Choose the Perfect Plant
This online tool is designed to help you find the native plants best-suited for specific sites that provide the greatest ecological function and benefit, and that will also complement your Cape Cod landscape design. Using the dropdowns below, you have the ability to find plants based on these six criteria: Plant Type, Sunlight, Soils, Bloom Month, Size, and Nature Benefits. Based on your choices, the results will automatically populate.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Grass
• Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade
• Soils: Average, dry
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Size: 1-3 feet in height; 8-24 inch spread
This ubiquitous Cape Cod grass makes a beautiful native choice for an ornamental grass in the landscape. Blue-green stems in summer are followed by golden brown stems with airy seed heads in fall and winter. Drought tolerant but can do well in moist situations.
Garden Companions
Big Bluestem grass (Andropogon virginicus), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black- eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Nature Benefits
• Larval host for several skipper butterflies.
• Seeds are eaten by songbirds.
• Food source for grasshoppers, leaf-mining beetles, thrips, spittlebugs, and leafhoppers.
• Provides cover for bumble bee queens to make their underground nests.
Native Habitat
Occurs in meadows, fields, roadsides, open areas.
Photos
Teaberry
Gaultheria procumbens
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Shade, Part Shade
• Soils: Average, dry
• Bloom Time: White flowers in June, July, August
• Size: 1-4 inches in height; 6-12 inch spread
Plant evergreen Teaberry as a low, woody, ground cover. Grows and flowers best in sunny openings with light shade during midday. Showy red fruits may persist through the winter on the colony forming plants. Wintergreen flavoring originated with this plant. Drought tolerant.
Garden Companions
Hillside Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum), Partridge-berry (Mitchella repens), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Common Star-grass (Hypoxis hirsuta), Canada-mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), Flax-leaved Stiff-aster (Ionactis linariifolia)
Nature Benefits
• Provides food for birds, foxes, and small mammals in winter.
Native Habitat
Occurs in forest edges, pine and oak forests, meadows or fields, bogs.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Average to moist • Bloom Time: Deep violet to pink flowers appear in August, September • Size: 3-4 feet in height Two adaptations of being a meadow plant are that it wants to grow tall and the lowest leaves will die out at the bottom. However, it can be pinched back a few times before mid-July so it will blossom on shorter stems.
Garden Companions
Small Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Anise Scent Goldenrod (Solidago odoro), Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Nature Benefits
• Supports pollinators in late summer fall when they need sustenance most. • Host plant for the caterpillars of the Pearl Crescent. • Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds. • Supports bee specialists in the Adrena genus.
Native Habitat
Occurs in meadows, old fields, and stream banks. Download Plant Datasheet
Photos
Barren Strawberry
Waldsteinia fragarioides
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade
• Soils: Sandy, well-drained to clay and medium loam, dry to moist
• Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in May, June
• Size: 3-6 inches in height; 6-12 inch spread
Plant the tough, semi-evergreen Barren Strawberry as a woodland ground cover. It will naturalize via rhizomes and out-compete weeds. Although called strawberry, the fruit is neither fleshy nor edible. Deer resistant.
Garden Companions
Small Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Slender Woodland Sedge (Carex digitalis)
Nature Benefits
• May support pollinators.
• Provides cover for ground-nesting bees.
Native Habitat
Occurs in woods, thickets, fields, and uplands bordering calcareous wetland communities.
Photos
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Sun
• Soils: Sandy, average moisture to dry
• Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in August, September, October
• Size: 2-6 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread
Perennial with low maintenance is perfect in a pollinator garden and ornamental flower bed. Spreads easily by seeds but does not become invasive. This goldenrod has almost succulent leaves to protect against winds and salt spray. Drought tolerant. Salt spray tolerant. Pinch the growing tips in June for a more compact plant in gardens.
Garden Companions
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Brown Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)
Nature Benefits
• Food source for migrating monarch butterflies.
