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Netanya Sadoff
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Minnesota’s arrowhead region is snugly situated between lake Superior to the south and Canada to the north. This neck of the north woods is home to stunning natural beauty: Countless rivers and streams meander there way down cliffs and over soothing, smooth stones shaped by millennia of erosion. In one direction, the great Lake Superior hugs the far horizon, grey waves set low against the hazy clouds above. In the other direction, a sea of pine and aspen blankets the hills atop sheer cliffs banded with basalt and rust.
For generations, folks have flocked to the North shore to experience the awe-inspiring views, bountiful state parks, and peaceful stone beaches for themselves. However, one aspect of the arrowhead often overlooked by tourists and locals alike is the unique native flora to the region. In this article, we cover many of the native (and some common non-native) summer wildflowers characteristic of the North shore of Lake Superior.
An early colonizer of disturbed areas, pearly everlasting is common in roadsides and recently burned areas of the northern woods. Pearly everlastings have downy white hairs on their stems and leaves. This gives the green parts of the plant a silvery or muted appearance.
If you are looking to add a timeless touch or a pop of silver to your garden, look for this plant at your favorite native garden center. Although most plants on this list are hard to source for your yard, pearly everlasting can be found seasonally.
Fireweed – Chamaenerion angustifolium
If you’re driving down highway 61 in July or August, the fields of pinkish purple flowers you see along the highway are most likely fireweed. A pioneering species, fireweed’s name alludes to the plant’s tendency to be one of the first species to grow after a forest fire sweeps through. This is one of my personal favorite native wildflowers; I love its vibrancy and role in ecological succession!
Pipsissewa – Chimaphila umbellata
Also known as Prince’s Pine, Pipsissewa is a low-lying perennial native to coniferous forests of the North. Like many members of it’s subfamily Pyrolaceae, Pipsissewa is partially myco-heterotrophic, and receives the majority of its nutrition from symbiotic relations with soil fungi. The delicate, nodding pink flowers feel like something out of a fairy tale.
Indian Pipe – Monotropa uniflora
Easily mistaken for a weird mushroom, Indian pipe is one of the most unique-looking plants in Minnesota. As its ghostly appearance my indicate, this plant is entirely lacking in chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize for sustenance. Instead, it uses mycorrhizal fungi in the soil to leech nutrients from the roots of the plants around it. Indian pipe is found in moist, shady forests, appearing after rains that follow long periods of dryness.
Shinleaf – Pyrola elliptica
Closely related to wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and the previously mentioned Pipissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), shinleaf is an evergreen perennial flower of the North woods. Indigenous groups use this delicate wildflower as a topical pain reliever. Similar pyrolas common in the region include Round-leaved Pyrola (Pyrola americana) and Green-flowered Pyrola (Pyrola chlorantha).
Hairy Goldenrod – Solidago hispida
One of the 18+ species of goldenrod found in Minnesota, the hairy goldenrod is rare south of Duluth and even rarer West of the Mississippi River. To find this native in abundance is to search the rocky cliffs and hills just off the coast of Lake Superior. Compared to other goldenrods, the hairy goldenrod is on average much smaller, with a narrow inflorescence of bright yellow and a profusely hairy stem, which its common name stems from (literally!).
Many of the iconic species of the north shore are not in fact native species, but highly invasive (albeit charismatic) flowers instead. Yes— this unfortunately includes the ever-popular lupine famously blanketing the roadsides along highway 61. A few years back, MPR ran an interesting story on this controversial topic, in which lupine was described to have a “moderate” ecological risk: basically, it isn’t as harmful as aggressive ecosystem disrupters like Canada thistle or garlic mustard, but it still is difficult to remove and crowds out native plants in the area.
Invasive bigleaf lupine along the roadside on highway 61.
Source: Derek Montgomery, MPR News
In mid-to-late summer along the north shore, everywhere you look you’ll see this Eurasian import plant. Once a staple of Old World gardens, tansy has grown out of control in the Northeastern corner of Minnesota. This plant is classified as a noxious weed by the MN DNR.
Although rather pretty, eradicate common tansy on your property whenever possible. It is more important to make room for natives to thrive!
