Foraging in the Midwest centers on identifying, gathering, and seasonally harvesting wild edibles, berries, trees, mushrooms, and useful plants found in fields, forests, and along woodland edges.
These posts document hands-on experiences across Wisconsin landscapes — from maple tapping and berry picking to learning how plants grow and when they are ready to harvest.
Wisconsin wildflowers and invasives. Most of the photographs were taken while on walks along paths and through the woods. Well, at least I tell everyone I’m going for a walk. Really, I’m just exploring my options for photographing. Shhh! Don’t tell.
Dune Thistle Flower Known As: Dune Thistle Scientific Name: Cirsium Pitcheri Wisconsin Status: Threatened Federal Status: Threatened This thistle is so rare that it is listed both by the State of Wisconsin and by the federal government as “threatened.” Its habitat, the Great Lakes dunes that are also threatened. I Find Them While Hiking Here: … Read more
The three-petaled Virginia spiderwort wildflowers are usually blue to a variety of purples, but may also be pink, white, or red.
A common woodland plant that produces purple-spotted and striped leaves in the spring (April–June).
Early MeadowRue Early Meadowrue is generally found in places that have not been disturbed by human interaction. General Information A perennial, native wildflower. The stems are a light purple color and the flowers are bell-shaped and produce yellow hanging flowers Genus: Thalictrum dioicum Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) Life cycle: Perennial Origin: Native Habitat: Shaded woodlands, forests Bloom season: April, … Read more
The woods are blooming full of trout lily in Wisconsin. I have been lucky to track down the White Trout variety(Erythronium albidum) and the Yellow variety (Erythronium americanum).
Fruits, Herbs & Veggies> Foraging / Recipes / Art
I just grabbed a basket of juicy mulberries from my friend’s white mulberry bush, its oak-like leaves make it a standout! Mulberries grow in the wild, but can also be planted in your yard for both your enjoyment and the birds.
If you’re excited to explore mulberries, this guide will help you identify the three main types—black, red, and white—know when to pick them, and savor their flavors.
The Wild Strawberry is common in open places in woods, on grassy slopes, and in similar situations. It flowers in April and May, and the fruit ripens in June and July.
I’ve heard people state snowdrop flowers are wildflowers. It is true, that some grow in the wild in meadows and woodland areas. Can’t argue with you on this fact. I find them all the time. I just have never found a source that states they are true wildflowers.
In the grand tapestry of wildflowers that adorn our landscapes, few hold the same sentimental significance as the humble forget-me-not wildflower.
All mushrooms are edible, but some only once—or so the saying goes! This witty warning reminds us that while the Midwest woods are bursting with edible fungi, safe foraging requires careful identification. Join me on a rainy Wisconsin adventure where I uncover the secrets of mushroom foraging—and learn why caution is key!
The cardinal wildflower is a native Wisconsin perennial. It consists of many bright red tubular flowers. The tubular flowers are arranged in an elongated cluster. Cardinal flowers also make excellent garden flowers in wet areas, the flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
The purple Gaywing wildflower is often mistaken for an orchid. It goes by the names of Fringed Polygala, Gaywings, or Flowering Wintergreen. General Information Genus: Polygala paucifolia Family: Milkwort Life cycle: Perennial Origin: Native Habitat: Damp, rich woods Bloom season: May, June Plant height: 4-6 inches tall Additional Information This dainty and low perennial usually rises but … Read more
Not exactly sure what draws me to the eastern red columbine wildflower. Is it the curvy lines? The color? Perhaps, because one sees them selectively?
Yellow Bell Wildflower In the wild, the yellow bell wildflower grows along riverbanks and other open, sunny areas with adequate rainfall and a perpetually moist substrate. The plants do not tolerate shade or salty or alkaline soils, and they are sensitive to frost. Names This Wildflower Goes By: This wildflower is known by the following … Read more
Endangered Dwarf Lake Iris Wildflower The endangered Dwarf Lake Iris wildflower is a miniature iris that grows nowhere else in the world but in the Great Lakes Region. It is especially concentrated along certain stretches of the Great Lakes shoreline. Found Only In • Michigan • Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario • The … Read more
Bittersweet Nightshade Wildflower – Known as Bittersweet Nightshade, this dainty flower is easily identified by its five dark to mid-purple flowers with a pointed yellow center, and sits on a weak vine.
The Downy Yellow Violet is found in woodland areas during the months of April and May in Wisconsin. They like rich, dry soil.
Lavender Sugar Scrub
Why pay high retail prices for lavender sugar scrub you can make at home? Once you purchase a few ingredients you can make this heavenly smelling scrub for yourself or give as gifts.
My daughter is addicted to shower jellies. However, they were becoming a large expense when we had to order them from a large, well-known company. We made a video for her last shower jellies recipe she made. Which was a success.