• Attracts songbirds, other butterflies, and small mammals.
Native Habitat
Occurs on coastal beaches, dunes, and marshes.
Photos
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Part Shade, Shade
• Soils: Well-drained soils, moist to dry
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Size: 1-2 feet in height; 12-18 inch spread
Plant low maintenance Lady Fern in perennial borders, moist nooks, low spots, and woodland gardens. Typically grows in full to part shade in drier soils than most ferns, and it can tolerate full sun if kept cool and soil is moist. Like most ferns it is deer resistant. Upright stems are green or red.
Garden Companions
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum), Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Jack-in-the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Nature Benefits
• No known direct benefits to wildlife.
Native Habitat
Occurs in river or stream floodplains, forests, swamps, woodlands.
Photos
Partridge Pea
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Annual
• Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade
• Soils: Sandy, well-drained, dry to moist
• Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in July, August, September
• Size: 1-3 feet in height; 6-12 in spread
This is a native annual. Plant to establish disturbed sites, as part of a wildflower meadow or border. Partridge Pea is also called Sensitive Plant because its leaves collapse when touched. The annual readily self-seeds. It is easily shaded out by larger plants. As a legume, Partridge Pea fixes nitrogen.
Garden Companions
Small Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Slender Woodland Sedge (Carex digitalis)
Nature Benefits
• Seed pods provide food for birds and small wildlife
• Offers nectar for bumble bees, butterflies, and ants
• Larval host for cloudless giant sulphur, orange sulphur, and sleepy orange butterflies
Native Habitat
Occurs in dry fields and clearings, meadows, and roadsides
Photos
Golden Groundsel
Packera aurea
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to shade.
• Soils: Moist to dry
• Bloom Time: Spring blossoms – April, May, June
• Size: 1 foot in height
Also called Golden Ragwort and Butterweed, this rugged plant can handle tough places like rain gardens. It self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes. The foliage is green most of the year and stays low to the ground. In early spring, the aster-like flowers present on 1ft stems above the foliage in a stunning display of yellow-gold.
Garden Companions
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Nature Benefits
• Nectar and pollen attract small bees, such as little carpenter bees, cuckoo bees, and various halictid bees.
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in openings in moist to dry woodlands, areas along woodland paths and abandoned fields.
Photos
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full to part sun
• Soils: Medium to Moist
• Bloom Time: July, August
• Size: 3-4 feet in height
Short-lived, doesn’t compete well with more aggressive vegetation. It self-seeds readily and is easy to germinate.
Garden Companions
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum), Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Nature Benefits
• Pollinators will visit.
• Seeds are valuable to small mammals and birds.
Native Habitat
Occurs in marshes, swamp margins, and ditches.
Photos
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
• Soils: Well-drained sandy soils
• Bloom Time: Pink to purple flowers in June, July, August
• Size: 3-4 feet in height
Drought tolerant. Fragrant flowers! Plant in area where rhizomes can spread. Seed pods release seeds in late summer and fall.
Garden Companions
Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Nature Benefits
• Pollinator magnet! Attracts a variety of insects including Milkweed Bugs and Oleander Aphids that don’t hurt the plant.
• Host plant for the caterpillars of the Monarch Butterfly and the Tussock Moth.
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields, meadows, abandoned lots and roadsides.
Photos
Common Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full to part sun
• Soils: Sandy to clay, needs consistent moisture
• Bloom Time: White flowers from June, July, August
• Size: 3-6 feet in height, 2 foot spread
Use in border and wildflower gardens, around banks of a pond, wildflower meadow, pollinator garden, rain garden. Useful in habitat restoration projects.
Garden Companions
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum), Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
Nature Benefits
• Pollinator magnet. Butterflies and bees are attracted to the flowers.
• Host plant for caterpillars of the Lined Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia lineate), Burdock Borer Moth (Papaipema cataphracta), Three-lined Flower Moth (Schinia trifascia).
