Black-eyed Susan, Rudbekia hirta: The 2-3 inch wide bright-yellow daisy-like flowers

have a dark brownish center. This plant will bloom throughout the summer on stiff,

leafy, upright stems that will form large clumps if allowed. It is also drought toler-

ant. Flowers are favored by bees and butterflies. Full sun to part shade, medium to

dry soils. Benefits butterflies. Height: 1-3’

Blue Vervain, Verbena hastata: Square stems consist of opposite, serrate and lanceolate

leaves with short leaf stalks. The five petaled flowers are small and pale-lilac in color that are

arranged on long numerous spikes in a panicle. It attracts nectar seeking insects and song-

birds are attracted by the seeds. Sun to part shade, and moist to wet soils. Height: 2-5’

Blue Harebell, Campanula rotundifolia: Harebell has a delicate deep blue bell shaped flower

that will bloom from early summer all the way until the first hard frost. This plant excels in

thin rocky or sandy soils, and is very hardy. Best in full sun to part shade, medium to dry soils.

Benefits pollinators and hummingbirds. Height: 6-8”

Blue Stemmed Goldenrod, Solidago caesia: Does not spread as aggressively as some golden-

rods and has graceful arching stems covered with hundreds of small yellow flowers. The dis-

tinct stems are purplish in color. Native to rich woodlands in the Eastern half of the U.S. it pre-

fers light shade, but also grows in full sun. Individual plants are relatively small, but a mature

clump has great presence and texture – brightening any semi-shade garden late in the sea-

son. As with all goldenrods, it is a desirable source of pollen. Height: 2-3’

Bottlebrush Grass, Hystrix patula: Bottlebrush grass is named for its distinctive floral spikes.

It is a shade-tolerant grass that is perfect for adding interest and texture to woodland edges

or shady gardens. Best in part shade to shady light and in medium to moist soils. Provides

habitat for butterflies. Height: 2-5’

Brown-eyed Susan (Three lobed Susan), Rudbekia triloba: This plant provides won-

derful fall color. Brilliant yellow flowers with jet-black centers bloom from late sum-

mer until the first hard frost. Grows in almost any soil, in full sun or light shade. Rela-

tively short lived, however it self-sows readily on open soil. Best in sun to part shade,

and medium to moist soils. Benefits pollinators and butterflies. Height: 2-5’

Native Perennial Plant Guide

Butterfly Milkweed, Aesclepias tuberosa: Butterfly weed produces many bright orange, flat-

topped flower clusters in early June. Flowering goes on for many weeks. Green pods full of

seeds with silky white hairs follow the flowers. Excellent nectar producing species that

attracts many pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. Very robust tap root and extremely

drought tolerant. Best in sun to part shade and medium to dry soils. Height: 1-3’

Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis: Fiery red, tubular flowers on tall, dense spikes last for

weeks during the late summer bloom period. An important nectar source for hummingbirds

and butterflies. Cardinal flower is a short-lived perennial but reseeds easily. Best in sun to part

shade and moist to wet soils. Height: 2-4’

Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrosticoides: Christmas Fern is named for its evergreen fronds

which were used by early New England settlers for Christmas decorations. The firm, deep

green leaves make it a great companion for woodland wildflowers. Easy to cultivate, it thrives

in well-drained situations in neutral to acidic soils. Shady, wooded slopes are its native habi-

tat. Resistant to damage from deer, the rhizomatous plants will expand to form a large clump

1’ - 2’ wide, but will not creep, or form ground cover. Height: 12-24’

Common Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum: The pure white flowers of Bone-

set (Eupatorium perfoliatum) really stand out in the late summer landscape. The highly

textured leaves clasp the stem, and were once believed to facilitate the setting and heal-

ing of bones. Requires a rich moist soil in full sun to light shade. Benefits pollinators and

butterflies. Height: 3-5’

Common Sneezeweed, Helenium autumnale: The large and numerous daisy-like, yellow

flowers of Helenium autumnale can provide welcome color in late summer and autumn

when many other blossoms have disappeared. Sneezeweed prefers full to partial sun and

wet to wet-medium soils. Despite its common name, it presents no problems for most al-

lergy sufferers. Its pollen is distributed by insects, not wind. Benefits butterflies. Height: 3-

5’

Common Milkweed, Asclepias syringia: This plant is the host for the Monarch Butter-

fly. This well known plant produces a profusion of lavender to pink flowers in mid-

summer. The sweet scented flowers attract and benefit a plethora of pollinators, and

it is one of the fastest milkweeds to establish. Plant in large areas with other grasses

and flowers to control spreading. Best in sun to part shade and medium to dry soils.

