Northwest Ohio Rare Plants

One third of all Ohio rare plants are here in Northwest Ohio, specifically the Oak Openings Region. The Oak Openings Region has 180 known rare native plant species. More are being discovered every year.

Two small patches in Oak Openings Preserve
is the only place in Ohio Gay-wings
grows natively

Land management in the Oak Openings Region has played an important role in helping to sustain these rare plants. The Toledo Metroparks continues to purchase private land as part of their conservation efforts.

Private land owners continue to become more aware of land management. This is due in part to programs such as the Nature Conservancy's land registration program.

Since many areas of the Oak Openings Region have been preserved, restored, or untouched these rare plants have been able to survive.

Ohio Rare Plant Gallery

Below is a sampling of some of the rare native plants found here in Northwest Ohio and the Oak Openings Region. Along each name is its status in Ohio:

E - State Endangered
T - State Threatened
P - Potentially Threatened

(Click any image for a larger picture)