Photo by "buttersweet"Flickr.com
04-18-17 Eastern Redbud is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and the leaves host caterpillars of Henry's Elfin butterflies. Birds eat the seeds. The flowers and young seed pods can be eaten by people too!
Photo by Joshua Mayer "wackybadger" Flickr.com
04-18-17 Two-Leaved Mitrewort or Bishop's Cap is in bloom. Its dainty fringed flowers are visited by Syrphid flies and short-tongued bees. Adult Syrphid flies also prey on aphids, scales & thrips.
Photo by Dan Mullen"milesizz" Flickr.com
04-18-17 Cotton-wood trees are in bloom. Poplar trees support 368 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars including those of Viceroy, Red Spotted Purple, and Tiger Swallowtail.
Photo by "uncjohn"Flickr.com
04-15-17 Virginia Bluebells are blooming. The flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and moths searching for nectar or pollen.
Photo by Andrey ZharkikhFlickr.com
04-15-17 Goose-berry flowers provide an important food source for bees early in the season. Birds and small mammals eat the berries, and caterpillars of Green Comma and Gray Comma butterflies feed on the foliage.
Photo by "mwdar"Flickr.com
04-15-17 Serviceberry is in bloom. Smooth and Downy Service-berries are native to Michigan. The leaves of these trees host several moth and butterfly caterpillars. Birds relish the fruit.
Photo by Rob IretonFlickr.com
04-14-17 False Rue Anemone is in bloom. You can tell it apart from Rue Anemone because it always has 5 white petal-like sepals. Rue Anemone has 6-9 white sepals.
Photo by "NHN_2009"Flickr.com
04-13-17 Trout Lilies also known as Dog Tooth Violets are in bloom. Bees, butterflies & skippers visit these delicate wildflowers. The mottled leaves resemble a shimmering trout under water.
Photo by "klm185"Flickr.com
04-13-17 Cutleaf Toothwort is in bloom. The fragrant flowers attract bees which gather the nectar and pollen. Caterpillars of Mustard White and West Virginia White butterflies feed on the foliage.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-13-17 Twinleaf is in bloom. These fragile flowers drop their petals at the first bit of wind or rain. Their seeds are dispersed by ants.
Photo by Kay Schlumpf"Princess Milady" Flickr.com
04-13-17 Violets are in bloom. There are several species of native violets in colors ranging from white and yellow to blue-violet. All are larval food plants for Fritillary butterflies and several moths.
Photo by Suzanne Cadwell "scadwell" Flickr.com
04-13-17 Spicebush is in bloom. In addition to the delicate spring flowers, the leaves feed the caterpillars of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly! Plus the bright red fruits feed migrating songbirds in the fall.
Photo by "aecole2010" Flickr.com
04-13-17 Spring Beauties are in bloom. These fragrant flowers attract many bees, flies, butterflies & skippers which gather the nectar and pollen.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-12-17 Wood Poppies also know as Celandine Poppies are blooming now. They grow well in rich moist woodlands. Bees can get pollen from the flowers. The seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by "Dave Rooke Photos"Flickr.com
04-12-17 Dutch-man's Breeches are in bloom. The foliage looks nearly identical to Squirrel Corn which blooms a bit later. They attract bees searching for nectar. The seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by Lisa Brown "Mean and Pinchy" Flickr.com
04-09-17 Bloodroot is in bloom. Each lovely flower lasts only a day or two. They close at night and on cloudy days. Bees, flies and beetles visit them in search of pollen, and their seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by "Erutuon"Flickr.com
04-09-17 Hepatica is in bloom. These delicate flowers appear before the foliage. They do not contain nectar but small bees and flies will visit for the pollen. Chipmunks eat the seeds.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-09-17 Leatherwood is in bloom. A wonderful shrub for shaded moist areas, it blooms very early and provides pollen and nectar when few other flowers are out.
Photo by Marilylle Soveran "withrow" Flickr.com
03-07-17 American Elm is in bloom. These trees host the caterpillars of Comma & Question Mark butterflies. Dutch Elm disease resistant cultivars include Princeton, Delaware, Valley Forge and New Harmony.
Photo by Marilylle Soveran "withrow" Flickr.com
03-07-17 Hazelnuts are in bloom. The catkins produce pollen and the tiny red female flower is where the nuts will form. American and Beaked Hazelnuts are native to Michigan and support many birds, mammals, & insects.
Photo by Kristin "Shoe" Shoemaker Flickr.com
02-23-17 Pussy Willows are just starting to bloom. Willows offer an early pollen source for bees, and their leaves feed many species of butterflies and moths.
Photo by Liz West"Muffet" Flickr.com
02-23-17 Red and Silver Maples are in bloom. These are some of the earliest trees to flower and bees will gather the pollen even though the trees are largely wind pollinated.
Photo by Craig Bruce"ZOOPMON" Flickr.com
12-30-16 Skunk Cabbage is the first native wildflower to bloom in the Spring. The flowers emit a carrion-like odor that attracts flies and gnats for pollination. Caterpillars of the Ruby Tiger Moth feed on the foliage.
