Annual Awakening

Wildflowers at Pictured Rocks

Introduction – Some winters, it may seem as though the season will never relinquish its death grip on the snowy Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Regardless of whether the snow melts in March or waits until June, the landscape will eventually go from snow, to mud, to aromatic flowers and green grass. Rest assured that the wildflowers will come out every year, and a drive or a hike through the area each spring will not disappoint the flower enthusiast, or anyone who simply appreciates the beauty of the world around us.

Trillium – The first flower you will likely notice as you stroll into a clearing during your hike through the woods is a trillium. With fairly large flowers, and a brilliant white color, it certainly stands out above most other flowers. In this case, with beauty comes delicacy, and if the leaves below the flower are damaged, it can take multiple years for the flower to recover. Because of this, picking trillium is illegal in the state of Michigan without a permit.

Yarrow – Youʼll likely have to leave you car to see some yarrow, as well. This flower can

be found where soil has been disturbed in grasslands, and in open woodlands. Yarrow plants have had many uses, including medicinal, for centuries. Many birds even prefer to use this plant when constructing their nests!

Pink Ladyʼs Slipper – In the coastal sandy areas of Pictured Rocks, when you realize you have hiked into an area of pine forests, look around for the Pink Ladyʼs Slipper. Because this plant relies on a fungus to grow, Pink Ladyʼs Slipper will often be found in large colonies where the necessary fungus happens to be.

Orange Jewelweed – When hiking along any of the Lakeshoreʼs many creeks, keep your eyes out for the Orange Jewelweed, which often grows along the shores of creeks. You may also see it in roadside ditches. This plant is native to North America, but has been transplanted all around the world.

Thimbleberry – Thimbleberry shrubs thrive from northern Mexico to Alaska, though Michigan is about as far east as they extend.

19

by Matthew Hartley

You will find dense, thornless bushes, from two to eight feet high, in areas that were recently clear-cut or burned, but have begun to return to a natural state.

Dameʼs Rocket – As you drive along County Road H58, perhaps on your way to Minerʼs Castle, you will likely see Dameʼs Rocket. It is commonly found in roadside ditches, but can also appear in open wooded areas. Dameʼs Rocket is not native to North America.

Beach Pea – Along any of the Lakeshoreʼs beaches, you will likely come across the flowers of the Beach Pea. Remarkably, the seeds of the Beach Pea are able to float for up to five years, all around the world.

Conclusion – Of course, there are many more flowers you will come across in your trip through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you are interested in learning more before taking to the road, visit the parkʼs website at http://www.nps.gov/piro, or call the visitor center in Munising. Or, if you would rather just see it for yourself, we hope to see you soon. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30