by Driftless Prairies | May 17, 2026 | Plants
The Story of Common Milkweed Author: Mary Nelson Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Say hello to common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a plant that, through the years, has been branded as a noxious...
by Driftless Prairies | Jan 17, 2026 | Plants
The Story of Lobelia Siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) Written by Mary Nelson Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a stunning native Wisconsin plant! It grows 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet. Bright-blue, trumpet shaped flowers cover tall spikes,...
by Driftless Prairies | Nov 2, 2025 | Plants
Let Compass Plant Show You the Way! Written and researched by Mary Nelson Do you really need a GPS to get you to your location or could you just use the compass plant to point you in the right direction? Early pioneers used the compass plant to guide themselves on...
by Driftless Prairies | Feb 12, 2024 | Invasives, Plants
The bane of woodlands!!! This non-native plant can quickly overrun a woodland or savanna with a “take no prisoners” approach. When we purchased our land in 2005, the remnant oak-hickory woodland was a garlic mustard monoculture. We began in earnest to remove it....
by Driftless Prairies | May 17, 2020 | Plants
I haven’t thought about poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) in a very long time. When a friend sent two photos of it for ID confirmation last week, it became a highlight of my week. As we discussed this plant, the initial response was to get rid of it. Yet it’s native...
by Driftless Prairies | Jun 14, 2018 | Conservation, Groundwater, Plants, Soil, Wetlands and Streambanks
The Blanchardville Public Library’s summer theme is “Library’s Rock” which makes the art exhibit depicting the hydrologic cycle perfect. Ten community artists came together (confluence) to create a beautiful and educational exhibit...