Which Native Plants are Blooming this Week?
Information about how insects and other animals utilize these plants comes from www.illinoiswildflowers.info
Most of our photos are from photographers who share their images under Creative Commons licenses. Click on individual photos for more details.
NOVEMBER FLOWERS
Canada Goldenrod by
"FritzFlohrReynolds"
Flickr.com
"FritzFlohrReynolds"
Flickr.com
11-01-13 Canada Goldenrod is still blooming in protected areas. The flowers attract a wide variety of insects including bees, wasps, flies and beetles. Several kinds of moth caterpillars eat the foliage and birds enjoy the seeds.
Heath Aster by "dbarronoss" Flickr.com
11-01-13 Some Asters are still in bloom. The caterpillars of Silvery Checkerspot butterflies feed on the foliage, and they provide nectar and pollen even after a light frost in the fall.
OCTOBER FLOWERS
Flower Name
by Photographer Name
website source
by Photographer Name
website source
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SEPTEMBER FLOWERS
Photo by Tom Potterfield
"tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
"tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
09-25-12 Heart-Leaved Aster is in bloom. This Aster can grow in moderate shade. It's foliage supports Silvery Checkerspot caterpillars plus it is an important fall source of nectar and pollen for bees & adult butterflies.
AUGUST FLOWERS
Photo by "squamatologist"
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
08-25-13 to 08-25-16 Stiff Goldenrod is in bloom. The leaves are a distinctive grey-green and hairy. It is a favorite nectar plant of Monarch butterflies as well as bees, wasps, flies and beetles.
Photo by Carl E Lewis
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
8-24-16 Prairie Dock is in bloom. The huge basal leaves somewhat resemble rhubarb. The flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. Goldfinches eat the seeds. It is very drought resistant and long lived once established.
Photo by Maja Dumat
"blumenbiene" Flickr.com
"blumenbiene" Flickr.com
08-24-13 to 08-24-16 Obedient Plant is in bloom. This attractive member of the mint family attracts bumble bees and hummingbirds. It is beautiful but can spread aggressively in moist soil.
Photo by "KingsbraeGarden"
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
08-24-13 Joe-Pye Weed is in bloom. These large flowers provide a nice perch for butterflies searching for nectar. Several moth caterpillars use the foliage for food.
Photo by Frank Mayfield
"gmayfield10" Flickr.com
"gmayfield10" Flickr.com
08-11-13 Tall Coreopsis is in bloom. This plant can get 4-8' tall. The center of the flowers is brown rather than yellow like the other Coreopsis species.
Photo by zen Sutherland
"zen" Flickr.com
"zen" Flickr.com
08-11-13 Green- Headed Coneflower is in bloom. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and some moth caterpillars feed on the leaves.
JULY FLOWERS
Photo by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
"milesizz" Flickr.com
07-21-16 to 08-11-13 Marsh Blazing Star is in bloom. Blooming starts at the top of the flower spike then spreads downward. This plant prefers full sun and average to moist soil. It attracts many bees and butterflies.
Photo by "rockerBOO"
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
07-21-16 to 8-11-13 Cup Plant is in bloom. The leaves of this plant join together around the stem to form a cup that holds water. Many pollinators including bees, butterflies and skippers visit the flowers in bloom. Birds enjoy the seeds and drink from the cups.
Black-Eyed-Susans by "BlueRidgeKitties"
Flickr.com
7-14-14 to 7-26-16 Black-Eyed-Susans are in bloom. The flowers appeal to a wide range of insects which collect pollen and nectar. Silvery Checkerspot caterpillars feed on the foliage. Goldfinches eat the seeds.
Blue Vervain Flowers by
Kerry Wixted
Flickr.com
Kerry Wixted
Flickr.com
7-14-14 Blue Vervain is in bloom. Use this species on moist sites and it's cousin, Hoary Vervain, in drier locations. The flowers attract many kinds of insects and caterpillars of Verbena moth feed on the foliage.
Photo by Jim Dollar Flickr.com
07-12-12 The bright purple flowers of Ironweed are in bloom. The plants can gt 5-7' tall and attract a variety of pollinators and butterflies.
Queen-of-the-Prairie Flowers by
Kingsbrae Gardens
"KingsbraeGarden" Flickr.com
Kingsbrae Gardens
"KingsbraeGarden" Flickr.com
7-10-16 The cotton candy like flowers of Queen-of-the-Prairie are starting to bloom. This is an indicator plant of high quality moist habitats. Bees are its most important pollinators.
Mountain Mint Flowers by
Suzanne Cadwell
"scadwell" Flickr.com
Suzanne Cadwell
"scadwell" Flickr.com
7-10-14 Mountain Mint is in bloom. Research at Michigan State University identified this plant as one of the most attractive to pollinators. The minty smell of the leaves makes it unpalatable to most mammals.
