Sweetflag Acorus americanus (Calamus) Perennial. An erect semi-aquatic plant of stream sides and wetlands. Sword-shaped leaves that are 1 to 4 feet long have a sweet spicy smell when crushed. Very long, aromatic, reddish rhizomes. Greenish-yellow, minute flowers formed in a tightlypacked finger-like form are born on a flat bladelike stem that juts out at an angle. occur in late spring and early summer. The fruit is brown, hard, and dry with 2 to 3 seeds. Intolerant of shade; high moisture needs. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) (see above) Mature height: 4 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 16 inches Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes Native Americans probably dispersed this plant to present day locations because Sweetflag rhizomes and plants were valued by many groups so were widely traded and used in ceremonies and medicines. Populations can be found near old Native American villages or camp sites. (n/a) DNA evidence supports Acorus as the oldest surviving line of monocots, perhaps providing paleontologists with a picture of the past. Sources: Newcomb s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb, Little, Brown & Co. 1977; Peterson Guide to Wildflowers of NE/Nocentral North America, by Roger Tory Peterson Margaret McKenny, Houghton Mifflin Co. 1968; http://plants.usda.gov/java/charprofile?symbol=acam; http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/links.asp?spcode=acoame ; http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000002; Photo Credit: University of Wisc. Stevens Point, photographer Dennis W. Woodland, Andrews University
Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata (Pleurisy Root, Rose Milkweed) Perennial. Native to most of North America (except Alabama and the west coast of US and Canada); long, lance-shaped leaves in pairs up the stem. Pink, lavender, white blooms in summer. In fall, long pods of seeds are attached to fluffy hairs that float in the wind. Grows in full sun to part shade; mostly found in wet areas, but also in prairies, fields and roadsides. Seeds Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 6 feet rate: Slow (long-lived) Minimum root depth: 18 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds (stratification required) and rhizomes Favored food of monarch butterfly larva; other butterflies and hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers Common name (Pleurisy Root) comes from its oncecommon use in treating lung problems. Toxic when taken in large doses. The tough, stringy stem fibers have been used to make twine, rope, and rough textiles. Milkweed was grown during WWII for use in pillow stuffing and lifejackets (the fluffy seeds are more buoyant than cork and 5 time warmer than wool); used by Native Americans as medicine, rope, and textiles. Warning: Milkweed may be toxic when taken internally. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov; USDA NRCS PLANTS Database (Illustration from 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: 2.7) Photo Credit: Jennifer Anderson @ USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed, Orange Milkweed) Perennial woody rootstocks. Stems are hairy, erect, and grow in numerous clumps. Stems and leaves produce a watery sap. Leaves are alternate, simple, crowded, lance-shaped, 1½ to 2¼ inches long, shiny green, smooth above and velvety beneath. Fruits are hairy, spindle-shaped pods 8 to15 cm long. are born mid-summer in showy, rounded to flattopped groups near the ends of branches. Each flower has 5 downward bent petals, colored orange to red or sometimes yellow, topped by a crown of 5 erect hoods, each one containing a short horn. are 2 to 5 inches across. Intolerant of shade; low moisture need. Seedpods Wetland indicator: UPL (Obligate Upland) Mature height: 2 feet rate: Slow Minimum root depth: 16 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds and rhizomes. Seeds are wind-dispersed and can be directly sown into the ground in the fall. Fall burning causes new growth to have taller, straighter stems and stimulates flower and seed production. Both seedlings and cuttings typically bloom in their second year, although cuttings can bloom during their first year. Milkweed has long been used for fiber, food, and medicine by peoples throughout North America. Warning: Milkweed may be toxic when taken internally. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_astu.pdf Photo Credit: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ ; plant Marcia Hermann; seedpods Robert Duncan; flower Sandy Smith
