Plants for Landscaping in Wisconsin

Mountain Ash

• Mountain ash (Sorbus americana) is not a common plant in Wisconsin, but does occur near bodies of water in the northern counties. Mountain ash has ornamental value because of its gray, scaly bark and clusters of orange fruit. The tree grows to 30 feet and is often in shrub form. Mountain ash does best in damp areas, with access to full sunshine. In warmer areas, this Wisconsin native feels the effects of several diseases that the cold climate of the Badger State helps to eliminate. Birds will flock to the tree in the fall for the fruit.

Bristly Greenbrier

• Caterpillars, bees, flies, songbirds, gamebirds and mammals all enjoy the green flowers or the red berries produced by the bristly greenbrier (Smilax hispida), a woody vine that grows in Wisconsin. Bristly greenbrier has bristles and spines on the lower stems; the vine can stretch for as long as 40 feet as it climbs up and over nearby trees and shrubs. Bristly greenbrier is not flashy enough to use on trellises or pergolas, but you can employ it as ground cover or in your open wooded areas. Bristly greenbrier grows in a variety of soils, with the vine thriving in partial shade or full sunlight.

New York Ironweed

• Despite its name, New York ironweed's (Vernonia noveboracensis) range does extend into Wisconsin. This upright perennial wildflower grows to 6 feet, with purple flowers on leafy stems emerging in August into September. New York ironweed is easy to grow, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The plant does great in wet places and thrives in full sunshine. New York ironweed is able to grow in different kinds of soil, and you can keep the height under control by trimming stems almost to the ground during the last weeks of spring. This Wisconsin plant works well in cottage and wildflower gardens or as a background species for borders.

Red Pine

• Wisconsin is the perfect location to use red pine (Pinus resinosa) as a landscaping plant, since the tree grows best in cooler weather. This native extends from the northern parts of the state as far south as Dane County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Red pine's major asset is the reddish-orange-brown, scaly bark that the species takes its name from. Red pine is a large tree, with some growing to 120 feet, so give it room to develop. Red pine does well in dry and sandy soil. The cultivars of red pine include Don Smith and Morel.