Woodland Wildflowers

This time of year is ideal for observing the many beautiful wildflower species in Maine. While many people think of wildflowers growing in fields, meadows, roadsides, and other open areas, there are also many wildflowers that may be found in the forest. Here are some of the wildflowers that you can find along the Shore Trail, near Flagstaff Lake Hut. All of the flowers were observed on May 21, 2025.

Painted Trillium

Painted trillium (Trillium undulatum) is one of the more striking wildflowers that you will see along the trail. Although there are a variety of different varieties of trillium that grow in the region, painted trillium is the only one which can be seen along the Shore Trail. The flower is native to much of eastern North America and spreads via underground rhizomes connecting the plants.

Hobblebush

Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides) is a common shrub which also can be found across much of eastern North America. The shrubs can sometimes form dense thickets in the forest understory. In the spring, the white to pink flowers are of two very different sizes. The hobblebush can form roots where its branches touch the group, hence the name ‘hobblebush.’

Canada Mayflower

While it wasn’t quite in bloom yet, the Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) was showing signs of blooming soon. The small plant is very common across much of eastern and northern North America, and may sometimes be a simple as a single leaf protruding from the forest floor. They produce clusters of tiny while flowers during spring and early summer.

Small White Violet

The small white violet (Viola macloskeyi) may have a very practical name, but the plant produces beautiful two-toned flowers on delicate stems. They can be found across much of northern North America, and, similar to the Canada mayflower, may be as simple as a leaf protruding from the forest floor, on non-flowering plants. Only one patch of these violets was observed along the shore trail, and they were growing in a wet, boggy area.

Rhodora

Rhodora (Rhododendron canadense) can be found along the shore of Flagstaff Lake near the viewpoint where the boat launch is for Flagstaff Lake Hut. They are one of the few species of rhododendron that can be found in Maine, and they produce striking purple flowers. An unusual observation you may make about rhodora is that most of the flowers are on shrubs that don’t have any leaves on them yet. Rhodoras usually do not form their leaves until after their flowers have bloomed and wilted. Rhodora can be found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.

Threeleaf Goldthread

You will have to look carefully for the threeleaf goldthread (Coptis trifolia); these tiny plants form intricate miniature flowers among the leaf litter on the forest floor. They prefer colder climate and can be found across northern North America, as well as northeastern Asia. They are considered a medicinal plant by many Native American tribes, and has been chewed to help alleviate canker sores and well as reduce cold and flu symptoms, among other purported uses.

We hope you get the chance to get out this weekend to find some wildflowers wherever you might be, or, better yet, take a walk down the Shore Trail and see if you can spot all of the flowers listed here! Did you find a flower that we didn’t describe here? Let us know!