COLUMBUS, OH - The bright yellow blooms of Ohio’s rarest wildflower, the Lakeside daisy, will greet visitors at the next Natural Areas Discovery Series event on Saturday, May 14. Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve will host the open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
The Lakeside daisy is known to grow naturally in only three places worldwide. This globally-rare perennial flourishes where few other plants can - on nearly barren limestone bedrock in full sunlight.
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve on the Marblehead Peninsula in Ottawa County is home to the only remaining natural population of this colorful wildflower in the United States. May is the best time to view these gorgeous blooms at their peak.
Preserve staff and volunteer guides will be on-hand at the open house to answer questions about the Lakeside daisy and some of the other unique plants growing at the 19-acre preserve, including Great Plains ladies’-tresses, butterfly weed, and spiked blazing star.
Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event will be held Saturday, May 21 at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County.