Native Habitat
Occurs in marshes, swamp margins, stream banks, and shores of rivers or lakes.
Photos
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Partial to full shade
• Soils: Dry to moist
• Bloom Time: Lavender or pink flowers in April, May, June
• Size: 1-2 feet
Also called Cranesbill. Its seed capsule is explosive. As a woodland native, Geranium maculatum does prefer some shade.
Plants grow in clumps and can form a groundcover. Its seed capsule is explosive.
Garden Companions
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
Nature Benefits
• Seed heads attract songbirds.
• Value to bumble bees and other native bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Native Habitat
Occurs in woods, roadsides, and fields. Download Plant Datasheet
Photos
Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Soils: Prefers medium to wet soils, rich in organic matter which do not dry out.
• Bloom Time: Lavender-blue flowers in July, August, September
• Size: 1-2 feet in height
The root system will spread to form colonies and can spread aggressively in moist open ground, but not problematic. Flowers have no scent. Flower resembles the annual purple ageratum. Taller plants can be cut back in summer to prevent flopping.
Garden Companions
Blue Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia); White Wood Aster (Eurybia divarcatus)
Nature Benefits
• Attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, short-tongued bees, various flies, moths, and beetles. Insects seek nectar primarily, although the bees often collect pollen.
• Host plant for caterpillars of such moths as the Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene), Lined Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia lineata), Three-lined Flower Moth (Schinia trifascia).
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in wet meadows, along streams, in ditches.
Golden Alexanders
Zizea aurea
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Soils: Moist to average moisture
• Bloom Time: Spring blossoms – April, May, June
• Size: 1-2 feet in height
Tolerates drier summer soils, provided it receives moist soils in early spring. In the carrot family, the plant is care-free, and is capable of self-pollination. It is an important early flowering plant for beneficial insects.
Garden Companions
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Nature Benefits
• May host caterpillars of the Black Swallowtail butterfly
• Flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, such as green metallic bees and andrenid bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Other insects include valuable predator wasps, small butterflies, and long-tongued bumblebees.
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in openings in moist to dry woodlands, areas along woodland paths and abandoned fields.
Photos
Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soils: wide range of soil types
• Bloom Time: Summer- June, July, August – dense clusters of pure white flowers
• Size: 3-5 feet in height
Makes a great cut flower. Foliage is aromatic. Native Americans used wild quinine for medicinal and veterinary purposes. The leaves contain tannin, which is thought to be beneficial for treating burns.
Garden Companions
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa); Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Nature Benefits
• Attracts pollinators
Native Habitat
In Massachusetts occurs naturally in central part of the state, found in dry fields, open wooded areas, rocky woods, and hillsides.
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Soils: Moist, well-drained soils
• Bloom Time: Late summer blossoms – July, August, September; vivid blue flower
• Size: 1-3 feet in height, 1 foot spread
In average soil conditions, you may need to water occasionally—don’t let it dry out. Most striking when planted in mass, rather than a single plant. Pollinators love it.
Garden Companions
Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata); Flat-topped Aster (Aster umbellatus); Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum); White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Nature Benefits
• Bumblebees, other bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in swamps and wet meadows.
Photos
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Part shade to full shade
• Soils: Well-drained and average moisture
• Bloom Time: Spring blossoms – April, May, June; flower is bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow center
• Size: 1-2 feet in height, 1 foot spread
May go dormant in mid-summer. Although a perennial, it readily self-seeds. Leave the seed heads or collect and spread the seeds where you want more Columbine in your garden.
Garden Companions
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculata), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Nature Benefits
• The spurs contain nectar that attracts long-tongued bees and moths, and hummingbirds who are specially adapted to reach the nectar.
• Seeds are consumed by finches and buntings.
• Host to the caterpillar of the Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in rich rocky woods, north-facing slopes, cliffs, ledges, pastures, and roadsides.
Photos
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soils: A wide range from moist to dry, organically rich, well-drained sand, loam, clay.
