Michigan Lilies

July 7, 2024

After admiring wild tiger lilies (Lilium columbianum) growing alongside a mossy creek on a trip to Oregon last year, I was excited to learn that a similar species can be found in Wisconsin prairies. The Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense) is native across the Midwest and can be found in wet to mesic soils from Canada to the Gulf Coast.

The deep orange petals of Michigan lilies curve sharply backward toward the base of the flower, highlighting their large stamens and anthers. This striking plant is only in bloom for a few weeks, attracting larger pollinators such as hummingbirds, sphinx moths, and monarch butterflies.

Yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) is becoming more fully developed. The yellow ray flowers attract pollinators while the fertile disk flowers bloom from the base of the cone to the top, changing the color of the cone from greenish-gray to a rich brown as they bloom (this plant is also commonly known as grey-headed coneflower).

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers vary from pale pink to bright lavendar. This plant is also known as bee balm and has many medicinal uses.

Wild bergamot tastes like minty oregano, and I plan to try making a tea with it soon.