Swamp Milkweed Flowers by
Elizabeth Sellers
"AussieBotanist" Flickr.com
Elizabeth Sellers
"AussieBotanist" Flickr.com
07-10-14 Swamp Milkweed is in bloom. The flowers are popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds seeking nectar. The foliage is a food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Wild Bergamot Flowers by
Scott Hamlin
Flickr.com
Scott Hamlin
Flickr.com
07-10-16 Wild Bergamot is in bloom. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Caterpillars of Hermit Sphinx and Gray Marvel moths feed on the foliage. The leaves have been used for tea.
Photo by "dogtooth77"Flickr.com
7-10-16 Michigan Rose (Rosa setigera) is in bloom. The beautiful and lightly fragrant flowers are produced on climbing vines that can be trained on a trellis or arbor.
JUNE FLOWERS
Elderberry Flowers by Nesson Marshall
"nesson-marshall" Flickr.com
6-30-14 Common Elderberry is in bloom. The flowers attract pollinators and the fruit is eaten by numerous songbirds and small mammals. The soft pithy stems provide nesting material for Mason and Little Carpenter bees.
Yarrow Flowers byTerrie Schweitzer
"terriem" Flickr.com
6-30-14 Yarrow is in bloom. The flowers attract many pollinators. Caterpillars of Blackberry Looper, Common Pug and Wavy- Lined Emerald moths feed on the foliage, as do grasshoppers and leaf beetles.
Photo by"madlyinlovewithlife"
Flickr.com
06-30-14 to 07-19-16 Nodding Wild Onion is in bloom. The nodding flowers favor pollination by bees which don't mind hanging upside down to collect nectar and pollen.
Common Milkweed Flowers
by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com
by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com
06-26-16 to 06-30-14 Common Milkweed is in bloom. These large flower clusters have the sweetest perfume! The plants host the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies, Milkweed Tiger moths, and Delicate Cycnia moths.
Common Milkweed Flowers
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
06-26-16 Common Milkweed is in bloom. These large flower clusters have the sweetest perfume! The plants host the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies, Milkweed Tiger moths, and Delicate Cycnia moths.
Butterfly Weed Flowers by
Lindley Ashline
Flickr.com
Lindley Ashline
Flickr.com
06-26-16 to 06-30-14 The bright orange flowers of Butterfly Weed attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus the foliage is eaten by Monarch butterfly and Unexpected Cycnia moth caterpillars!
Photo by Brett WhaleyFlickr.com
6-26-16 to 6-30-14 Purple Prairie Clover is in bloom. The flowers attract numerous insects. Caterpillars of the Southern Dogface butterfly eat the foliage as do rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photo by
Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
06-26-16 Pale Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower by
Philip Bouchard
"philipbouchard" Flickr.com
Philip Bouchard
"philipbouchard" Flickr.com
06-22-14 to 07-10-16 The large flowers of Purple Coneflower create the perfect landing pad for butterflies seeking nectar.
Photo by Bruce Bodjack"bbodjack" Flickr.com
06-22-14 to 07-19-16 Jewel Weed is just starting to bloom. The sap of this annual is said to soothe skin irritation caused by poison ivy and nettles. It will bloom until frost and provides nectar for hummingbirds and bees.
Woodland Sunflower by
Fritz Flohr Reynolds
Flickr.com
Fritz Flohr Reynolds
Flickr.com
6-18-14 to 07-10-16 Woodland Sunflower is in bloom. This is an important host plant for many insects including the caterpillars of Silvery Checkerspot and Painted Lady butterflies. Many birds and small mammals eat the seeds.
Foxglove Beardtongue by
Tom Potterfield
"tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
Tom Potterfield
"tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
06-02-15 Foxglove Beardtongue is in bloom. The tubular flowers attract several types of bees and sometimes Hummingbirds. The caterpillars of the Chalcedony Midget moth feed on the foliage.
Daisy Fleabane Flowers by
Dinesh Valke
"dinesh_valke" Flickr.com
Dinesh Valke
"dinesh_valke" Flickr.com
06-01-16 to 06-08-15 Several Fleabanes are in bloom. The flowers attract bees, flies, beetles & butter-flies. The plants host the caterpillars of Wavy Lined Emerald, Speyer's Cucullia, and Lynx Flower moths.
Photo by Marilylle Soveran"withrow" Flickr.com
6-2-17 to 6-18-14 Harebell is in bloom. These delicate looking flowers are actually quite easy to grow. They attract a variety of bees which pollinate them while collecting their nectar.
Photo by "beautifulcataya"Flickr.com
6-3-17 Shrubby Cinquefoil is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and other insects. Caterpillars of the Dorcas Copper butterfly and the Large Lace Border moth eat the foliage and flowers.
Photo by Jenny EvansFlickr.com
5-30-17 Blue Flag Iris is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. The caterpillars of the Virginia Ctenucha and Agreeable Tiger moth feed on the foliage
Photo by Mary Leys
5-30-17 American Bittersweet is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and other insects. The caterpillars of the Common Tan Wave moth eat the foliage. Birds and mammals eat the seeds.