• Bloom Time: Lavender flowers bloom in July, August, September
• Size: 1-3 feet in height; 3 foot spread
Easy to grow in a perennial border, wildflower garden or meadow. A great naturalizing wildflower and a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Leave the seed heads.
Garden Companions
Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata), Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Nature Benefits
• Attracts long-tongued bees, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbird moths
• Birds eat the seeds
• Host plant for the Raspberry Pyrausta Moth
Native Habitat
Occurs in dry open woods, fields, wet meadows and ditches, edges of woods and marshes
Photos
Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soils: Dry to moist soils, does well in poor soils
• Bloom Time: Summer blossoms – July, August, September; interesting flower!
• Size: 2-3 feet in height
Also called Dotted Mint or Dotted Horsemint, this plant is amazingly drought tolerant. Pollinators love this plant. Aromatic foliage, in bud, it forms saffron-colored rosettes in whorls along the top half of the stem. When the whorls release, watercolor-painted petals with little freckles are exposed and later mature to a soft pinkish-dawn color. These painted petals hold at the end of the flower spike for weeks upon weeks as they peek out through what appears to be leaf bracts.
Garden Companions
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa); Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa); Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Nature Benefits
• Nectar source for diverse number of pollinators
• Host for the Raspberry pyrausta butterfly caterpillar
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally fields, clearings, and roadsides.
Photos
Smooth-leaved Aster
Symphyotrichum laevis
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
• Soils: Well-drained sandy soils
• Bloom Time: Late summer – August, September, lavender flowers
• Size: 2-3 feet in height
A non-aggressive rhizomatous root system allows the plant to spread slowly. In a garden setting, Smooth Blue Aster will persist for many years. The beautiful late blooming flowers attract many different pollinators.
Garden Companions
Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Nature Benefits
• Host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and Silvery Checkerspot butterfly
• Attracts many different native bees and butterflies.
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields and meadows.
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
• Soils: Average to moist, well-drained sandy soils
• Bloom Time: Early summer – June, July with white to pink flowers
• Size: 3-4 feet in height
Drought tolerant. Penstemons are called ‘Beard Tongues’ because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.
Garden Companions
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
Nature Benefits
• The tubular flowers attract long-tongued bees such as bumblebees and mason bees, as well as hummingbirds.
• Host plant to the Chalcedon Checkerspot and Edith’s Checkerspots
Native Habitat
Occurs in sunny openings of freshwater wetlands, stream banks and ditches.
Rose / Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soils: Prefers moist soil, but does well in well-drained garden soil
• Bloom Time: Rose-pink; bloom time is June, July
• Size: 3-4 feet in height; 2 foot spread
One of the most beautiful of native perennials with clusters of upturned pink-purple flowers. Pods contain seeds with silky parachutes that are dispersed by the wind.
Garden Companions
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Nature Benefits
• Host plant and highly preferred by the monarch butterfly caterpillar
• Pollinator favorite!
Native Habitat
Occurs in sunny openings of freshwater wetlands, stream banks and ditches.
Photos
Obedient Plant / False Dragonhead
Physostegia virginiana
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soils: Moist, well-drained soils
• Bloom Time: Late summer – August, September; white to pink
• Size: 2-5 feet in height
Unlike its name implies, this plant root system spreads underground, making it a wonderful species if you need a plant to fill in large spots around your yard. While they prefer moist soil, Obedient plants are easily established and very drought tolerant, forgiving plants and in dry conditions, spreading is less of a problem.
Like all members of the mint family, it produces lots of nectar and provides a much-needed boost of energy for pollinators facing the coming winter.
Garden Companions
Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium dubium); Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum); Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata); Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Nature Benefits
• Fantastic nectar source for diverse number of pollinators
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields, roadsides, shores of rivers and lakes.
