Seneca Snakeroot (Polygala senega)

Seneca snakeroot, or Polygala senega, is a perennial herb that grows between 10 to 18 inches tall. Its flowers are arranged in spike-like racemes at the tip of the stem, with each flower measuring about 1/6 inch long and featuring white to greenish-white petals with a fringed crest. The leaves range from 1 to 3 inches long and 1/3 to 1 1/3 inch wide, appearing linear to lance-elliptic and widest at or below the middle, with a hairless or minutely hairy surface. This plant thrives in full or partial sun and prefers dry to mesic conditions with sandy or rocky soil. Seneca snakeroot is commonly found in prairies, stream banks, and woodland openings, particularly in areas with well-drained soils.

Senega snakeroot has traditionally been used as a cure for snakebite by native Americans.  It was used for earaches, toothaches, sore throats, croup and colds. Its main use today is as an expectorant in cough syrups, teas and lozenges, and as a gargle for sore throats. It has also been used in larger doses as an emetic and cathartic. To propagate from seed requires cold stratification for 60 days before planting, and shows a 60 - 80 percent germination rate. It can also be propagated from cuttings. (LS)

Smooth Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis)

     

    

      

Smooth Sweet Cicely

Smooth sweet cicely (Osmorhiza glabrata) is a native, perennial wildflower in Wisconsin, typically reaching heights of one to three feet. It produces small, white flowers about 1/8 inch wide, which are arranged in flat clusters (umbels) at the top of the plant and along branching stems. Each flower consists of five white petals, five white-tipped stamens, and two elongated white styles that exceed the length of the petals. The leaves are lush, fern-like, and compound, measuring three to six inches in length. They are divided into three parts, with each section further subdivided into smaller segments, creating an intricate and delicate appearance. This plant thrives in rich woods and wooded slopes, preferring moist, well-drained soil with shade to partial shade, and it serves as an important food source for pollinators such as bees, flies, wasps, and moths.

Smooth sweet cicely favors soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, though it can tolerate a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Consistent moisture is crucial for its health, but excessive wetness should be avoided. It propagates mainly through seeds, which take anywhere from 14 to 30 days to germinate depending on soil conditions. Division of established plants is another effective propagation method, typically performed in early spring or fall. While stem cuttings are sometimes used for propagation, they are far less reliable than seeds or division. When planting, seeds should be placed one to two inches deep and spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow. The plant has a lifespan of three to five years, making it a dependable addition to gardens where its delicate, anise-like fragrance and medicinal qualities can be appreciated. Light fertilization in early spring promotes healthy development, and its adaptability to shaded landscapes makes it a valuable choice for naturalistic plantings and pollinator support. (LS)  

     

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

      The Wild Geranium has five-petaled flowers at the top of its leafy stem, one to three feet tall. Its lavender, one to 1-1/2-inch flowers are in loose clusters of two to five at the ends of branches above a pair of deeply cut five to seven-lobed leaves. The basal leaves are four to five inches long, deeply toothed and coarsely veined. Wild Geraniums grow in shade and part shade in dry or moist woodlands, woodland edges, and shaded meadows. (LS)   

Wild Calla (Calla palustris)

Top photo by Carla Wells

     Wild Calla (Calla palustris) Wild Calla is a wetland wildflower native to the northern states of eastern United States, as well as Alaska and Canada. It grows from six to 16 inches tall. The flower is a single cylindrical spike sheathed by a smooth, waxy, oval petal-like spathe, at the end of a stout stem arising three to 12 inches above the waterline. The spathe is broadly oval to elliptic, creamy white, one to three inches long and about an inch wide. The leaves are heart-shaped, waxy smooth, and curling inward with basal lobes and edges. Wild Calla grows in part shade or sun in bogs, swamps, wet ditches, and shallow water. (LS)

Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)

 

Canada Mayflower 

Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) is a delicate, native perennial wildflower found in Wisconsin and much of the northeastern United States. This small plant, reaching only three to five inches in height, thrives in cool temperatures and moist soils, making it a common sight in damp, mossy wooded areas and rich forests. It prefers shade or part shade, often flourishing under the protective canopy of trees.

The flowers of Canada mayflower are tiny and star-shaped.Typically, each bloom consists of two petals and two sepals, which are often white or cream-colored. Their arrangement gives the appearance of a tiny bell. The leaves are simple and alternate along the stem, oval or elliptical in shape, and range from two to four inches in length. Each node on the stem produces a single leaf, creating a distinctive pattern.

