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Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas

Bell Museum

Includes taxa from following child checklists:
Authors: Anita Cholewa, George Weiblen, Katie Noren & Timothy Whitfeld
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Locality: Minnesota
Abstract:

A comprehensive, annotated list of the vascular plants known, or reported, to occur in Minnesota
as native, naturalized, or adventive species.

Family membership is according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (Bot. J.
Linnean Soc. 141: 399-436, 2003) and species names are based on published volumes of the
Flora of North America (FNA), recent journals for changes after FNA publication (if accepted by major
taxonomic indices), and Gleason and Cronquist 1991 for others. Although not all taxonomists
may agree with FNA, a wide array of experts from many areas have been consulted and this
consequently represents the most up-to-date understanding of our flora.

The checklist was originally developed as a document by Anita Cholewa and was subsequently
translated into a relational database format by George Weiblen and Katie Noren.
Timothy Whitfeld continues to improve the checklist as new volumes of FNA are published.

Common names as given in the USDA-NRCS Plants database (2008) are also provided,
followed by other common names widely used, or by Native American names.

Protection status is indicated for species listed as either endangered, threatened or
of special concern by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Click on a scientific name to view specimens and a distribution map.


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Families: 159
Genera: 811
Species: 2693
Total Taxa (details): 2877

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Ruellia humilis Nuttall - fringeleaf wild petunia
reported for Minnesota (Washington Co.) by MN-DNR but no specimens at MIN; known from NE, IA, WI, south- and eastward; special concern
root extract reportedly repels some insects
native to Europe; sterile polyploid species
Sambucus nigra L. - black elderberry
Sambucus racemosa L. - red berried elder
Viburnum acerifolium L. - mapleleaf viburnum
erroneous report
Viburnum lantana L. - wayfaring tree
native to Eurasia
Viburnum lentago L. - nannyberry
Viburnum opulus L. - European cranberrybush
native to Eurasia
Alisma gramineum Lej. - grass leaved water plantain
special concern
Alisma subcordatum Rafinesque - heart leaf water plantain
Alisma triviale Pursh - common water plantain
endangered
Sagittaria calycina Engelm. - hooded arrowhead
threatened
Sagittaria cristata Engelmann - crested arrowhead
Sagittaria graminea Michaux - grassy arrowhead
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, WI, IA
corms are edible
Sagittaria rigida Pursh - sessilefruit arrowhead
Allium canadense L. - meadow garlic
Allium cernuum Roth - nodding wild onion
The nectar and pollen of the nodding flowers attract primarily bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), and Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.). Insects that feed destructively on the foliage, bulbs, and other parts of Nodding Onion and other onion species (Allium spp.) include the Onion Plant Bug (Lindbergocapsus allii) and a similar plant bug (Lindbergocapsus ainsliei), larvae of the False Japanese Beetle (Strigoderma arbicola), larvae of the Onion Maggot (Delia antiqua), larvae of the Black Onion fly (Tritoxa flava), larvae of the Onion Bulb Fly (Eumerus strigatus), and Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci); special concern, source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/nod_onionx.htm
hybrid ornamental rarely escaping; known only from St. Louis Co. (one roadside population, collected 2005);
vars. not recognized; endangered
Amaranthus albus L. - tumbleweed
native to Eurasia; often confused with A. blitoides
Amaranthus blitoides S. Watson - prostrate pigweed
considered native to the central US by FNA; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1886, Winona Co.
