A Beginner's Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Using Common Wisconsin Herbs
Welcome!
Wisconsin's fields, forests, and even backyards are home to many useful herbs that have been appreciated for generations. This guide introduces some of the most common plants you may encounter and offers ideas for enjoying them in food, teas, crafts, and gardens.
Always identify plants with certainty before using them. Avoid harvesting near roadsides, areas treated with pesticides or herbicides, industrial sites, or pet-walking areas. If you're pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before consuming unfamiliar herbs.
Ok, let's start with my favorite - (no suprise here...)
DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)Blooming: April–June (with additional blooms later in the season)
Found In: Lawns, Meadows, Roadsides, Gardens
Harvest: Young leaves in spring, Flowers shortly after opening, Roots in spring or fall
Uses: Herbal tea, Roasted coffee alternative, Salads, Jelly, Syrup, Lemonade, Homemade infused oil, Salves, Wine, Medicinal uses, Tinctures, Lip Balm
Fun Fact: EVERY part of the dandelion has traditional culinary and mediicinal uses.
PLANTAIN (Plantago major & Plantago lanceolata)
Found In: Lawns, Trails, Gravel driveways
Harvest young green leaves throughout the growing season.
Uses: Fresh salads (young leaves), Dried tea blends, Homemade infused oils, Compost
CHICKWEED (Stellaria media)
Found in: Gardens, Moist shaded areas
Harvest- Tender stems before flowering.
Uses: Salads, Sandwiches, Smoothies, Pesto
WILD VIOLET (Viola sororia)
Found In: Lawns, Woodland edges
Harvest: Flowers and young leaves.
Uses: Cake decorations, Salads, Herbal tea, Candied flowers
RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense)
Found In: Fields, Roadsides, Meadows
Harvest: Fresh flower heads.
Uses: Tea, Garnishes, Homemade infused honey
YARROW (Achillea millefolium)
Found In: Sunny fields, Roadsides, Prairies
Harvest: Leaves and flowers while blooming.
Uses: Dried flower arrangements, Tea blends, Garden pollinator plant
GOLDENROD (Solidago spp.)
Found In: Fields, Roadsides, Prairie edges
Harvest: Flowers after opening.
Uses: Tea, Natural dye, Pollinator habitat
- Did You know?
Goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies, but ragweed—blooming at the same time—is usually the culprit.
BEE BALM (Monarda fistulosa)
Found In: Prairies, Native gardens
Harvest: Leaves and flowers.
Uses: Herbal tea, Garnishes, Pollinator gardens
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)
Found In: Hern gardens, Occasionally escaped into the wild
Harvest: Leaves before flowering.
Uses: Tea, Lemon-flavored desserts, Fruit salads, Herbal sachets
PEPPERMINT & SPEARMINT (Mentha spp.)
Found In: Gardens, Damp areas
Harvest: Leaves before flowering.
Uses: Tea, Lemonade, Desserts, Infused water
Harvesting Tips:
✓ Harvest after morning dew has dried.
✓ Choose healthy plants.
✓ Leave plenty behind for pollinators and wildlife.
✓ Never harvest from protected natural areas without permission.
Drying Herbs:
- Pat dry thoroughly.
- Tie into small bundles or use a dehydrator on a low setting.
- Store in airtight containers away from heat and sunlight.
- Label with the herb name and harvest date.
- Freeze-Drying Herbs is best if available- Freeze-drying helps preserve color, texture, and flavor while extending shelf life. Store freeze-dried herbs in airtight containers or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
Continue Your Herbal Journey
Learning about local plants is a lifelong adventure. Start with one herb, learn how to identify it confidently, and explore safe, enjoyable ways to use it.
If you'd like more recipes, harvesting tips, and seasonal inspiration, visit Healthy Hippie at www.healthyhippie.org for additional resources and handcrafted botanical products.
Happy exploring!