MAY FLOWERS
05-22-15 Prairie Phlox is in bloom.
Photo by Jon Sullivan"Mollivan Jon" Flickr.com
5-30-17 Honey Locust is in bloom. The fragrant flowers provide pollen and nectar to small bees. Several caterpillars eat the foliage including the Silver Spotted Skipper. The sweet seed pods may have been eaten by Mastodons.
Photo by "Stilgherrian"Flickr.com
05-30-15 to 06-07-16 Sand Coreopsis is in bloom. Many bees, butterflies & beetles visit to collect nectar and pollen. Several moth caterpillars such as the Wavy Lined Emerald feed on the foliage and birds eat the seeds.
Photo by Fritz Flohr ReynoldsFlickr.com
05-25-17 to 05-30-15 Hairy Beardtongue is in bloom. The tubular flowers attract native bees. Caterpillars of the Baltimore Checker- spot butterfly feed on the foliage. Humming- birds may also visit.
Photo by "mwms1916"Flickr.com
05-23-17 to 05-30-15 Wild Blue Indigo is in bloom. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators. Several moth, butterfly and skipper caterpillars feed on the foliage including the Frosted Elfin, Marine Blue and Orange Sulfur.
Photo by Per "the real Kam75"Flickr.com
05-20-12 to 5-21-17 Wild Lupine is in bloom. Many types of bees visit the flowers for pollen, The leaves feed the caterpillars of several moths and butterflies including the endangered Karner Blue butterfly.
Photo by Peter Gorman "pchgorman" Flickr.com
5-20-17 to 5-27-15 Virginia Waterleaf is in bloom. The flowers attract many kinds of bees including Bumble Bees, Digger Bees, Cuckoo Bees, Mason Bees, Halictid Bees and Adrenid Bees.
Canada Mayflower by
"lahvak" Flickr.com
"lahvak" Flickr.com
05-18-15 Canada Mayflower is in bloom. These dainty fragrant flowers are pollinated by small bees, flies and beetles. The berries are eaten by Ruffed Grouse and small mammals.
Giant Solomon's Seal
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
05-17-16 Giant Solomon's Seal is in bloom. This polyploid variant of Solomon's Seal produces leafy stems about 3½-6' tall (or long) and its umbels often have more than 5 flowers. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various bees, including bumblebees, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, and the Black-Patched Clepsis Moth, whose larvae feed on the foliage.
White Baneberry
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
05-17-16 White Baneberry is in bloom. It's also known as Doll's Eyes from the appearance of its berries. Though the flowers lack nectar, it provides pollen to visiting insects such as Halictid Bees. While toxic to most mammals, the White-Footed Mouse and some birds such as the American Robin, can eat the berries.
Photo by Charles Wohlers "cwohlers" Flickr.com
05-20-17 to 06-10-15 Pagoda Dogwood is in bloom. Many insects are attracted to the fragrant flowers. caterpillars of several moths including the Cecropia moth feed on the foliage. Birds and small mammals enjoy the fruit.
Photo by Dan Mullen"milesizz" Flicker.com
5-13-17 to 5-22-15 Nannyberry is in bloom. The nectar and pollen attract many kinds of bees. Moth caterpillars such as the Brown Scoopwing and the Horrid Zale eat the foliage. Birds and mammals relish the fruit.
Red Honeysuckle
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
05-11-17 Grape honeysuckle (Lonicera reticulata) & Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica) are in bloom. Red Honeysuckle, also known as Smooth Honeysuckle or Limber Honeysuckle, is a semi-erect shrub or woody vine that is a food source for hummingbirds and bees.
Photo by Kerry Wixted Flickr.com
05-16-15 to 5-20-17 Creeping Strawberry Bush is in bloom. The flowers attract small bees and flies and the foliage feeds Pyralid and American Ermine moth caterpillars. The red fruit is eaten by birds.
Photo by Joshua Mayer "wackybadger" Flickr.com
05-13-17 to 05-27-15 Golden Ragwort and Round-leaf Ragwort are in bloom. The flowers attract small bees, flies and beetles. The caterpillars of Northern Metalmark butterflies and The Gem moth feed on the foliage.
Photo by "wundoroo" Flickr.com
05-13-17 to 06-07-16 Blue-eyed Grass is in bloom. The petals have dark violet nectar guides that lead visiting bees to the center of the flower. The seeds are eaten by wild turkeys and other game birds.
Photo by Sage Ross "ragesoss" Flickr.com
05-11-17 to 05-26-16 Wild Columbine is in bloom. Hummingbirds visit to drink nectar, bees collect pollen as well. The leaves host caterpillars of the Columbine Duskywing butterfly.
Ohio Buckeye Flowersby "dogtooth77" Flickr.com
05-14-14 Ohio Buckeye is in bloom. The tubular flowers are pollinated by Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and various bees.
