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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

This native perennial is easily recognized by its unique branching flower spikes that resemble a multi-armed candelabra. Tiny, vibrant violet-blue flowers bloom in succession from the bottom up in the July heat. Unlike many garden perennials that shy away from "wet feet," Verbena hastata thrives in moist-to-wet soils, making it an invaluable choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or that low-lying corner of the yard where other plants struggle.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Moderate to High; standing water is not tolerated, but it prefers consistently moist soil.

• Soil Type Moist to wet; Can tolerate Muck, Clay, Loam or Sand.

• Mature Height 4 - 6 feet

• Deer Resistance Moderate to High

• Bloom Time July – September

• Bloom Color ‍ ‍ Blue

• Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches

Plant Characteristics

• Vertical Interest: Its tall, slender habit adds height without adding bulk, allowing it to weave beautifully between other plants.

• Naturalizes Easily: A biennial plant that is a wonderful self-seeder. It also will slowly spread through rhizomes allowing it to fill in gaps over time, but it will not compete well with more aggressive vegetation.

• Color: The violet-blue flower spikes can bloom for up to 2 months.

Wildlife Benefits

• Butterfly Magnet: A vital nectar source for a wide array of butterflies, including Swallowtails, Fritillaries, and Skippers.

• Native Bee Support: Blue vervain attracts a variety of different native bees.

• Songbird Food: In the fall, the slender spikes produce tiny seeds that are a favorite for finches, and sparrows.

Pro Tip: Because Blue Vervain grows quite tall and narrow, plant it in clusters of three or more. This creates a stunning "haze" of purple-blue color that is much more impactful than a single specimen, and it provides extra support for the stems in windy areas.

If you want to bring the vibrant colors of a summer sunset and a flurry of wings to your landscape, Butterfly Weed is the undisputed champion. 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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Key Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

Just like the goldenrod, this plant is a "bridge" species—but while the goldenrod bridges the seasons, the Evening Primrose bridges day and night! While most flowers wake up with the sun, this native waits for the twilight. It features bowl-shaped yellow blossoms that unfurl in late afternoon and evening.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant

• Soil Type Adaptable; prefers Sandy, Rocky, or Lean soil

• Mature Height 4 – 6 feet

• Deer Resistance Moderate

• Bloom Time July – October

• Bloom Color‍ ‍ Yellow

• Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Long Bloom Time: It is one of the last natives blooming into late fall.

• Hardy & Resilient: It thrives in "neglected" areas where other plants struggle. It is highly resistant to pests and can handle poor, dry soils with ease.

Wildlife Benefits

• Polinators: Although labeled as a weed by some, it is a very important native plant with a long bloom time. It benefits many different kinds of bees, nectaring moths, butterfiles, and caterpillars.

• The "Night Shift": The flowers attract sphinx moths (hawk moths), which are nocturnal.

• Hummingbirds: Though they open late, the flowers stay open long enough for hummingbirds to visit them for a breakfast snack in the early morning.

Garden Note: Common Evening Primrose is a prolific self-seeder. Because it is a biennial, it relies on dropping seeds to ensure a new generation blooms every year. If you want to limit its spread, simply snip off the seed pods after the flowering season is finished!

This towering native perennial is famous for its deeply lobed, sandpaper-like leaves that traditionally orient themselves North and South to avoid the intense midday sun—giving the plant its iconic name.Rising on sturdy, sap-filled stalks, its cheerful, sunflower-like yellow blooms provide a vertical element that can be seen from across the yard.

It is a slow-growing "anchor" species that invests its early years into developing a massive taproot that can reach up to 15 feet deep. This incredible root system makes it virtually bulletproof against drought and extreme heat, allowing it to remain lush and vibrant even when the rest of the garden is parched.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant

• Soil Type Loam, Sand

• Mature Height 5 – 8 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June – September

• Bloom Color Yellow

• Plant Spacing 3 – 5 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Height: Given rich soil, compass plants can reach upwards of 8 feet in height making it a natural focal point or a stunning "back of the border" screen.

• Living Compass: The large basal leaves align with the Earth’s magnetic poles to maximize water use in the leaves and increase CO2 gain.

• Centuries-Long Life: This is a "legacy plant." Once established, a single Compass Plant can live for up to 100 years, becoming a permanent fixture of your home's ecosystem.

Wildlife Benefits

• Pollinators: The resin-rich flowers are a favorite of bees, and butterflies.

• Birds: Seeds are a high-energy food source for goldfinches and other songbirds throughout the fall and a favorite perching spot.

Pro Tip: Patience is a virtue with the Compass Plant! Because it spends its first few seasons focused on growing that legendary 15-foot taproot, it may only produce a small cluster of leaves at first. Don't be fooled—it is building the foundation for a lifetime of beauty. Due to this taproot, it is very difficult to move once planted, so choose its "forever home" in a sunny spot with plenty of vertical room to grow.