Height: 2-4’

Common Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohioensis: These delicate flowers bloom for an ex-

tended period in late spring and early summer. They open first thing in the morning

and then the blooms close in the afternoon to conserve moisture. These plants will ex-

pand over time to form a clump that can be easily divided in spring or fall. Best in sun

to part shade and dry to moist soils. Benefits pollinators. Height: 12-30”

Compass Plant, Silphium lacinatum: Has thick, deeply divided leaves which often orient

themselves in a north-south direction, hence the name Compassplant. Slow growing and

long-lived (up to 100 years!), mature plants can have up to 100 large yellow flowers that

open from June through September. Birds seek out the very nutritious seeds. Height: 6-10’

Culver’s Root, Veronicastrum virginicum: This stately specimen is prized for its well-

defined, clean lines. Elegant spires of white flowers crown the whorls of deep green

leaves. Culver's Root creates a unique vertical accent, and can be combined with other

white flowers to create 'white gardens'. A great plant for creating an impression in the

garden towards the end of summer. Best planted towards the back of a sunny or partially

shady border in medium or moist soils. It also attracts pollinators and butterflies. Height:

3-6’

False Sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides: Also known as Ox-Eye Sunflower. Lengthy

summer to early fall bloom. Heliopsis is both similar in appearance to and closely

related to Helianthus, the true sunflower. Good fresh cut flower. Tolerates drought

but increases more rapidly in fertile soil. False Sunflowers attract nectar seeking

butterflies, and birds enjoy the ripe seeds. Best in sun to part shade and moist to dry

soils. Height: 3-5’

Downy Wood Mint, Blephila ciliata: Downy wood mint is distinctive for its flower clusters

of purple-pink flowers stacked to resemble a pagoda. The basal leaves stay green

throughout the winter. The flower is an early summer bloomer that is deer resistant, yet

a favorite of pollinators. Best in medium to dry soils. Height: 1’

Foxglove beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis: Also known as Smooth Penstemon. This plant

blooms late spring to early summer with clusters of pure white, tube like flowers that

attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Leaves are smooth and shiny with serrated edg-

es and grow to six inches long. Makes a great cut flower for floral arrangements as well as

an welcome addition to your prairie landscape. Best in sun to part shade and medium to

moist soils. Height: 2-3’

Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea: Golden Alexanders is covered with brilliant golden umbels in

late-spring. This is an excellent low-growing choice for heavy clay soils in semi-shade to full

sun. As a member of the Apiaceae family, it is a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly,

which lays its eggs on several of the umbelliferous plants in this family, including Golden Alex-

anders, parsely, fennel and dill. Benefits pollinators, especially bees. Height: 1-3’

Ironweed, Veronia fasaculata: Named for its tough stem, Ironweed has excellent posture and

never slouches in the garden. The flowers of Ironweed are a rare color in the late summer

landscape, and the brilliant purple-crimson bloom is very attractive to butterflies. An excellent

addition to the pollinator garden, Ironweed is a host plant for the American Painted Lady

butterfly. Height 6-8’

Great Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica: Covered in deep blue flowers in late summer and early

fall, Great Blue Lobelia can form colonies of flowered spikes in medium to wet soils, especially

with a little shade. Longer lived than the Cardinal Flower, it also attracts hummingbirds. Plant-

ed together, the two Lobelias offer a stunning color combination. Excellent for damp clay soil.

Benefits bees and pollinators in addition to hummingbirds. Height: 1-3’

Hairy Penstemon, Penstemon hirsutus: Open clusters of trumpet-shaped, lavender flowers

grace Hairy Beardtongue from late May to late June, attracting bumblebees, butterflies and

hummingbirds. Its early bloom time and hairy stems distinguish it from other Beardtongues.

Its preference ranges for medium-wet to dry soils in varied sun conditions make it a versatile

choice for home landscaping. Plant in sun to shade. Height: 18”

Hoary Vervain, Verbena stricta: The beautiful lavender spires are late summer. An important nectar source for butterflies, Hoary Vervain is a desirable component of butterfly gardens, and the leaves are larval host food for the Common Buckeye butterfly and others. The seeds are important for many small birds and mammals. Very drought resistant, and non-aggressive, Verbena stricta thrives on dry soils and well-drained loamy soils. Best in full sun. Height: 2-4’

Jack-in-the-pulpit, Arisaema tryphyllum: Flower is a hooded spathe with purplish brown

streaks enclosing an erect, brown spadix. Plants initially produce only male flowers, but become

hermaphroditic as they age further (male flowers on upper part of spadix and female on lower

part). These plants produce a cluster of red berries in mid to late summer which becomes visible

as the spathe withers. Very unique and easy to grow, Jack in the pulpit grows well in any

rich soil in the shade. Height: 1-3’

