2024 Chicago Spring Wildflower Slideshow Preview
“Taking a walk in nature is the best medicine.”
In early May, Black Partridge Woods becomes an emerald dream. And ChicagoNatureNOW! brings moments like this to you every week from April through September. The new season is upon us, and this is the perfect time to help by donating here.*
See the slideshow below for a preview of spring wildflowers. (Please be patient, it can take a little time to load.)
Now that spring is in the air, we can finally get outside and get a dose of the best medicine around. Nature! Right now, you can experience the solitude of nature and find delight in Mother Nature’s whimsical surprises and creations, like the otherworldly skunk cabbage that generates its own heat to melt the late-winter snow. (Learn about where to find it.) Beginning in April, Chicago nature will put on a show in the muddy bottoms of some woodlands, with the emergence of marsh marigolds. Soon after will come performances from an array of diminutive spring wildflowers, like cutleaf toothwort, Dutchman’s breeches, and spring beauty. And as the month ends, a flourish as endless expanses of Virginia bluebells fill woodlands with a smell that I can only describe as a fragrant, floral Chanel version of Froot Loops cereal. And this is just the first month of spring. See the slideshow below for a preview of spring wildflowers.
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April begins our sixth season of ChicagoNatureNOW!. Each week over the six-month growing season (early April through late September), you can use this website to experience breathtaking displays of wildflowers around Chicago.
In the meantime, here’s an interactive slideshow (which takes a few seconds to download) that foretells a beautiful future for us all:
Chicago Nature
Spring Preview
Skunk Cabbage
When skunk cabbage sprouts in late February, we know that spring is on the way.
When skunk cabbage sprouts in late February, we know that spring is on the way.
When skunk cabbage sprouts in late February, we know that spring is on the way.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage's burgundy spathe becomes more conspicuous as it grows larger and produces its heat-generating yellow flower head, known as a spadix. The spadix warms the air with the foul odor of a dead animal to lure pollinating insects.
Skunk cabbage's burgundy spathe becomes more conspicuous as it grows larger and produces its heat-generating yellow flower head, known as a spadix. The spadix warms the air with the foul odor of a dead animal to lure pollinating insects.
Skunk cabbage's burgundy spathe becomes more conspicuous as it grows larger and produces its heat-generating yellow flower head, known as a spadix. The spadix warms the air with the foul odor of a dead animal to lure pollinating insects.
Skunk Cabbage
These tender leaves of skunk cabbage will soon develop into giants, up to two feet long and one foot wide.
These tender leaves of skunk cabbage will soon develop into giants, up to two feet long and one foot wide.
These tender leaves of skunk cabbage will soon develop into giants, up to two feet long and one foot wide.
Skunk Cabbage
It's springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering.
It's springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering.
It's springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering.
Sharp-Lobed Hepatica
After skunk cabbage rises, sharp-lobed hepatica is the next plant to bloom around the Chicago region, like here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.
After skunk cabbage rises, sharp-lobed hepatica is the next plant to bloom around the Chicago region, like here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.
After skunk cabbage rises, sharp-lobed hepatica is the next plant to bloom around the Chicago region, like here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.
Marsh Marigold
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.
Toothwort
In April, the woodland floor at O'Hara Woods explodes with spring ephemerals including flowers like toothwort.
In April, the woodland floor at O'Hara Woods explodes with spring ephemerals including flowers like toothwort.
In April, the woodland floor at O'Hara Woods explodes with spring ephemerals including flowers like toothwort.
Dutchman's Breeches
Dutchman's breeches with its beautiful foliage at O'Hara Woods.
Dutchman's breeches with its beautiful foliage at O'Hara Woods.
Dutchman's breeches with its beautiful foliage at O'Hara Woods.
Virginia Bluebell
Virginia bluebells can be found in profusion at a few of our southern woodlands.
Virginia bluebells can be found in profusion at a few of our southern woodlands.
Virginia bluebells can be found in profusion at a few of our southern woodlands.
Virginia Bluebell
April at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen features a breathtaking display of Virginia bluebells.
April at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen features a breathtaking display of Virginia bluebells.
April at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen features a breathtaking display of Virginia bluebells.
Virginia Bluebell
Come to Pilcher Park in April for the dramatic performance starring Virginia bluebells.
Come to Pilcher Park in April for the dramatic performance starring Virginia bluebells.
Come to Pilcher Park in April for the dramatic performance starring Virginia bluebells.
Virginia Bluebell
At O'Hara Woods in Romeoville, the April sun rises to warm the springtime woodland brimming with Virginia bluebells.
At O'Hara Woods in Romeoville, the April sun rises to warm the springtime woodland brimming with Virginia bluebells.
At O'Hara Woods in Romeoville, the April sun rises to warm the springtime woodland brimming with Virginia bluebells.
Mayapple
At Black Partridge Woods, take a look underneath the fanning mayapple leaf, and you may find a hidden waxy, white bloom. You may also discover a burgundy flower hiding beneath the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger.
