10 Most Common Plants in Michigan For Your Garden

In Michigan, you can find the most common plants outside your house. And if you like them, you can plant them in your yard. As long as you have a spacious area since most common plants require a big area. There are 10 most common plants in Michigan you can get for your house.

Also, there are some beautiful flowers that are worth planting. It not only gives a different vibe for your house, but also invites the wildlife to come.

Table of Contents

Common Plants In Michigan
Final Thought
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Common Plants In Michigan

Nestled in the heartland of America, Michigan’s landscape paints a lush tapestry of flora that dances with the seasons. From its serene lakeshores to its bustling cities, the state boasts a variety of plants that tell a story as old as time. As you embark on this verdant journey, you’ll discover not just the beauty but also the tales these common Michigan plants whisper to those who listen.

Prepare to be enchanted by nature’s simple yet profound symphony.

1. Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera)

most common plants in michigan — Paper Birch (*Betula Papyrifera*)

As the native plant in Michigan, you can find Paper Birch easily. The foliage of this tree will turn yellow in autumn. While the birch wood itself is often used for popstick, furniture or flooring. This tree loves full sun. Also, mammals and birds always happy to come to this one.

2. American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata)

Having a tree that can produce edible nuts is a blessing. Just like planting an American chestnut. The nuts are favorite for wildlife and humans as well. Also, the wood can be used for the furniture. Although it is kind of rare to find this tree, in Michigan it is still

3. Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum)

We assume that Sugar maple is the most common plant in Michigan due to the popularity of this tree. You can find it everywhere and start planting it in your yard as the landscape plants. You can enjoy the beautiful and warm color when the fall comes.

Also sugar maple has a stunning shape as it stands alone in the yard.

4. White Oak (Quercus Alba)

This big tree can be found easily in Michigan although it is not that much in the upper Peninsula. These kinds of plants love well drained soil and moist ones. The foliage shape is very unique and makes the people distinguish the plants easily.

Moreover this plant can be a host for butterflies and moths too.

5. Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)

A beautiful and stunning small tree like Eastern Redbud will freshen your garden. Moreover this is one of native plants to Michigan, hence you don’t face any difficulty to find it.

Blossom pink foliage can be a crowd seeker and ornamental plant as well. A moist soil will make eastern redbud happy just like a sites or locations along riverbanks. Full sun or part shade will be no issue for the trees.

6. Tamarack (Larix Laricina)

The Tamarack tree has small pink flowers inside the trees. The bark is red brown. This plant loves wet conditions like around the swamps, yet exposing under the full will be no problem.

For wildlife, Tamarack is pretty useful since there are various animals that will come to build nests, eat, and do more things.

7. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis)

Living in Michigan will make you meet Eastern Hemlock in forest or landscaping areas. Because moist forest and rivers streams are favorite spots for these plants.

Since the shape is very stunning, hemlock is often used as an ornamental plant too. In daily life, the wood of hemlock is used for frame or crate.

8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

The most common and beautiful plants in Michigan goes to purple coneflower. You can start planting it together with the local grass. Place it under the full sun and all types soil.

Since it can thrive under a direct exposing of sun, this one is a drought tolerant too. Also, you can start enjoy the blooming time in summer.

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9. Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron Annuus)

Actually it is one of the wildflowers that you can find in Michigan. This pretty flower loves full sun and dry soil. The texture of this flower is hairy, hence it cannot be consumed unless the leaves mix together with other greens.

10. Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia Hirta)

If you live in Michigan and the yard is always exposed to the full sun, you can have black eyed susan in your garden. It is a daisy-like blossom yet the color will remind you from sunflowers.

And yes, it loves full sun too. This beauty will bloom in early to mid summer. It is fast growing although it is short-lived.

Final Thought

As I meander through the myriad of Michigan’s plant life, it’s evident to me that nature’s artistry knows no bounds. Each leaf, stem, and bloom tells a story deeply rooted in the state’s rich soil and history. While these plants might be common, their presence offers me both comfort and a connection to the world around.

I won’t just pass them by; I’ll pause, appreciate, and perhaps even welcome them into my garden and heart. After all, in the ordinary, I often find the extraordinary.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the rarest flower in Michigan?

Monkey flowers are at risk of extinction, Penskar said. A perennial with tubular yellow flowers, monkeyflower only has a population of 12 isolated populations across Michigan.

How many plants are native to Michigan?

The species grows to the extent it is impossible for native species to survive, causing them to become invasive plant species. About 30% of the 2,600 species in Michigan have been naturalized.

Can I buy Michigan’s common plants for my garden?

Yes, many local nurseries and garden centers carry Michigan’s native and common plants. Purchasing from these sources ensures you’re getting plants suitable for your local environment.

How do Michigan plants brave the cold winters?

Nature’s resilience is on full display here. Over generations, Michigan’s plants have developed mechanisms, from deep roots to hardy stems, ensuring survival through frosty nights and snowy days.

How do Michigan plants ensure clean air?

Plants like the sturdy oaks and maples play double duty. Besides adding aesthetic value, they are Michigan’s natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and gifting fresh oxygen.