Wildflowers
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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: moderate - 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.
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.
This spectacular native perennial provides a bold, tropical aesthetic with its massive, platter-like blooms. Blossoms reach 6”-10” across with beautiful dark pink centers. While it looks like it belongs in Hawaii, it is a hardy native that adds incredible beauty and height to the mid-to-late summer landscape.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Full Sun for best blooms)
Water Needs Medium to High; loves wet "feet" but is surprisingly adaptable
Soil Type Muck, Clay, Loam
Mature Height 4 – 6 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Pink or White
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Plant Characteristics
Dinner-Plate Blooms: The flowers can range from 6 to 10 inches across. They are typically white or soft pink, usually with a striking dark pink center.
Late Emergence: Don’t be alarmed if you don't see it in early spring! It is one of the last perennials to wake up, often not poking through the soil until June. Once it starts, however, it grows with incredible speed.
Shrub-like Stature: Though it dies back to the ground every winter, it regrows into a massive, multi-stemmed "shrub" by mid-summer. It provides a perfect structural anchor for the back of a large garden bed.
Good for a wetland edge or rain garden
Wildlife Benefits
Hummingbirds: The deep, nectar-rich centers and bright colors are a primary target for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Specialist Bee Support: It is the host plant for the Hibiscus Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis), a specialist pollinator that relies almost exclusively on this genus for pollen.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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 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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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 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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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..
Wildlife Benefits
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.
A dependable and cheerful perennial that belongs to the carrot family. It is easily recognized by its flat-topped, lace-like clusters (umbels) of tiny golden flowers. It’s a sturdy plant that brings a bright, airy feel to the garden just as the spring rains are beginning to taper off. It provides a much-needed burst of yellow in the late spring, filling the gap before your Coreopsis and Blazing Stars take the stage.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun (preferred) to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 2 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time April - May
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 10 – 12 inches
Plant Characteristics
Heart-Shaped Foliage: One of the easiest ways to identify Zizia aptera is by its "unlobed" heart-shaped leaves at the base of the plant.
Flowers: The flowers grow in "umbels," which look like tiny golden umbrellas. This structure provides a delicate, lacy appearance that contrasts beautifully with the heavier, broader leaves of neighboring plants.
Wildlife Benefits
Black Swallowtail Host: This is a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly. Their caterpillars love to feed on the foliage.
Early Nectar Source: Because it blooms so early, it is a critical food source for emerging native bees and beneficial predatory insects.
Pollinator Diversity: The flat, open flower clusters make the nectar easily accessible to insects with short mouthparts, such as small flies and beetles that can't reach into deep tubular flowers.
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 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.
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.
Don't let the name fool you—Blue-Eyed Grass is not a grass at all, but a dainty and delightful member of the Iris family. This charming native perennial forms tidy, tufted clumps of narrow, sword-shaped green foliage that looks like a miniature ornamental grass. In late spring, the "grass" is topped by a profusion of star-shaped, violet-blue flowers, each featuring a bright, sunny-yellow "eye" at the center.
Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of a garden, Blue-Eyed Grass is ideal for lining walkways, tucking into rock gardens, or adding a delicate texture to the front of a perennial border. It’s a small plant that makes a big impact when it blankets the ground in blue.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Water Needs: moderate; prefers consistent moisture but can handle brief dry spells.
Soil Type: well-drained; will tolerate loam or sand.
Mature Height: 6 inches
Deer Resistance: Low-Moderate
Bloom Time: May – June
Plant Spacing: 6 – 8 inches
Plant Characteristics
Compact Habit: Its small footprint makes it perfect for "tight" spaces or small urban gardens where every inch counts.
Tidy All Season: Even when not in bloom, the upright, iris-like foliage remains attractive and structured throughout the growing season.
Easy to Naturalize: It will gently self-seed and spread via underground rhizomes, slowly forming a beautiful, flowering groundcover.
Wildlife Benefits
Early Season Pollinators: Provides an important nectar source for small native bees and hoverflies during the crucial late-spring window.
Habitat Value: The dense, tufted foliage offers excellent cover for beneficial insects and small amphibians near the soil surface.
Seed Source: Small songbirds occasionally feast on the tiny seeds that develop after the flowers fade.
Pro Tip: Blue-Eyed Grass looks its best when planted in large drifts or groups. Because of its small stature, a single plant might get lost. Try planting in a groups of 5 or 7.
Often called "Closed Bottle Gentian," this plant is one of the most intriguing and beautiful additions to the late-season garden. Bottle Gentian features clusters of deep, true-blue flowers that look like oversized flower buds that are just about to open—but they never do! The petals remain permanently fused into a "bottle" shape.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure: partial shade (preferred) to full sun
Water Needs: moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil.
Soil Type: thrives in moist clay, loam and sand
Mature Height: 1 – 2 feet
Deer Resistance: high
Bloom Time: August – October
Plant Spacing: 1 – 2 feet
Plant Characteristics
Color: Offers a stunning, glossy dark green foliage and vivid cobalt blue that remains vibrant even as the rest of the garden begins to turn brown in the fall.
Low Maintenance: Once established in a moist, semi-shaded spot, it requires little care.
Best conditions: Bottle Gentian does best in a moist, low-lying transition zone, such as a woodland edge or the edge of a shade garden. Blooming into the fall, it tolerates cold weather.
Black Walnut tolerant
Wildlife Benefits
Bumblebee Exclusive: Because the flowers never open, they require "specialist" pollinators. Strong bumblebees are the only insects powerful enough to pry the petals apart and crawl inside to reach the nectar.
Late-Season Lifeline: Since the nectar is "locked away" from other insects, it provides a dedicated food source for bumblebees preparing for winter.
Pest Resistant: Its unique flower structure protects the nectar and pollen from many common garden "thieves" and beetles.
Pro Tip: It is a great companion to other late bloomers such as: Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachia), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) and Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana).
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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!
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!
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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
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 Moderate - 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.
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.
Plant Profile
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
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
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.
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.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure: full sun
Water Needs: low to moderate
Soil Type: clay, loam, or sand
Mature Height: 4 feet
Deer Resistance: high
Bloom Time: July – September
Bloom Color: white
Plant Spacing: 18 – 24 inches
Plant Characteristics
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.
Wildlife Benefits
Pollinators: Small native bees, moths and flies will nectar on Rattlesnake Master.