Herbaceous ornamentals add interest to our yards and gardens with bright, beautiful flowers and interesting foliage. Whether native, non-native, sun-loving or shade-tolerant, herbaceous plants invite wildlife, provide for pollinators, and bring us enjoyment with color, texture and fragrance.
Native & Naturalized Selection
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Authors: David Lowenstein and Russell Groves, UW-Madison EntomologyLast Revised: 05/22/2020X-number: XHT1045 Wireworms are the larvae of several species of click beetles (Family Elateridae). These beetles flip into the air with an audible click when turned on their backs. Wireworms feed primarily on grasses (including grass crops such as corn) but have a broad host range that includes vegetables […]
Field ants are common in Wisconsin, and noted for producing large mounds that ruin home lawns and interfere with landscape plantings. This factsheet discusses identification and control.
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a fast-spreading, tall Eurasian plant that grows primarily in wetlands and ditches, but can invade home gardens. This factsheet covers identification and control of this attractive, yet invasive, plant.
Cold frames and hot beds, hoop houses, cloches, and floating row covers allow gardeners to grow plants earlier in spring and later in fall. Get ideas that will work for you in this factsheet.
Mike Maddox, State Master Gardener Program Manager & Darren Lochner, Formerly of the UW-Extension Lower Chippewa River Basin Revised: 2/5/2008 Item number: XHT1157 What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel can be any large container designed to collect rain water. Typically, rain barrels are placed at the bottom of downspouts in order to collect […]
Cicada killer wasps are common in the southern part of Wisconsin. These non-aggressive wasps feed on cicadas. Learn more in this factsheet.
Four-linied plant bug attacks a wide variety of herbaceous and woody plants. Learn to identify and manage this pest in this factsheet.
Both the adult and larva of the black vine weevil feed on over 100 species of woody and herbaceous plant roots. Learn to identify and manage black vine weevil in this factsheet.
Tobacco rattle is a common and potentially serious viral disease that affects a variety of herbaceous ornamentals as well as vegetables. Learn about symptoms and management in this factsheet.
The downy mildews are a group of fungal diseases that cause destruction of the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of many plants, including grapes, cucumbers and roses. Learn symptoms and controls in this factsheet.
Phil Pellitteri, UW Insect Diagnostic Lab Revised: 5/25/2010 Item number: XHT1110 Sowbugs and related pillbugs are harmless soil inhabiting creatures that occasionally are found in high numbers in and around the home. These hard-shelled, multi-legged, segmented isopods feed on decaying organic matter in the soil. Sowbugs often collect under flower pots, outdoor rugs, and boards, […]
Phil Pellitteri, UW Insect Diagnostic Lab Revised: 5/25/2010 Item number: XHT1040 Slugs are legless, soft-bodied creatures that resemble snails without a shell. Slugs feed on a wide range of plants including ornamentals, vegetables and fruits. A number of species of slugs are found in Wisconsin, but gray and spotted garden slugs are the most common, […]
