3 minute read
Marsh Marvels
Zach Wood
Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Wisconsin's marshes and wetlands are some of our state’s most vibrant ecosystems, supporting an abundance of plant life ranging from the iconic to the downright bizarre. Look out for these unique species on your next marshy adventure!
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Found throughout the state, the bright yellow flowers of these buttercup family members often stand out against the brown-green backgrounds of the wetlands they call home. Marsh marigolds typically grow up to 2 feet tall and tend to bloom in April to early May.
Common Cattail (Typha latifolia)
If you’ve ever spent time around any of Wisconsin’s waters or wetlands, there’s a good chance you’re already quite familiar with the common cattail. These tall (up to 10 feet) wetland plants are easily recognizable by their thick stalks topped with brown cylindrical spikes that look a lot like slightly overcooked corn dogs.
Yellow Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
The yellow or American lotus is identifiable by its large, round, green floating leaves up to 2 feet across and beautiful white and yellow flowers, which can be 10 inches wide when in bloom from July through September. After blooming, the petals and leaves fall away, leaving a hard, brown, bell-shaped center — unique seed pods often used in dried flower arrangements.
These plants typically grow in quiet waters, such as sheltered bays or calm river backwaters. Their floating leaves provide cover for fish and create landing pads for a host of dragonflies and other flying insects.
Tamarack (Larix laricina)
Have you ever taken a fall drive through a northern Wisconsin wetland area and noticed those striking yellow trees standing tall in contrast to the grasses and shrubs around them? If so, you’ve seen a tamarack!
A staple of Wisconsin’s northern bogs and swamps, tamaracks are the state’s only native coniferous tree that’s not an evergreen. The needles turn a beautiful yellow or gold late in fall before dropping to the ground.
Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Skunk cabbage, or swamp cabbage, is a low-growing plant found in marshy woodlands and swamps, along streams and in other moist environments. As its name suggests, it has stinky-smelling flowers that attract pollinators like flies and gnats.
The skunk cabbage is one of the first native plants to bloom each spring in the state, often seen poking through the snow, and the reason might surprise you. These unique plants grow well in the cold because they are one of only a few plants able to generate their own heat. How cool is that?
Learn More
For more on Wisconsin’s wetland plants, visit the DNR's Wetlands webpage.
