Bergamot (commonly known as Bee Balm or Monarda) is known for its distinct, "shredded" crown-like blooms and aromatic foliage. This hardy perennial is a member of the mint family and does well in all but the wettest of soils. It’s fragrant flowers are a popular nectar source for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established.
Soil Type Tolerates Muck, Clay, Loam and Sand, and poor soils.
Mature Height 4 - 5 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Lavendar
Plant Spacing 2 - 3 feet
The leaves release a minty or oregano-like scent when crushed.
Its unique flower shape has tube-like blossom structures.
Naturally resistant to many pests, making it an easy-care choice of plants.
Bergamot is one of the few plants that consistently draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees simultaneously.
Serves as a host plant for several species of the Hermit Sphinx and the Raspberry Pyrausta moths.
Fun Fact: For generations, Bergamot was valued by Indigenous communities and early settlers as a healing plant, commonly brewed as a tea or used in simple remedies.
A staple of the American landscape, these iconic wildflowers feature bright daisy-like petals surrounding a deep chocolate-brown central cone. Black-Eyed Susans are extraordinarily hardy, heat-tolerant, and capable of thriving in conditions where more delicate flowers might falter. They are the perfect choice for gardeners who want high-impact color with minimal effort.
Sun Exposure Full Sun (Preferred) to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Moderate; very drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Needed Adaptable; can thrive in Muck, Clay, Loam or Sandy soils.
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time June – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 10 – 12 inches
One of the longest bloom periods of any summer perennial, often lasting from early summer right through the first frost.
The plant is biennial that blooms and completes in life cycle in it’s seconds year. They are self-seeders, so they will appear in your garden for years to come but can succumb to longer-lived perennials in later years after planting.
Highly resistant to heat, humidity, and drought, making them ideal for "problem spots" in the yard.
Pollinator Favorite: The wide, flat blooms act as perfect landing pads for a variety of butterflies, including Monarchs, the Wavy-Lined Emerald and the Silvery Checkerspot.
Bee Support: A primary nectar source for honeybees and several species of native solitary bees.
Birds: If you delay your garden cleanup until spring, the sturdy seed heads provide essential winter forage for goldfinches and other small songbirds.
A true standout in the wetland or meadow garden. This hardy native perennial is instantly recognizable by its unique foliage. In late summer, the plant is topped with large, fuzzy clusters of fragrant, creamy-white blossoms. These flat-topped flower heads create a soft, cloud-like effect in the landscape, providing a nice contrast to the purples and golds of late-season asters and goldenrods.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Moderate to High; prefers consistently moist to wet soil.
Soil Type Needed Thrives in moist Muck, Clay, or Loam; tolerates "wet feet."
Mature Height 3 – 5 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Unique Architecture: The "perfoliate" leaves provide a structural look that adds instant character to your garden beds. The pairs of textured, lance-shaped leaves are fused at the base, making it look as though the sturdy stem is growing right through the center of a single long leaf.
Wet Spot Solution: It is an excellent choice for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage where other perennials might struggle with root rot.
Late Summer Glow: While other plants are winding down, Boneset hits its peak, keeping your garden looking lush and full of life well into September.
Pollinator Super-Plant: Boneset is legendary for the sheer volume of insects it supports. It is a favorite of honeybees, native sweat bees, and beneficial wasps.
Nectar Source: A vital late-season fuel stop for migrating Monarchs and other varieties of butterflies and moths.
Late Season seed source: Goldfinches, chickadees, sparrows and juncos will feed on the fall seed heads.
This award-winning native perennial is famous for its flat-topped clusters of brilliant, neon-orange flowers that practically glow in the garden. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed is compact and well-behaved, making it a perfect fit for both formal flower beds and wilder meadow designs.
One of its best features for the home gardener is its extreme durability. Because it develops a deep, sturdy taproot, it is incredibly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in the kind of poor, sandy soil where other plants might struggle. It is a true "plant it and forget it" beauty that rewards you with weeks of intense color from mid-to-late summer.
