Baby’s Breath

lschultz • November 19, 2019

At first glance, you might recognize Baby’s Breath, its the little white flower that is usually used as a filler flower in bouquets at special events. Very few people know the true negative impact this small flower has had on the dunes regions in the Great Lakes Region particularly along Lake Michigan.

The origin of Babys Breath is uncertain some say a florist in Frankfort Michigan found it and started to use it and its popularity spread nationwide, but that is basically Michigan lore at this point. We do know that its original origins are from Europe and most likely made its way over to North American through humans. What we do know is that it is very established in the dune regions in Michigan and it is causing massiveproblems.

It starts with the structure of the plant. Baby’s Breath has a long and sturdy taproot that when fully matured can reach a few feet into the dunes, this anchors the entire root systems. Then above ground, there is an entire shrub that can grow up to about 3 feet tall it flowers and then once the flowering season has come to an end, the bush snaps off and basically becomes a tumbleweed and with the help of the wind, it disperses the seeds all over the dunes. This distribution method makes monocultures of Babys Breath a very real problem around Lake Michigan. Once the plant is established, Baby’s Breath can spread quickly by its many windblown seeds, since there can be up to 13,000 seeds per plant. Baby’s Breath out-competes native plants and takes over their habitat while providing no food or habitat for native wildlife. Its threatening native plants like wormwood, broomrape, and the threatened Pitcher’s thistle.

According to the Detroit Free Press who recently published an article on this plant,” Invasive plants, such as baby’s breath, often result in the loss of native plants in the dunes that eventually transition into a “closed-canopy forest,” or trees and leaves form a ceiling. ” This is a massive problem when it comes to the biodiversity and ecology of this fragile and ever-evolving region in the Great Lakes.

“It can change the dunes and choke out native plants,” said Katie Grzesiak, invasive species network coordinator with Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (MISIN).

The best way to dispose of Baby’s Breathe is to manually remove the top of the taproot by severing it with a shovel and then disposing of the rest of the plant. The chemical application can also be a successful way of preventing the spread of this invasive. Education is the first step to know what is native to Michigan and what is not. You can get more information here !

Recent Posts

March 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap

Leaping into World Frog Day: Blanchard's Cricket Frog

By Olivia Triltsch • March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.

MUCC Celebrates Conservation Leaders at 2025 Annual Awards Banquet

By Tyler Mehigh • March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: