Maple, birch, hemlock, aspen, spruce, and fir dominate in the upper peninsula while only maple, birch, aspen, pine, and beech are found in the lower. Over the years, elms have largely disappeared because of the ravages of disease, while the white pine (the state tree) and red pine, which were main objects of logging operations, have been replaced in cutover lands by aspen and birch. Intensive agricultural development, and urban industrial growth, leveled much of this region's forests.
Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blueberries, and cranberries are among the fruit-bearing plants and shrubs that grow wild in many areas of the state. Mushrooms and wild asparagus are also found in Michigan. The state flower, the apple blossom, and wild flowers also abound, with as many as 400 varieties found in a single county. Eight Michigan plant species including the American hart's-tongue fern, dwarf lake iris, Michigan Monkey-flower, and Eastern prairie fringed orchid were listed as threatened or endangered as of 2003,
Michigan's fauna, like its flora, has been greatly affected by settlement and by intensive hunting and fishing. Moose are now confined to Isle Royale, as are nearly all the remaining wolves, which once roamed throughout the state. There is no evidence that the state's namesake, the wolverine, was ever found in Michigan, at least in historic times. Despite intensive hunting, the deer population remains high. Other game animals include the common cottontail, snowshoe hare, raccoon, and various squirrels are also common in Michigan. More than 300 types of birds have been found in the state. Aside from the robin (the state bird), the most notable bird is Kirtland's warbler. Ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, American woodcock, and various ducks and geese are hunted extensively.
In 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed 13 Michigan animals as threatened or endangered. These included the Indiana bat, two species of beetle, two species of butterfly, gray wolf, bald eagle, piping plover, and Kirland's warbler.