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Sand or Loam soil
Mature Height 1.5 - 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – August
Bloom Color Orange
Plant Spacing 1 to 3 feet
Vivid Blooms: The intense orange hue is rare in the native plant world and provides a high-contrast focal point.
Low Maintenance: Highly resistant to pests and diseases; it actually prefers "neglect" over heavy fertilizing or overwatering.
Late Emerger: Don't worry if you don't see it in early spring! It is one of the last perennials to wake up, usually waiting until the soil is truly warm.
Monarch Host Plant: As a member of the milkweed family, it is an essential host plant where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs and their caterpillars feed.
Pollinator Magnet: Its nectar is highly accessible, attracting a massive variety of butterflies, native bees, and even hummingbirds.
Pro Tip: Because of its long taproot, Butterfly Weed does not like to be moved once it is planted. Choose its "forever home" carefully! To get the best blooms, plant it in your sunniest, driest spot and avoid heavy mulching right against the crown, as it loves to stay dry and warm.
This breathtaking native perennial is famous for its towering spikes of vivid red blooms that stand out like a beacon in the landscape. While many flowers rely on bees, the Cardinal Flower has evolved specifically for the hummingbird; its tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped for their long bills. What makes this plant truly special is its ability to brighten the damp, challenging "wet feet" spots of your yard. Thriving in areas where other plants might succumb to root rot, Cardinal Flower is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or low-lying swales.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Medium to High; prefers consistently moist soil
Soil Type Rich Loam, Clay, or Muck
Mature Height 2 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Red
Plant Spacing 6 - 16 inches
Color: The blooms possess a unique "velvety" texture and are a shade of scarlet red. It is often considered the most vibrant in the North American flora.
Wetland Specialist: Unlike most garden favorites, this plant thrives in heavy clay and saturated soils, making it a problem-solver for drainage areas.
Primary Hummingbird Source: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the main pollinator of this species. Watching them hover around the crimson spikes is a quintessential summer experience.
Butterfly Favorite: Large butterflies, such as the Pipevine Swallowtail and various Fritillaries, are frequently drawn to the nectar-rich tubular flowers.
Pro Tip Cardinal Flower is a "short-lived" perennial that maintains its presence by self-seeding and forming small "offsets" or new rosettes at the base. To ensure it returns year after year, avoid covering the base of the plant with heavy wood mulch in the fall. The young green rosettes need a little bit of light and air to survive the winter and prepare for their spectacular summer rise!
If you’re searching for a low-growing, rugged shrub that provides multi-season interest without the invasive headache of other honeysuckles, consider Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle. This is a mounding, woody perennial that is great for dry, difficult shady areas. In early summer, it produces delicate, lemon-yellow trumpet flowers that are a magnet for the tiniest of garden visitors. It starts with dark green foliage that turns yellow-orange, then into vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade to Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; highly drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Dry Sand, Rocky soil, or dry Clay
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time June – August
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Three Seasons of Color: Bronze spring buds, yellow summer flowers ending with beautiful red autumn foliage.
Somewhat Aggressive Spreader: Spready by rhizomes and can overwhelm small landscapes. Keep this in mind when choosing your planting location
Will spread to form thickets over time, making it a good choice for shrub borders or hedgerows.
Bumblebees: The small yellow blossoms are perfectly designed for bumblebees and other long-tongued native bees to crawl inside.
Hummingbirds: Though the flowers are small, their nectar is high-energy and often visited by hummingbirds patrolling the garden.
Host Plant to the Laurel Sphinx moth and the Snowberry Clearwing.
Pro Tip: Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle is incredibly forgiving when it comes to pruning. If it ever begins to look a bit unruly or "leggy" after a few years, you can cut it back nearly to the ground in late winter or early spring. It will roar back with fresh, colorful new growth and a tighter, more compact shape. It’s one of the few shrubs that actually enjoys a "fresh start" every now and then!
While most goldenrods wait for the cool air of fall to arrive, this eager native begins lighting up the landscape in mid-to-late summer. It features elegant, arching wands of tiny, nectar-rich yellow flowers that look like a burst of sunshine caught on a stem.
