North Central Hardwood Forests

The North Central Hardwood Forests sit between the north woods and the prairie, covering the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Eau Claire, and Green Bay. It is a patchwork region: hardwood stands, lakes, wetlands, and old prairie openings all within a few miles, which means sun and shade conditions vary a lot from yard to yard. Natives like prairie dock, blue giant-hyssop, and Michigan lily work across that mix and come back reliably after a hard winter.

Conditions: Loamy glacial soils with frequent wetlands and lakes, 28–34 inches of precipitation, cold snowy winters and warm summers.

Cities and areas: Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Appleton.