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Indian Paint Brush
Many people think of wildflower season in Michigan as the woodland flowers in the month of May and are surprised to hear there are wildflowers blooming from early spring on through late fall. As the woodlands slow down, the more colorful flowers will now be found in wetlands and prairies. While there usually are more deer flies than mosquitoes in the prairies one must be prepared for the heat as they can be 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the surrounding areas. Except for the brilliantly colored Indian Paint Brushes and Ragworts in the Maxton Plains and along the roads some of the most interesting flowers I found on a recent trip to the Upper Peninsula were where the mosquitoes are.
Yellow Lady Slipper
Yellow Lady Slippers can be found by the dozens along the roads at the edges of cedars. Indian Paint Brushes ranging from various shades of red, orange and yellow can be seen on the beaches and along the roads. White patches of Cotton Grass are also visible as you drive by them. Once you learn the colors and shape or structure of the plants you can pick out several species of colorful flowers from the road. Just south of the parking at Whitefish Point the massive areas of pink Bog Laurel surely catch the eye, even being several feet from the road.
Stipped Coaral-Root
While slowly traveling down a gravel service road outside of St. Ignace I found three species of orchids, Pink Pyrola, low growing wild roses, Mountain Maple and many more blooming. I also observed male mosquitoes feeding on nectar of the flowers of the Mountain Maple, at least they don’t bite. Again, where the mosquitoes are so are the flowers.
Arethusa
In the bogs and some lake shores the Pitcher Plants were in full bloom, what a sight! Also in the bogs were Bog Beans and Dragon’s Mouth or Arethusa and Bog Rosemary blooming.
Butterwort
Even with all the mosquitoes and ticks to deal with, this time of year can be rewarding by getting out and looking for the flowers many miss by staying in. I did have a few plants I was looking for, like Butterwort, but mostly just visited different places to see what was there without a lot of anticipation. When out in these areas use whatever protection you prefer for mosquitoes and ticks and put on the boots, long sleeved shirt and a hat and enjoy seeing what new and wonderful plants you can find.