Unlike some of its taller, more aggressive relatives that can take over a space, this species stays at a moderate, manageable height and forms tidy clumps. It is the perfect choice for adding a "layered" look to your garden beds, filling the gap between your mid-summer blooms and the late-season asters.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 2 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 1 – 3 feet
First to Bloom: As the name suggests, it is one of the earliest goldenrods to flower, providing a critical "bridge" of color between summer and fall.
Pollinator Powerhouse: The brilliant yellow plumes are a primary nectar source for a huge array of beneficial insects during the peak of summer heat.
Aggressing Spreader: Spreads by rhizomes. Keep this in mind when selecting your planting site, may not be suitable for small landscapes.
Thinning every few years is recommended.
Butterfly Fuel: It is a favorite stop for Monarchs, Viceroys, and hairstreaks as they begin their late-season activities.
Native Bee Support: It provides high-quality pollen for specialized native bees that rely on goldenrods to feed their young.
Songbird Food: In the winter, the dried seed heads offer a tiny but nutritious feast for chickadees and goldfinches.
*Don’t believe the myths—Goldenrod does not cause hay fever! Its pollen is heavy and sticky (designed to be carried by bees, not the wind). The real culprit for itchy eyes is usually Ragweed, which blooms at the same time but has inconspicuous green flowers. You can plant Early Goldenrod with confidence, knowing it brings beauty and health to your garden without the sneezing!
An elegant, long-lived native that looks more like a small shrub than a typical flower. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble Lupine, providing a cool contrast to the yellow-heavy palette of the summer garden. It is often called the "Perennial of the Year" for good reason—it is practically indestructible and offers a shrub-like presence without the woody maintenance.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)
Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 3 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – July
Bloom Color Blue
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Deep-Rooted Longevity: It features one of the deepest taproots of any native plant, making it nearly impossible to kill once established—but also very difficult to move! Pick its "forever home" carefully.
It will spend most of the first couple years developing mostly below ground
Shrub-like Structure: While it dies back to the ground in winter, it regrows into a dense, mounded shape with beautiful blue-green, clover-like foliage that stays attractive all summer long.
Because of it’s wide form, generous spacing is recommended.
Bees: The "pea-shaped" flowers are specifically designed for heavy-bodied bees, like Bumblebees, who are strong enough to push the petals open to reach the nectar.
Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital nursery for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Frosted Elfin.
Also called Brickellbush, this tough-as-nails native is prized for its fine-textured foliage and creamy, vanilla-colored flowers. It provides a soft, neutral "break" for the eye in gardens filled with bright yellows and deep purples, making every other color look more vibrant. Though not very showy, it is an excellent nectar plant for butterflies and moths.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low; highly drought-tolerant (Xeric)
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time August – September
Bloom Color Cream
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Deep-Rooted: Like the False Indigo, it possesses a deep taproot that allows it to stay lush and green even during the most punishing summer droughts. Roots can grow up to 17 feet deep!
Tidy & Upright: It forms a clean, bushy mound of narrow, serrated leaves. It does not flop or lean, making it an excellent "structural" plant for the middle of your garden layer.
Nectar Late-Seater: It blooms alongside late-season asters, providing a critical fuel source for the very last of the season's butterflies and migrating Monarchs.
Moth Host: It is a high-value host plant for several species of flower moths, adding to the nighttime biodiversity of your garden.
Pollinator Variety: Because the flowers are small and grouped in clusters, they are accessible to a wide range of beneficial insects.
Pro tip: Try planting it directly between Early Goldenrod and False Blue Indigo. The creamy white flowers of the Boneset act as a "color buffer," preventing the bright yellow and deep blue from clashing and creating a more harmonized garden look.
A member of the mint family, this plant is famous for its "obedient" flowers—if you bend a flower to the left or right, it will stay there (at least temporarily). It produces striking, snapdragon-like spikes of pink to lavender flowers that bloom from the bottom up.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but can handle dry spells
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, or Sand
Mature Height 3 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time August – September
Bloom Color Pink
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Vertical Accent: The square stems are incredibly sturdy and topped with 10-inch long spikes of flowers.
