Plant Communities
Plant Communities of Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to a diverse collection of plant communities due to its highly variable terrain and temperate seasonal climate. In each of the following pages you will find a brief description of each community along with a summary of Curits's findings and any contemporary or ongoing research being conducted in association with our laboratory.
- Northern Forests
- Upland Ranging from dry to mesic, these upland forests were recently studied by S. Wiegmann and are currently under study by K. Amatangelo.
- Lowland These lowlands are often dominated by Larix and Picea, and were recently studied by M. Bushman.
- Southern Forests
- Upland Showing a diverse collection of deciduous overstory, these airy communities were recently studied by D. Rogers.
- Lowland Often disturbed by flood waters, these wet forests possess a rich diversity of sedges and are currently being investigated by S. Johnson.
- Dry Prairie Noted for their early spring rosettes, these tall grass prairies were recently studied by S. Kraszewski.
- Mesic Prairie Home to abundant diversity and massive biomass, these communities were recently studied by M. Leach.
- Savanna One of our least understood communnities, the remnants of this once widespread type was recently studied by M. Leach.
- Cedar Glades Known for their rare orchids and unusual soil chemistry, these communities were recently studied by J. Mills.