Photo by "Linda N." Flickr.com
05-14-15 to 05-26-16 Black Chokeberry is in bloom. Bees are attracted to the nectar and pollen. Caterpillars of Coral Hairstreak butterflies and Bluish Spring Moth eat the foliage. Birds and mammals enjoy the fruit.
Photo by "pverdonk"Flickr.com
5-14-15 to 6-7-16 Spiderwort is in bloom. The blue flowers open in the morning and close by evening. They are pollinated by several types of bees. Some animals will eat the foliage such as deer, rabbits and box turtles.
White Oak Flowers by Fritz Flohr Reynolds
"FritzFlohrReynolds" Flickr.com
05-11-14 Oak trees are in bloom. As a group Oaks support 517 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars! Their acorn are also an important food source for birds and mammals.
Photo by Andrey ZharkikhFlickr.com
05-06-15 to 05-08-16 Red-Berried Elder is in bloom. Bees visit the flowers for pollen and birds enjoy the bright red fruit. The leaves host moth caterpillars and Carpenter bees hollow out the stems to make nests for their larvae.
Chokecherry Blossoms by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com
5-11-15 to 5-11-16 Choke-cherry is in bloom. Wild cherries & plums support 448 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars.
These include Red Spotted Purple, Coral Hairstreak and Tiger Swallowtail. Birds relish the fruit.
These include Red Spotted Purple, Coral Hairstreak and Tiger Swallowtail. Birds relish the fruit.
Photo by "pverdonk"Flickr.com
05-02-15 to 05-02-16 Prickly Ash is in bloom. The flowers are visited by bees and flies. Caterpillars of Giant Swallowtail butterflies feed on the foliage. The plant is related to citrus so the crushed fruit and foliage smells like lemon peels!
Photo by Franziska Geiser "franziskas garten" Flickr.com
5-01-17 Wild American Plum is in bloom. The flowers attract bees & other insects. Several moth caterpillars eat the leaves including the Twin-Spotted Sphinx. The fruits are eaten by birds & mammals such as foxes.
APRIL FLOWERS
Photo by Jay SturnerFlickr.com
4-28-17 to 4-29-16 Swamp Buttercup is in bloom. Bees, flies, beetles and skippers visit the flowers to collect the pollen and nectar. The seeds are eaten by turkeys and small mammals.
Photo by Lisa Brown "Mean and Pinchy" Flickr.com
04-28-17 to 05-06-16 Woodland Phlox is filling the air with its sweet perfume. Bees and butterflies visit to collect nectar. The leaves feed some species of moth caterpillars.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-28-15 to 04-28-16 Fragrant Sumac is in bloom. The flowers attract small bees and flies.Caterpillars of several moths & butterflies eat the foliage including the Red-banded Hairstreak & Regal Moth. Birds eat the fruit.
Photo by Tom Potterfield"tgpotterfield" Flicker.com
04-28-17 to 5-29-14 Pawpaw trees are in bloom. The flowers smell like rotting meat to attract flies for pollination. Zebra Swallowtail and Pawpaw Sphinx caterpillars eat the leaves. The fruit is eaten by mammals and Box Turtles.
Photo by Frank Mayfield "gmayfield10" Flickr.com
4-28-17 to 5-06-16 Starry False Solomon's Seal is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and flies which gather nectar and pollen. The berries are eaten by woodland songbirds including Thrushes and the Veery.
Photo by Michael.PortrayingLife.comFlicker.com
4-25-17 to 5-9-15 American Bladdernut is in bloom. The bell shaped flowers attract bees and small butterflies. Leaf Cutter bees use the foliage for their nests. This shrub will grow in part shade and is deer resistant.
Wild Geranium by Teresa Boardman "TBoard"
Flicker.com
04-25-17 to 5-9-15 Wild Geranium is in bloom. The flowers attract bees, flies & skippers. Some caterpillars feed on the leaves including the Omnivorous Leafroller moth. Chipmunks eat the seeds.
Photo by "pverdonk"Flickr.com
04-22-17 to 05-17-16 Wild Black Currant is in bloom. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, while the foliage is eaten by caterpillars of the Green Comma and Gray Comma butterflies. Mammals and birds, such as Cedar Waxwings, enjoy the fruit.
Wild Black Currant
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
05-17-16 Wild Black Currant is in bloom. The nectar and pollen of this woody plant attracts a wide variety of insects, birds, and mammals. A short list includes many bees; the caterpillars of the Green Comma and Gray Comma butterflies; the caterpillars of the Orange-Barred Carpet Moth; foxes, squirrels, mice, and skunks; Catbirds, Thrashers, and Cedar Waxwings, just to name a few!
Photo by Joshua Mayer "wacky badger" Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-17-16 Two-Leaved Mitrewort or Bishop's Cap is in bloom. Its dainty fringed flowers are visited by Syrphid flies and small short-tongued bees gathering nectar and pollen. Adult Syrphid flies also prey on aphids, scales, and thrips.