Vigorous Spreader: This plant spreads via rhizomes. In rich, moist soil, it can be quite assertive. It is perfect for filling a large area quickly but may require thinning every few years to keep it in its "assigned" layer. Please be mindful when choosing your planting site.
Hummingbirds: The tubular shape of the flowers are perfectly evolved for the beak of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are one of the primary visitors to this plant in late summer.
Bumblebee Favorite: Large bees love to "crawl" inside the blossoms to reach the nectar, often emerging covered in white pollen.
Late-Season Support: Because it blooms into fall, it provides one of the last high-energy meals for pollinators preparing for winter or migration.
Foxglove Beardtongue is one of the most versatile and "polite" natives you can add to a garden. A standout among native perennials, this plant features smooth, upright stems topped with clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers. It gets its name from its resemblance to the classic Foxglove, but unlike its namesake, it is much hardier and easier to grow.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very adaptable
Soil Type Adaptable; Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 3 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time June – July
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Adaptable: It is very adaptable to light conditions and does well in areas such as clearings within forests, savannas and woods’ edges.
Tidy Habits: Foxglove Beardtongue is a well-behaved, clump-forming perennial that won't try to take over the yard.
Beardtongues: If you look closely inside a flower, you’ll see a tiny, hairy sterile stamen that looks like a "fuzzy tongue"—this is designed to help guide bees into the flower.
Hummingbirds: The white, tubular flowers are a primary early-season nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Support for Specialist Bees: It provides vital pollen for several species of native bees that emerge just as the spring bulbs are finishing.
Gray-Headed Coneflower (also known as Yellow Coneflower) is famous for its distinctively drooping petals and a central gray cone that smells like anise or licorice when crushed. This prairie native is known for its tall, slender stems, rough leaves and yellow cheerful flowers. It adds a wonderful sense of motion to the garden, as the blooms sway in the slightest summer breeze. It is native to prairies and savannas and grows best in medium to medium-dry soil conditions.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand or Rocky soil
Mature Height 3 – 5 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Distinctive Silhouette: Features bright yellow petals that droop downward, highlighting a prominent gray central cone that turns chocolate brown as the seeds ripen.
Tough as Nails: It is incredibly resilient against heat and drought. It is a reliable "permanent resident" for the back or middle of your garden layers.
Fragrant Cones: When the seed heads are bruised or crushed, they release a pleasant scent described by some as licorice.
Pollinators: The flowers are a high-value nectar source for a diverse range of butterflies, bees and insects.
Winter Bird Feeder: Do not cut the stalks back in the fall! Goldfinches are especially fond of the seeds and will cling to the sturdy cones all winter long to feast.
While many plants are masters of the dry, sunny prairie, Great Blue Lobelia is the perfect choice for the slightly cooler or damper spots in your landscape. A stunning, clump-forming native known for its densely packed spikes of tubular, bright blue flowers. It is a fantastic "structural" plant that brings a pop of rare color to the garden just as the mid-summer heat begins to peak. It prefers medium to wet soils, especially with a little shade.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Prefers some afternoon shade)
Water Needs Medium to High; prefers consistently moist soil
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Muck, Clay, or Loam
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time July – October
Bloom Color Blue
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Color: The flowers are arranged in a crowded spike that bloom in true blue color from the bottom up.
Well-Behaved Growth: It is a clump-forming perennial that stays tidy and upright. While it may self-seed in moist conditions, it does not have aggressive rhizomes.
Versatile Placement: Can be found in wet prairies, pond and creek edges, soggy meadows, marshland borders and other moist areas.
Deer Resistant: It produces a compound called “lobeline” which deters herbivores.
Pollinators: The deep blue flower spikes attract many different bees and butterflies. You’ll often see bumblebees prying the petals apart to disappear entirely inside the bloom for nectar.
Hummingbirds: While they usually prefer red flowers (like its cousin, the Cardinal Flower), hummingbirds will frequently visit Great Blue Lobelia for its high nectar content.
Late-Season Support: Its long bloom period provides a reliable food source for pollinators during the transition into autumn.
