COLUMBUS, Ohio — The first signs of spring are beginning to emerge across Ohio as native wildflowers start to bloom, bringing color back to forests and natural areas after a long winter.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), early spring wildflowers—known as ephemerals—are now appearing across the state. Species such as skunk cabbage and harbinger-of-spring are among the first to bloom, offering a clear sign that warmer days are ahead.
“Despite Ohio’s very snowy and cold winter, early spring wildflowers are a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner,” said Jeff Johnson, chief of ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
To help residents track the blooms, ODNR has launched its weekly Spring Wildflower Bloom Report, published every Friday through mid-May. The report highlights where flowers are blooming across northern, central, and southern Ohio, along with the best locations to view them.
Ohio’s forests typically see peak wildflower activity from late March through mid-May. By mid-April, flowers like spring beauty, bloodroot, and Virginia bluebells begin to reach peak bloom, while later species such as wild geranium and Jack-in-the-pulpit arrive in early May.
State nature preserves, parks, and forests offer some of the best opportunities to view these blooms, particularly in areas that remain largely undisturbed. ODNR manages more than 150 state nature preserves and encourages visitors to explore responsibly.
Officials are also asking Ohioans to share their wildflower sightings on social media using hashtags like #OhioWildflowers and #OhioHeartOfItAll.
