Osier Dogwood adapts well to a range of soil types, preferring moist, well-drained conditions and full sun to partial shade, thereby contributing to overall landscape health and biodiversity.
Lastly, depending on the color of Dogwood desired, they can be found ranging from $30-$45.
2. Ninebark
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a versatile native shrub that enhances the ecological and aesthetic qualities of landscapes across Michigan, making it a majestic white pine alternative for gardeners. Typically growing between 5 to 9 feet tall, ninebark features distinctive exfoliating bark, providing visual interest throughout the seasons.
This adaptable shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates various soil conditions, including both wet and dry environments, as long as it gets enough sun, making it a bush suitable for diverse landscapes. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small white to pale pink flowers that attract essential pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, providing critical nectar and pollen.
Furthermore, ninebark’s brilliant fall foliage ranges from yellow to reddish-purple, adding seasonal color. Significantly, this native plant serves as a crucial habitat and food source for local wildlife, contributing to Michigan’s biodiversity.
This native shrub can be found for $30 each.
3. Common Elderberry
Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is another remarkable native shrub that contributes to the ecological richness of landscapes in Michigan, offering both aesthetic appeal and essential resources for wildlife.
Thriving in moist soils, this versatile plant can reach heights of up to 12 feet and produces clusters of small white flowers that bloom in late spring, attracting a variety of pollinators and providing a wildlife habitat.
The dark purple berries, maturing in late summer, are not only edible when cooked but also provide a nutritious food source for birds and other wildlife, including caterpillars that rely on native plants.
Elderberry can be found for just under $30 for a 2-3 foot tall plant.
4. Michigan Holly
Michigan Holly (Ilex verticillata) is frequently chosen by homeowners for its striking seasonal berries and adaptability to various soil conditions, making it a valuable native shrub for enhancing local landscapes.
This deciduous shrub typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet and produces bright red berries that persist throughout winter, providing essential food sources for local wildlife, which may already be familiar with these native offerings.
Thriving in both wet and dry soils, Michigan Holly can be successfully integrated into diverse garden settings, requiring full sun for ideal growth, especially when paired with herbaceous perennials.
Its glossy green leaves shift to a vibrant orange-red in the fall, adding significant seasonal interest.
Lastly, you can find a variety of holly ranging from $30 a shrub to almost $90
5. Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) stands out as a remarkable native shrub, thriving in wetland areas and offering unique ecological benefits to Michigan landscapes, especially for wildlife like monarch butterflies.
This incredibly adaptable plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and is particularly well-suited for rain gardens and areas adjacent to water bodies, where flowers bloom beautifully.
Its distinctive spherical clusters of fragrant white flowers, which bloom in mid-summer, are highly attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding interest to your garden.
Furthermore, buttonbush provides essential habitat and cover for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals, which thrive so long as their environment remains undisturbed.
A single buttonbush will run you $30 but is worth it considering how well this plant attracts butterflies.
The Impact of Non-Native Plants on the Environment
Non-native species spread quickly and disrupt the natural ecosystem. They can dominate your garden and control the growth of other plants. Non-native plants disrupt soil causing erosion, and habitat loss.
Invasive plants spread quickly preventing native plants from growing strong.
Areas largely dominated by invasive plants are more likely to erode during floods because invasive plants have short roots that do not bind to the soil, unlike native plant roots which extend deep.
Insects are essential to our ecosystem. With non-native plants, insects face threats of habitat destruction and loss of food sources. Given the decrease in native plants, insects diets are restricted. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds all feed or pollinate on native flowers from their habitat.
Conclusion
Choosing which flowers or shrubs is hard enough without choosing between native and non-native plants, but with a little extra searching you can find plants that are beneficial to your lawn, garden, soil, and the environment. Finally, native flowers and shrubs will enrich your soil, protect it from erosion after rain, and invite pollinators back into your garden. If you’re torn between which are the best plants to grow in Michigan, use this guide to help! We’ve also put together a list of the best gardens in the world to inspire you!