Unlike most goldenrods that branch out into arching plumes, this species grows in a distinct, upright spike, making it a fantastic structural choice for tight spaces or the middle of a layered bed. A distinctive and well-behaved goldenrod easily identified by its fuzzy, silver-haired stems and its unique upright growth habit. Rather than wide-spreading plumes, its flowers hug the stem in a dense, golden column, creating a "wand-like" appearance.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Rocky, or Lean/Poor soil
Mature Height 1.5 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time August – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Color: Its most striking feature is the dense coating of fine white hairs on the stem and leaves, giving the plant a soft, grayish-green cast even when it’s not in bloom. The yellow flowers are relatively large compared to other goldenrods, up to ¼ inch tall and face out from the branches.
Non-Aggressive Habit: Unlike its "runaway" relatives, Hairy Goldenrod is a clump-forming species. It stays in a tidy, vertical bunch, making it one of the best goldenrods for small landscapes or rock gardens.
Perfect for open dry woods, rocky outcrops, dunes.
Pollinators: The nectar-rich golden cylinders are a favorite for a variety of native bees, beneficial wasps, and butterflies.
Critical Fall Fuel: Because it blooms into October, it provides late season energy before the first hard frost.
*Don’t believe the myths—Goldenrod does not cause hay fever! Its pollen is heavy and sticky (designed to be carried by bees, not the wind). The real culprit for itchy eyes is usually Ragweed, which blooms at the same time but has inconspicuous green flowers. You can plant Hairy Goldenrod with confidence, knowing it brings beauty and health to your garden without the sneezing!
A standout for its narrow, upright spires of lavender-purple flowers that bloom from the bottom up, Hoary Vervain adds a formal "candelabra" look to the landscape. It is remarkably drought-tolerant and maintains its silver-green foliage even during the most punishing summer heat.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – September
Bloom Color Purple, Blue
Plant Spacing 10 – 12 inches
Blooms: The flowers are arranged on long, slender spikes that bloom from the bottom to the top. This results in a very long flowering season as the rings of purple slowly "climb" the stem.
Silvery Texture: The leaves are thick, serrated, and covered in soft white hairs, which protect the plant from water loss and give the foliage a unique frosted look.
Non-Aggressive: While it can self-seed in open soil, it grows in a neat, strictly vertical clump, making it a "polite" neighbor that won't flop over or crowd out other plants.
Butterflies: It is a high-priority nectar source for many butterflies, including the Common Buckeye, Silver-spotted Skipper, and various Hairstreaks.
Specialist Bee Support: It is a vital plant for the Verbena Bee (Calliopsis nebraskensis), which specializes in collecting pollen from this specific genus.
Host Plant: It serves as the larval host for the Common Buckeye butterfly.
A bright, sunny perennial known for its abundance of daisy-like, yellow flowers with jagged-edged petals. It is exceptionally hardy and is often one of the first "prairie" plants to bloom, providing a long-lasting splash of color in early summer. It is one of the most popular and easiest-to-grow natives, bridging the gap between your late-spring bloomers.
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Water Needs Low; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Clay, Loam, Sand, Rocky, or Lean/Poor soil
Mature Height 2 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time May – August
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 10 – 16 inches
The "Sand Tickseed": Its nickname comes from its ability to thrive in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils where other plants might struggle. It actually prefers "lean" soil—if the soil is too rich, it may grow too quickly and flop over. Many think the seeds look like ticks.
Self-Seeding Beauty: While it is a perennial, it is also a prolific self-seeder. It will fill in gaps in your garden beds naturally, creating a lush, meadow-like appearance over time.
Promptly dead-head spent blossoms to prolong the blooming period.
Pollinators: The flat, open faces of the flowers make it easy for a wide variety of butterflies, and native bees to seen regularly. As many as 22 native bee species rely on Coreopsis plants.
Songbird Seeds: As the name "Tickseed" implies, the small, dark seeds resemble ticks. These seeds are a favorite snack for goldfinches and other small birds in the late summer
A unique perennial known for its stunning lead-colored (silvery-gray) foliage. In mid-summer, it produces dense, upright spikes of tiny, iridescent purple flowers, each topped with a bright orange-gold stamen. Taproots can reach up to 15’ deep, making it extremely drought tolerant and long-lived.