Joe-Pye Weed, Eupatorium maculatum: A Butterfly Magnet, Joe Pye Weed grows up to 6' tall and is

crowned with clusters of bright pink flowers in late summer. Perfect for planting in damp soil in marshy

areas, along streambanks, and on pond edges, Eupatorium maculatum will also thrive in rich garden soil

in full sun. Also deer resistant. Height: 2-6’

Leadplant, Amorpha canescens: One of the few prairie shrubs. Leadplant is a long lived species

that has unique foliage. Blooming in midsummer, leadplant produces spikes of iridescent pur-

ple flowers atop delicate silver gray foliage. Very drought tolerant. Benefits pollinators and is

deer resistant. Best in full sun and medium to dry soils. Height 2-3’

Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium: An ornamental bunchgrass with fine-textured foli-

age that forms very dense mounds. Slender, blue-green stems, appearing in August and Sep-

tember and become radiant mahogany-red with white, shinning seed tufts in the fall. Color

remains nearly all winter and provides nesting material and seeds for small mammals and

birds. Best in full sun to part shade, and medium to dry soils. Height: 2-4’

Marsh Blazing Star, Liatris spicata: Produces bold purple flower stalks late in the season after

other blazingstars are finished. This clump-forming plant has a delicate tuft of grass-like foli-

age at its base from which one or more stalks will grow. The leaves become sparse as they

move up the rigid stems. It is native to moist meadows and marsh margins of the midwest

and east, but is more common in flower gardens than in the wild. It is highly adaptable and

easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils. Benefits pollinators, butterflies, birds,

and hummingbirds. Height: 3-5’

Monkeyflower, Mimulus ringens: Both the foliage and flowers of this plant are quite

attractive with its asymmetrical, 2-lipped, blue-purple flowers that rise from the axils of

opposite leaves that clasp a square stem. Best in wet soils and sun to part shade.

Attracts bumblebees and butterflies. Height:2-4’

New England Aster, Aster novae-angliae: Easy-to-grow, stout, leafy plant that features a

profuse bloom of daisy-like flowers with purple rays and yellow centers from late sum-

mer to early fall. Pinching back stems several times before mid-July will help control

plant height and increase fullness. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and other polli-

nators. Height: 3-5’

Nodding Onion, Allium cernuum: The bell-shaped flowers are arranged in a cluster that

bends earthward. Easy, dependable and very drought tolerant once established. Foliage is

grass-like and attractive all season, and the papery dried seed-heads are decorative in au-

tumn. Best in sun to part shade and moist to dry soils. Height: 1-2’

Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum: Prairie Dock is among the taller and larger-

leaved prairie plants, often maturing to 9' in height. Its sandpaper-textured leaves, 18"

long and 12" wide, prove too coarse for most rabbits. These leaves will mature in size in

early summer and by late summer the flowering stalk will shoot up with attractive yellow

composite flowers. Because of its height, it competes well with aggressive prairie grasses.

Prairie Dock attracts bees, including honeybees and bumblebees. Goldfinches eat and dis-

perse the seeds, helping the plant self-propagate. A member of the large Aster

(Asteraceae) family, Prairie Dock, like most Silphium species, is extremely drought-

resistant and long-lived. Best in full sun and medium to dry soils. Height: 3-10’

Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea: This very popular native plant is perfect for

both small gardens and large prairie meadows. Purple Coneflower blooms profusely

for up to two months in mid to late summer and sometimes will re-bloom in the fall.

The showy flowers are a favorite nectar source for butterflies, bees and myriad pollina-

tors, including hummingbirds. Later in summer the large seedheads attract goldfinches

and other birds. Easy to grow, Purple Coneflower prefers full to partial sun and medi-

um soil conditions. Growth is best in fertile loam, but it will tolerate clay or dryer conditions. Height: 3-4’

Sand Coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolata: The golden-yellow flowers of Sand Coreopsis bloom for weeks on end, creating a fantastic early summer display. Butterflies are regular visitors, and songbirds feed on the ripe seeds in late summer. This durable plant grows in any well-drained soil, and exults in dry sandy soils. Best in full sun. Height: 1-2’

Showy Goldenrod, Solidago speciosa: The flower spikes of Showy Goldenrod create a spectac-

ular show from late summer through early fall. The foot long golden wands add a distinctive

flourish to the autumn landscape. Solidago speciosa is an important late season nectar source

for butterflies and other pollinators such as honeybees. Best in sun to part shade and dry to

medium soils. Height: 5’

Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida: A very showy goldenrod that is a Monarch Butterfly favorite

as well as many other species of butterflies. It has single stalks, branched near the top to

make clusters of flat topped flower heads. Has a very deep root system that allows it to sur-

vive in extreme drought conditions once established. Best in full sun and dry to medium soils.