Amaranthus caudatus L. - love-lies-bleeding
report unverified
Amaranthus graecizans L. - Mediterranean amaranth
misapplied to North American flora, see A. albus or A. blitoides; misapplied name
Amaranthus hybridus L. - smooth pigweed
native to eastern US; highly variable and often confused with A. powellii or A. retroflexus;
native to southwestern US; adventive near cultivated fields but unlikely to be persisting;
Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson - Palmer's amaranth
native to southern North America
native to southwestern US; often hybridizes with A. hybridus
Amaranthus retroflexus L. - redroot amaranth
native to subtropical America; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1880, Wabasha Co.; highly variable and poisonous to livestock
Amaranthus spinosus L. - spiny amaranth
native to tropical America; reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN
Atriplex argentea Nuttall - silverscale saltbush
Atriplex argentea var. argentea - silverscale saltbush
expected in Minnesota
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Manitoba, ND, SD on saline soils
Atriplex glabriuscula - Scotland orache
erroneous report
Atriplex heterosperma Bunge - twoscale saltbush
western species reported for Minnesota by the Atlas of the Great Plains but no specimens at MIN
native to Asia; known only from Pipestone Co. (one urban population, collected 1925)
Atriplex patula L. - spear orach
native to the Mediterranean region
native to Eurasia
Axyris amaranthoides L. - Russian pigweed
native to Siberia
Beta vulgaris L. - sugar beet
native to Europe; known only from Roseau Co. (one riverside population, collected 1939) but doubtfully persisting
Chenopodium album L. - common pigweed
Chenopodium desiccatum A. Nelson - narrow leaf goosefoot
native to western US; known only from Wabasha Co. (collected 1983)
Chenopodium foggii Wahl - Fogg's goosefoot
eastern species erroneously reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS; probably misidentified C. standleyanum or C. pratericola; erroneous record
Chenopodium glaucum L. - oak leaf goosefoot
often confused with C. pratericola
Chenopodium pratericola Rydberg - narrow leaf goosefoot
Chenopodium rubrum L. - alkali blite
Chenopodium standleyanum Aellen - woodland goosefoot
Chenopodium strictum Roth - lateflowering goosefoot
known only from Mille Lacs Co. (collected 1892); native and introduced forms exist but are difficult to distinguish
Chenopodium urbicum L. - city goosefoot
reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
misapplied to our flora, see C. americanum; misapplied name
misapplied to our flora, see C. villosum; misapplied name
Corispermum pallasii Steven - hyssop leaved bugseed
to be expected in the far southeast corner (known from IA, WI), on drying river beds and lake bottoms
native to Eurasia
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1932 in both Dakota and Hennepin counties
Salicornia rubra A. Nelson - western glasswort
eastern limit of distribution; threatened
Salsola collina Pallas - salsola tumbleweed
native to Siberia
Salsola kali L. - tumbleweed
misapplied to our flora, see S. tragus
Salsola tragus L. - tumbleweed
native to Eurasia; state DOA listed weed, first collected 1890, Hennepin Co.
Rhus aromatica Aiton - fragrant sumac
native to eastern and southern US
Rhus glabra L. - northern smooth sumac
Oak Savanna, Rhùs, ancient Greek and Latin name; glà-bra, glabrous
Rhus typhina L. - staghorn sumac
Oak Savanna, Rhùs, ancient Greek and Latin name;ty-phì-na, like Typha, cattail, because of the velvety branches
Rhus x borealis Greene - hybrid sumac
(R. glabra x typhina)
Rhus x pulvinata Greene - northern smooth sumac
uncertain status; see Rhus glabra
Oak Savanna
state DOA noxious weed; can cause severe skin irritation
state DOA noxious weed; can cause severe skin irritation
can cause severe skin irritation
Aegopodium podagraria L. - bishop's goutweed
native to Eurasia; known to be an aggressive invader in other regions
Aethusa cynapium L. - fool's parsley
native to Eurasia
Angelica atropurpurea L. - purplestem angelica
reported for Minnesota by Gleason & Cronquist 1991 but no specimens at MIN; known from MO, IL, MI in dry woods
native to Europe
threatened
Carum carvi L. - caraway
native to Eurasia
Cicuta bulbifera L. - bulblet-bearing water hemlock
Cicuta maculata L. - spotted water hemlock
Cicuta maculata var. maculata - spotted water hemlock
one of the deadliest poisonous plants in the US, to humans and animals
reported for Minnesota by Gleason & Cronquist 1991 but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, WI, IA in wet meadows and swamps
Conium maculatum L. - poison hemlock
native to Eurasia; plants deadly poisonous to humans and animals (the poison of Socrates); first collected 1992
Cymopterus acaulis var. acaulis - plains springparsley
eastern limit of distribution; known only from Clay Co. (one roadside population, collected 1960)
Daucus carota L. - wild carrot
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1916, Ramsey Co.
