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Help us monitor these most wanted plants!

American pasqueflower
Pulsatilla patens

A distinctive feature of this western grassland native is the feathery, silky fruiting head. The leaves, flowers, and stalks are all covered with silver white hairs. In moist areas in mountains, you can also see the western pasqueflower which is larger, has white flowers, and more finely divided leaves.

Read more on the species info page.

Black-eyed susan
Rudbeckia hirta

The familiar prairie flower blooms in the mid-spring through the fall. The flowers have a brown button-like disk which the yellow petal-like ray flowers surround.

Read more on the species info page.

Butterfly milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa

A showy orange milkweed with long lasting flowers which is a popular garden plant for attracting butterflies and bees. It is a widespread native in the Midwest, eastern US and Southwest. Unique in its orange flowers and clear sap. Milkweed family.

Read more on the species info page.

Dotted horsemint
Monarda punctata

The actual flower of this mint is hidden under the pale lavender colored leaves. The tiny flower is yellow with purple spots. These flowers and leaves make-up the head-like spikes. This is also another nectar favorite of the Karner Blue Butterfly.

Read more on the species info page.

Gray-headed coneflower
Ratibida pinnata

Easily identified by its drooping yellow petals that surrounds the base of a bullet shaped brown head. The Gray-headed coneflower has narrow leaves that alternate in groups of 1-4 pairs.

Read more on the species info page.

Hoary puccoon
Lithospermum canescens

This May to June bloom has a flattened golden yellow flower on top of a dark green stem. The golden flower has five spreading rounded lobes and stands 5-14 inches tall.

Read more on the species info page.

Lead plant
Amorpha canescens

Showy plant with long spikes of purplish pea shaped flowers. Up to 3 feet tall, often sprawls along ground, especially in shade. Leaves often covered with whitish hairs (looking like lead dust). Associated with native prairie, limestone glades and woodlands. Pea family.

Read more on the species info page.

Purple prairie clover
Dalea purpurea

A brilliant purple flower spike that blooms in July through September is found in dry prairies. The slender stem stand 2 feet tall with very narrow alternate leaves.

Read more on the species info page.

Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis

The leaves are long and grass-like. Individual flowers are short-lived and generally blue to purple. Look for them in prairies, meadows, and roadsides.

Read more on the species info page.

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa

Many Native American groups used this member of the mint family for medicinal purposes, and some people still drink bergamot tea during cold and flu season. This plant is also the source of the antiseptic Thymol, used in some mouthwashes.

Read more on the species info page.

Wild lupine
Lupinus perennis

This deep lavender flower can stand 8-30 inches tall. The Karner Blue Butterfly depends on this plant for a food source.

Read more on the species info page.

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Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge images

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1936, lies within the Mississippi River flyway. This 6,226 acre Refuge contains rolling prairies, rich wetlands and bottomland forests which support a variety of wildlife species. It is an isolated backwater, providing needed resting and feeding area for waterfowl and other birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit for American people. Several plant species from the Refuge have been identified as being particularly useful for making phenological observations and are listed in the sidebar on the right.

Explore more about Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge on their website and find out how you can make a difference by supporting the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge.


Climate Change at this Refuge
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Climate Change at this Refuge
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Project BudburstSM is co-managed by NEON and the Chicago Botanic Garden
© 2013 National Ecological Observatory Network, Inc. All rights reserved.