Creeping Bellflower – Campanula rapunculoides
What is there that hasn’t been said about creeping bellflower? It spreads like crazy, it’s invasive, and it’s nigh-impossible to get rid of for good. Regrettably, this pariah of the garden world is also found along the north shore, albeit not in as high quantities as its fellow invasive, tansy. In general, creeping bellflower is seen most commonly in towns and villages on Lake Superior’s coast, such as Grand Marais and Two Harbors.
Ox-Eye daisy – Leucanthemum vulgare
Also known as the Marguerite, this iconic flower was brought to Minnesota by European immigrants in the 19th century. As you might expect, the ox-eye daisy is native to Europe, where it was a commonplace in gardens and meadows.
The Ox-eye daisy takes quite well to the Northern Minnesota climate, where it spreads aggressively in disturbed areas. It serves as fodder for some native insects (like the pictured skipper butterfly), but it provides relatively little ecosystem value.
Orange Hawkweed – Hieracium aurantiacum
Another noxious weed of the north shore, Orange Hawkweed is a common roadside sight from Hinkley all the way up to Grand Portage, Minnesota. Originally introduced to this state by way of Duluth, this plant began its slow conquest of the rest of Minnesota by way of road and wind, as it travels both south and west across the state.
Meadow Buttercup – Ranunculus acris
Also called common or tall buttercup. Predictably, it is often found growing near roadsides or in fields or farmland. Once only found in northern Eurasia, the meadow buttercup has naturalized itself throughout the majority of the United States. In Minnesota, this species isn’t classified invasive, but it is still considered a weed.
One final note: Just because some of the species above are listed as invasives, you shouldn’t feel bad for finding them beautiful. For many of these plants, part of the reason they are here in Minnesota to begin with has to do with generations of people loving the look of these flowers. Just as a bee is attracted to a blossom, us humans too love the charismatic floral displays of these plants. However, we must manage invasives in the plant community in order to retain biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency against climate change.
What north shore plants are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Netanya Sadoff is a bold young writer and educator with a passion for all things gardening. A lifelong plant enthusiast, Netanya is delighted to contribute to Northern Gardener as their Marketing Intern since June 2025.
Follow them @Net.Sadoff on Instagram.
The post Wildflowers of Minnesota’s North Shore appeared first on Northern Gardener.
For generations, folks have flocked to the North shore to experience the awe-inspiring views, bountiful state parks, and peaceful stone beaches for themselves. However, one aspect of the arrowhead often overlooked by tourists and locals alike is the unique native flora to the region. In this article, we cover many of the native (and some common non-native) summer wildflowers characteristic of the North shore of Lake Superior.
North Shore Native Wildflowers
Pearly Everlasting – Anaphalis margaritacea
Pearly Everlasting – Anaphalis margaritacea
An early colonizer of disturbed areas, pearly everlasting is common in roadsides and recently burned areas of the northern woods. Pearly everlastings have downy white hairs on their stems and leaves. This gives the green parts of the plant a silvery or muted appearance.
If you are looking to add a timeless touch or a pop of silver to your garden, look for this plant at your favorite native garden center. Although most plants on this list are hard to source for your yard, pearly everlasting can be found seasonally.
Fireweed – Chamaenerion angustifolium
Fireweed – Chamaenerion angustifolium
If you’re driving down highway 61 in July or August, the fields of pinkish purple flowers you see along the highway are most likely fireweed. A pioneering species, fireweed’s name alludes to the plant’s tendency to be one of the first species to grow after a forest fire sweeps through. This is one of my personal favorite native wildflowers; I love its vibrancy and role in ecological succession!
Pipsissewa – Chimaphila umbellata
Pipsissewa – Chimaphila umbellata
Also known as Prince’s Pine, Pipsissewa is a low-lying perennial native to coniferous forests of the North. Like many members of it’s subfamily Pyrolaceae, Pipsissewa is partially myco-heterotrophic, and receives the majority of its nutrition from symbiotic relations with soil fungi. The delicate, nodding pink flowers feel like something out of a fairy tale.
Indian Pipe – Monotropa uniflora
Indian Pipe – Monotropa uniflora
Easily mistaken for a weird mushroom, Indian pipe is one of the most unique-looking plants in Minnesota. As its ghostly appearance my indicate, this plant is entirely lacking in chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize for sustenance. Instead, it uses mycorrhizal fungi in the soil to leech nutrients from the roots of the plants around it. Indian pipe is found in moist, shady forests, appearing after rains that follow long periods of dryness.
