The weather has been ideal for growth of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and all the prairies and savannas are really lush. This is quite a contrast to last year, when…

Sawtooth sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus) is predominantly a wet-mesic species but under some conditions can invade mesic sites. Although tall and showy, it is not especially desirable. Just like other sunflowers,…

The promised superb blazing star display at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie has come to pass. (The 2 inches of rain last Thursday probably helped.) There are two species of blazing…

Upland boneset (Eupatorium sessilifolium) is an uncommon but attractive member of the oak savanna understory flora. It has a Conservation Coefficient of 9, and is on the Wisconsin DNR list…

Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is near its western distribution limit in our part of  Wisconsin, although the details are not very well established. This Silphium is distinguished by its very…

When the Nature Conservancy acquired Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie in 1986, a one-acre strip on the north side was in alfalfa. Although cropping was discontinued immediately, there was no restoration…

At Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie within the next week or so we are anticipating a large display of two species of blazing star. Both dwarf blazing star (Liatris cylindracea) and…

This post is the next in a series on the use of lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata) a hemiparasitic plant common in wetlands, to increase species diversity. At the edge of our…

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a classic prairie species which does best in mesic habitats. Because it is deep rooted,  loam soils (such as the black soils of Illinois) are…

There are four species of Silphium that grow in our area, and right now they are all in flower. Although each has somewhat different requirements, all four are present in…