May wildflowers are unfurling now that warmer weather has arrived.
Here are a few of the beauties you’ll find in the garden and parks around the Northeastern U.S. now.
Although some of these plants and trees are wild, most have close relatives that are available from nurseries as well.
Hopefully, you will get some good ideas about what you can plant in your own garden, to enjoy every spring!
You may also want to try our wildflower scavenger hunt for a bit of fun.
May Wildflower Charmer: Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
This pristine white flower was the first bloom I spotted on my walk in the nearby woods. Wildflowers don’t come more perfect than this.
I think I remember reading that the trillium was one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite flowers.
In fact, you can purchase them from the shop at Monticello.
Dicentra
The dicentra plant in my garden looks great, but so does the one I found growing in the parking lot of our national park.
Unfortunately, my photo of the wild dicentra is a bit blurry.
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
The wood anemone that grows wild in Ohio is relatively short ( 4 in.), so you’ve got to pay attention when you are walking to catch a glimpse of these gems. They are one of the first wildflowers to bloom around here.
Primrose (Primula)
Primroses are often for sale at our local market in the spring. An added bonus is that they are inexpensive. I planted this one out in the garden after it finished blooming last year. It has resurfaced and rebloomed this May.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The flowers of the eastern redbud are so bright that its had to believe this tree is a native to North America. It looks exotic.
Crabapple (Malus)
Though crabapples are common, and their tenacious suckers are nerve-racking, it’s hard to beat their abundant blooms.
Post Updated on May 9, 2024.