Beyond this, Canada mayflower plays an important ecological role. It spreads through underground rhizomes, forming dense colonies that help stabilize forest soils and prevent erosion. The plant also provides food for various wildlife species. Its berries, which transition from green to a dull red with white speckles, are consumed by birds and small mammals, including ruffed grouse, mice, and chipmunks. 

Canada mayflower is also valuable in garden settings, particularly for those looking to cultivate native plants. It serves as an excellent groundcover for shaded areas, adapting well to a variety of soil types. Because it spreads by rhizomes, it can create a lush, low-growing carpet in woodland gardens. Its ability to thrive in both moist and dry conditions makes it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking to enhance biodiversity while maintaining a natural aesthetic. (LS)

Gaywings (Polygaloides paucifolia)

 

Photo by Judith Kozminski

    Gaywings, also known as Fringed Polygala,(Polygaloides paucifolia) is  a wildflower native to Wisconsin and much of the northeastern United States. It is a perennial plant that thrives in dry to moist conifer forests, often under pines, and prefers part shade to shade. It is a small plant, reaching only three to seven inches in height. Each plant produces one to four deep pink to nearly white blossoms, each less than an inch wide. The flowers have two oval sepals that resemble petals and flare out like wings, giving them their distinctive appearance. The leaves are crowded toward the tip of the stem, elliptic in shape, with toothless edges that are often fringed with short hairs. Their bloom time is typically in the spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to the forest floor.

In addition to attracting pollinators with their nectar, gaywings play another important ecological role. Like many spring wildflowers, they rely on ants for seed dispersal, a strategy known as myrmecochory. Their seeds have nutrient-rich attachments called elaiosomes that attract ants, which then carry the seeds into their nests. The ants consume the elaiosomes, leaving the seeds to germinate underground, far from the parent plant. This process helps maintain genetic diversity and ensures the continued spread of the species.

They can also be successfully grown in shade gardens. They thrive in acidic, well-drained, organic soils and do best when planted without competition from aggressive species. Their slow-growing, semi-evergreen nature makes them an excellent groundcover for woodland gardens.  (LS)

American Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis)

American fly honeysuckle is a flowering, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of 24 to 72 inches. Its light yellow, tubular flowers bloom in late spring, appearing in pairs and measuring about ½ to ¾ inch long. The leaves are simple, light green, and range from 1½ to 3½ inches in length, growing in opposite pairs along the branches. The shrub’s stems are loosely branched, with light brown to brownish-gray bark, while its twigs can vary from green to purplish. This honeysuckle thrives in moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate rocky or gravelly conditions. It prefers partial shade to full sun, making it adaptable to different environments. It is commonly found in shady woodlands, stream banks, forest edges, and rich understory areas. (LS)

 

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata)

     Cream Wild Indigo

 (Baptisia bracteata)

Cream Wild Indigo is a perennial native to Wisconsin that grows one to two feet tall, with creamy yellow, pea-shaped flowers arranged along dense, cascading racemes that droop gracefully toward the ground. This bushy plant, which can spread up to three feet wide, has round, light green stems that branch occasionally. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are divided into three leaflets, each one to three inches long and up to an inch across. The leaflets have smooth margins and are typically lance-shaped, with the more pointed end at the base.  

Thriving in prairies and open woodlands, Cream Wild Indigo prefers sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. In Wisconsin, it typically blooms from May to June, making it one of the earliest prairie species to flower. This early bloom provides essential nectar for queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation. The flowers eventually develop into inconspicuous light green seed pods, which turn blue-black in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.  

This plant serves as a larval host for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing (*Erynnis baptisiae*), the Hoary Edge (*Achalarus lyciades*), and the Orange Sulphur (*Colias eurytheme*). As a member of the legume family, Cream Wild Indigo plays a role in nitrogen fixation, benefiting the surrounding plant community.  

Despite its delicate appearance, Cream Wild Indigo is a hardy plant that tolerates poor soils and drought conditions once established. Its deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant, so it is best left undisturbed in its chosen location. The plant’s velvety leaves and attractive seed pods provide interest throughout the seasons, turning almost black after a frost. (LS)

 

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba)

White Wild Indigo

White wild indigo (Baptisia alba) is a native perennial wildflower found in Wisconsin and throughout much of the central and eastern United States. This hardy plant grows three to four feet tall, with tall, erect stems that support long spikes of pea-shaped flowers resembling lupine. Each individual flower is about an inch long, creating a showy display that attracts pollinators and brightens prairies, open woodlands, and roadsides.