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae (Starwort, First ) Perennial. Has erect stems growing in clumps. Stems and leaves are hairy. Leaves are alternate, up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide, with broad, clasping bases and pointed tips. Individually stalked pink-purple to lavender flower heads are in an open, rounded cluster at the tops of main stem branches. Each head is about 1 ½ inches wide, with 40 or more petals around a central yellow disk. are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, beetles, and moths. Most commonly found in moist prairies, meadows, roadsides, and streams. Prefers well-drained soils. Can grow on nutritionally poor soil, but prefers rich soil. Grows well in a sunny location; can succeed in partial shade Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 6 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Seed. If planted in spring or summer, requires cold stratification for best germination. Known for attracting butterflies and moths; a good bee plant providing nectar in the autumn. The showiest of the asters; stands out on roadside shoulders and ditches from August through late October.. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_syno2.pdf Photo Credit: USDA NRCS Elsberry Materials Center on usda.gov site; Merel R. Black at http://wisplants.uwsp.edu
White Wild Indigo Baptisia alba Perennial. Has a bush-like appearance; velvety green to grey-green trifoliate leaves. Clusters of large, black seedpods often remain attached to the naked winter stems. Seed Pods White or cream-colored pea-like flowers grow in erect 1 to 2 ft. spikes. Blooms from late spring to mid-summer. Prefers full sun and moist to slightly dry soil Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 3 to 5 feet rate: Slow; several years to reach bloom stage Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes Common in prairies and open woods. Taller than Cream Wild Indigo. Can be poisonous to mammals if consumed in large quantities. Many species of the genus Indigo contain a blue dye resembling indigo. These plants become noticeable in the fall as they dry out and blacken. Sources: http://www.wildflower.org, Photo Credit: pods Sally & Andy Wasowski, leaves http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ww_indigox.htm; flower R.W. Smith, all from www.wildflower.org
Blue Wild Indigo Baptisia australis (Plains Wild Indigo, Baptisia, Rattlebush) A deep-rooted warm season perennial. Leaves are alternate and trifoliate. The plant is erect, rising from a branched root system of root tubercles. Stems are stout. The fruit is an inflated hard pod 1 to 3 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter containing small, loose seeds. Leaves and pods turn black when dry. When growing, if a leaf is crushed or stem is broken, the sap turns a slate blue color when exposed to air. are hermaphroditic (have both male and female organs), about 1 inch long, and range in color from light blue to deep purple. Prefers sun and gravelly, sandy, or well-drained loamy soils. Wetland indicator: UPL (Upland Obligate) Mature height: 3 feet rate: In leaf about 1 month before flowering to 1 month after forming pods. At full maturity (fall), plants turn silver-gray, and break off at ground level. Pods stay with the plant while wind tumbles it to a new location. Minimum root depth: deep-rooted (depth not specified) Spreads mainly by: Seeds or rhizomes. (Scarify seeds if germinating in an artificial setting. Studies suggest stratifying and soaking seeds 1 day prior to planting; seeds normally germinate when soil nears 50 degrees.) This is a native legume which fixes nitrogen in the soil. Cherokees and early pioneers used the plant as blue dye for clothes. (This is not the true indigo plant Indigofera tinctoria introduced from India and cultivated for blue dye during the early settlement of America.) The Osage used it for eyewash; Cherokees used it for hot tea for a purgative and cold tea to prevent vomiting. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=baau Photo Credit: http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=21541; Drawing Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 344.