Eryngium yuccifolium Michaux - rattlesnake master
The flowering heads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen for their brood nests. The caterpillars of the rare Papaipema eryngii (Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth) bore into the stems and feed on the pith.; special concern, source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/rattlesnakex.htm
Heracleum maximum W. Bartram - common cow-parsnip
native to Mediterranean region; reported for Minnesota as a garden escape by UDSA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. - Java waterdropwort
endangered
Osmorhiza depauperata R.A. Philippi - blunt fruit sweet cicely
known only from Cook Co. (last collected 2003); special concern
Pastinaca sativa L. - wild parsnip
native to Eurasia; can cause severe skin irritation
Pimpinella saxifraga L. - solidstem burnet saxifrage
native to Eurasia; known only from Pine Co. (one field population, collected 1982)
Polytaenia nuttallii de Candolle - Nuttall's prairie parsley
known only from Fillmore Co. (last collected 1915); special concern
Sanicula canadensis L. - Canadian black snakeroot
Sanicula canadensis var. canadensis - Canadian black snakeroot
Sanicula canadensis var. grandis Fernald - Canadian black snakeroot
Sanicula gregaria E.P. Bicknell - gregarious black snakeroot
Sanicula marilandica L. - Maryland sanicle
Sanicula odorata (Raf.) Pryer & Phillippe - gregarious black snakeroot
special concern
Sium carsonii Durand ex A. Gray - Carson's waterparsnip
erroneous report
Sium suave Walter - hemlock waterparsnip
native to southern Great Plains; known only from Fillmore Co. (one trailside population, collected 1994) but doubtfully persisting
special concern
Thaspium barbinode (Michaux) Nuttall - hairyjoint meadow parsnip
special concern
Thaspium trifoliatum (L.) A. Gray - purple meadow parsnip
reported for Minnesota by Gleason & Cronquist 1991 but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, WI, IL
Torilis japonica (Houtt.) DC. - erect hedge parsley
native to Eurasia and northern Africa; known only from Ramsey Co. (one park population, collected 2009)
Zizia aptera (A. Gray) Fernald - heart leaf alexanders
Zizia aurea (L.) W.D.J. Koch - golden alexanders
The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees (including the oligolege, Andrena ziziae). Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Such long-tongued bees as bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) also visit the flowers, as do some small butterflies and true bugs. Caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the leaves and flowers, while caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Two aphids, Aphis saniculae and Aphis thaspii, suck plant juices from Golden Alexanders and similar species in the Carrot family., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/gld_alexanderx.htm
Apocynum androsaemifolium L. - spreading dogbane
plants poisonous
Apocynum cannabinum L. - clasping dogbane
plants poisonous
Apocynum sibiricum Jacquin - clasping dogbane
included in A. cannabinum by some
Apocynum x floribundum Greene - intermediate dogbane
(A. androsaemifolium x cannabinum)
threatened
Asclepias exaltata L. - poke milkweed
The flowers of Tall Green Milkweed are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees and wasps. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). To a lesser extent, the flowers also attract small butterflies and day-flying moths (e.g., Cisseps fulvicollis). These insects obtain nectar from the flowers. Milkweeds attract a special group of insects that are oligophagous on various parts of these plants. These insect feeders include caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippus (Monarch) and caterpillars of the moths Cycnia inopinatus (Unexpected Cycnia), Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia), and Euchaetes egle (Milkweed Tiger Moth). The larvae of some long-horned beetles bore through the stems and roots of milkweeds, specifically: Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle), Tetraopes femoratus (Large Red Milkweed Beetle), and Tetraopes quinquemaculatus. When the follicles of milkweeds are present, the seeds are eaten by Lygaeus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug). Occasionally, aphids are found on the upper stems and leaf undersides; these species include Aphis asclepiadis, Myzocallis asclepiadis, Myzocallis punctatus, and Aphis nerii (Introduced Milkweed Aphid).;threatened, source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/tg_milkweed.htm
Asclepias incarnata L. - swamp milkweed
Swamp milkweed attracts a variety of butterflies, especially the monarch butterfly. Besides feeding on the nectar, the monarch butterfly only lays it eggs on milkweeds. In addition to monarch butterflies, insects that are specialized to feed on milkweed include seed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii, Oncopeltus spp.), longhorn beetles (Tetraopes spp.) that feed on foliage and roots, stem weevils (Rhyssomatus lineaticollis), and the oleander aphid (Aphis nerii)., source: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asclepias_incarnata.shtml, source: https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Milkweeds-of-Central-US_plus-vendors_XercesSociety.pdf
Asclepias purpurascens L. - purple milkweed
known only from Wabasha Co. (historical collection from 1883); rare historic record; specimen redetermined as Asclepias syriaca (Mark Fishbein, May 2023)
Asclepias quadrifolia Jacq. - fourleaf milkweed
reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN; known from IA, IL in dry woods
Asclepias speciosa Torrey - showy milkweed
Asclepias stenophylla A. Gray - slimleaf milkweed
endangered
northern limit of distribution; threatened