The foliage of white wild indigo is equally distinctive. Its bluish-green compound leaves are divided into three leaflets, each ranging from two to four inches in length. This unique leaf structure contributes to the plant’s ability to withstand drought and poor soil conditions, making it a resilient addition to natural landscapes.

Additionally, white wild indigo plays an essential ecological role. As a member of the legume family, it helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, enriching the surrounding environment for other plants. It is also a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in prairie ecosystems. Plus, the plant serves as a host for the larvae of the wild indigo duskywing butterfly.

In garden settings, white wild indigo is a fantastic choice for those looking to cultivate native plants. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, as it is highly resistant to drought, deer, and disease. Its deep root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control, particularly in prairie restorations and roadside plantings. (LS)

Bunchberry Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

Photo by Jan Tezlaff

Bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis) is a low-growing perennial native to northern North America, including Wisconsin, as well as much of Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. This resilient plant thrives in cool, damp, and shady woodlands, often found beneath towering trees and shrubs.

Typically reaching just six to nine inches in height, bunchberry dogwood forms a dense, ground-covering mat. Its delicate flowers, only a few millimeters in diameter, bloom in late spring to early summer. These tiny blossoms feature creamy white, star-shaped petals. The short-stalked leaves measure around three inches long and two inches wide, with a distinct wedge-shaped base and abruptly pointed tips. A key characteristic of bunchberry dogwood is its veining—unlike many plants, its veins curve outward toward the leaf tip.

Bunchberry dogwood plays an essential role in forest ecosystems, providing food for wildlife. In late summer, clusters of bright red berries appear, which serve as a food source for birds and small mammals. Additionally, this native plant holds value as a garden addition, particularly in shaded landscapes. Its ability to spread and form a dense carpet makes it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, while its delicate flowers and vibrant berries contribute to its ornamental appeal.

(LS)

Solomon's Plume (Maianthemum racemosum)

     False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

False Solomon's Seal is a native wildflower found in Wisconsin. It has tiny, star-shaped, creamy white flowers that grow in clusters, three to five inches long, at the end of a single long arching stem. The leaves are oval, three to six inches long, alternating, and stalkless. The leaves have conspicuously parallel veins. It grows one to three feet tall, and spreads by rhizomes often forming large colonies. It grows in shade in deciduous woodlands. Birds and rodents eat its berries which turn from green to red as they ripen. (LS)

Veiny Pea (Lathyrus venosus)

     The Veiny Pea is a native, perennial wildflower. It can grow to 40 inches tall. It has pea-shaped flowers that are bi-colored, with a richly lavender and pink upper lip and pale pink lower petals. The flowers have distinct veins on the upper lip. The leaves are compound with four to seven leaflet pairs. The leaves are oval to oblong-elliptic, rounded at both ends, and can be finely hairy or nearly smooth. It grows in dry open woodlands, thickets, and moist to wet soils. (LS)

Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annus)

 

  Photo by Gary Kurtz

Annual Fleabane, scientifically known as Erigeron annuus, is a native wildflower in Wisconsin that thrives in disturbed areas such as pastures, abandoned fields, roadsides, and railways. This adaptable plant grows between one and five feet tall, producing delicate aster-like flowers in the spring. Each flower features a bright yellow center composed of tubular disk florets, surrounded by 80 to 125 narrow rays that range in color from white to pale lavender. The flowers, measuring about half an inch to one inch in diameter, create a soft, airy appearance that adds charm to natural landscapes.

The foliage of Annual Fleabane is equally distinctive. Its leaves are alternate and sessile, meaning they lack a stalk and attach directly to the stem. The lower leaves, which are broader and coarsely toothed, typically grow between two and four inches long and up to two inches wide. In contrast, the upper leaves are narrower, often without teeth, and can reach up to five inches in length. The plant’s green stems are sparsely hairy, contributing to its slightly rough texture.

In Wisconsin, Annual Fleabane plays an important role in both gardens and ecological restoration projects. Its ability to thrive in disturbed soils makes it a valuable pioneer species, helping to stabilize and enrich degraded landscapes. It is often one of the first native plants to return to areas undergoing restoration, outcompeting invasive species and supporting local biodiversity. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and small wasps, making it a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens. Additionally, its presence in naturalized areas contributes to habitat restoration efforts, providing food and shelter for insects and other wildlife. Whether growing in wild spaces or incorporated into native plant gardens, Annual Fleabane enhances the environment with its resilience and ecological benefits. (LS) 

Slender Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis dellenii)

Wood Sorrel is a native, perennial wildflower in Wisconsin that brings a splash of vibrant yellow to prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas, and woodland edges. Growing between six and fifteen inches tall, its delicate half-inch-wide flowers, each with five petals, brighten the landscape. The plant's clover-like leaves make it easy to identify, and they contribute to its reputation among gardeners.

