Spring wildflowers are early bloomers - you have to catch them at the right time to see them. Weekly wildflower bloom reports will be emailed to you through mid-May.
Spotting secretive wildflowers is a refreshing, unique spring activity for the whole family. Get outside this spring and see what you can find.
Not seeing much yet in northern Iowa, except invasive garlic mustard. Silver maple trees are flowering in Buchanan County.
Find skunk cabbage along damp hillsides in Guthrie County. Sharp-lobed hepatica and snow trillium are blooming on south facing hillsides in Jackson County.
Snow trillium and sharp-lobed hepatica are blooming along the trails in Jefferson County Park. Leaves of spring beauty, bloodroot, common blue violet, Dutchman’s breeches and false rue anemone are popping up. Spring beauty has emerged, but is not flowering yet in Marion County.
Snow trillium and sharp-lobed hepatica are blooming in small numbers at Geode State Park in Henry County. Virginia Bluebells are starting to bud on south facing slopes. Find leaves of Virginia waterleaf, Dutchman’s breeches and invasive garlic mustard.
Wayne County woodland plants are emerging; no flower buds yet. Find spring beauty, Jacob’s ladder, Virginia waterleaf, Dutchman’s britches, licorice bedstraw and sweet cicely.
Woodland plants are emerging at Sharon Bluffs State Park in Appanoose County. No flowers or buds yet. Find leaves of spring beauty, Virginia waterleaf, Dutchman’s breeches, catmint and sweet cicely.
Find snow tillium along trail in Martin's Acess in Cherokee County. No blooms found yet in woodlands or prairie at Stone State Park in Woodbury County. Virginia waterleaf is emerging; this plant typically blooms in May. Invasive garlic mustard is emerging.
Spring is a great time to plant trees. Find great tips and resources on how to select, plant and keep trees healthy on the DNR webpage.
Need trees?
Iowa’s trees tell a story of resilience, history, and ecological importance. These towering giants serve as living landmarks, connecting communities to Iowa’s rich forestry heritage while highlighting the vital role trees play in our environment.
Whether you’re nominating a new champion, exploring past winners, or marveling the diversity of Iowa trees, we encourage you to discover and appreciate these extraordinary trees.
