Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (Button Eryngo)

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium (Button Eryngo) Perennial with yucca-like leaves that are sword-shaped, blue-green, and have a stiff-toothed margin. Topped by clusters of round flower heads. Leaves are alternative and clasp or wrap around the stalk. s Greenish-white 1 round flowers that look like thistles, made up of small greenish-white florets. s have a honey-like scent in sunlight. heads are a bluish color at maturity. Individual fruits, which mature in the flower head, are less than 1/10 inch long. Blooms June September. Full sun with moist to slightly dry well drained soil. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 3-5 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- (has a central taproot) Spreads mainly by: Seed Early pioneers erroneously thought that the roots could be used as an antidote for rattlesnake bites. Indians used the dried seed heads as rattles. The plant is beneficial to wildlife, although unpalatable for grazing due to spiny leaves. This is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae). Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eryu, http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/rattlesnakex.htm http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=830&typeid=14 Photo Credit: Bill Summers @ USDA NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth; http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/rattlesnakex.htm Sally & Andy Wasowski, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=22409

Common Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum (Thoroughwort) Perennial with interesting foliage and fragrant flowers. Central and side stems are covered with long white hairs and have clusters of flowers that appear at the end of the stems. Paired leaves are perforated by erect stems. s White flower head clusters about 2 to 8 across, with each individual flower head being about 1/6 across and made up of about 15 disk florets. Blooms late summer to early fall, lasting 1 to 2 months. Full or partial sun in wet to moist soil. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 4 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes, typically forms vegetative colonies. Nectar and pollen attracts many kinds of insects and birds. Dried leaves have been used to make a tea, thought effective for maladies including the common cold. Caution: Common Boneset is a laxative in large doses, and may contain alkaloids that are potentially harmful to the liver. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eupe3&maptype=large&format=print&photoid=eupe3_002_avp.tif http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cm_boneset.htm Photo Credits: Mrs. W.D. Bransford, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=2220 and http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cm_boneset.htm

Spotted Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum or Eupatorium maculatum Perennial large plant forming huge clumps with dark green leaves and large flower heads. Central stem is thickset, may be spotted, and is often covered with short fine hairs. s head clusters are large, 3 to 6, pink to purplish pink. Often fragrant. Bloom August October. Full sun in moist well-drained soil. Tolerant of waterlogged conditions. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 6 feet rate: Rapid Minimum root depth: 6 inches Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes; may be grown from seed Bees, butterflies and moths are attracted to the nectar of the flowers. Spotted Joe-Pye Weed differs from Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed by its rather flat-headed flowerheads made up of 8 to 20 disk florets and its purple-spotted or purplish stems. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eumam3, http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=eupu10 http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=775&typeid=2 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sp_joepye.htm Photo Credits: http://www.growingcolors.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantdetail&plant_id=1214&typeid=21 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sp_joepye.htm, http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=775

Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium purpureum (also Eupatorium purpureum or Eupatoriadelphus purpureus) (Purple Joe Pye Weed) Tall perennial with a central stem, usually unbranched. Leaves are about 6 long and 3 ½ across and are whorled along the stem, usually with 3 to 4 leaves in each whorl. Foliage may be vanilla-scented. s Large, sweet-scented flower head is pale pinkishlavender and made up of florets. Blooms from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Prefers light shade to partial sun and moist conditions. (see above) Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 4 to 6 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Seed May be identified by its stem which is solid green in cross-section and purple at leaf bases. s are dome shaped. Note that Spotted Joe Pye Weed is has purple-spotted or solid purple stems that are sometimes hairy, with a somewhat flat shaped flowerhead. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eupu10&maptype=large&format=print&photoid=eupu10_001_avd.tif http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/sw_joepye.htm Photo Credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eupu10, Albert F. W Vick, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=2222

Queen of the Prairie Filipendula rubra Perennial. Stem is sometimes red in color and smooth. Deeply cut leaves with 7 to 9 lobes can be 2 to 3 long and yellowish green. Each leaf consists of 1 to 7 palmate leaflets. s Pink flowers are part of a 5 to 8 panicle at end of a long stem, each consisting of flowers that are about 1/3 across. Numerous stamens give the flowers an airy, fluffy appearance Blooms from bottom up with no fragrance, for about 3 weeks in early to mid-summer. Full or partial sun with moist to wet conditions. (see above) Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 4 to 5 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes, forms colonies. Endangered in Illinois. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=firu2&maptype=large&format=print&photoid=firu2_002_avp.tif http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/pr_queen.htm, http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=eupe3 Photo Credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=firu2&photoid=firu2_001_avd.tif, Sally & Andy Wasowski http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=22523

Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum (Old Man s Whiskers, Purple Avens) Perennial that forms a low rosette 6 to 12 wide, approximately 12 high. Leaves are blue-green, hairy, and turn dark red in fall. May remain evergreen. s Deep pink-with-white flowers, 1 to 1 ½ long, appearing late spring and lasting 1 to 2 months. s are at ends of stalks which emerge from center of plant and come in sets of 3. Fertilized flowers face upward in plumes that resemble puffs of smoke ready to disperse seed. Full sun to partial shade; dry or moist, but well-drained soils (prefers soil that is gravelly or sandy). Wetland indicator: UPL (Upland Obligate) Mature height: 1 ½ feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 6 inches Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes, forms colonies Prairie Smoke is uncommon in northern Illinois. This is a short-lived plant, but a plant of high-quality prairies. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=getrt, http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=getr http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/prairie_smoke.html Photo Credit: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=841&typeid=14 & http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/prairie_smoke.html

Common Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale (Helen s, Bitterweed, False Sunflower) Perennial 3-5 tall with upper stems ending in flower heads. Leaves are 5 long and 1 ½ wide with slightly toothed edges. s Yellow flower heads are 1½-2 across and are plentiful in autumn for 4-8 weeks. Each flower head has rays which are triangular in shape and are doubly notched at the tip. Full/partial sun with moist to wet conditions. Wetland indicator: FACW- (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 3-5 feet rate: Rapid Minimum root depth: 6 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed Foliage is toxic and bitter. (see above) may be invasive. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=heau&maptype=large&format=print&photoid=heau_002_ahp.tif http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sneezeweed.htm Photo Credit: Mrs. W.D. Bransford, http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=4613 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sneezeweed.htm

Swamp Rosemallow Hibiscus palustris Perennial subshrub with an exotic look. Emerges in late spring and has very large blooms. Alternate leaves are 3 to 8 long and 2 to 4 across, yellowish to pale green. s Blooms in July-September. The 5-petaled flowers may be 9 or larger. Colors range pink for palulstris and from lavender, peach, red or white for moscheutos; may have a reddish purple. s bloom for approximately a month, but individual flowers are short lived. Full sun to light shade in soils that tend to stay consistently wet. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 6 feet rate: Rapid Minimum root depth: 10 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed Good plant for wet sites. Found in widely scattered sites in the eastern half of Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois is near the northwest range of this species in North America. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=himo&maptype=large&format=print&photoid=himo_002_ahp.tif http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=729&typeid=2 Photo Credit: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 524 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sw_rsmallow.htm http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sw_rsmallow.htm

Blue Flag Iris Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag Iris) Perennial. Native to the eastern U.S. and eastern Canada; found throughout most of Illinois. Leaves are smooth and range in color from pale blue/green to dark green. Leaves grow in vertically on stalks with flowers forming on the top. s s are primarily violet blue with darker-shaded lines radiating from a central patch of bright yellow and a partially white background. s can be up to 3 ½ inches across and consist of 3 petals and 3 sepals in the common iris shape. Blooms late spring to early summer. Partial to full sun. Prefers moist to wet conditions. May not flower if in the shade or if soil is poor. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 2 to 3 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 6 inches Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes No serious insect or disease problems. Mammals leave this plant alone because roots and foliage are mildly toxic to them. Most often found in the wild in moist areas but also thrives in standing water. Used in home water gardens, along ponds, and in moist low spots. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/blueflag.htmhttp://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardensgardening/your garden/plant finder/plant details/kc/z190/iris virginica purple fan.aspx Photo Credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=irvi&photoid=irvi_003_avp.tif Encyclopedia of Life Images:Frank Mayfieldhttp://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens gardening/your garden/plant finder/plant details/kc/g550/iris virginica

