Spring in Ohio is always a beautiful, welcome sight.
As the last traces of winter melt away, the state’s forests, meadows, and wetlands burst into a gorgeous display of wildflowers. While trillium, Ohio’s state wildflower, deserves its time in the spotlight, they’re just one of many incredible species you can find across the state.
Whether you’re an avid botanist or just looking for an excuse to take a scenic hike, here’s where to find some of Ohio’s most spectacular wildflower displays this spring.
Trillium: The Star of the Show
Trillium is one of the most beloved spring wildflowers in Ohio. These delicate three-petaled beauties come in several varieties, including the large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), the endangered painted trillium (T. undulatum), and the nodding trillium (T. cernuum), which is believed to have disappeared from the state.
Where to Find Them:
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Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) – A great spot to see white trilliums blanketing the forest floor.
Hocking Hills State Park (Hocking County) – Look for large-flowered trilliums along the trails near Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls.
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve (Fulton County) – Home to some of the most pristine old-growth forest in Ohio, making it a prime location for spring wildflowers, including trilliums.
More Must-See Wildflowers in Ohio
Ohio’s wildflower season kicks off in southern Ohio around late March and progresses northward through mid-May. If you want to see more than just trilliums, keep an eye out for these colorful blooms:
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)
With its tiny pink-striped petals, Spring Beauty is one of the first flowers to pop up in the season. You can find it at:
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Goll Woods State Nature Preserve (Fulton County)
Shawnee State Forest (Scioto County)
Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba)
This early bloomer ranges in color from purple to pink and can be found at:
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Caesar Creek State Park (Waynesville)
Lake Hope State Park (McArthur)
Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
A tall, vibrant purple flower, Prairie Ironweed thrives in wetlands and prairies:
Sycamore State Park (Trotwood)
Paint Creek State Park (Bainbridge) – Milkweed Meadow Nature Trail
Wildflower Hikes and Events
Want to experience these floral wonders up close? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) hosts guided wildflower hikes throughout the season. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
- April 12 – Wildflower Extravaganza at Whipple State Nature Preserve
- April 26 – Spring into Wildflowers at Cowan Lake State Park
- May 1 – Wildflower Walk for Kids at Caesar Creek State Park
Get Involved!
If you’re passionate about Ohio’s wildflowers, consider tracking your sightings using ODNR’s Wildflower Checklist. Looking for a fun activity with the kids? Download Ohio’s Spring Wildflower Activity Book to make learning about native plants even more exciting.
From forest floors to botanical gardens, Ohio’s wildflowers are a stunning reminder of nature’s beauty. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to chase the bloom this spring!