Asclepias syriaca L. - common milkweed
state DOA noxious (CN) weed
Asclepias tuberosa L. - butterfly milkweed
This milkweed attracts bumblebees, monarchs, eastern tiger swallowtails, fritillaries, hairstreaks, honeybees, painted ladies, pipevine swallowtails, and more., source: https://monarchbutterflygarden.net/milkweed-plant-seed-resources/asclepias-tuberosa-butterfly-weed/
Asclepias verticillata L. - whorled milkweed
Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi - Louise's swallow-wort
Vinca minor L. - common periwinkle
native to southern Europe; occasionally escaping from cultivation and persisting but no specimens at MIN
Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench - Louise's swallow-wort
native to Europe; known only from Ramsey Co. (last collected 1997)
Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray - common winterberry
may cause skin irritation, contains calcium-oxalate crystals; special concern
Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott - jack in the pulpit
may cause skin irritation, contains calcium-oxalate crystals; subspp. not formally recognized by FNA since numerous intermediate forms exist with much overlap in character expression
Calla palustris L. - wild calla
may cause skin irritation, contains calcium-oxalate crystals
Lemna minor L. - lesser duckweed
most of our specimens were misidentified and instead are L. turionifera
northern limit of distribution known only from Washington Co. (one population, collected 1988); DNR watch list
Lemna perpusilla Torrey - minute duckweed
Lemna trisulca L. - star duckweed
status: not endemic; distribution: PNG & Indonesia; growth habit: herbaceous; life form: aquatic; verified by: A. Hay; reference: none; expert comment: none; basionym published: 1753
Lemna turionifera Landolt - turion duckweed
disjunct from central Great Lakes region; known only from Cook Co. (one population, collected 1995)
Pistia stratiotes L. - water lettuce
may cause skin irritation, contains calcium-oxalate crystals; roots toxic
Wolffia brasiliensis Weddell - spotted watermeal
misapplied; see Wolffia borealis
Wolffia columbiana H. Karsten - Columbian watermeal
Wolffia punctata Griseb. - spotted watermeal
misapplied to our flora, see W. borealis
Aralia hispida Ventenant - bristly sarsaparilla
Aralia nudicaulis L. - wild sarsaparilla
Upland-Conifer Forest, Ginseng Family
Aralia racemosa L. - American spikenard
Hydrocotyle americana L. - American water pennywort
special concern
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L. f. - buttercup marsh pennywort
possibly introduced, disjunct from eastern OH and TN; known only from Scott Co. (Shakopee-Mdewakanton tribal lands, collected 2007)
Hydrocotyle umbellata L. - many-flower marsh pennywort
reported for Minnesota by Gleason & Cronquist 1991 but no specimens at MIN; known from MI, IL
Panax quinquefolius L. - American ginseng
special concern
Panax trifolius L. - dwarf ginseng
Asarum canadense L. - Canadian wildginger
Asparagus officinalis L. - garden asparagus
native to Eurasia and north Africa, but evidence suggests that American Indians traded this in pre-European times
Muscari botryoides (L.) Mill. - common grape hyacinth
native to Europe; reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
Ornithogalum umbellatum L. - star of bethlehem
native to Eurasia and north Africa; rarely escaping cultivation
Scilla siberica Haworth - Siberican squill
native to Russia; rarely escaping cultivation
Asplenium trichomanes L. - maindenhair spleenwort
threatened
Achillea alpina L. - Siberian yarrow
southern limit of distribution; known only from Roseau Co. (last collected 1983); threatened
Achillea millefolium L. - common yarrow
both native and introduced forms exist but are not distinguishable except on a molecular level; although much morphological variability occurs subsp. and vars. not recognized, the differences are not considered taxonomically important
Achillea nobilis L. - noble yarrow
native to Europe; apparantly introduced with wildlife planting
native to Eurasia
native to Asia; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, known only from Lac Qui Parle Co. (one crop field population, collected 1981)
Adenocaulon bicolor Hook. - American trailplant
erroneous report
roots and leaves toxic to humans, deadly poisonous to livestock
Agoseris glauca var. glauca - glaucous false dandelion
erroneous report
Agoseris x agrestis - pale agoseris
erroneous report
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hooker - flatspine burr ragweed
native to western US, known only from Hennepin Co. (historical collections to 1896)
state DOA noxious (CN) weed; pollen causes allergies
Ambrosia bidentata Michaux - lanceleaf ragweed
known only from Ramsey Co. (one gravel pit population, collected 1914)
Ambrosia tomentosa Nutt. - skeleton-leaf burr ragweed
to be expected on disturbed wet clays or sands (known from ND, SD, IA, WI)
Ambrosia trifida L. - giant ragweed
state DOA noxious (CN) weed; pollen causes allergies
Antennaria howellii Greene - field pussytoes
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, WI, SD and westward
Antennaria neglecta Greene - field pussytoes
Antennaria parlinii Fernald - plantain leaved pussytoes
known only from Chisago Co. (red-cedar glades; collected 1990)
Antennaria parvifolia Nuttall - small-leaf pussytoes
special concern
Antennaria plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson - plantain leaved pussytoes
Antennaria rosea Greene - rosy pussytoes
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, Manitoba, ND
Anthemis cotula L. - dog fennel
native to Eurasia; pollen may cause allergies
Arctium lappa L. - greater burdock
native to Eurasia; reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1877, Hennepin Co.
native to Eurasia; known only from Kittson Co. (last collected 1958)
Arnica lonchophylla Greene - seep leopardbane
southern limit of distribution; vars. Not recognized; threatened
erroneous report
Arnoglossum plantagineum Rafinesque - tuberous Indian plantain
northern limit of distribution; threatened
threatened
Artemisia abrotanum L. - southernwood
native to Eurasia and north Africa
Artemisia absinthium L. - absinthe wormwood
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1892, Otter Tail Co.; pollen may cause allergies
Artemisia annua L. - annual wormwood
erroneous report
Artemisia biennis Willdenow - biennial wormwood
native to northwestern US
Artemisia campestris L. - tall wormwood
misapplied to the regional flora, see subsp. caudata; misapplied name
Artemisia cana Pursh - silver sagebrush
Artemisia cana subsp. cana - silver sagebrush
report unverified
Artemisia dracunculus L. - dragon wormwood
Artemisia longifolia Nuttall - longleaf wormwood
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Manitoba, ND, SD on alkaline soils
Artemisia ludoviciana Nuttall - white sagebrush or sage
pollen may cause allergies
Artemisia pontica L. - Roman wormwood
native to Eurasia; known only from Isanti Co. (one old homestead population, collected 1963)
Artemisia serrata Nutt. - leafy wormwood
native to eastern Asia; known only from St. Louis Co. (Duluth area; last collected 2009)
Artemisia vulgaris L. - common mugwort
native to Eurasia
Bellis perennis L. - English daisy
native to Eurasia and Pacific Islands, occasional escape from gardens
Bidens aristosa Britton - bearded beggarticks
report unverified
Bidens beckii Torrey ex Sprengel - Beck's water-marigold
Bidens cernua L. - nodding bur marigold
Bidens discoidea Britton - discoid beggar ticks
special concern
Bidens frondosa L. - leafy beggar ticks
Bidens tripartita L. - tufted beggar ticks
Bidens vulgata Greene - common beggar ticks
Carduus acanthoides L. - spiny plumeless thistle
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious weed, first collected 1949, Becker & Rock counties
Carduus crispus L. - curly plumeless thistle
native to Eurasia; reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
Carduus nutans L. - nodding plumeless thistle
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious weed, first collected 1939, Goodhue Co.
native to Mediterranean region
Centaurea diffusa Lam. - diffuse knapweed
Centaurea jacea L. - brownray knapweed
native to Europe; known only from St. Louis Co. (one roadside population, collected 1953)
Centaurea montana L. - black knapweed
native to montane Europe; known only from St. Louis Co. (Duluth area; one population, collected 1952), doubtfully persisting
erroneous report
Centaurea phrygia L. - wig knapweed
native to Europe; known only from St. Louis Co. (last collected 2006)
Centaurea solstitialis L. - yellow star-thistle
native to southern Europe; reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from all surrounding states and provinces
Centaurea stoebe L. - spotted knapweed
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1918, Dakota Co.
(C. jacea x nigra x nigrescens); native to Europe; known only from St. Louis Co. (last collected 2006)
misapplied name; see Heterotheca stenophylla
native to Eurasia
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious weed, first collected 1878, Hennepin Co.; vars. not recognized
Cirsium muticum Michaux - swamp thistle
native to Eurasia; reported for Minnesota (Houston Co.) by U.S. Forest Service but no specimens at MIN
special concern
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; easily confused with C. flodmanii
native to Eurasia; state DOA noxious weed, first collected 1883, Wabasha Co.
(C. altissimum x discolor); progeny of this hybrid have low fertility but occur in stable populations; FNA recognizes this taxon but recommends further genetic study before a proper classification can be made
vars. not recognized
Conyza ramosissima Cronquist - spreading fleabane
Coreopsis lanceolata L. - sand coreopsis
The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. A long-tongued bee, (Melissodes coreopsis) is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Sand Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), and the larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria); see Clark et al. (2004), Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Covell (1984/2005), and Wagner (2005) for more information. The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sand_coreopsisx.htm
The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects because of their abundance and accessibility. These insects include digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Nomada spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), dagger bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp. and others), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp. and others), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles (Robertson, 1929). A digger bee, Melissodes coreopsis, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Prairie Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), and larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria). The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_coreopsisx.htm
Coreopsis tinctoria Nuttall - plains coreopsis
native to southern US; vars. not recognized. Escaped from cultivation in Minnesota, source: minnesotawildflowers.info
native to Mexico and southwestern U.S.; reported as naturalized for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN
native to Mexico; known only from Olmsted Co. (collected 1994), apparently introduced as part of prairie planting but doubtfully persisting
native to Eurasia
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, but not known from Minnesota
Crepis tectorum L. - yellow hawk's beard
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1934, Becker Co.
state DOA noxious (CN) weed
Echinacea angustifolia de Candolle - blacksamson echinacea
Echinacea pallida (Nuttall) Nuttall - pale purple coneflower
Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are the most important visitors to the flowers. Long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Nomadine cuckoo bees, large carpenter bees, and leaf-cutting bees. Short-tongued green metallic bees and other Halictine bees also visit the flowers occasionally. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia) feed on the flowerheads., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pale_coneflowerx.htm
Not native in Minnesota. Likely recent escape., source: minnesotawildflowers.info
Echinops exaltatus Schrader - tall globethistle
native to Siberia; known only from St. Louis Co. (one population from former agricultural test plots, collected 2004)
Echinops sphaerocephalus - great globethistle
native to Eurasia; reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
known only from Washington Co. (one riverside population, collected 1976), probably introduced from further east
Erigeron acris L. - bitter fleabane
Erigeron glabellus Nutt. - streamside fleabane
Erigeron lonchophyllus Hooker - shortray fleabane
threatened
Erigeron philadelphicus L. - Philadelphia fleabane
endemic to Minnesota; DNR watch list
Eupatorium altissimum L. - tall thoroughwort
Eupatorium perfoliatum L. - purple boneset
The nectar or pollen of the flowers attracts many kinds of insects, including bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, and beetles. In particular, many kinds of unusual flies and wasps are attracted to the flowers because of the accessibility of the nectar. The caterpillars of various moth species are known to feed on various parts of Common Boneset, including Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria (Blackberry Looper Moth), and Semiothisa continuata (Geometrid Moth sp.)., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cm_boneset.htm
Eupatorium serotinum Michaux - lateflowering throughwort
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from WI, IA, NE
northwest limit of distribution; threatened
Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nuttall - grass leaf goldenrod
vars. not recognized
Euthamia gymnospermoides Greene - Great Plains goldenrod
The nectar of the flowers attracts honey bees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and moths. Some bees may also collect pollen. The following leaf beetles have been observed to feed on Spotted Joe-Pye Weed: Exema dispar, Ophraella notata, and Sumitrosis inaequalis (Clark et al., 2004). An uncommon aphid, Aphis vernoniae, sucks the plant juices. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on various parts of Eutrochium spp. (Joe-Pye Weed species). They include Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth; feeds on florets), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth; bores through roots), Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth; feeds on foliage), and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug; feeds on florets)., source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sp_joepye.htm
known only from Cook Co. (last collected 1945); rare historic record
Eutrochium purpureum var. purpureum - sweetscented joe pye weed
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from WI, IA, NE
Gaillardia aristata Pursh - blanket flower
special concern
native to southern US
Galinsoga parviflora Cavanilles - soft-stem spikerush
Galinsoga parviflora var. parviflora - small flowered galinsoga
native from southwestern US to South America
native from Central America to South America
Gnaphalium uliginosum L. - marsh cudweed
native to Europe
state DOA noxious (CN) weed; vars. not recognized
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Manitoba, ND, SD on rocky soils
Hasteola suaveolens (L.) Pojarkova - sweet smelling Indian plantain
northwest limit of distribution; endangered
Helenium autumnale L. - autumn sneezeweed
poisonous to cattle; vars. not recognized
Helenium flexuosum Rafinesque - purplehead sneezeweed
native to eastern US; known only from Carlton Co. (one swampy roadside population, collected 1944)
Helianthus annuus L. - wahcha zizi (Dakota)
state DOA noxious (CN) weed, named cultivars exempt
Helianthus giganteus L. - swamp sunflower
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from IA, IL
special concern
Pollinators insects and long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, miscellaneous flies, and occasional butterflies. The following bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Dufourea marginata, Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Andrena aliciae, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the stems, feed on the florets and seeds, or suck plant juices from sunflowers. These species include: the leafhoppers Mesamia straminea and Mesamia nigridorsum; the aphids Uroleucon illini and Uroleucon rudbeckiae; the plant bugs Ilnacora stalii and Plagiognathus nigronitens; Haplorhynchities aeneus (Sunflower Head-Clipping Weevil) and Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil); the leaf beetles Physonota helianthi and Trirhabda adela; Contarinia schulzi (Sunflower Midge) and Neotephritis finalis (Sunflower Seed Maggot); Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper) and Sparagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper); and the flower thrips Heterothrips auranticornis. In addition to these insects, the caterpillars of such butterflies as Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on sunflowers, as do the caterpillars of many moths., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ws_sunflower.html
Helianthus petiolaris Nuttall - prairie sunflower
Helianthus strumosus L. - paleleaf woodland sunflower
Helianthus tuberosus L. - Jerusalem artichoke
state DOA noxious (CN) weed
(H. pauciflorus x tuberosus)
The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp., Heterosarus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Toxomerus spp.), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylanicus) and other beetles, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa spp.) and other butterflies, and skippers (Robertson, 1929). These floral visitors cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the leaves, stems, seeds, and other parts of False Sunflower. These species include a leaf beetle (Physonota helianthi), leaf-mining larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Astrotischeria heliopsisella), stem-boring larvae of the Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), floret- and seed-eating larvae of a fly (Melanagromyza virens), and a seed bug (Lygaeus turcicus)., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/fs_sunflowerx.htm
Heterotheca stenophylla (A. Gray) Shinners - stiffleaf false goldenaster
known only from Pipestone Co. (collected 1963)
known only from Traverse Co. (collected 1938)
Heterotheca villosa var. villosa - hairy false goldenaster
Hieracium aurantiacum L. - orange king devil
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1947, St. Louis Co.
