The large white flowers of trilliums rank the plant as one of the most well known and beloved spring wildflowers in our region. Their elegant and showy pure white flowers are easily recognizable and can be seen in the woods along the 31 bypass near Fernwood and many other Michigan highways and back roads.

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve outside of Niles near Buchanan, Mich., is celebrating spring, trilliums and wildflowers with a special weekend dedicated to these ephemeral spring beauties.

The rich, moist forests of Fernwood and nearby Trillium Ravine, one of our local Michigan Nature Association Sanctuaries, provide the perfect habitats for a wide variety of trilliums and other spring wildflowers, many of which will be in bloom throughout that weekend.

Learn about the many kinds of trilliums and their characteristics, as well as other common wildflowers in programs offered at Fernwood and Trillium Ravine. Visitors will learn that not all trilliums are white, but all trilliums have leaves, sepals and flower petals in groups of three. Seven trillium species occur naturally in Michigan. Fernwood boasts four native or naturally occurring trilliums and several introduced species from other parts of the country.

On Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m., enjoy a guided walk at Trillium Ravine with Ken Kirton of the Michigan Nature Association. And on Sunday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m., walk along Fernwood’s trails with a naturalist. Wander the woods of Fernwood or hop on the Trillium Trolley to Trillium Ravine from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For a small fee, the trolley will shuttle visitors between Fernwood and Trillium Ravine throughout the afternoon.

Also throughout the weekend, trilliums and other wildflowers will be available for purchase in Fernwood’s Plant Shop.

Wildflower photo tips will be offered by members of Fernwood’s photography club.