Sun Exposure Full Sun (will tolerate partial shade)
Water Needs Low; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance High once established
Bloom Time June – July
Bloom Color Purple
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Deep-Rooted: Leadplant is famous for its massive taproot, which can extend up to 15 feet underground! This makes it one of the most drought-resistant plants in existence, though it also means it does not like to be moved once planted.
Leadplant is a woody shrub and can take several years to fully mature, during which time it should not be cut back.
Silvery Texture: The leaves are covered in fine, lead-colored hairs that give the plant a soft, "frosted" appearance. This silver foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the deep greens of other garden plants.
Nitrogen Fixer: As a member of the legume family, Leadplant works with soil bacteria to "fix" nitrogen, naturally enriching the soil for its neighbors.
Deer Resistant: Mature plants are typically deer resistant, but it will be best to protect your young plants with mesh or a cage. Rabbits and others will browse young Leadplants while they are getting established.
Pollinators: It is a high-value nectar source for several types of bees, beetles and other beneficial insects.
Butterfly Favorite: Its unique purple spikes are a magnet for various butterflies, including the Dogface Sulphur and various Hairstreaks.
Host Plant: It serves as a host for several moth and butterfly species.
Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) is the charming specialist of the "wet feet" zones. It gets its name because the individual blossoms are said to resemble the face of a monkey. A delightful, upright perennial known for its snapdragon-like, purple-blue flowers. It is the perfect choice for the edges of a garden where water tends to collect, or for adding a splash of cool color to a rain garden or pond edge.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs High; prefers consistently wet or mucky soil
Soil Type Muck, Clay, Loam
Mature Height 2 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time June – September
Bloom Color Purple
Plant Spacing 1 - 2 feet
Blooms: While it may not have a massive burst of flowers all at once, it produces blooms continuously for several months, ensuring there is always a pop of purple-blue in the wet spots of your yard.
Clasping Foliage: The dark green, lance-shaped leaves "clasp" the stem directly without a stalk, giving the plant a very clean, structured look even when it isn't in flower.
Moisture: Requires consistently moist soils and will spread slowly into a bushy plant.
Bumblebees: The flowers are specifically designed for bumblebees, who are strong enough to force their way into the partially closed throat of the flower to reach the nectar.
Butterflies: Swallowtails, skippers and other midsize butterflies will frequent this plant.
Hummingbird Stop: Because of the tubular shape of the flowers, it is a frequent destination for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
If you’re looking for a plant that bridges the gap between a flowering shrub and a perennial, New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a fascinating choice. It’s a compact shrub with a deep history—its leaves were actually used as a caffeine-free tea substitute during the American Revolution! A sturdy, low-growing deciduous shrub that produces clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers on long stalks. It is one of the few shrubs that stays small enough to fit perfectly in a perennial border, offering a unique texture and a massive draw for pollinators.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate (deer and rabbits will browse this plant, especially when young)
Bloom Time June – August
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Deep Taproot: New Jersey Tea grows a massive, woody red root system that can go very deep. This makes it incredibly drought-proof but also means it hates being transplanted once it’s in the ground.
Nitrogen Fixer: It has a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that allows it to "fix" nitrogen, improving the soil quality for all the plants around it.
Blooms: The white flowers appear in dense, cylindrical clusters that look like pom poms from a distance, adding a soft, airy texture to the mid-summer garden.
Foliage: glossy leaves and a mounding shape that keeps it’s rich, green color throughout the growing season but loses it’s leaves in the winter.
If desired, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It typically takes about 3 years to reach maturity. Mature shrubs can be cut to the ground in the spring to encourage more rapid growth.
Pollinators: It is legendary for the sheer variety of insects it attracts, including bees, specialized wasps, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Host Plant: It is a critical larval host for the Mottled Duskywing butterfly and the Spring Azure butterfly.
Seed Source: Ripe seeds are eaten by wild turkeys and quail, and other large birds.
Pro Tip: Plant with Butterfly Weed, Coreopsis, Spiderwort or Prairie Dropseed.