native to Europe
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from MI, IN, IL, MO
Hieracium pilosella L. - mouse-ear hawkweed
native to Europe
Hieracium piloselloides Villars - king devil hawkweed
native to Europe
Hieracium scabrum Michaux - sticky hawkweed
Hieracium umbellatum L. - rough hawkweed
Hieracium vulgatum Fries - common hawkweed
native to Europe; correct name for this taxon is in some doubt fide FNA
(H. scabrum x umbellatum); reported for Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN; FNA makes no mention of this hybrid
(H. caespitosum x lactucella); native to Europe
Inula britannica L. - British elecampane
native to Europe; known only from Dakota Co. (nursery holding area, collected 2004)
Inula helenium L. - elecampane inula
native to Europe
Ionactis linariifolia (L.) Greene - flaxleaf whitetop aster
report unverified
Iva annua L. - annual marsh elder
to be expected on moist disturbed sites; known from ND, SD, IA, WI
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from WI, Manitoba, ND, SD on wet saline soils
Krigia biflora (Walter) S.F. Blake - two flowered cynthia
Krigia virginica (L.) Willdenow - Virginia dwarf dandelion
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from WI, IL, IA
Lactuca biennis (Moench) Fernald - biennial blue lettuce
Lactuca canadensis L. - Canada wild lettuce
Lactuca floridana (L.) Gaertner - Florida wild lettuce
erroneous report
Lactuca pulchella (Pursh) DC. - beautiful blue lettuce
Lactuca serriola L. - prickly lettuce
native to Europe; toxic to livestock
Lapsana communis L. - comon nipplewort
native to Eurasia
Leontodon autumnalis L. - fall dandelion
native to Eurasia; known only from St. Louis Co. (one turf-planting population, collected 1995); vars. not recognized
native to eastern Europe
misapplied to US flora (except CA), see L. serotina
native to Europe; state DOA noxious (CN) weed, first collected 1878, Hennepin Co.
Liatris aspera Michaux - rough blazing star
Liatris cylindracea Michaux - cylindric blazing star
The flowerheads are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), butterflies, and skippers. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen for their larvae. Two uncommon prairie insects feed on Liatris spp. (blazingstars): caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Liatris Flower Moth) feed on the florets and developing seeds, while caterpillars of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) bore through the stems., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/msh_blazingstar.htm
Liatris punctata Hook. - dotted blazing star
Liatris punctata var. punctata - dotted blazing star
Liatris pycnostachya Michaux - great blazing star
The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, bee flies, and day-flying moths. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Sulfurs, Whites, and others. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules., source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_blazingstarx.htm
Liatris squarrosa (L.) Michaux - plains blazing star
report unverified
(L. aspera x pycnostachya); reported as endemic to Minnesota by USDA-NRCS but no specimens at MIN
Liatris x spheroidea Michaux - spherical blazing star
(L. aspera x ligulistylis); known only from Marshall Co. (collected 1900)
Logfia arvensis (L.) Holub - field cottonrose
native to Eurasia and northwest Africa; known only from St. Louis Co. (last collected 2006)
Madia glomerata Hooker - mountain tarweed
native to western US
Matricaria chamomilla L. - wild chamomile
native to Eurasia; pollen causes allergies
native to northwestern US
Matricaria maritima L. - wild chamomile
misapplied; see Tripleurospermum inodorum
misapplied; see M. discoidea
Mulgedium pulchellum (Pursh) G. Don - beautiful blue lettuce
native to Europe; reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN
Nothocalais cuspidata (Pursh) Greene - prairie false dandelion
Onopordum acanthium L. - Scotch cottonthistle
native to Eurasia; known only from Pipestone Co. (one population, collected 1954), doubtfully persisting
leaves and roots possibly toxic to humans, deadly poisonous to horses and cattle
southeast limit of distribution; known only from Polk Co. (last collected 1993); endangered
disjunct from western North America and northern Canada; only known specimens at DUL
leaves and roots possibly toxic to humans, deadly poisonous to horses and cattle
northwest limit of distribution; endangered
Petasites frigidus (L.) Fries - grape leaved sweet colt's foot
Polymnia canadensis L. - whiteflower leafcup
Prenanthes alba L. - white rattlesnakeroot
Prenanthes aspera Michaux - hairy rattlesnake root
Prenanthes crepidinea Michaux - nodding rattlesnakeroot
known only from Houston Co. (collected 1900); rare historic record
Prenanthes racemosa Michaux - smooth rattlesnake root
vars./subsp. not recognized
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from WI, MI
misapplied to the regional flora, see P. macounii
Ratibida pinnata (Ventenat) Barnhart - gray headed coneflower
Rudbeckia hirta L. - blackeyed Susan
