Explosions of color or delicate, simple works of art…wildflowers beautify our world throughout the seasons. Once the excitement of spring wildflower displays has faded, walk the trails of Lake Metroparks and enjoy summer’s gift of colorful flowers. Some are native to Ohio and grow untended in their favorite habitats. Others are cultivated to benefit wildlife as well as beautify the parks.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Habitat: stream banks and damp meadows
Blooms: summer and early fall
Fast fact: The root of the cardinal flower was used as a potent love charm, especially for elderly ladies.

Cardinal flower

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Habitat: edges of ponds and rivers
Blooms: summer and fall
Fast fact: This aquatic plant is a favorite food for ducks and other water birds and, in Florida, manatees!

Pickerelweed

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Wildlife: hummingbirds, butterflies and other insects
Blooms: summer
Fast fact: Purple coneflower is a favorite nectar source for many kinds of butterflies.

Purple coneflower

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Habitat: fields and meadows
Blooms: summer
Fast fact: Milkweed is the favorite plant of the monarch butterfly; it is home for the eggs and food for both the caterpillar and adult butterfly.

Common milkweed

Turk’s-cap lily (Lilium superbum)

Habitat: damp meadows and floodplains
Blooms: summer
Fast fact: Native Americans used the bulbs of this plant for soup.