Plant of the Week – Podophyllum peltatum
Plant of the Week! Podophyllum peltatum, Mayapple, is popping up in woodlands across the Midwest. The plants consist of either a single large umbrella-shaped leaf at the top of a two foot stem, or a branched stem with two leaves and a 2-3 inch showy flower in the leaf axil. Found in deciduous forests, Mayapples... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Claytonia virginica
Plant of the Week! Another pretty and fleeting wildflower that you may see right now is Claytonia virginica, Spring Beauty. A woodland flower, it can be found in dry to moist deciduous woods, sparsely wooded bluffs, and even urban situations, such as parks and cemeteries. It is a great choice for underplanting or naturalizing into... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Cornus alternifolia
Plant of the Week! A striking tree in every season, Cornus alternifolia, Pagoda Dogwood, is the only Wisconsin Dogwood with alternate leaves. Its strongly horizontal, layered branching habit sets it apart and makes for strong architectural interest. Flat clusters of small white flowers appear in spring, followed by fruits that change from green to red... Learn More
Plant of the Week – Erythronium albidum
Plant of the Week! It’s a special time in southern Wisconsin: now that the snow is gone, spring ephemerals are starting to bloom and can be enjoyed for a short window of time before they become dormant again. Erythronium albidum is one of these fleeting wildflowers. Common names include Trout Lily, Fawn Lily, and Dogtooth... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Pulsatilla patens
Plant of the Week! The Silkie Bantam of the plant world, Pulsatilla patens, Eastern Pasqueflower, is short in stature and has downy hairs covering its leaves, flowers, and seed heads (shown here). The plant will start blooming right around now (the common name refers to its Easter bloom time; “pascal” is Latin for Easter), but... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Prunus serotina
Plant of the Week! Even if you don’t have experience identifying trees by their bark, the bark of a mature Prunus serotina, Black Cherry, is likely to stand out on a hike in the woods. Black Cherry’s bark is very dark in color and flaky, curling away from the trunk in pieces the size and... Learn More
Plant of the Week – Geum triflorum
Plant of the Week! One of the first spring green plants you’re likely to see in a native garden is Geum triflorum, Prairie Smoke. Prairie Smoke’s leaves often survive through winter, becoming a reddish purple color and then greening back up in spring. It is also one of the first prairie plants to flower, sending... Learn More
Plant of the Week – Caltha palustris
Plant of the Week! Spring is officially here, and with it come the ephemeral native flowers that you must be quick to observe! One such ephemeral is Caltha palustris, Marsh Marigold. Marsh Marigold is a low-growing perennial found in wetlands, fens, stream edges, and other consistently wet areas. The glossy leaves and bright flowers are... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Carya cordiformis
Plant of the Week! Most people are familiar with Carya ovata, Shagbark Hickory, but Carya cordiformis, Bitternut Hickory, is actually more widespread. The tree’s range includes the entire eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, the Midwest, and south to Florida and Texas. It is commonly found in wet bottomlands but can also grow in... Learn More
Plant of the Week: Mitchella repens
Plant of the Week! By this time in the season, a lot of people are craving sunshine and green plants. This is when evergreen Mitchella repens, Partridgeberry, shines. A trailing vine, Partridgeberry stretches along the ground, putting down roots as it grows. It is a beautiful groundcover with hearty, glossy emerald leaves that have a... Learn More