I set out to learn the names of the wildflowers that grow here in Wisconsin. Here are photos and names of these hardy plants that bring color to our woodlands and prairies.
For this page, I define "wildflowers" as those that grew without anyone planting them; this includes native species, along with plants that were brought here both intentionally or unintentionally, and established themselves, returning year after year on their own. I will not include the many wildflowers that are frequently planted here such as coreopsis, cone flowers, crocus, daffodils, and on and on. I will only include flowers that I find in nature and that I know grew on their own. I started this photo project in May 2019, so I already missed early spring woodland flowers that bloomed earlier this year, so I will update this page as the seasons progress. I also note the month the photo was taken, in Southeast Wisconsin. These flowers may still be blooming in the months before or after the month noted below.
May
May , Native Wisconsin Wildflower Photos
Trillium
A lovely spring woodland flower with three bright white petals. This is a native woodland wildflower here in Wisconsin.
Trillium
Jack in the Pulpit
Jack in the Pulpit
Jack in the Pulpit
Mayapple
Mayapples are native plants that grow in large colonies. We call them umbrella plants, because they look like umbrellas. These plants have an edible fruit and the Native Americans had medicinal uses for parts of this plant. They are 1.5 - 2ft tall.
Mayapples (I call them Umbrella Plants) grow one pretty flower that hides under their canopy.
Mayapple Flower
Buttercup
A cheery little native wildflower that grows on the forest floor.
Buttercup
Wood Violets
The State Flower of Wisconsin, the Wood Violet is a native woodland wildflower in this area. It is a small plant, around 6 inches tall.
White Wood Violet
Wild Geranium
A woodland wildflower native to Wisconsin, the Wild Geranium can be found alone or often in large flower patches. They are around a 1-2 feet tall.
Wild Geranium
Wild Geranium patch in a little clearing in the Oak and Hickory forest.
Shooting Star
This delicate flower may be found with white or light purple petals. It is a native woodland wildflower in Wisconsin.
Shooting Star in a Wisconsin hardwood forest in late May.
Here is a photo of the light purple petaled Shooting Star
Photo of the whole Shooting Star plant, showing the long flower stem.
Wild Columbine
Where I live Wild Columbine is less abundant than many of the other wildflowers on this page. It is a striking and delicate flower, and is fun to find. It is a native Wisconsin woodland wildflower.
Wisconsin Wild Columbine
Wild Daisy
A small (under a foot) native wildflower. This one was in a nice little clump of daisies in the woods.
Wild Daisy, Wisconsin May 2019.
Golden Alexander
This is a native wildflower in Wisconsin and grows about 2 feet tall. The flower looks similar to the Wild Parsnip which is toxic to human skin, but the Wild Parsnip is bigger and blooms in mid summer, not May.
Golden Alexander in Wisconsin, May.
Golden Alexander in Wisconsin, May.
Wild Strawberry
Wild Strawberry is native to Wisconsin. This photo is from a small patch of Wild Strawberry plants growing in a hardwood forest. They produce an edible strawberry fruit.
Wild Strawberry, Wisconsin, May
Virginia Bluebell
Pretty blue , native woodland wildflower.
Virginia Bluebell, May , Wisconsin
Lily of the Valley
The lush foliage and dainty little white bell flowers make this a lovely spring flower. I have come across them in large patches on the forest floor. I have not been able to conclude if these are native plants, or imported ornamentals that escaped into the wild. They are amongst the best smelling flowers I have ever found.
May Wisconsin - Non Native Wildflower Photos
Dame's Rocket
This is a pretty purple flower, and is a non-native, aggressive growing plant that is difficult to control. This plant is from Europe/Asia. They are along the roadsides here and in other places where the ground had been disturbed. They are not prevalent in the forest here. They are a tall flower, maybe 2 or 3 feet tall.
Dame's Rocket
Garden Yellow Rocket
A native of Europe/Asia, this is an aggressive non native plant with clusters of bright yellow flowers. Like the Dame's Rocket, I found these on un-mowed roadsides and other meadow areas, but not in the woods. They are about 2 feet tall.
Garden Yellow Rocket
Dandelion
What a cheery addition the Spring lawns of Wisconsin. The noble Dandelion. .....Make a wish.
There are some Dandelion-ish flowers that are native to North America, but the one we are all familiar with was brought from Europe. They are one of the most abundant early spring flowers, and are an important food source for bees and other pollinating insects. The name Dandelion comes from the French "Dents de Lion" which means Lion's Teeth. If you do not have a green thumb, then I encourage you to try growing Dandelions, you will have a beautiful garden of them every Spring. I like seeing Dandelions.
There are some Dandelion-ish flowers that are native to North America, but the one we are all familiar with was brought from Europe. They are one of the most abundant early spring flowers, and are an important food source for bees and other pollinating insects. The name Dandelion comes from the French "Dents de Lion" which means Lion's Teeth. If you do not have a green thumb, then I encourage you to try growing Dandelions, you will have a beautiful garden of them every Spring. I like seeing Dandelions.
The very successful Dandelion.
This field of Dandelions has progressed from flower to seed. Soon the seeds will blow away in the wind.
Corn Speedwell
Pretty little blue flower that grows in my lawn. Non native plant.
Corn Speedwell
June
June - Native Wisconsin Wildflower Photos
Daisy Flee Bane
A native wildflower that looks like a daisy, with a yellow center and white petals, but the petals are more like needles and there are many petals; some call them rays. This plant is a couple feet tall or taller.
Daisy Flee Bane growing in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Dewberry
Native low growing plant that produces a white five petaled flower and a sweet berry.
Wisconsin Dewberry Flower
June - Non-native Wisconsin Wildflower Photos
Henbit
This is a short little purple flower from Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa that has grown wild across the eastern USA. It grows in lawn and on lawn edges and probably elsewhere also. It is 3-8" tall and can still flower even in a mowed lawn. It is important and useful as a source of food for bees and other pollinators.
Henbit growing in early June in Wisconsin, seen here in a mowed lawn, growing with grass and also with clover (three leaf clover leaves can be seen).
White Clover
An important food source for bees and other pollinators, and also a favorite of bunnies. This plant is a non-native plant from Europe. It is very good for the soil, in that it has the rare ability to fix nitrogen in its root nodules, just like making natural nitrogen fertilizer. It is a fine lush green to have in your lawn and beloved by bees, bunnies, and kids looking for four-leaf clover.
White Clover growing in a lawn, Wisconsin.
Red Clover
Red Clover is another non-native wildflower that has become important to pollinating insects here in Wisconsin, such as Bumblebees. Red Clover is a bit bigger than white clover and usually has pink flowers. Like White Clover, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in it's roots, making is a healthy plant to have around, in that it naturally fertilizes the ground.
Red Clover growing wild in Wisconsin.