Two-Leaved Mitrewort
by Elizabeth Seagull
by Elizabeth Seagull
04-18-17 to 05-17-16 Two-Leaved Mitrewort is in bloom. Alternately known as Bishop's Cap for its hat shaped flowers, its dainty fringed petals are pollinated by Syrphid flies and small short-tongued bees (including Halictid bees and Little Carpenter bees). These insects suck nectar from the flowers and some collect pollen for their larvae. Adult Syrphid flies also prey on aphids, scales, and thrips.
Photo by Fritz Flohr Reynolds Flickr.com
04-22-17 to 05-08-16 Spring Cress is in bloom. The nectar attracts bees, flies, small butterflies and skippers. It looks very similar to Purple Cress which blooms about 2 weeks earlier and has flowers with a pinkish tinge.
Photo by "JanetandPhil" Flicker.com
4-22-17 Boxelder is in bloom. The flowers are wind pollinated. The leaves feed several caterpillars including those of Rosy Maple and Cecropia Moths.The seeds are an important food source for birds since they remain on the tree during the winter.
Photo by Matt Lavin Flickr.com
4-22-17 Green Ash is in bloom. Many insects feed on the foliage including the caterpillars of the Tiger Swallowtail and Promethea Moth. The seeds are eaten by birds and squirrels. the foreign Emerald Ash Borer has decimated populations of this valuable tree.
Photo by Eli Sagor "esagor" Flicker.com
4-22-17 Hackberry is in bloom. The flowers of this 40-80' tree are wind pollinated. The leaves feed several caterpillars including those of the Hackberry Emperor and the American Snout Butterfly. Birds and squirrels eat the berries.
Photo by Joshua Mayer "wackybadger" Flickr.com
04-22-17 to 05-06-16 Golden Alexanders provide a nectar source for many beneficial insects with short mouth parts during the spring when few other such flowers are blooming. The caterpillars of Black Swallowtail butterflies feed on the foliage.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-25-17 to 05-08-16 Jacob's Ladder is in bloom. Many bees, butterflies, and moths are attracted to the flowers to collect nectar or pollen. These plants will tolerate growing near Black Walnut trees.
Photo by "BlueRidgeKitties" Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-06-15 Wild Ginger is in bloom. These flowers are at ground level hidden under the leaves. They are most likely pollinated by beetles and flies. Ants disperse the seeds.
Photo by Joshua Mayer "wackybadger" Flickr.com
04-22-17 to 05-09-15 Jack-in-the-Pulpit is in bloom. Small plants produce only male flowers. Larger plants produce female flowers which later develop into bright red fruit. The fruits are eaten by birds such as the Wood Thrush and Wild Turkeys.
Photo by "pverdonk"Flickr.com
04-22-17 to 04-29-16 Blue Cohosh is in bloom. The flowers aren't very showy but bees, flies, and beneficial wasps do visit for nectar and pollen. The blue berries are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Photo by Jay SturnerFlickr.com
04-18-17 to 04-29-16 Spring Avens is in bloom. The flowers primarily attract small bees which collect the pollen and nectar. The bristly seed heads stick to animal fur and clothing which distribute the seeds.
Photo by "k8southern"Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-06-15 Large Flowered Bellwort or Merrybells is blooming in shady woodlands. Bees collect the nectar and pollen, and ants distribute the seeds.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-09-15 Flowering Dogwood is in bloom. Bees and flies gather nectar and pollen. Many species of butterfly and moth caterpillars eat the leaves including the Spring/Summer Azure and Cecropia moth.
Photo by Richard SkoonbergFlickr.com
04-22-17 to 05-08-15 Foamflower is in bloom. This plant forms a lovely ground cover in part shade. Insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. Birds eat the seeds.
Photo by "buttersweet"Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-06-15 Eastern Redbud is in bloom. The flowers attract bees and the leaves host caterpillars of Henry's Elfin butterflies. Birds eat the seeds. This small tree is a nice size for urban yards.
Photo by Flickr.com
04-??-?? Rue Anemone is in bloom. You can tell it apart from False Rue Anemone because it can have 6-9 white petal-like sepals. False Rue Anemone only has 5 white sepals.
Photo by Rob IretonFlickr.com
04-14-17 to 04-29-16 False Rue Anemone is in bloom. You can tell it apart from Rue Anemone because it always has 5 white petal-like sepals. Rue Anemone has 6-9 white sepals.
Photo by Dan Mullen"milesizz" Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 04-26-15 Cottonwood trees are in bloom. Poplar trees support 368 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars including those of Viceroy, Red Spotted Purple, and Tiger Swallowtail.
Photo by "dogtooth77"Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-02-15 Early Meadow Rue is in bloom. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants and are wind pollinated. The foliage is eaten by several species of moth caterpillars including the Canadian Owlet Moth.
Photo by Bob Danley "Striking" Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 04-23-16 Pussy Toes are in bloom. The flowers aren't very showy but small bees and flies do visit them. The silvery foliage feeds the caterpillars of American Painted Lady butterflies!
