What are the Last Native Flower to Bloom in Wisconsin?

As we move through fall, blooming flowers begin to wink-out one by one. But if you’re looking for just a bit more bright colorful wildflower cheer, here are the latest blooming native plants in our area (and where to find them).

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

This may not be the latest blooming wildflower, but its big, showy, blooms for a long time. It blooms through most of October. Another more common sunflower, sawtooth sunflower, can also bloom pretty late. It has narrower leaves, and its most-likely the one you see blooming on the roadside as you drive by.

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Gentians are a delight in the early fall with their bright blue flowers that really pop-out in a landscape where most other plants are fading. The last of them bloom about when the trees are in the fall colors. Bottle gentian can be found in undisturbed wetlands and is often planted in rain gardens.

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Hairy Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)

Another common name for hairy aster is frost aster, because it can bloom through the first frost. It’s a simple white flower with several native look-a-likes. Its unique in its ability to brighten up an otherwise weedy area. This species is our most common white aster, it is sometimes in prairie seed mixes, but spreads very well on its own to any disturbed area, urban or rural.

Hairy Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)

Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Asters are known as a fall-blooming group in-general. Aromatic aster is one of the last to start blooming, hitting its stride in mid-October, and weather permitting, carrying on into November. In the wild this species lives in dry rocky places, but its quite happy (maybe a little too happy) in regular garden soil.

Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Though their primary bloom season is in late-spring and early-summer, harebells will often put out additional flowers at other times of year if conditions are favorable, such as high soil moisture content and/or moderate temperatures. The photo below was taken on November 16th! Harebell is typically found in dry prairies.

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Common Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

This shrub’s leaves turn bright yellow in late October. If you look closely at witch hazel during this period, you’ll see the flowers just starting to open. Most bees and butterflies are dead or dormant by this time, so witch hazel is pollinated by small flies and wasps. They may not be the prettiest flower on this list, but witch hazel may be the only plant still blooming when winter officially starts on the solstice. They are most often found in rich moist areas of forests, often on in steep terrain.

Common Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) flowers

Common Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Madison-Area Spring Wildflower Walk Series 2023

Good Oak is Partnering with Wild Ones Madison on a series of wildflower walks, to explore some of the great native plants in our local natural areas.

    During this series of wildflower walks, we’ll visit a variety of natural areas in and near Madison and explore some of the earliest blooming plants of the year. You can learn to identify many species of native wildflowers. We’ll discuss the ecology of the habitats these plants are found in and the implications for plants and animals that rely on our urban and suburban natural areas for survival.

    These hikes are free and open to the public. Wear clothing appropriate for walking on and off trails in naturals areas, such as sturdy boots/shoes and long pants, and be prepared to be outside in whatever the spring throws at us for weather for several hours. A drink and a snack are recommended. Ticks or mosquitos may be present, so take precautions as necessary.

Thursday, March 30th, 6-7:15pm

Skunk Cabbage, The Harbinger of Spring at the UW Arboretum

On this walk we will learn about the unique biology and ecology of Wisconsin’s earliest-blooming, and perhaps most unique wildflower. Along the way we’ll look for other early signs of spring.

Meet at the Wingra Springs Parking Lot, on top of the hill, south of the Arboretum's main Visitors Center.

Saturday April 22, 10am - 1pm

Earth Day Celebration: Hoyt Park Wildflower Walk, Garlic Mustard Pull, and Picnic

Wild Ones is teaming up with the Friends of Hoyt Park to join in on their annual garlic mustard pull, a short early spring wildflower walk and a picnic. Join us for all, or just one part of this event, we will be meeting back at the main shelter at Hoyt Park for each.

Schedule:

10:00am - garlic mustard pull!

11:45am-12:30pm - wildflower hike

12:00pm to 1:30pm: Picnic!

For the picnic, bring yourself, bring a lunch for yourself and food to share if you’d like.

Thursday May 4th,  6-8pm

Early Prairie Wildflowers at Westport Drumlin

Come and see pasque flower, prairie smoke, buttercups, violets and more at this unique remnant on a glacial drumlin. This walk will include over a mile of hiking, including on steep and rough terrain.

Meet at the parking lot for Empire Prairies State Natural Area - Westport Drumlin Prairie at the high point on Bong Road east of Waunaukee.

Thursday May 11th 6-7:30pm

Trillium Show at Heritage Sanctuary and Elvehjem Nature Sanctuary

The Heritage Sanctuary is famous for a carpet of great white trillium in the spring. These small East-Side hidden gems have a great diversity of spring wildflower to enjoy. Meet at the west side of Heritage Heights Park, with parking along Meadowlark Drive, Madison.

Wednesday May 17th, 6-8pm

Late-Spring Woodland Wildflowers at Reese Woods and the UW Lakeshore Preserve 

We’ll check out some rocky, west-side woodlands to see a diverse mix of late-spring wildflower color. Columbine, yellow pimpernel, red trillium, Virginia bluebells, and more!

Park on Tally Ho Lane, near Highbury Rd. Meet near Reese Woods in Shorewood Hills. Park on Tally Ho Lane, near Highbury Rd. We plan to head over to Lakeshore Nature Preserve for additional wildflower viewing.

Check out the Wild Ones Madison Calendar for more events.