Often found in rocky openings and sandy savannas, this species is prized for its large, shaggy flower heads. Unlike other Blazing Stars with dense, tight spikes, Liatris scariosa has distinct, rounded thistle-like flower clusters that give it a more textured and "wild" appearance. Unlike it’s damp loving cousin Marsh Blazing Star, Northern Blazing Star prefers dry conditions.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low; highly drought-tolerant
Soil Type Well-drained Loam, Sand, Rocky, or Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 - 3 feet
Deer Resistance Low, this Blazing Star is commonly browsed on by deer and rabbits
Bloom Time August – September
Bloom Color Purple
Plant Spacing 10 – 12 inches
Flowers: The flower heads are wider and more separated than other Liatris species, looking thistle-like and are about 1” across. Flowers can extend up to 18” of the overall plant stem.
Top-Down Bloomer: Like its relatives, it begins blooming at the top of the spike and works its way down, providing a long-lasting nectar source throughout the late summer.
Because of the top-heavy weight, plants may require staking to hold them upright.
Dry Specialist: This is one of the best Blazing Stars for "difficult" dry spots. It thrives in poor, thin soils where other plants might struggle to find nutrients.
Monarchs and Other Butterflies: This flower is loved by Monarchs and many other butterflies. The wide flower heads provide an easy platform for them to rest and refuel.
Bees: It attracts a wide variety of bees, especially bumblebees, who are attracted to the deep nectar wells.
A classic prairie native, this species is prized for its early bloom time and its daisy-like flowers. Its pale pink-to-lavender petals hang gracefully around a tall, copper-colored central cone. Pale Purple Coneflower should be planted in well-drained soil and prefers full sunlight.
Sun Exposure Full Sun (preferred) to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – July
Bloom Color Pink, Lavendar
Plant Spacing 10 – 18 inches
Blooms: Unlike the horizontal petals of the Purple Coneflower (E. purpurea), the petals of the Pale Purple Coneflower are very thin and droop dramatically downward, giving the flower a unique, elegant silhouette.
Deep Taproot: It possesses an incredibly deep taproot making it one of the most drought-resistant perennials for a sunny garden, but it should not be moved once established.
Early Starter: This species typically blooms 2–3 weeks earlier than other coneflowers, making it the perfect "bridge" between spring flowers and the heat of mid-summer.
Pollinators: It blooms in early summer when only a few other plants are in bloom, providing a massive amount of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves provide food for the Ottoe-skipper larva.
Goldfinch Favorite: In late summer and fall, the cones turn dark and fill with oil-rich seeds. You will often see Goldfinches perched directly on the cones, plucking out the seeds.
A mound-forming perennial prized for its decorative, curley-edged foliage with quite hairy undersides. In late spring, it sends up slender, leafless wands, often reaching 2-3 feet tall, topped with tiny, bell-shaped flowers that are a subtle blend of green, cream, and reddish-brown. The exserted stamens stick out like orange tongues from under the upper petal’s lip.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium
Soil Type Well-drained Loam or Sand or Gravely soil
Mature Height 1 – 2 feet (Foliage stays low; flower spikes reach higher)
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – July
Bloom Color Pale Green or Cream
Plant Spacing 8 – 12 inches
Soil Moisture: It is tolerant of a wide range of soil moisture, but prefers areas with sand, gravel or other materials that allow moisture to easily drain from the planting site.
Roots: The roots are relatively shallow and may benefit from having winter mulch applied..
Early Pollinators: The tiny, bell-shaped flowers are specifically shaped for small native bees and flies that emerge in the late spring.
Hummingbirds and Butterflies: A variety of butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the bell-shaped blossoms.
Prairie Blazing Star is famous for its exceptionally crowded flower spikes. The species name pycnostachya literally means "thick-spiked," which perfectly describes the way the fuzzy purple flowers are packed tightly together on the stem. It is an excellent species to plant in wet-medium perennial gardens or prairies.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry spells
Soil Type Clay, Loam, or Moist Sand
Mature Height 4 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Purple
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Blooms: Because the flowers are so densely packed, the entire top 1–2 feet of the plant becomes a solid column of vibrant purple. It creates a much bolder "block" of color than other Liatris species.