Photo by "dogtooth77"Flickr.com
04-18-17 to 05-02-15 Wood Anemone is in bloom. The flowers close at night and open during the day to allow pollination by bees, wasps and flies.
Photo by Gene WilburnFlickr.com
04-22-15 to 04-27-16 Prairie Smoke is in bloom. The pretty pink buds barely open. Bumble bees are one of the only insects strong enough to force their way in to get the nectar. The seed heads are showy too!
Photo by "Dendroica cerulea" Flickr.com
04-22-15 to 05-11-17 Wild Strawberry is in bloom. The flowers attract bees, flies and butterflies. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage while birds and mammals (including humans!) enjoy the fruit.
Photo by Dan Mullen "milesizz" Flickr.com
04-22-15 to 04-29-16 Purple Cress is in bloom. Bees, bee flies, and butterflies visit these fragrant flowers to collect the pollen and nectar.
Photo by "RobDurfee"Flickr.com
04-25-17 to 04-27-16 Trillium is in bloom. There are several species of Trillium with flowers varying from white to red, upright to nodding, and large to small. Their seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-20-16 to 04-22-15 Marsh Marigolds also known as Cowslips are in bloom. This is a circumpolar species found in Europe and Asia as well as in North America. They grow in wet areas where they attract many bees and flies for their pollen and nectar.
Photo by "mwdar"Flickr.com
04-15-17 to 04-23-15 Serviceberry is in bloom. Smooth and Downy Serviceberries are native to Michigan. The leaves of these trees host several moth and butterfly caterpillars. Birds relish the fruit.
Photo by Andrey ZharkikhFlickr.com
04-15-17 to 04-26-15 Gooseberry flowers provide an important food source for bees early in the season. Birds and small mammals eat the berries, and caterpillars of Green Comma and Gray Comma butterflies feed on the foliage.
Photo by "uncjohn"Flickr.com
04-15-17 to 04-22-15 Virginia Bluebells are blooming. The flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and moths searching for nectar or pollen.
Photo by Suzanne Cadwell "scadwell" Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-22-15 Spicebush is in bloom. In addition to the delicate spring flowers, the leaves feed the caterpillars of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly! Plus the bright red fruits feed migrating songbirds in the fall.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-20-16 Twinleaf is in bloom. These fragile flowers drop their petals at the first bit of wind or rain. Their seeds are dispersed by ants.
Photo by "klm185"Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-26-15 Cutleaf Toothwort is in bloom. The fragrant flowers attract bees which gather the nectar and pollen. Caterpillars of Mustard White and West Virginia White butterflies feed on the foliage.
Photo by "NHN_2009"Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-19-15 Trout Lilies also known as Dog Tooth Violets are in bloom. Bees, butterflies & skippers visit these delicate wildflowers. The mottled leaves resemble a shimmering trout under water.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-18-15 to 04-23-16 Wood Poppies also know as Celandine Poppies are blooming now. Their bright yellow flowers are a cheerful sight in rich moist woodlands. Bees can get pollen from the flowers. The seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by "Dave Rooke Photos"Flickr.com
04-12-17 to 04-20-16 Dutchman's Breeches are in bloom. The foliage looks nearly identical to Squirrel Corn which blooms a bit later. They attract bees searching for nectar. The seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by Kay Schlumpf"Princess Milady" Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-14-16 Violets are in bloom. There are several species of native violets in colors ranging from white and yellow to blue-violet. All are larval food plants for Fritillary butterflies and several moths.
Photo by "aecole2010" Flickr.com
04-13-17 to 04-14-16 Spring Beauties are in bloom. These fragrant flowers attract many bees, flies, butterflies & skippers which gather the nectar and pollen.
Photo by "Erutuon"Flickr.com
04-09-17 to 04-11-16 Hepatica is in bloom. These delicate flowers appear before the foliage. They do not contain nectar but small bees and flies will visit for the pollen. Chipmunks eat the seeds.
Photo by Tom Potterfield "tgpotterfield" Flickr.com
04-09-17 to 04-11-15 Leatherwood is in bloom. A wonderful shrub for shaded moist areas, it blooms very early and provides pollen and nectar when few other flowers are out.
Photo by Marilylle Soveran "withrow" Flickr.com
03-07-17 to 04-06-15 American Elm is in bloom. These trees host the caterpillars of Comma and Question Mark butterflies. Dutch Elm disease resistant cultivars include Princeton, Delaware, Valley Forge & New Harmony.
Photo by Marilylle Soveran "withrow" Flickr.com
03-07-17 to 04-01-15 Hazelnuts are in bloom. The catkins produce pollen and the tiny red female flower is where the nuts will form. American and Beaked Hazelnuts are native to Michigan and support many birds, mammals, and insects.
MARCH FLOWERS
Photo by Lisa Brown "Mean and Pinchy" Flickr.com
03-27-16 to 04-11-15 Bloodroot is in bloom. Each lovely flower lasts only a day or two. They close at night and on cloudy days. Bees, flies and beetles visit them in search of pollen, and their seeds are distributed by ants.
