Wildflowers near and far

Everyone loves wildflowers. They are prolific – an estimated 20,000 species in the United States, colorful – yellow, pink, blue and beyond, and they grow fuss-free and year-round.

 Explains Natural Lands: “A wildflower is a flower that grows without any help from people, they grow naturally in their environment. People may grow wildflowers in their garden, but most wildflowers are native plants and grow in woods, meadows, wetlands – anywhere they adapted to grow.”

You can travel far to see these U.S.’s colorful natural wonders. Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, Minnesota and California are top destinations. But you don’t have to. Ohio is home to more than a 1,000 different wildflower species, which The Nature Conservancy says are “some of the most interesting and beautiful.”

One noteworthy Ohio location for spring wildflower viewing is Wayne National Forest, specifically Lake Vesuvius Rock House and Wildcat Hollow trail, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

For some of the most beautiful fall wildflower displays, Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends: Shawnee State Park and Forest (Scioto County), Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County), Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve (Adams County), Campbell State Nature Preserve (Lucas County), Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (Stark County), Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve (Erie County) and Stages Pond State Nature Preserve (Pickaway County).

Nearby wildflower sightings

You can find an array of wildflowers right here in Lorain County. 

1. Caley Reservation in Wellington. “Its 529 acres include wetlands, forest, fields and two large ponds. Wellington Creek runs roughly through the middle of the reservation.”
2. Cassell Reservation in Vermilion. “Its 290 acres is a precious natural area with unique geologic features, mature Lake Plain Forest, native prairie openings, and rare plants; a spectacular place to take a walk.”
3. Wellington Reservation. “A beautiful Visitor’s Center sits on the bank of the gorgeous, 21-plus-acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir.”
4. Oberlin Preserve. “The site holds historical significance, having been a stop on the Underground Railroad, and includes the historic home of John A. Copeland, Jr., an abolitionist who participated in the Raid on Harper’s Ferry. Since its initial restoration planting, nearly 600 native wildflower plants, more than 50 native trees and 30 acres of prairie seed have been successfully planted by corporate and community volunteers, as well as students from Oberlin College.”

 Kendal’s wild too

Kendal’s Wildflower Hill is a 4 ½-acre area, home to dozens of different wildflowers along with native grasses and shrubs. The area, which has a walking path through the center and on top of the hill, is accessible from New Russia Township Park and is open to the public.

“It’s literally buzzing with birds, butterflies and bees, and the fall colors are stunning,” says Rachel Duncan, Grounds manager.

Wildflower Hill started out as Mt. Kendal, “a tongue-in-check name for the gentle rise along the northern boundary of the Kendal campus created by soil from the excavation work done for the original buildings, It’s not a mountain by any standard, but it’s the highest point on the campus,” according to “History of Kendal at Oberlin.”

In early years Betty W. and other residents tended the hill, removing invasive species and planting wildflowers. Jill Wettersten (photographed below with Rachel Duncan) moved to Kendal in 2015 and spent the following summer “consumed” by ridding the hill of thistle and teasel.

“It made a difference in that other plants were able to survive,” says Jill, who is a member of the Horticulture Committee.

In recent years the Grounds crew has gotten more involved with the upkeep. Future projects include signage and likely a shady pavilion at the base, Rachel says.

The hill is used daily by walkers, runners, birders and dog owners and on snowy days attracts cross-country skiers. And once a month residents gather for a toast of plum wine to celebrate the rising of the full moon.

In the past, Molly Kavanaugh frequently wrote about Kendal at Oberlin for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where she was a reporter for 16 years. Now we are happy to have her writing for the Kendal at Oberlin Community.

About Kendal at Oberlin: Kendal is a nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40 minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Kendal offers a vibrant resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art and lifelong learning.