Height: 3-5’

Swamp Buttercup, Ranunculus septentrionalis: The Swamp buttercup is about 6 inches

tall. They usually creep along the ground for up to 2.5 feet. It produces one to several yel-

low buttercup shaped flowers (and hence its name) from about April–June that last about 1.5

months. It is highly attractive to pollinators and grows best in moist fertile soils. Height: 9”

Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata: Also known as Red or Pink Milkweed, it is an excep-

tional plant for pollinators, attracting Hawk moths, Swallowtail butterflies, Greater Fritillaries,

Monarch butterflies, skippers, bumble bees and numerous other nectar-seekers - even an

occasional hummingbird. Asclepias incarnata is easily grown in moist to wet soils in full sun,

but it also does perfectly well in average well-drained garden soil. The plants form stately

clumps with upright stems and long narrow leaves. The clusters of fragrant pink flowers are

followed by attractive seed pods for late season interest. Height: 3-5’

White Trillium, Trillium grandiflorum: This plant is a favorite of gardeners. It carpets wood-

land and shaded areas in early spring with exquisite white flowers up to 5” across. The

flower uniquely changes color to light pink at the end of it’s blooming season. A few

plants will spread slowly into large drifts. Best in shade to part shade and moist to medi-

um soils. Height: 12”

Western Sunflower, Helianthus occidentalis: Western Sunflower has elegant star-like flowers

held aloft on leafless stalks two to three feet tall. The shortest of our native sunflowers, Heli-

anthus occidentalis is perfect for small prairie gardens and meadows in dry soils. Blooms for

an extended period in late summer. Birds love the seeds! Height: 2-3’

White Turtlehead, Chelone glabra: Dense spikes of distinctly shaped white flowers are a wel-

come sight in late summer and early fall. Blooms are said to resemble a turtles’s head. Deep

green foliage is handsome all season long. Flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and other

pollinators. Grows well in wet soil and stream edges. Tolerates occasional flooding. White Tur-

tlehead is a preferred larval host plant for the beautiful Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly.

Height: 2-4’

Wild Bergamot, Mondarda fistulosa: A wide-ranging North American plant that thrives in all

but the wettest soils. The lavender tubular flowers are a very popular nectar source,

attracting a wide variety of bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds may also visit. A member of

the mint family, Bergamot was historically used by indigenous people for a variety of medic-

inal applications. The distinctly aromatic leaves are commonly used to make tea. The button

seedheads are popular in dried floral arrangements. Height: 4’

Wild Blue Indigo, Baptisia australis: Also known as Blue False Indigo, this is a bushy, robust

perennial with blue-purple and pea-like flowers. Leaves are divided into three leaflets and in

late fall, the plant turns silvery-grey. The blossoms get showier and more developed as the

plant matures. Beneficial for native bees and bumble bees. Height: 3-5’

Wild Lupine, Lupinus perennis: An important early season nectar source for many pollinators

and the only host plant for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Flowers begin to emerge

in mid to late May on an elongated spike. The flowers turn to fuzzy peapod-like seed

pods. Lupine prefers dry, sandy soil in open, full sun areas, but it will also grow in part

shade. Height: 1-2’

Wild Columbine, Aquilegia Canadensis: This beautiful woodland native has intricate red and

yellow bell-like flowers with unique, backward-pointed nectar tubes. Columbine attracts a

variety of pollinators. The nectaries are the perfect shape for hummingbirds and long-

tongued insects that are especially adapted for reaching the nectar inside. Columbine is

easily grown in average well-drained soil in full sun to shade. It will tolerate a wide range of

soils, as long as drainage is good. Soil that is too rich encourages weak stems and shorter

lifespans, while thin, sandy soils will produce a tight, compact plant that can live for many

years. In optimum growing conditions it will self-seed freely, naturalizing to form large colonies. Height: 1-3’

Wild Senna, Cassia hebecarpa: In mid-summer a profusion of butter-yellow flowers appear

atop the lush deep green foliage of Wild Senna (Cassia hebecarpa). The chocolate brown

seedpods are a favorite of birds. Fond of clay, it will thrive in medium to moist soils, and tol-

erates periodic flooding. The horizontal root system provides stabilization against high wind

velocities, making this tall sun loving plant an excellent hedge choice. Wild Senna is a larval

host plant for the Cloudless Sulpher butterfly. Height: 4-6’

Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata: Yellow Coneflower grows in almost any soil. This strik-

ing prairie flower produces a cornucopia of bright yellow flowers in the heat of mid-summer.

Amazingly durable, it survives heat, drought, flooding, and winter cold. Easy to grow from

seed or transplants, this is a strong perennial and classic prairie flower. Benefits pollinators

and butterflies. Height: 3-6’