Top-Down Bloom: Like its cousins, it starts blooming at the very top of the spike and slowly works its way down, ensuring several weeks of continuous color.
Stalks: The stems are very rigid and covered in narrow, grass-like leaves, giving the plant a very clean, architectural look before it even begins to flower.
Butterflies: Along with the Marsh Blazing Star, this is a stop for Monarchs and other butterflies.
Bees and Hummingbirds: It is a favorite of bumblebees and other large native bees and hummingbirds in the height of summer.
Host Plant: Prairie Blazing Star is a host plant for numerous small moths.
A long-lived and dependable perennial that forms tidy, upright clumps. In mid-summer it boasts bright yellow flowers for 3-4 weeks. Blooms are about 1-2 inches across and has deeply textured palmate leaves. While many other Coreopsis species can look a bit "wild" or floppy, Prairie Coreopsis is known for its stiff stems and unique, architectural foliage that stays attractive even when the plant isn't in bloom.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Sand, Loam, or Rocky soil (avoid overly rich or wet soils)
Mature Height 1.5 – 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – July
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Unique Foliage: The leaves are deeply divided into three narrow lobes, resembling a bird's foot or a palm. This provides a distinct, "feathery" texture that contrasts beautifully with broad-leafed plants.
Upright Stems: Unlike some cousins that sprawl, this species stays strictly upright. Its stems are very sturdy, meaning it rarely needs staking and handles wind exceptionally well.
Rhizomatous Spreader: It spreads slowly via rhizomes and can potentially overwhelm small landscapes. Please be mindful when planting.
The rhizomes slowly form an underground mat that is excellent for stabilizing dry, sunny slopes and even sand dunes.
Pollinator Variety: The bright yellow, 1- 2 inch wide flowers are a magnet for various butterflies and skippers.
Bee Support: It is a high-value plant for many native bees and is considered a good species by Beekeepers.
Fall Seed Source: Like the "Tickseeds," it produces small, dark seeds that are a favorite for goldfinches and other small songbirds.
The Purple Coneflower is a quintessential prairie native, prized for its beauty and bloom time of about 2 months. With its tall, sturdy stems and showy flowers, this is a favorite nectar source for butterflies, bees and many other pollinators, including hummingbirds.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Moderate to Low once established
Soil Type Needed Moist to Medium Loam, Clay, or Sandy soil
Mature Height 3 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Purple
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Medium Soil Preferred: Once established, these plants are pretty drought-tolerant, but the entire plant can wilt if the soil becomes too dry in strong sunlight.
Growth is best in fertile loam, but the soil can contain some sand, clay or gravel.
Sturdy Stems: Unlike many tall perennials, the Purple Coneflower rarely needs staking. Its stems are tough and fibrous, standing tall even after heavy summer rains or wind.
Bloom Time: Purple Coneflowers have an approximately a 2-month bloom time and may re-bloom in the fall, especially if dead-headed early on.
Self-Seeding: While not invasive, Echinacea will happily drop seeds in open soil. This allows your patch to thicken naturally over time.
Pollinators: The central cone is a nectar goldmine. It is a favorite stop for Monarch butterflies, Swallowtails, and a massive variety of native bees.
Songbirds: Goldfinches are especially fond of this plant. They will often perch directly on the dried seed heads in late fall and winter to pluck out the protein-rich seeds.
Rattlesnake Master is one of the most architectural and otherworldly plants in the tallgrass prairie. With its stiff, sword-like leaves and bristly, globe-shaped flower heads, it looks more like a desert yucca than a member of the carrot family. It adds a unique "silver-blue" cool tone to the garden.
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Water Needs Low to Moderate
Soil Type Clay, Loam, of Sand
Mature Height 4 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Yucca-Like Foliage: The long, bluish-green leaves feature small soft teeth along the edges, mimicking the look of a desert yucca.
Spherical Blooms: Unlike typical flat-topped flowers, Rattlesnake Master produces bristly white flower heads. These "prickly" globes start off green, turn white with a hint of blue, and eventually dry to a tan in the fall.
Pollinators: Small native bees, moths and flies will nectar on Rattlesnake Master.
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