Courtesy Photo The rare and endangered dwarf lake iris is starting to bloom at the Misery Bay Nature Preserve north of Alpena.

ALPENA ­– The dwarf lake iris, a rare wildflower, grows in abundance at the Misery Bay Nature Preserve every spring in May. This small purple iris carpets the woodland floor and Lake Huron shores denying the fact that it is rare and endangered. It is also the designated Michigan State Wildflower – quite the celebrity. The iris blooms from mid May to early June.

Visitors and local people are fortunate that they can find displays of the iris growing in the Misery Bay Nature Preserve. The preserve is located at the east end of Misery Bay Road. Drive north on Ford Road almost to the end of Misery Bay Road, where you will see a sign on the left. It is open dawn to dusk for self-guided walks using a brochure that is available at the entrance.