The composite flowers appeal to a wide range of insects, particularly bees and flies, as well as some wasps, butterflies, and beetles. The bees collect pollen or suck nectar, and include Little Carpenter bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Green Metallic and other Halictine bees, Andrenid bees, and others. Some Andrenid bees, such as Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae, prefer visiting the flowers of Black-Eyed Susan and closely related plants. Among the flies that visit the flowers, Syrphid flies, Bee flies, and Tachinid flies are well represented. The caterpillars of Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the leaves., source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/be_susanx.htm
Rudbeckia laciniata L. - cutleaf coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa Pursh - sweet coneflower
possibly introduced or possibly a range extension from southern IA and WI; known only from Mower Co. (one railroad population, collected 2001); DNR watch list
Rudbeckia triloba L. - browneyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba var. triloba - three leaved coneflower
threatened
to be expected in far northeast corner (known from adjacent Ontario), on grassy, rocky outcroppings and cliffs
Senecio integerrimus Nuttall - lambstongue ragwort
leaves and roots possibly toxic
Senecio viscosus L. - sticky ragwort
native to Eurasia; known only from St. Louis Co. (Duluth area; last collected 2006)
Senecio vulgaris L. - common groundsel
native to Eurasia; leaves and roots possibly toxic to humans, deadly poisonous to horses and cattle
eastern limit of distribution; threatened
Silphium integrifolium Michaux - wholeleaf rosinweed
possibly to be expected along southern border (known from SD, IA, WI), in road/railside prairies
Silphium laciniatum L. - compass plant
Cup Plant is a magnet for red aphids, which can be found in masses on the undersides of leaves, and subsequently become lodging for parasitic wasps and food for predatory insects as well as baby hummingbirds. Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are common visitors and the most important pollinators of the flowers. Some short-tongued bees, wasps, bee flies, and other kinds of flies also visit the flowers for pollen or nectar. The larvae of an Antistrophus sp. (Gall Wasp sp.) feed within the stems of this plant, and may attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea., source: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/cup-plant, source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cupplantx.htm
Not native in Minnesota., source: minnesotawildflowers.info
Solidago altissima L. - Canada goldenrod
Solidago canadensis L. - Canada goldenrod
misapplied to our flora, see S. canadensis or possibly S. altissima
Solidago flexicaulis L. - zigzag goldenrod
Solidago gigantea Aiton - late goldenrod
vars. not recognized
Solidago jejunifolia Steele - showy goldenrod
Solidago juncea Aiton - early goldenrod
Solidago missouriensis Nutt. - Missouri goldenrod
vars. not recognized
Solidago mollis Bartling - soft goldenrod
special concern
Solidago nemoralis Aiton - gray goldenrod
Solidago riddellii Frank - Riddell's goldenrod
Solidago rigida L. - stiff goldenrod
Solidago simplex Kunth - Mt. Albert goldenrod
Solidago simplex var. simplex - Mt. Albert goldenrod
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from Ontario, Manitoba, ND, SD in rocky seepages
Solidago speciosa Nuttall - showy goldenrod
The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others. Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles., source: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/shw_goldenrodx.htm
Solidago x bernardii B. Boivin - Bernard's goldenrod
(S. ptarmicoides x riddellii)
Sonchus arvensis L. - perennial sow thistle
Sonchus asper (L.) Hill - spiny sowthistle
native to Mediterranean region
Sonchus oleraceus L. - common sowthistle
native to Europe
native to western US, Canada, and Siberia
known only from Wilkin Co. (one prairie population, collected 1981)
report unverified
known only from type specimen (as A. laeviformis) collected at Lake Benton, Lincoln Co., 1891; rare historic record
known only from Itasca Co. (collected 2008)
reported for Minnesota by FNA but no specimens at MIN; known from adjacent states and provinces
The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they collect pollen primarily and are non-pollinating. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, honeybees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Cross-pollination by these insects is essential, otherwise the seeds will be infertile. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this and other asters. Other insects feeding on this plant include Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug), Poccilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), Corythuche marmorata (Chrysanthemum Lace Bug), and Macrosiphum euphoriaca (Potato Aphid)., source: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ne_asterx.htm
native to far eastern US; known only from Lake Co. (one population, collected 1952, consists of single poor specimen)
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