Photo by Kristin "Shoe" Shoemaker Flickr.com
02-23-17 to 03-25-15 Pussy Willows are just starting to bloom. Willows offer an early pollen source for bees, and their leaves feed many species of butterflies and moths.
Photo by Liz West"Muffet" Flickr.com
02-23-17 to 03-27-15 Red and Silver Maples are in bloom. These are some of the earliest trees to flower and bees will sometimes gather the pollen even though the trees are largely wind pollinated.
Photo by Craig Bruce"ZOOPMON" Flickr.com
12-30-16 Skunk Cabbage is the first native wildflower to bloom in the Spring. The flowers emit a carrion-like odor that attracts flies and gnats for pollination. Caterpillars of the Ruby Tiger Moth feed on the foliage.
Flower photos below this line still need to be linked to the proper Flicker account!
 Photo by Rusty Clark
Flickr.com 9-13-12 Bottle Gentian is in bloom. The flowers never open, always looking like buds even when mature. Bumble bees are one of the few insects strong enough to get inside for a treat of pollen and nectar.
 Photo by "FritzFlohrReynolds"
Flickr.com 09-25-12 Bluestem Goldenrod is in bloom. This Goldenrod grows in dry shade. Small flower clusters along the main stem give it a delicate appearance. It attracts numerous pollinators in the fall.
 Photo by John B.
"Dendroica cerulea" Flickr.com 8-23-12 White Snakeroot is starting to bloom. This plant brightens shady woodland edges. It blooms in late summer and fall and is an important nectar source at that time.
 Photo by Frank Mayfield
"gmayfield10" Flickr.com 9-16-12 Smooth Blue Aster is in bloom. These plants are a nice size for gardens and are easy to grow. Silvery Checkerspot butterfly caterpillars feed on the foliage.
 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 09-25-12 Zigzag Goldenrod is in bloom. This is one of the few shade tolerant Goldenrods. It's leaves are eaten by many moth caterpillars and other insects which then become food for woodland songbirds.
 Photo by zen Sutherland
"zen" Flickr.com 8-11-12 Cardinal Flower is in bloom. The bright red blooms attract hummingbirds! It is a cousin of Blue Lobelia and prefers similar site conditions with soil more on the wet side.
 Photo by Tom Potterfield
"tgpotterfield" Flickr.com 07-30-12 Wild Senna is in bloom. This unique plant is a butterfly larvae host plant.
 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 07-12-12 Culver's Root flowers resemble an elegant candelabra. This native wildflower attracts many bees which collect the pollen and nectar.
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 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 9-19-12 Sweet Everlasting is in bloom. It is a host plant for American Painted Lady butterfly caterpillars.
 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 9-13-12 Showy Goldenrod is in bloom. This plant is attractive to people and many kinds of insects.
 Photo by Joel Washing
Flickr.com 09-02-12 New England Asters are starting to bloom. They are an important fall pollen and nectar source for many insects. The caterpillars of Pearl Crescent butterflies feed on the foliage of this and other Asters.
 Photo by Homer Edward Price
Flickr.com 9-19-12 Flat-top White Aster is in bloom. The flowers attract many pollinators and the leaves support Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent butterfly caterpillars.
 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 08-15-12 Rough Blazing Star is in bloom. This plant prefers dry to average soil conditions. It's lavender flowers are clustered into "buttons" and attract many pollinators.
 Photo by "BlueRidgeKitties"
Flickr.com 8-11-12 Blue Lobelia is in bloom. These lovely blue flowers are pollinated by bumble bees. Plant them in sun to part shade in average to moist soil.
 Photo by "TexasEagle"
Flickr.com 07-07-12 Partridge Pea is blooming in dry prairies. This annual can add a lot of color to a new prairie planting while the perennials are still developing. It also fixes nitrogen.
 Photo by Matt Lavin
Flickr.com 07-07-12 The pretty lavender flowers of Monkey-Flower are blooming. These plants prefer moist soil and full sun.
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 Photo by "lcm1863" Flickr.com
9-16-12 Flowering Spurge is in bloom. These showy plants are very drought tolerant. The foliage turns a nice red in the fall.
09-02-12 Turtlehead is in bloom. This lovely plant prefers sun and moist to wet soil. Bumble bees and hummingbirds visit the flowers. Its foliage is a food plant for Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly caterpillars.
 Photo by Peter Gorman
"pchgorman" Flickr.com 6-26-12 Arrowhead is in bloom. This plant is a beautiful addition to the edge of a pond.
 Photo by Paul Harris
"i-r-paulus" Flickr.com 06-26-12 If you look carefully you can find the small white flowers of Enchanter's Nightshade blooming in shady woodlands. (It is NOT related to deadly nightshade.)
 Photo by Dan Perkins
"Bulucanagria" Flickr.com 07-12-12 The flowers of Button Bush attract lots of butterflies. This native shrub is a good substitute for Butterfly Bush which is now considered invasive.
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