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Transcript
WILDFLOWERS Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) : Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils with full sun to part shade. It will tolerate somewhat poor soils and some drought conditions. Plants need good air circulation. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. This plant tends to self-seed. It grows 2 to 4 feet in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet. Blooms in July to September with pink to lavender flowers. Deer do not like this plant. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): T his cheerful, widespread wildflower is considered a short-lived perennial across its range. However it reseeds it self annually. Bright-yellow, 2-3 in. wide, daisy-like flowers with dark centers are its claim-to-fame. They occur singly atop 1-2 ft. stems. The stems are scattered, oval leaves are covered with bristly hairs. Coarse, rough-stemmed plant with daisy-like flower heads made up of showy golden-yellow ray flowers, with disk flowers forming a brown central cone. It prefers full sun and dry to moist conditions. Will grow in sand, loam or clay soils. Blue Vervain Verbena hastata) : Blue verbena is a 2-5 ft., stout-stemmed perennial with numerous, pencil-like flower spikes branched upwards like the arms of a candelabra. Each flower spike has a ring of blue-purple flowers; the flowers at the bottom of the spike bloom first, and the ring of flowers appears to advance upward to the tips of the spike. Stiff, pencil-like spikes of numerous small, tubular, blue-violet flowers are at the top of a square, grooved stem and its branches. An attractive perennial. It prefers full sun with loamy to clay soils. Likes moist to wet soils and will readily reseed itself if planted in favorable conditions. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) : Tiny, white flowers are arranged in fuzzy clusters top the 3-6 ft. stems of this perennial. Hairy plant with dense flat-topped clusters of many dull-white flowers. Paired leaves, united basally, are perforated by the erect stems. This native perennial plant is 2-4' tall and unbranched. The preference is full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions. The soil should contain considerable organic material so that it can retain moisture. This plant can withstand flooded conditions for short periods of time, but it is not really aquatic. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberose) : This bushy, 1 1/2-2 ft. perennial is prized for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright-orange flowers. The leaves are mostly alternate, 1 1/2–2 1/4 inches long, pointed, and smooth on the edge. The yellow-orange to bright orange flower clusters, 2–5 inches across, are at the top of the flowering stem. The abundance of stiff, lance-shaped foliage provides a darkgreen backdrop for the showy flower heads. Its brilliant flowers attract butterflies. It is a favorite to monarch butterflies. It prefers full sun and sandy to loamy soils with dry to moist conditions. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) : This 1-6 ft. perennial has showy, red flowers in 8 in., terminal spikes. Each flower has three spreading lower petals and two upper petals, all united into a tube at the base. The lower portion of the erect stem is lined with lance-shaped leaves. Although relatively common, overpicking this handsome wildflower has resulted in its scarcity in some areas. Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Prefers full to partial sun and loamy soils which are moist to wet. Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) : Compassplant is a tall, coarse, sunflower-like perennial, growing 3-12 ft. high. Deeply cut, hairy leaves, up to 2 ft. in length, usually orient themselves north and south to avoid the heat of the noonday sun. Scattered along the top half of the stout, sticky stem are 2-5 in. wide, yellow, radiate flowers. A tall plant bearing yellow flower heads with large, hairy-edged, green bracts; stem exudes resinous sap . This plant prefers full sun and sandy dry soils. 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. It creates a unique vertical accent. This plant prefers full to partial sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay. It likes medium to moist soils and grows 3-6 feet in height. Bloom time is July to August. It is good for cut flowers. It spreads 24 to 48 inches and is a good companion to Marsh milkweed and Ironweed. Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) : A coarse perennial, 3-6 ft. tall with numerous large, yellow composite flowers. Each flower head has 20-30 yellow rays and darker yellow disks. Stout leaves are joined at stem to form a small cup that holds water and attracts birds. The preference is full or partial sun, and moist loamy soil. This plant may drop some of its lower leaves in response to a drought. The root system consists of a central taproot, and abundant shallow rhizomes that help to spread the plant vegetatively, often forming substantial colonies. It prefers full to partial sun, loamy soil and moist conditions. False Boneset (Khunia eupatoides) : This native perennial plant is 1-3½' tall and unbranched, except near the apex where the flowering stems occur. The stems are round and covered with fine white hairs. They are initially green, but often become brown with age. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across. The preference is full sun and dry conditions; a little shade is also tolerated. This plant prefers poor soil that contains too much clay, sand, or gravel, and can thrive on slopes. It tolerates drought better than most other prairie plants. False Dragonhead (Phytostegia eupatoides) : The common name dragonhead alludes to the open mouth of the corolla which was thought to resemble the fabled beasts. Some species in this genus go by the name obedient-plant because the flowers remain temporarily in place when pushed to one side. False dragonhead is sometimes used as an ornamental. Grows 1 to 4 feet tall with tubular white to pinkish flowers. Blooms late June September. Prefers full to partial sun and sandy to loamy soils that are dry to moist. Foxglove Beard Tongue (Penstmon digitalis) : It blooms in early summer with white of light pink tubular flowers on branching, hollow stalks rising above a basal rosette of lustrous dark green leaves. It is drought tolerant, tough as nails and deer resistant. The tubular flowers make an excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds alike. It prefers full to partial sun and sandy to loamy soils that are dry to moist. This clumpforming plant is suitable for borders, and cut or wild flower gardens. Gray Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) : A slender, hairy-stemmed plant bearing flower heads with drooping, yellow rays surrounding a roundish to ellipsoid, grayish central disk darkening to brown as rays drop off. Grayhead is a 3-5 ft. tall, summer perennial with a somewhat branched stem. One or several flowers, each on its own long stalk, may top a single stem. The lower leaves are long and divided into leaflets, while the upper leaves are smaller. Bloom time is May - September. It prefers full to partial sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay. It grows best in dry to moist soils. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) : Golden Alexander is a short-lived perennial with branching, erect, reddish stems. The lower leaves are divided into threes twice while the upper leaves are divided once. The yellow flower is less than 1/8 inch long. Each tiny flower has 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens. Separate clusters of tiny, yellow flowers gather into a large, flat-topped flower head, the middle flower of each umbel being stalkless. Dry seedheads turn purple, adding summer interest. The plant is 1-3 ft. tall. It prefers full to partial sun and sandy or loamy soils which are dry to moist. Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) : The spikes of true blue flowers on this wetland native attract butterflies, hummingbirds and neighbors to your garden. Lobelia siphilitica provides outstanding color for the border, wet meadow or pond edge. Naturalizes easily in moist soils, but tolerates periods of drought. The great Lobelia, the blue counterpart of the Cardinal flower, can be found in open, moist places and blooms at the same time as the Cardinal flower. It prefers moist, organically rich soil in shady to partial sunny areas. Tolerates drier locations than the cardinal flower but insists on some afternoon shade in warmer zones. May self seed if happy. Hairy Beardtongue (Penstomon hirsutus) : Erect, hairy stems, usually several from the same rhizome, are 16-24 in. tall. Leaves are oblong. A woolly-stemmed plant with open, stalked clusters of lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers with white lips. The tubular, lipped flowers are very slender, about an inch long, and pale-violet flowers. The mouth is nearly closed by the arched base of the lower lip. The Beardtongues are a very large group, and taxonomically so complex that separating the species is often difficult. This species is readily distinguished, however, by the downy nature of the stem. This plant prefers full to partial sun, sandy to loamy soils with dry to moist soils. Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricia) : The 1-4 ft., hairy stem produces a terminal cluster of narrow, flowering spikes. Small lavender flowers appear in a ring halfway down the acsending spike. A common invader of overgrazed pastures, this plant does not compete well in vigorous stands of native grasses. Seeds are consumed by small mammals. It prefers full sun, sandy to loamy soils and dry to moist conditions. Horsemint (Monarda punctata) : An aromatic, erect perennial ranging from only 6 in. to almost 3 ft. tall. Rosettes of yellowish, purple-spotted, tubular flowers occur in whorls, forming a dense, elongated spike at the end of the stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl is subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish, purple-tinged, leaf-like bracts. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself. It prefers full sun and sandy dry soils. It is a favorite of the endangered blue karner butterfly. Ironweed (Vernonia missurica) : This native perennial plant is 3-6' tall and unbranched, except for the flowering stalks of the inflorescence. The central stem is stout and covered with fine white hairs. The alternate dark green leaves are up to 7" long and 2" across. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about a month. The root system is densely fibrous and rhizomatous, and will form offsets to create a small colony of plants. This plant prefers full or partial sunlight and moist to average conditions. The soil texture can consist of fertile loam, clay-loam, or have a slightly gritty texture from exposed glacial till and gravel. Disease is not troublesome. Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans) : This is a very pretty light blue, bell-shaped flower in loose clusters which appear on sprawling, weak stems in mid to late spring. The foliage looks fresh and green all through the growing season. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself. The preference is light shade or partial sun, mesic conditions, and a rich soil with lots of organic matter. Full sunlight and conditions that are moister or drier are also tolerated. It is not aggressive, and adapts well to flower gardens, especially in partially shaded areas. Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum) : Joe pye weed, is a tall, stately plant growing 3 to 5 feet tall with fragrant, pale pink to pale purple flowers in large domed clusters, the attractive seed heads add interest to a flowerbed in winter. Wild Joe Pye plants can be pinched back in early summer making a shorter, bushier plant. This plant is easily grown in average, medium wet to wet soils in full sun. It prefers moist, fertile, humusy soils which do not dry out. It blooms in mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Flowers give way to attractive seed heads, which persist well into winter. Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) : This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall, producing occasional side branches. Lead Plant is usually semi-erect; in partially shaded situations, it will sprawl along the ground in the direction of greater lighter. With age, it becomes increasing woody, assuming that growth and development are not disrupted by occasional fires or browsing from animals. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. Lead Plant is not particular about soil type, and will flourish in loamy, sandy, gravelly, or clay soil. It adds nitrogen to the soil. Partial sun is tolerated, but it will flower less abundantly and have a tendency to sprawl. New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) : New Jersey-tea is a low, upright, deciduous shrub that grows to only 3 ft. tall. Small white flowers occur in 2 in., branch-tip clusters. A low shrub with tiny white flowers in oval clusters rising from the leaf axils on the new shoots. The base is woody, while the upper portion of the plant is made up of herbaceous, spreading branches. Fall color is insignificant. The dried leaves of this nitrogen-fixing shrub make an excellent tea that was very popular during the Revolutionary War period. It grows best in light, welldrained soil. It tolerates dry conditions and rocky soils. Prefers full to partial sun. New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) : This tall aster produces hundreds of large purple or pinkish flowers with yellow centers in September and October. The flowers are a favorite late nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies. They grow best in fertile soil with constant moisture. Pinch the plants back three or four times before Aug. to keep them more compact. The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. The soil can contain loam or clay. This plant can become stressed out by hot dry weather, often dropping its lower leaves in response, while the remaining leaves may turn yellow or brown. Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum) : This native perennial plant consists of a vase-like rosette of basal leaves. The leaves are about 12" long and up to ¼" across. The blooming season is usually mid-summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. The soil can consist of black loam, or contain either rocky or sandy material. This plant resents hot, dry summers. It usually isn't bothered by foliar disease. This plant is easy to grow, and will spread gradually under suitable conditions. It is easier to establish plants by transplants from offsets, rather than by attempting to germinate the seeds. Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) : Dense gayfeather or marsh blazing star is an erect, slender perennial reaching a height of 3-4 ft. The linear, grass-like leaves are clumped toward the base of the plant, but extend up the stem to the showy flower cluster. It blooms between July to August and prefers full sun and loamy to clay soils. Likes moist to wet conditions. Will not do well in dry sandy soils. Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) : This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall and unbranched. The central stem is hairless, except for small tufts of hair at the base of the leaves. The blooming period occurs during early summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The root system is rhizomatous, and can produce dense colonies of this plant that exclude other species. The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant isn't fussy about soil characteristics, but will grow readily in soil that is loamy, sandy, gravelly, or full of clay. Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinacooum) : This plant has a vase-like rosette of large basal leaves that are spadeshaped. A naked flowering stalk emerges from the base of the plant, ranging in height from 3' to 10' in height. Each compound flower is about 2-3" across, and consists of 15-30 ray florets with rather pointed tips surrounding numerous disk florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period usually occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about a month for an individual plant. The preference is full sun, loamy soil, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Rocky or gravelly soil is tolerated. Drought tolerance is very good. Prairie Dock is rather slow to develop, but very reliable and nearly indestructible when mature. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) : This is an attractive little prairie plant that easily makes the transition to a perennial border or rock garden to charm you with both its nodding pink flowers and wispy seedheads. It is commonly found on shallow and gravelly sites as well as in silty and loamy soils. Native Americans used this plant for medicinal purposes, including an infusion of the roots and crushed seed pods or pulverized roots as an eye wash, gargle for sore throat, and tonic for menstrual cramps and stomach complaints. It prefers full to partial sun with sandy to loamy soils and dry conditions. Pale Purple Coneflower (Echniacea pallida) : Pale Purple Coneflower should be planted in well-drained soils in full to partial sunlight. Most native Coneflowers dislike soil that is kept excessively moist or has poor drainage and they will start to rot in these situations. Once the taproot is established it is extremely drought-tolerant and needs little care, but they also may be difficult to move. Pale Purple Coneflower grows up to 3' feet tall and has very pale purple to pink flowers. It blooms in early summer when only a few of the sun loving plants are in bloom and provides nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies, and the leaves provide food for the Ottoe-skipper larva. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) : A popular perennial with smooth, 2-5 ft. stems and long-lasting, lavender flowers. Rough, scattered leaves that become small toward the top of the stem. Flowers occur singly atop the stems and have domed, purplish-brown, spiny centers and drooping, lavender rays. The flowers of Echinacea species are used to make an extremely popular herbal tea, purported to help strengthen the immune system; an extract is also available in tablet or liquid form in pharmacies and health food stores. Often cultivated, Purple Coneflower is a showy, easily grown garden plant. It prefers full to partial sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay with dry to moist conditions. Queen of the Prairie (Fillipendula rubra) : This native perennial plant is unbranched and about 3-6' tall. The central stem is smooth and sometimes reddish. Each flower is about 1/3" across, consisting of 5 pink petals and numerous long white stamens with pink anthers. The overall appearance of the inflorescence resembles windtossed fluff or foam, and is quite beautiful. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. The preference is full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be high in organic content, and can contain a little sand. The cooler climate of the Great Lakes region is preferred, rather than hot, dry summer heat. Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) : This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall. It has a stout central stem that is unbranched, except near the inflorescence. A flower consists of 5 white petals, a divided white pistil, and several white stamens with light brown anthers. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, and the balls of flowers remain attractive for about 2 months. The root system consists of a central taproot. The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant becomes spindly in shadier conditions, and may topple over while in bloom. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, clay, or gravel, but the site should not be subject to standing water. Rosin Weed (Silphium integrfolium) : This native perennial plant is 3-5' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. A panicle of composite yellow flowers appear at the top of the plant, resembling small sunflowers. Each flower is about 2–3" across, consisting of numerous disk florets surrounded by 12-25 ray florets. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clayloam, or some gravel. Rosinweed is rarely bothered by disease and is easy to grow. It matures more quickly than many other members of the genus, such as Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock) and Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant). Another nice feature of this plant is that it rarely flops over in the flower garden, if the location isn't on a steep slope. Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) : This native perennial plant is 2-5' and unbranched. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Round Leaf Ragwort (Packera obovata) : This is a rosetteforming perennial with several runner-like stolons terminated by similar rosettes. Slender flowering stems rise to 1 1/2 ft. above the rosettes of oval leaves. Flower clusters are few- to many-headed; the yellow flowers heads occuring on slender pedicels. Once established, it colonizes quickly and creates an effective, evergreen ground cover. It is often one of the earliest bloomers of the year. It prefers full to partial sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay conditions as long as they are dry. Sand Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata) : Lance-leaf tickseed grows in small clumps but forms extensive colonies. It is 1-2 1/2 feet tall and has leaves 3-4 inches long, opposite, sometimes alternate near the top where the leaves are fewer. It thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. Prompt deadheading of spent flowers encourages additional blooms and prevents unwanted seedlings. It prefers full sun and dry to moist soils. Showy Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) : Yellow petals surround a brown-purple central seed head. Plants bloom from July-September and are good cut flowers. Plants form large clumps after several years, especially in rich loose soil, but are not invasive. They grow in full sun or partial shade and prefer average to moist soils. They will grow in sand, loam or clay soils as long as they are not wet. They are a good nectar source for butterflies and make nice fresh cut flowers. Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) : This native perennial plant is usually unbranched and up to 4' tall. These flowers occasionally have a mild fragrance. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer. Sky Blue Aster (Aster azureus) : This native perennial plant is 1½–3' tall, and largely unbranched except at the inflorescence. The compound flowers are about ½" across or slightly larger. They consist of about 10-25 lavender or light blue ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets that are initially yellow, but later turn red or brown. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is rather indifferent to soil characteristics, and can flourish in soil that is loamy, sandy, rocky, or contains clay. This plant is easy to grow and drought resistant. Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) : The branched, erect stems of bluejacket or Ohio spiderwort are tinged purple and bear grass-like leaves from up to eight nodes. The total height is from 2-3 ft. Showy clusters of blue, threepetaled flowers top the stems. Flowers tend to open in morning. This plant prefers full to partial sun with sandy to loamy soils. It does not like wet conditions but prefers it dry or moist. Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) : Bright, true yellow, flattopped flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers provide nectar for butterflies and birds love the seed. This is a handsome, clump-forming goldenrod. It is very adapatable. Grows easily in full sun and dry soil. Remove spent flower clusters to encourage additional bloom. Goldenrod does not cause hayfever. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time is the true culprit. Prefers full sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay as long it is dry or moist. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) : The large, bright, terminal blossoms of this showy, 2-4 ft. perennial are made up of small, rose-purple flowers. Deep pink flowers clustered at the top of a tall, branching stem, bearing numerous narrow, lanceolate leaves. The juice of this wetland milkweed is less milky than that of other species. Swamp milkweed prefers full sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay as long as it is moist or wet. It is a favorite of the Monarch butterfly. Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia submentosa) : This native perennial plant branches occasionally and is 2½–4' tall. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about a month or slightly longer. The root system is shallow and fibrous, occasionally producing rhizomes. The preference is full or partial sun and moist to mesic conditions (moist if located in a sunny spot). Tolerance of shade is better than most plants that occur in prairies, while tolerance of dry, sunny locations is poor. The soil should consist of loam with abundant organic matter, although a little gravel or sand is not harmful. Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris) : This native perennial plant is 4-8' tall and usually unbranched, except for the slender flowering stems in the upper half. Daisy-like compound flowers appear singly on the upper stems during late summer or early fall. The blooming period lasts about 1-2 months. The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. This plant isn't particular about soil type, and can be found growing in soil containing substantial amounts of loam, clay-loam, gravel, or sand. Tall Coreopsis tolerates competition from other plants and is easy to grow. In moist disturbed locations, it can become aggressive. Mature plants tolerate some drought. Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrical) : This native perennial plant is about 1-2' tall. This thimble is at least twice as long as it is wide. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions in a rather sandy or gritty soil. In rich fertile soil, this plant has trouble competing with taller, more aggressive plants. Thimbleweed is often temperamental about being transplanted and difficult to start from seed; transplantation should occur during the spring after danger of hard frost has passed. Western Sunflower (Helianthus occidntalis) : This native plant has bright yellow flowers on leafless stems which bloom in late summer. Birds love the seed from this flower. This colony forming plant provides an excellent ground cover and is very effective for erosion control because of its deep root system. It is an excellent seed source for finces. It grows best in full sun with sand or loam soils and dry conditions. White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) : Turtlehead is also known as balmony, bitter herb, codhead, fish mouth, shellflower, snakehead, snake mouth, and turtle bloom. It generally is found along stream banks and damp ground, and usually grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet. White flowers, often with a pink tinge, appear between mid summer and fall. Growing requirements for turtleheads are moist to wet or mucky soils, a neutral soil pH, and light levels between full sun and partial shade. White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba macrophylla) : This native perennial plant is about 3-6' tall and forms an erect, sparsely branched bush. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 11½ months. The flowers are replaced by large oblong seedpods, which are also rather showy. The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, gravelly material, or sand. This plant is not fussy about growing conditions, and is easy to grow. Wild Blue Iris (Iris versicolor) : A graceful, sword-leaved plant similar to the garden iris, with showy, down-curved, violet, boldly veined sepals. Several violet-blue flowers with attractively veined and yellow-based sepals are on a sturdy stalk among tall sword-like leaves that rise from a basal cluster. Flowers may be any shade of purple, but are always decorated with yellow on the falls. Grows 2-3 ft. tall. It prefers full to partial sun and loamy or clay soils. It does not do well in dry soils but rather prefers moist to wet soils. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) : This is an erect, branching perennial, up to 2 ft. tall, well-known for its showy flowers. A nodding, red and yellow flower with upward spurred petals. Red columbine likes moisture but must be in well drained soil. Rich garden soil encourages rank vegetative growth and weak stems and shortens the plants lifespan, while plants in thin, sandy soils maintain a tight, compact habit and can live for many years. Will grow in sun or shade. Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) : Showy, elongate clusters of purple, pea-like flowers top the 1-2 ft. stems of this perennial lupine. Blue, pea-like flowers are in an upright, elongated, terminal cluster on an erect stem with palmately compound leaves. Blooms in May-June. Seeds can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. This plant prefers sun to part shade and sandy, dry soils. It is a favorite of the Blue Karnar butterfly. Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) : This native perennial plant is about 1' tall, branching occasionally. The light lavender or light purple flowers are funnel-shaped, with 5 flared lobes, and range in length from 1½-2½". The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, and lasts about 2 months. It's quite adaptable, tolerating full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and practically any kind of soil. Wild Senna (Cassia herbacarpa) : 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 tolerates periodic flooding. The horizontal root system provides stabilization against high wind velocities, making this tall sun loving plant an excellent hedge choice. Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) : This perennial wildflower is 2½-6' tall with a central stem that becomes branched where the flowerheads occur. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall for about 2 months. The root system is long-rhizomatous. Vegetative colonies of plants are often formed by the rhizomes. The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil that is loamy, sandy, or rocky. This wildflower is easy to cultivate, although it may spread aggressively. Zig Zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) : This native perennial wildflower is 2-3' tall and usually unbranched. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. The preference is light to medium shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions in sheltered situations, and fertile loamy soil with decaying organic matter. This is one of the most shade-tolerant goldenrods.