One of the most popular plants in Wisconsin is the milkweed. This plant is known for its pink or purple flowers and unique seed pods that burst open to release silky white seeds that are often carried away by the wind. Milkweed is vital to the monarch butterfly population, as it is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will feed on. In recent years, there has been a push to plant more milkweed in Wisconsin to support the declining monarch butterfly population.
Another popular plant in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin state flower, the wood violet. This delicate flower can be found in woods, wooded streams, and other shady areas. Its purple-blue petals and yellow centers provide an elegant touch of color to gardens and natural areas throughout the state. The wood violet is not just a beautiful addition to landscapes, it also plays a role in supporting the ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
The eastern red columbine is another popular plant in Wisconsin. This unique flower has bright red and yellow petals that hang downward and long spurs that turn upward. The eastern red columbine is native to Wisconsin and can be found growing in rocky areas, open woods, and along stream banks. This plant is a favorite among gardeners due to its striking appearance and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The sugar maple is a tree that is widely cherished in Wisconsin. It is an important part of Wisconsin’s forests and produces delicious maple syrup in the spring. In the fall, the sugar maple’s leaves turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, making it a favorite of nature lovers. The sugar maple is also a critical habitat provider for wildlife, including birds and mammals.
The white trillium is another top plant choice for Wisconsin gardeners. This plant has three white petals that turn pink as they age and a central yellow stamen. White trilliums bloom in early spring and can be found growing in damp woods and along stream banks. This plant is also a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a wildlife garden.
In summary, milkweed, wood violets, eastern red columbines, sugar maples, and white trilliums are just a few of the most popular plants in Wisconsin. Each of these plants provides unique benefits to the state’s ecosystem, from supporting pollinators to providing habitat for wildlife. Not only are they functional, but they also add natural beauty to gardens and natural areas across the state, making them a favorite of both nature lovers and gardeners alike.
The Most Popular Plants in Wisconsin (Factsheet)
| Plant Name | Scientific Name | Native or Introduced |
| Oak tree | Quercus spp. | Native |
| Maple tree | Acer spp. | Native/Introduced |
| Common milkweed | Asclepias syriaca | Native |
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | Native/Introduced |
| Purple coneflower | Echinacea purpurea | Native |
There are plenty of resources available to learn more about the most popular plants in Wisconsin. Some possible references to dig deeper include:
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plant species information
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Herbarium Guide to Trees & Shrubs of Northeastern Wisconsin
- WiscOnline guide to Wisconsin trees
- Wisconsin Pollinators native plant list
By using these resources, you can learn more about the types of plants that thrive in Wisconsin, from trees and shrubs to wildflowers and grasses. You can also gain a deeper understanding of the different ecosystems where these plants can be found and the role they play in supporting Wisconsin’s wildlife. Regardless of your level of expertise, these resources offer a wealth of knowledge for those interested in the natural world of Wisconsin.
If you’d like to delve deeper into the topic of Popular Plants, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the mentioned websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