At Black Partridge Woods, take a look underneath the fanning mayapple leaf, and you may find a hidden waxy, white bloom. You may also discover a burgundy flower hiding beneath the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger.
At Black Partridge Woods, take a look underneath the fanning mayapple leaf, and you may find a hidden waxy, white bloom. You may also discover a burgundy flower hiding beneath the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger.
Starry False Solomon's Seal
At Black Partridge Woods, springtime brings greens of every shade to the woodland floor, including skunk cabbage, wild ginger, starry false Solomon's seal.
At Black Partridge Woods, springtime brings greens of every shade to the woodland floor, including skunk cabbage, wild ginger, starry false Solomon's seal.
At Black Partridge Woods, springtime brings greens of every shade to the woodland floor, including skunk cabbage, wild ginger, starry false Solomon's seal.
Wild Geranium
You can find wild geranium at all featured woodlands. Here, at Black Partridge Woods, the pink blooms float above its star-shaped foliage.
You can find wild geranium at all featured woodlands. Here, at Black Partridge Woods, the pink blooms float above its star-shaped foliage.
You can find wild geranium at all featured woodlands. Here, at Black Partridge Woods, the pink blooms float above its star-shaped foliage.
Large-flowered Trillium
In late April to early May, large-flowered trillium carpet the woodland floor at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen.
In late April to early May, large-flowered trillium carpet the woodland floor at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen.
In late April to early May, large-flowered trillium carpet the woodland floor at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen.
Large-flowered Trillium
In May, large-flowered trillium cover the woodland floor at Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park.
In May, large-flowered trillium cover the woodland floor at Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park.
In May, large-flowered trillium cover the woodland floor at Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Pembroke Savanna
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare bird-foot violet.
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare bird-foot violet.
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare bird-foot violet.
Wild Hyacinth
Each May, wild hyacinths bloom in the oak savanna at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester.
Each May, wild hyacinths bloom in the oak savanna at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester.
Each May, wild hyacinths bloom in the oak savanna at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester.
Shooting Star
In May, Chiwaukee Prairie offers a breathtaking display of shooting stars.
In May, Chiwaukee Prairie offers a breathtaking display of shooting stars.
In May, Chiwaukee Prairie offers a breathtaking display of shooting stars.
Hoary Puccoon
At Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, hoary puccoon blooms in here in the dunes and also throughout the sandy preserve
At Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, hoary puccoon blooms in here in the dunes and also throughout the sandy preserve
At Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, hoary puccoon blooms in here in the dunes and also throughout the sandy preserve
Wild Lupine
In the savanna at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, blue lupines share precious space with hoary puccoon.
In the savanna at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, blue lupines share precious space with hoary puccoon.
In the savanna at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, blue lupines share precious space with hoary puccoon.
Wild Lupine
Wild lupine bloom on the dunes of this black oak savanna at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Wild lupine bloom on the dunes of this black oak savanna at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Wild lupine bloom on the dunes of this black oak savanna at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Sand Coreopsis
In a celebration of life, blooms of sand coreopsis spread with golden joy along the banks of the Dead River at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion.
In a celebration of life, blooms of sand coreopsis spread with golden joy along the banks of the Dead River at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion.
In a celebration of life, blooms of sand coreopsis spread with golden joy along the banks of the Dead River at Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion.
Sand Coreopsis & New Jersey Tea
On this morning in late May, blooms of golden coreopsis and New Jersey tea are set aglow alongside shimmering spider webs that cling to last year’s grasses.
On this morning in late May, blooms of golden coreopsis and New Jersey tea are set aglow alongside shimmering spider webs that cling to last year’s grasses.
On this morning in late May, blooms of golden coreopsis and New Jersey tea are set aglow alongside shimmering spider webs that cling to last year’s grasses.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Purple pale coneflowers, scurfy pea, and porcupine grass at Belmont Prairie in Downers Grove.
Purple pale coneflowers, scurfy pea, and porcupine grass at Belmont Prairie in Downers Grove.
Purple pale coneflowers, scurfy pea, and porcupine grass at Belmont Prairie in Downers Grove.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale purple coneflowers rise above the prairie at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin.
Pale purple coneflowers rise above the prairie at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin.
Pale purple coneflowers rise above the prairie at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin.
Foxglove Beardtongue
The spring prairie at Spears Woods in Willow Springs provides a dreamy show of foxglove beardtongue.
The spring prairie at Spears Woods in Willow Springs provides a dreamy show of foxglove beardtongue.
The spring prairie at Spears Woods in Willow Springs provides a dreamy show of foxglove beardtongue.
Foxglove Beardtongue
At Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, pearl blossoms of foxglove beardtongue catch the morning rays and a new day awakens.
At Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, pearl blossoms of foxglove beardtongue catch the morning rays and a new day awakens.
At Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, pearl blossoms of foxglove beardtongue catch the morning rays and a new day awakens.