Photos
Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
• Soils: Dry to moist soils, does well in poor soils
• Bloom Time: Summer blossoms – July, August, September; flower is diminutive bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow center
• Size: 2-3 feet in height, 2 foot spread
Silvery green foliage is nicely aromatic. This native is happiest at the wood’s edge and is excellent for a naturalized border or woodland garden. Also called short-toothed or clustered mountain mint, it is one of the best nectar sources for native butterflies–this is a pollinator magnet! When planted in groups or massed, the silvery bracts give the entire planting the appearance of being dusted by a white powdery snow.
Garden Companions
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta); Bear Tongue (Penstemon digitalis); Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium dubium or E. purpureum)
Nature Benefits
• Nectar source for diverse number of pollinators
• Host for Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) caterpillar
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in rich rocky woods, north-facing slopes, cliffs, ledges, pastures, and roadsides.
Plant Images
Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium (formerly Eupatorium) dubium
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soils: Moist, well-drained soils
• Bloom Time: Summer – July, August, September; mauve-purple flower
• Size: 2-5 feet in height
Moist areas in borders, cottage gardens, meadows, native plant gardens, wild/naturalized areas, rain gardens or water margins. The domes of lavender-pink flowers attract lots of butterflies in late summer and early fall. Its smaller size makes it a better fit in moist borders, beds, meadows, or roadside plantings. Spent flowers turn to clusters of attractive seed heads that persist well into winter.
The plant gets its name from Joe Pye, reportedly an Indian herbalist and healer in the New England area.
Garden Companions
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana); Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum); Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata); Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Nature Benefits
• Fantastic nectar source for diverse number of pollinators; leave seed heads for birds
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally along swamps, wetlands and wet meadows
Plant Images
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soils: Poor, well-drained
• Bloom Time: Orange to yellow flowers in June, July, August
• Size: 1-2 feet in height; 1-2 foot spread
Plant Butterfly Milkweed in mixed borders, meadows, and natural areas –even deep pots. Slow to emerge in spring. Drought tolerant. Pods contain seeds with silky parachutes that are dispersed by the wind.
Garden Companions
Big Bluestem grass (Andropogon virginicus), Little Bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), Anise-scented Goldenrod (Solidago odora)
Nature Benefits
• Host plant for the monarch butterfly caterpillar
• Offers nectar for hummingbirds, bumble bees, and other insects
Native Habitat
Occurs in dry fields and roadsides
Photos
Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Partial shade, full shade
• Soils: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of poor, dry soils
• Bloom Time: Late summer – August, September, yellow flowers
• Size: 2-3 feet in height
Drought tolerant, once established. A well-behaved goldenrod, displays bold arching wands of golden clusters in late summer, contrasted by blue-green stems. Adds life to a dry shady spot. Best used at the woodland’s edge or in a shaded butterfly or wild garden.
Garden Companions
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Green & Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea spp.), Big Bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii), Blue Wood Aster (Aster cordifolius)
Nature Benefits
• Provides important nectar and pollen for native bees
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields, woodland edge, and roadsides. A true meadow plant.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
• Soils: Dry, well-drained soils
• Bloom Time: Yellow-orange flowers in July, August, September
• Size: 2-3 feet in height
Drought tolerant, once established. Self-seeds. Great cut flower.
Garden Companions
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata); Little Bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium); Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Nature Benefits
• Provides nectar for butterflies and other insects
• Seed heads feed birds
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields, woodland edge, and roadsides. A true meadow plant.
Anise-scented Goldenrod
Solidago odora
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade
• Soils: Well-drained sandy soils
• Bloom Time: Late summer – August, September, yellow flowers
• Size: 2-3 feet in height
Drought tolerant. Fragrant leaves have the scent of licorice. High ecological value and handsome appearance, it makes a valuable addition to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalistic borders.
Garden Companions
Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia); Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa); Old Field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
Nature Benefits
• Provides important nectar and pollen for native bees.
• Attracts birds, ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial insects.
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in fields and meadows.