Wildflowers & Weeds

The Wildflowers and Weeds category explores Midwest wild plants found in fields, forests, wetlands, and along quiet country roads. These plants grow naturally in prairies, marshes, bogs, and woodland edges throughout Wisconsin and surrounding states.

Each post focuses on identification, habitat, bloom timing, and seasonal changes. Learn how wildflowers and so-called weeds support pollinators, provide wildlife habitat, and shape local ecosystems.

This space highlights native species, common roadside plants, and overlooked wild growth that plays an important role in nature.

Note: I do not provide medical advice. Any mention of historical plant uses is shared for educational purposes only and reflects traditional practices.

WEEDS & WILDFLOWERS BY MONTH:
MAR / APRIL / MAY / JUNE / JULY / AUG / SEPT

Poison Ivy in Wisconsin: How to Spot and Avoid It

March 1, 2026April 12, 2024 by Nikki

Poison Ivy in Wisconsin: How to Spot and Avoid It Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common hazard for foragers, hikers, and gardeners in Wisconsin. Its urushiol oil can cause itchy rashes, turning outdoor adventures into a nightmare. In this guide, I’ll break down how to identify the two types of poison ivy in Wisconsin, … Read more

American Spikenard

March 1, 2026July 6, 2022 by Nikki

American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and is sometimes referred to by other names, such as Indian root, life-of-man, and osha. Spikenard typically grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet (about 1 to 2.5 meters). It has … Read more

Bloodroot

March 2, 2026May 11, 2021 by Nikki

Bloodroot is one of the earliest woodland wildflowers to bloom depending on the tree overgrowth above. The pure white flowers grow 8-20 inches in height with a creamy yellow center. The flowers remain open during the warmth of the day and close at night.

Marsh Marigold

March 1, 2026March 29, 2020 by Nikki

The marsh marigold is one of the earliest wetland plants to bloom after the winter snow has melted with it’s beautiful, yellow blooms that herald spring is here.

White Baneberry Dolls Eyes

March 1, 2026March 6, 2020 by Nikki

White baneberry dolls eyes begins its life with fuzzy white flowers on a green stem and later develop white berries with a black dot in the middle.

White Campion

March 1, 2026February 3, 2020 by Nikki

White campion is a weed, and not a wildflower. It grows in most open habitats, particularly wasteland and fields, most commonly on neutral to alkaline soils.

Invasive Cow Vetch

March 1, 2026October 29, 2019 by Nikki

Invasive Cow Vetch

Cow vetch is widely used as a forage crop for cattle and is beneficial to other plants because, like other leguminous plants, it enriches the soil in which it grows by its nitrogen-fixing properties. Although, it is considered an invasive plant in many areas.

Chicory

March 1, 2026July 18, 2019 by Nikki

Chicory

Chicory is known for its electric blue flowers, creating a spectacular summer show along roadsides, ditches and fields.

Mayapple Wildflower

March 2, 2026February 21, 2019 by Nikki

Mayapple

The mayapple plant’s scientific name is Podophyllum peltatum and is part of my running Wisconsin wildflower collection. The mayapple wildflower in Wisconsin was found on one of my walks through the Wisconsin woodland areas.

Wisconsin Wildflowers and Invasives

March 2, 2026December 27, 2018 by Nikki

Wisconsin wildflowers weeds and invasives

Wisconsin Wildflowers and Invasives

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

March 2, 2026July 6, 2018 by Nikki

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

Spiderwort

March 2, 2026June 15, 2018 by Nikki

Virginia Spiderwort

The three-petaled Virginia spiderwort wildflowers are usually blue to a variety of purples, but may also be pink, white, or red.

Jack in the Pulpit

March 2, 2026June 12, 2018 by Nikki

Jack in the Pulpit

A common woodland plant that produces purple-spotted and striped leaves in the spring (April–June).

Early MeadowRue

March 2, 2026May 22, 2018 by Nikki

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

Trout Lily

March 2, 2026May 22, 2018 by Nikki

Trout Lily

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).

Wild Strawberry : Nature’s Tiny Red Gems

February 24, 2026May 30, 2017 by Nikki

A picture of a wild strawberry plant in the Midwest. The picture has the white flowers and red juicy berries.

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.

Snowdrop Flowers

February 24, 2026March 10, 2017 by Nikki

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.

Forget Me Not Wildflower

March 2, 2026December 23, 2016 by Nikki

Forget Me Not Wildflower

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: A Midwest Foraging Guide

February 28, 2026November 11, 2016 by Nikki

All Mushrooms Are Edible, Or Are They?

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!

Cardinal Wildflower

March 2, 2026August 22, 2016 by Nikki

Cardinal Flower

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.