While some gardeners appreciate Wood Sorrel for its resilience and ability to thrive in dry soils under full sun, others see it as a persistent guest in their gardens. Its rapid growth and tendency to spread can make it feel more like an enthusiastic wanderer than a planned addition. However, those who embrace its presence recognize its charm—not only for its cheerful appearance but also for its edible qualities. The leaves and stems have a distinct lemony tang, often used in salads or as a garnish, making it a natural treasure for foragers and culinary enthusiasts.

(LS)

Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

     The Red Columbine is a perennial, native wildflower that gets about two feet tall. It develops a drooping, red and yellow flower with upward spurred petals alternating with spreading, colored sepals and numerous yellow stamens hanging below the petals. The compound leaves are divided into three round lobes. It likes part shade to shade in sandy, well-drained soil in deciduous woodlands and woodland edges. (LS)

Star Flower (Trientalis borealis)

Starflower (Trientalis borealis) is a native perennial wildflower found in Wisconsin and much of the northeastern United States. It thrives in wet conifer and deciduous forests, where its slender stems and elegant blooms add a subtle beauty to the woodland floor. Growing between four and eight inches tall, starflower is a small but striking presence in shaded environments.

The flowers of starflower are distinctive, typically appearing as one or two star-shaped, white blossoms that sit atop delicate stalks above the leaves. Each flower measures about half an inch wide and features seven sharply pointed petals, giving it a unique symmetry. The leaves are arranged in a whorl of five to seven and are lance-shaped, forming a graceful backdrop to the blooms.

Additionally, starflower plays an important ecological role. It provides nectar for native bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in forested habitats. The plant spreads through underground rhizomes, allowing it to form small colonies that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Its presence in rich, moist woodlands contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.

In garden settings, starflower can be a good addition to shaded landscapes. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and prefers dappled light, making it well-suited for woodland gardens. While it is not commonly cultivated on a large scale, it can be grown from seed or transplanted from nursery stock. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and adds a naturalistic touch to shaded areas. (LS)

Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Ohio spiderwort is a wildflower native to Wisconsin. It will start bloomng later n May. It grows one to three feet tall. Its flowers have three petals and six hairy yellow-tipped stamens. The flowers can be blue to purple, sometimes pink or nearly white. They grow in terminal clusters of up to 20 at the top of erect stems with long, slender, leaf-like bracts below each cluster. The leaves are long, narrow, and grass-like. They grow in a clump at the base of the stem and are eight to 16 inches long and less than an inch wide. It grows best in sunny, moist, well drained areas, but is highly adaptable. (LS)

Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)

     Spreading Dogbane, a native perennial, reaches a height of one to four feet. The flowers appear in groups of two to 10. They are about 1/4 inch wide, bell-shaped, and white with pink stripes. Five petals fuse together to form the bell. The plant has simple, oval, toothless leaves that are two to four inches long, often with wavy edges. It grows in dry, sunny areas along roads and deciduous woodland edges. (LS)

 

Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)

 

Cow Parsnip

Cow parsnip, or Heracleum maximum, is a wildflower native to North America, including Wisconsin. It can reach heights of 4 to 10 feet. It bears large, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers, with each cluster—or umbel—spanning 4 to 12 inches across. Each tiny flower is about a quarter inch wide, with larger ones often framing the edges of the cluster in a lacy display. Its leaves are massive and divided into three parts, with the largest basal leaves stretching up to 18 inches long and wide; their surfaces are softly hairy and toothed at the edges. The stem is thick, hollow, ridged, and covered in fine white hairs, measuring up to 2 inches in diameter. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soils, commonly growing along streambanks, forest edges, and damp meadows. While striking, cow parsnip contains sap that can irritate the skin when exposed to sunlight—making it beautiful but best admired at a respectful distance. Beyond its striking appearance, cow parsnip plays a key ecological role by supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant nectar and pollen. (LS)

Canada Violet (Viola canadensis)

     The Canada Violet is a native, perennial wildflower in Wisconsin. It grows to a height of eight to 16 inches. Its flower is white, violet-shaped, and about an inch wide. The flower, which sits just above the leaves, has a yellow center and rests on a slender purplish stalk. The leaves lack teeth. They are heart-shaped and one to three inches wide. The Canada Violet grows in moist, cool, rich deciduous woods. (LS)