This stately native perennial is beloved for its unique, candelabra-like flower spikes that bloom in a soft white to pale lavender. Unlike the shaggy look of some prairie plants, Culver’s Root has deep green leaves arranged in tidy, horizontal "whirls" around the stem, providing beautiful texture even before the flowers appear. This plant is the perfect "bridge" for your garden, thriving in that sweet spot between moist and well-drained soils.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Medium; likes moist, well drained soil

• Soil Type Needed Muck, Loam, Clay, or Moist Sand

• Mature Height 4 – 6 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June – August

• Bloom Color White

• Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Candelabra Blooms: Each main flower spike is surrounded by smaller secondary spikes, extending the bloom time and creating a multi-tiered "candelabra" effect.

• Formal Structure: The unique "whorled" leaf pattern (growing in circles around the stem) gives the plant a clean, geometric look that fits beautifully in modern or formal landscapes.

• Non-Aggressive: It is a well-behaved clump-former, meaning it stays exactly where you plant it and won't try to take over the rest of your garden.

Wildlife Benefits

• Bees & Butterflies: It is a vital nectar source for butterflies and a variety of bees.

Pro Tip: Culver’s Root is a true "sun-seeker." While it can handle partial shade, its stems are sturdiest and its flower spikes are most upright when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If you are planting it in a more shaded spot, consider placing it near a fence or sturdier neighbors like Joe Pye Weed for a little extra support. To encourage the best display, keep the soil mulch-covered to retain the moisture this "cool-season" beauty loves!

This native is named for the soft, silvery-gray "down" or fuzz that covers its stems and foliage, giving the entire plant a frosty-blue tint. When the mid-summer heat arrives, it erupts in a cheerful display of multi-flowered stalks topped with bright, 2-inch golden-yellow blooms.

What sets the Downy Sunflower apart is its incredible versatility. It is one of the few sunflowers that stays at a manageable height. It is a rugged survivor that handles the hottest, driest corners of your yard with ease, maintaining its silver-green luster even in the peak of a summer drought.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Sun

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant

• Soil Type Poor, drier, Clay, Sand, Rocky, or Well-Drained Loam

• Mature Height 4 - 5 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time August – September

• Bloom Color Yellow

• Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Key Characteristics

• Aggressive Spreader: please consider when picking your planting location. Removal of the seed head before it is ripe is preferable if you do not want to weed seedlings.

• Compact Habit: Unlike the towering 8-foot giants, Downy Sunflower stays relatively short and sturdy, rarely requiring staking or support.

• Prolific Bloomer: Rather than one single flower head, each plant produces numerous branches, resulting in a dense "bouquet" of yellow flowers on every stalk.

Wildlife Benefits

• Nectar: Its late-summer blooms are a vital resource for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers during the hottest months of the year.

• Bird Seed Source: In the fall, the flower heads dry into nutritious "bird feeders." Chickadees and Goldfinches will cling to the stems to feast on the oil-rich seeds.

• Host Plant: It serves as a nursery for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and several species of moths.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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!

Early Sunflower (often called False Sunflower or Oxeye Sunflower) is a champion of the "pre-autumn" season. While it looks remarkably like a true sunflower, it’s actually a distinct native perennial that is far more manageable and long-lived in a garden setting.

A cheerful, multi-stemmed native that produces a profusion of daisy-like yellow flowers. It is one of the longest-blooming perennials in the summer garden, often starting its show weeks before the rest of the sunflower family.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)

• Water Needs Low to Medium; drought-tolerant once established

• Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil

• Mature Height 3 – 5 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June – September

• Bloom Color Yellow

• Plant Spacing 1.5 – 3 feet

Key Garden Characteristics

• Prolific Bloomer: Unlike true sunflowers that bloom once, this species is "deadhead friendly"—removing spent flowers will keep the gold coming all summer long.

• Sturdy & Reliable: While it can get tall, its stems are generally stiffer than true sunflowers.However, in very rich soil, it can become "leggy," so it's actually happier in leaner, average soil.

• Clump-Forming: It stays where you put it! Unlike some aggressive spreaders, this species grows in a tidy, non-invasive clump that increases in diameter over time.

Wildlife & Garden Benefits

• Specialist Pollinator Support: It is a critical host for the Holcopasites heliopis bee—a tiny specialist pollinator that relies specifically on this plant.

• Bird Buffet: If you leave the seed heads standing in the fall, they become a favorite snack for goldfinches and other small songbirds.

Pro Tip: Try planting Early sunflower with purple-blooming companions like Blazing Star or Ironweed that would contrast beautifully with all that yellow.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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 - High

• Bloom Time August – September

• Bloom Color Pink

• Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

Plant Profile

• 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 High

• Bloom Time June – July

• Bloom Color‍ White ‍

• Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.