The Laurentian Environmental Center is located in northeastern Minnesota, directly in the center of the Arrowhead region. The landscape was molded 10,000 years ago by receding glaciers. The area's soils and vegetation are the result of natural and man-made forces since then. Currently we are at the edge of the northern hardwood forest and the boreal forest. That makes for a great mix of plants from both of these associated plant groupings.

We've collected pictures and information on some of the most common (and uncommon) plants on the Center and surrounding area and present them for your interest. We've combined them into the seasons they flower -- Spring, Summer and Fall -- and then by the habitat they are most commonly found -- Forested, Meadows/Roadsides and Water/Wetlands -- to better aid in your identification efforts (check Plant Key). If you already know the common name of the plant or the Latin name, you can find out more about the plant in the Species section.

And lastly to help you with some of the terms used in describing things like plant parts or growth characteristics, we've put together a glossary of terms. If we've missed a few terms, let us know and we'll gladly add them.