Shinleaf – Pyrola elliptica
Shinleaf – Pyrola elliptica
Closely related to wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and the previously mentioned Pipissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), shinleaf is an evergreen perennial flower of the North woods. Indigenous groups use this delicate wildflower as a topical pain reliever. Similar pyrolas common in the region include Round-leaved Pyrola (Pyrola americana) and Green-flowered Pyrola (Pyrola chlorantha).
Hairy Goldenrod – Solidago hispida
Hairy Goldenrod – Solidago hispida
One of the 18+ species of goldenrod found in Minnesota, the hairy goldenrod is rare south of Duluth and even rarer West of the Mississippi River. To find this native in abundance is to search the rocky cliffs and hills just off the coast of Lake Superior. Compared to other goldenrods, the hairy goldenrod is on average much smaller, with a narrow inflorescence of bright yellow and a profusely hairy stem, which its common name stems from (literally!).
Invasive Flora of the North Shore
Many of the iconic species of the north shore are not in fact native species, but highly invasive (albeit charismatic) flowers instead. Yes— this unfortunately includes the ever-popular lupine famously blanketing the roadsides along highway 61. A few years back, MPR ran an interesting story on this controversial topic, in which lupine was described to have a “moderate” ecological risk: basically, it isn’t as harmful as aggressive ecosystem disrupters like Canada thistle or garlic mustard, but it still is difficult to remove and crowds out native plants in the area.
Invasive bigleaf lupine along the roadside on highway 61.
Source: Derek Montgomery, MPR News
North Shore Invasive Plants
Common Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare
Common Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare
In mid-to-late summer along the north shore, everywhere you look you’ll see this Eurasian import plant. Once a staple of Old World gardens, tansy has grown out of control in the Northeastern corner of Minnesota. This plant is classified as a noxious weed by the MN DNR.
Although rather pretty, eradicate common tansy on your property whenever possible. It is more important to make room for natives to thrive!
Creeping Bellflower – Campanula rapunculoides
Creeping Bellflower – Campanula rapunculoides
What is there that hasn’t been said about creeping bellflower? It spreads like crazy, it’s invasive, and it’s nigh-impossible to get rid of for good. Regrettably, this pariah of the garden world is also found along the north shore, albeit not in as high quantities as its fellow invasive, tansy. In general, creeping bellflower is seen most commonly in towns and villages on Lake Superior’s coast, such as Grand Marais and Two Harbors.
Ox-Eye daisy – Leucanthemum vulgare
Ox-eye daisy – Leucanthemum vulgare
Also known as the Marguerite, this iconic flower was brought to Minnesota by European immigrants in the 19th century. As you might expect, the ox-eye daisy is native to Europe, where it was a commonplace in gardens and meadows.
The Ox-eye daisy takes quite well to the Northern Minnesota climate, where it spreads aggressively in disturbed areas. It serves as fodder for some native insects (like the pictured skipper butterfly), but it provides relatively little ecosystem value.
Orange Hawkweed – Hieracium aurantiacum
Orange Hawkweed – Hieracium aurantiacum
Another noxious weed of the north shore, Orange Hawkweed is a common roadside sight from Hinkley all the way up to Grand Portage, Minnesota. Originally introduced to this state by way of Duluth, this plant began its slow conquest of the rest of Minnesota by way of road and wind, as it travels both south and west across the state.
Meadow Buttercup – Ranunculus acris
Meadow Buttercup – Ranunculus acris
Also called common or tall buttercup. Predictably, it is often found growing near roadsides or in fields or farmland. Once only found in northern Eurasia, the meadow buttercup has naturalized itself throughout the majority of the United States. In Minnesota, this species isn’t classified invasive, but it is still considered a weed.
One final note: Just because some of the species above are listed as invasives, you shouldn’t feel bad for finding them beautiful. For many of these plants, part of the reason they are here in Minnesota to begin with has to do with generations of people loving the look of these flowers. Just as a bee is attracted to a blossom, us humans too love the charismatic floral displays of these plants. However, we must manage invasives in the plant community in order to retain biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency against climate change.
What north shore plants are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Netanya Sadoff is a bold young writer and educator with a passion for all things gardening. A lifelong plant enthusiast, Netanya is delighted to contribute to Northern Gardener as their Marketing Intern since June 2025.
Follow them @Net.Sadoff on Instagram.
The post Wildflowers of Minnesota’s North Shore appeared first on Northern Gardener.