Native Wildflowers Herald the Arrival of Spring in Ohio
Ohio’s Spring Wildflower Bloom Report published every Friday through mid-May
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COLUMBUS — As the Buckeye State welcomes the arrival of spring, wildflower enthusiasts and nature lovers can track when, where, and what is blooming by accessing the weekly Ohio Spring Wildflower Bloom reports published by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The weekly bloom reports will be shared every Friday starting now through mid-May.
“Early spring bloomers, like skunk cabbage and harbinger-of-spring, are reminders that after a long, cold and snowy winter, spring wildflower season is just around the corner,” said Jeff Johnson, chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “ODNR’s weekly reports are a great way for Ohioans to discover what’s blooming in their region and learn more about native wildflowers.”
Wildflower admirers can check the weekly Ohio Spring Wildflower Bloom reports every Friday to see if specific flowers like wild geranium (L) or large-flowered trillium (R) are in bloom.
From late March until mid-May, Ohio’s woodlands will provide a large and lovely setting for an array of native wildflowers. During the spring the leaves are budding, allowing sunlight to stream through the tree limbs to the wildflowers on the forest floor. The best and most diverse wildflower shows are found in relatively undisturbed locations away from urban areas. State nature preserves, parks, and forests are excellent places to find a variety of wildflowers in bloom.
Available every Friday on ODNR’s website and social media platforms, the reports are organized by region (north, south, and central) and each report offers an extensive list of which wildflowers are blooming and the best places to see them. Additionally, the reports include wildflower and state nature preserve spotlights.
Though the southern and northern regions of the state may be several weeks apart in bloom time, by mid-April, dozens of wildflower species like spring beauty, bloodroot, squirrel-corn, Virginia bluebells, and trout lily may be just hitting peak bloom. Others, such as Jack-in-the-pulpit, wild geranium, and Solomon’s plume, won’t arrive until early May. Wildflower enthusiasts can keep track of what they see by using ODNR’s Spring Wildflower Checklist.
Ohio native spring wildflowers include trout-lily (L) and spring beauty (R).
ODNR encourages Ohioans to share what’s blooming in their region and share images of native wildflowers on social media using the hashtag #OhioWildflowers and #OhioHeartofitAll. Follow @ohiodnr and @ohionaturalareas on Instagram and Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves on Facebook to learn more about Ohio’s spring wildflowers.
TourismOhio is also celebrating the beauty of Ohio’s spring wildflowers. Visitors can explore guides to the best wildflower viewing spots, discover scenic trails bursting with color, and learn about u-pick flower farms across the state. From the golden daffodils of Lake View Cemetery to the dazzling tulips at Franklin Park Conservatory and the breathtaking wildflower displays in Ohio’s state parks, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a springtime adventure. Discover where to see Ohio in bloom by visiting Ohio.org.
Wildflower enthusiasts can track what they see this spring by using ODNR's Spring Wildflower Checklist. Virginia bluebells (L) and bloodroot (R) are both on the list.