Plant Identification in Maine

Jack-in-the-pulpits are one of about 1,500 plants native to Maine.

The state of Maine has almost 1,500 species of native plants. Common plants include the columbine, jack-in-the-pulpit and milkweed. In addition, there are several varieties of asters, lilies and violets.

Native Haunts

The Native Haunts website hosts information about a wide range of native ferns, perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines that are local to the Sanford/York County, Maine area. Color photos of many plants are included to make identification easier.

Katahdin Outdoors

Katahdin Outdoors maintains a website of wildflowers that can be found at Baxter State Park. The database can be searched by the color of the flower, and colored photos are included to help with identification.

Aquatic Invaders

Maine is concerned with invasive plants that have been brought in from other areas. Invasive plants lead to a loss of native plants and animals. According to the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitors, there are 11 aquatic plant invaders. The group maintains a website that allows people to identify which invader they found.

References

• U. of Maine Cooperative Extension: Native Plants - A Maine Source List
• Maine Volunteer Lake Monitors: Plant Identification Key
• Native Haunts: Phenology For Some Native and Invasive Maine Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees
• Katahdin Outdoors: Wildflowers of Baxter State Park

Resources

• Native Plant: A Starter List of Plants Native to Maine
• Garden Club Federation of Maine: A Guide for Conserving Wild Plants of Maine
• Maine Department of Conservation: Rare Plants
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Gardening to Conserve Maine's Native Landscape: Plants to Use and Plants to Avoid