Cream Wild Indigo Baptisia leucophaea or Baptisia bracteata var.leucophaea Native perennial with a wide bushy profile; grey-green in color. Stems are hairy. frequently sprawls on the ground. (Longbract Wild Indigo) One of the most earl-blooming prairie plants. Blooms mid- to late-spring; lasts about 3 weeks. Creamy white or sometimes light yellow, blooms resemble a large pea bloom. Prefers well drained, moist or dry, sunny locations. Wetland indicator: UPL (Upland Obligate) Mature height: 1 to 3 feet rate: Slow, long-lived; root is a central taproot Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Seeds s may take several years to bloom. Shorter than White Wild Indigo. When dry, the plant may detach at the base and blow in the wind as a way to disperse seeds, like a tumbleweed. Can be poisonous to mammals if consumed in large quantities. Sources: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=934&typeid=14 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cr_indigox.htm Photo Credit: http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=13056
Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris (Cowslip) Native perennial that prefers full sun and wet, mucky soils. In the buttercup family. Has kidney to heart- shaped leaves with wavy margins. Blooms in mid-spring for about 1 month. 5-9 petals that are ¾ to 1 ½ inches wide. Prefers full sun and wet, mucky soils. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: to-2 feet rate: Slow Minimum root depth: 8 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds (reseeds itself) Nectar and pollen are transmitted by flies and bees. One of the first natives to bloom in the spring. Indians used this plant to treat colds and sores. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/marsh_marigold.htm Photo Credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeimage?imageid=capa5_002_ahp.tif
Longhair Sedge/Bottlebrush Sedge Carex comosa An attractive native perennial. Requires wet, mucky soils. Is especially good in rain gardens. (none) Prefers fine and medium-textured soils. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 5 feet rate: Slow Minimum root depth: 8 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds Can tolerate light shade. Sources: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/bb_sedge.htm; http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/bb_sedge.htm Photo Credit : http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=caco8&photoid=caco8_003_avd.tif
Common Lake Sedge Carex lacustris (Hairy Sedge) Native perennial sedge. (none) Shade-tolerant, but prefers sun. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 5 feet rate: Rapid Minimum root depth: 12 inches Spreads mainly by: Seeds and rhizomes May be invasive because it can spread aggressively through rhizomes. -- Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/charprofile?symbol=cala16 Photo Credit: http://plhttp://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?spcode=carlacants. usda.gov/java/largeimage?imageid=cala16_002_avp.tif
Turtlehead Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) Native perennial. Leaves are elongate and arranged opposite each other along the stem. The stem is erect, square, and hairless. are white or pink/lavender-tinged borne in tight terminal clusters. Clusters are formed of tubular, 2- lipped flowers resembling turtle heads. Blooms for 1 to 2 months in July, August, or September. Prefers full to partial sun in moist to wet organic soil. Wetland indicator: OBL (Obligate Wetland) Mature height: 3 feet rate: -- Minimum root depth: -- Spreads mainly by: Rhizomes and seeds. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers look like the head of a turtle; chelone is Greek for turtle or tortoise. Indians and early settlers used leaves of this plant as a tonic and laxative as well as an ointment to ease itching and skin inflammation. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=chgl2 http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=935&typeid=14 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/wh_turtlehead.htm Photo Credit: http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=31019
Lanceleaf Tickseed Coreopsis lanceolata Multi-stem native perennial that easily spreads into large, long lasting displays. Has lance-like leaves up to 10 inches long and 2 inches across, arrayed alternately, Leaves have smooth margins. s upper stem usually lacks leaves and terminates in a single showy daisy-like yellow compound flower 2 to 3 inches across. Petals emanate from a yellow center. Long blooming, from May to August. Sun (intolerant of shade). Wetland indicator: FAC (Facultative Wetland) Mature height: 2 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth: 6 inches Spreads mainly by: Seed Easily self sows. Drought tolerant. Sources: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=936&typeid=14 http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=13823 Photo Credit: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=cola5&photoid=cola5_006_ahp.jpg
Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida A tall native perennial with all foliage located at the base of the plant. Leaves are coarse-haired, narrow, and lance-shaped; they are up to 10 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide. Blooms early to mid-summer for about 3 weeks. Brown cone surrounded by daisy-like pattern of pale purple or white petals. Full sun and average to dry soils. Tends to fall over when mature if receiving too much moisture. Wetland indicator: UPL (Upland Obligate) Mature height: 3 feet rate: Moderate Minimum root depth -- Spreads mainly by: Seed (requires cold moist stratification for 2 months) Tolerant of drought and heat. attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Pale Purple Coneflower usually blooms before Purple Coneflower by about 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes flowers of the two plants are difficult to tell apart. Note that the leaves of Pale Purple Coneflower are longer and narrower, more hairy, lighter green, and tend to remain near the base of the plant. Sources: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ecpa http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?id=828&typeid=14 http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pale_coneflowerx.htm http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ecpa Photo Credit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7 153 10370_12146_12213 36278,00.html