Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) is now in full bloom in our wet-mesic prairies (Barn Prairie, Valley Prairie). This is a species with an intense and distinctive color. It is apparently common…

For some years we have been trying to get woodland thistle (Cirsium altissimum) established in our savannas, and we are finally having some success. This biennial is the tallest native…

Most people know Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) as a wetland plant, but it turns out that it is also found in upland sites. I'm not sure why, and we…

One of the more fascinating savanna forbs is Giant False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora), a member of the Snapdragon (Scrophulariaceae) family that lives hemiparastically on oak roots. The photo here, taken…

The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a long-lived tree throughout most of its range, but does not live forever. In 1997 we lost a 200-year old tree, and just last…

It has taken us some years but we finally have these two conservative prairie species established at Pleasant Valley Conservancy. Although we had a small population of native Dalea purpurea…

Alfalfa often remains as a residue in prairies that have been planted in former ag fields. It can also invade prairies from adjacent croplands.For years we have been trying to…

Lead plant (Amorpha canescens) is about at its peak of flowering. This legume is one of the preminent prairie plants and is usually considered desirable in any prairie planting. However,…