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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.