Common Rush Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) Perennial. An upright plant growing along rivers, ponds, and poorly-drained areas. In Illinois, native to the northern and southern areas and rare in the central part of the state. Grows in clumps with stems that appear to be stiff and coarse but are actually soft. s s are tiny and appear in clusters below the stem tips. Blooms in summer with flower color ranging from yellow-green to light brown. Full sun, wet to moist soil. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 4 to 6 feet rate: Slow to moderate Minimum root depth: 24 inches Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes, but also self-seeding Prior to 1900, this rush was used in Europe to make simple candles. The pith was soaked in grease and then lit to make rushlights. Native Americans used it to weave mats. Common Rush helps control erosion on moist river banks, but is also used as an ornamental plant. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=juefhttp://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/soft_rush.htm Photo Credit: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens gardening/your garden/plant finder

Prairie Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Gayfeather) Perennial. Native throughout the Midwest. In Illinois, found primarily in the northeastern and central counties. grows on a central stem that is unbranched, with numerous alternate leaves. Bottom leaves are long and slender, getting smaller as they progress up the stem. Bottom leaves can be up to 10 inches long and ½ inch wide. s s are purplish pink and form a long spike of small feathery flower heads at the top 6 to 12 inches of the central stem. Blooms July August. Full sun, prefers moist well-drained sites. Not very drought tolerant. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 4 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 14 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed No serious insect or disease problems. However, young plants are eaten by small mammals and mature plants are consumed by deer and livestock. Similar to Dense Blazing Star (Marsh Blazing Star) (Liatris spicata), but usually hairy. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_blazingstarx.htmhttp://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=lipy Photo Credit: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens gardening/your garden/plant finder/plant details/kc/d770/liatrispycnostachya.asp

Dense Blazing Star Liatris spicata (Marsh Blazing Star, Dense Gayfeather) Perennial. Native to the eastern U.S. and eastern Canada but is now uncommon in the wild. Stems have fine-textured foliage on their entire length. The flowers open from the top down. s s range in color from pink to purple. heads are crowded around the top 4 to 18 inches of a central spike, giving the top of the plant a whorled look. Blooms in mid-summer for about 3 weeks Full sun. Prefers moist conditions and sandy soil. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 5 feet rate: Slow Minimum root depth: 14 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed Dense Blazing Star is becoming less common in the wild. However, it is a beautiful cultivated plant for flower gardens. Another benefit for gardens is that it attracts butterflies and bees. Small mammals like to eat mature plants. Similar to Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), but usually hairless. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/charprofile?symbol=lisp http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/msh_blazingstar.htmhttp://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?i D=734&TypeID=2 Photo Credit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/

Cardinal Lobelia cardinalis Perennial. A native species to the Americas, found throughout Illinois. Ranges from southeastern Canada to Columbia. The central stem is not branched and is ridged and hairy. Has large alternate leaves that can be 6 long and 1 ½ wide. s Brilliant scarlet-red flowers that grow on spike-like clusters. s are very striking in the wild since red color is rare among native wildflowers. s are 1 to1 ½ long and up to 1 across. Blooms from July through September. Full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist to wet, welldrained soil. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 2 to 4 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 12 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed Should be allowed to go to seed as Cardinal can be a short-lived perennial. Seeds are small and generally ignored by birds. foliage has a toxic white latex that protects it from wildlife consumption. Often cultivated for ornamental purposes and can be propagated by dividing the plants. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/cardinal.htm Photo Credit: lgarden.org/gardens gardening/your garden/plant finder

Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) Perennial. Native to the eastern U.S. and central Canada. Habitat ranges from marsh to lowland woods and meadows. Grows erect with alternate leaves that are 3 to 4 inches long and narrower at the base; leaves can be in irregular shapes. s s usually blue-violet but in rare cases can be white or have white stripes. They grow on the central stem as branched clusters with lower flowers opening first. s do not have a detectible scent. Has a 2 month blooming season occurring from late summer to early fall. Prefers partial shade, tolerates sun. Moist to wet conditions Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 1 to 4 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 12 inches; central taproot Spreads mainly by: Seed No major disease or insect problems. Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers. The Iroquois and Cherokee used this plant to treat colds and nosebleeds. Ground up roots were given to couples as an anti-divorce cure by the Meskwaki. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_losi.pdf http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_losi.pdf http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/lobelia_siphilitica.pdf Photo Credit: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L & A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York; Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln; Jennifer Anderson @ USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Bee-balm Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) Native perennial found throughout Illinois. Has a bushy appearance because it grows on multiple closelypacked leafy stems. The individual leaves are serrated and can be up to 4 inches long and 2 inches across. color is impacted by environmental conditions and ranges from light to dark green. s s are lavender or pink and bloom at the top of major stems. Has a short blooming season lasting only 1 month during mid-summer. Full to partial sun. Moist to slightly dry conditions. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 5 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 4 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed A member of the mint family. Small glands on the plant produce an aromatic oil that can be smelled on its leaves and stems. This plant was used by many Native American tribes to make a medicinal tea and is still used today to treat colds and flu. Crushed leaves are used to make a mild mint tea. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/wld_bergamotx.htmhttp://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=mofi Photo Credit: Britton, N.L., & A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3: and s http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/wld_bergamot

Ohio Goldenrod Oligoneuron ohioense (formerly Solidago ohioense) : Large basal leaves like rabbit ears. Leaves and stem are smooth. Flat topped cluster of yellow flowers. s: Flat topped cluster of yellow flowers. Blooms June through October. : Mainly fields and open areas, but prefers wet areas and alkaline soil. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) : Mature height: 2 to 3 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes and seeds : Often confused with Ridell s Goldenrod (Solidago Ridellii), which grows in similar habitats. (above) Note: Goldenrods do not cause hay fever. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov; ; USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Photo Credit: R.W. Smith at ww.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=31480; Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3 at http://plants.usda.gov

Riddell s Goldenrod Oligoneuron riddellii (formerly Solidago riddellii) : Native plant with smooth, thick stems. Leaves are lance-shaped and mostly hairless. s: Gently rounded to flat-topped clusters of small yellow to yellow-orange flowers. heads have 6 to 8 short, yellow petals. Blooms August to September. : Prefers full sun, moderate to wet soils; found in prairies, meadows, swamps, and bogs. Likes limey soil. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) : Mature height: 2. to 3 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes and seeds : Smooth edged leaves often have center fold line. Note: Goldenrods do not cause hay fever. Sources: USDA NRCS database; U of WI, Stevens Point, Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium Photo Credit: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3 at http://plants.usda.gov; Merel R. Black, U of WI, Steven s Point Derek Anderson, U of WI, Superior;

Stiff Goldenrod Oligoneuron rigidum (formerly Solidago rigida) (Rigid Goldenrod) : Native perennial with cluster of yellow flowers. Leaves are stiff and rough-textured, alternately arranged on the stem. Leaves on the lower part of the plant are oblong, while upper leaves are lance-shaped and stalkless. s: Yellow flowers look like miniature asters arranged in an inflorescence. Blooms in July to October. : Full to partial sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, woods; in sandy, loamy soil. Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) : Mature height: 1 to 5 feet rate: Rapid Minimum root depth: 12 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds, sprigs (rhizomatous)\ : This plant tends to be clump-forming. The long basal leaves of this plant overwinter. Attracts butterflies. Note: Goldenrods do not cause hay fever. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov, http://www.wildflower.org, http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers Photo Credit: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3; Paul Drobot, U of WI, Steven s Point; John M. Schoeneker, U of WI, Steven s Point

Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium (American Feverfew, Eastern Parthenium) Perennial native plant found in the eastern half of the U.S. In Illinois, common in the northern part of the state. Foliage is lush with long leaves. Upright stems are stiff and sometimes branched at the top. s Individual white flowers are small and appear in flattopped clusters. s are long-lasting and attract a wide variety of insects that feed on the nectar. Blooms from late spring through summer. Full sun, tolerant of moist to dry conditions. Wetland indicator: UPL (Upland Obligate) Mature height: 3 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes or seed Native American tribes used Wild Quinine to treat burns and made tea from the roots to treat dysentery. While this plant can be invasive and push out other desirable plants, it is also endangered in several states, including Wisconsin and Minnesota. Sources: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plant_index.htm http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_pain3.pdf Photo Credit: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3; http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/wild_quininex.htm; http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=28346 Thomas Muller