The genus Helianthus is a taxonomic problem since many of the species are similar or hybridize. We have lots of sunflowers at Pleasant Valley Conservancy and I have been trying…

Tall boneset, Eupatorium altissimum, is not common in Wisconsin. It is one of the few prairie/savanna species that Cochrane and Iltis give a fidelity number of 1, based on the…

The best data on the original vegetation of Wisconsin come from the Public Land Survey records done in the 1830s before the state had been settled. These data have been…

Cream gentian is one of those great prairie/savanna species that has been thriving well at Pleasant Valley Conservancy. It is on the State Threatened list and has a relatively high…

Elm-leaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) is now in flower. This species is characteristic of savannas and woodlands. Although not especially unusual (it has a C value of 5), it is not…

Rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) is now in flower. This orchid has a distinctive leaf pattern that makes it easy to identify. It is found in dry upland wooded areas with…

Large-flowered false foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora) is in full bloom now. This attractive plant is especially interesting because it is a parasite on oaks. (It is actually called a "hemiparasite" because…

Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus, strumosus, etc.) is a highly invasive native species which is in full bloom at present. This is the time when it is easy to see how…

Nodding onion (Allium cernuum) has become widespread at Pleasant Valley Conservancy in our savannas and is now at peak bloom. Although this species is also widely cultivated by gardeners, our…

Our cabin is fairly close to our wetland, so it is probably not surprising that we see sandhill cranes from time to time. However, usually they fly off as soon…