I am in Zone 7 (Northern VA-very different from your location, but I found some native Rhododendrons for VA (Rhododendron maximum) that I planted here and they are thriving. In a year, all five have grown, several have gained three feet in height. I put them in different locations to see which spot they liked best. I was not trying to create a hedge, though. I think planting a hedge of native Rhododendron would be your best bet. They have better survival rates and need less attention once established. Also, better for birds and insects which are in big trouble now. I tried to check for your area, but they are not native in Michigan, but check with your native plant society.

ETA: I waited to respond to see if anyone closer to you answered your post. Hope you don't mind bc I am so far away from you. :-)

So, being naturally curious, I looked for native Michigan shrubs. The Michigan Holly would make a good hedge. You could also plant several of them and have other shrubs interspersed for a mixed border if you like. The holly looks like a pretty shrub, but you would need both a male and a female for berries. works for shade to sun placements which is nice. Link below:

Michigan Holly

Hi cyn427! Thanks for chiming in. I've looked into using various Hollys. I've gotten some feedback in my zone that the bottom of the shrub gets leggy over a few years. Not sure if that is 100% true but since I am planning on a 30' hedge I am nervous about the possibility. I appreciate your suggestion though.

If you have deer issues, they devour holly here.