Plant: Western Yarrow - Achillea millefolium
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The foliage is fern-like and makes for an attractive foliage in the garden. The white flowers attract butteflies. Easy to grow and drought resistant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
dry to medium
Plant: Giant Hyssop - Agastache nepetoides
Family: Mint - Lamiaceae
This is a good specimen plant for shade or part shade. I've seen it get 8 feet tall, if growing in moist rich soil. Being a mint, it's very good at attracting various pollinators like bees. It has square stems and its flowering form is such that it branches out and up to form a candelabra shape. It has interesting form in the winter as it turns a deep brown. The plants are very sturdy and don't flop over. The flowers are white to cream in color.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
5 >
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii
Family: Grass - Poaceae
This is the predominant grass of the tallgrass prairie. It's also known as turkey foot because looks like a three-toed turkey foot. It turns a nice orange color in the fall. Use this grass to create a prairie garden.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
5 >
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to dry
Plant: Plantainleaf Pussytoes - Antennaria plantaginifolia
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The leaves of this plant only get a few inches tall. The flowering heads look like the toes of a cat. The species of pussytoes can tolerate some shade and spreads by stolons (above ground rooting stems). It is the larval food food of the painted lady butterfly. You can used it as a groundcover if you keep other plants from shading it out. The foliage has small white hairs that give the plant a gray appearance.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Wild Columbine - Aquilegia canadensis
Family: Buttercup - Ranunculaceae
This is the wild variety of columbine. It has smaller flowers than the cultivated forms. It also doesn't get as tall. It does well in shade and part shade. Hummingbirds are attracted to it. The flowers are a reddish pink.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: White Sage - Artemisia ludoviciana
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Grow this plant not for its flowers but for its interesting foliage. The plant spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes. It's not too aggressive though. The foliage has an interesting aroma and was used by native americans in smudge sticks. It is also the larval plant for the painted lady butterfly.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Canada Wild Ginger - Asarum canadense
Family: Birthwort - Aristolochiaceae
The plants only get about three inches tall and spread slowly over time.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
shade
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Swamp Milkweed - Asclepias incarnata
Family: Milkweed - Asclepiadaceae
This is one of the best nectar plants to attract butterflies. It blooms profusely which helps to make it a good butterfly magnet. Monarch butterflies like it as a larval plant also. It does best is moist soil but tolerates medium soil.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Purple Milkweed - Asclepias purpurascens
Family: Milkweed - Asclepiadaceae
This milkweed is so attractive. Being a milkweed it is a larval food for the Monarch butterfly. It does well in part sun.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: Smooth Milkweed - Asclepias sullivantii
Family: Milkweed - Asclepiadaceae
This milkweed has pretty pink blooms. The foliage is waxy smooth unlike common milkweed which is wooly. Grow this milkweed to provide food for monarch butterflies.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Common Milkweed - Asclepias syriaca
Family: Milkweed - Asclepiadaceae
Common milkweed blooms profusely and the flowers have the sweetest smell. It tends to be more aggressive than some of the other milkweeds, but not excessively. It is best for a natural planting though. The young pods are edible if cooked. The stems produce fiber that can be used for making cordage or even paper. Being a milkweed it provides food for the larva of the Monarch butterfly.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Butterfly Milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Milkweed - Asclepiadaceae
One of the few orange flowers in Kansas, this plant is an excellent choice for the home landscape. The plants are long lived and very showy. Provides food for the larva of the Monarch butterfly. Its a very drought tolerant plant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Drummond Aster - Aster drumondii
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The perfect flower to grow in shade or part shade. It blooms profusely and should be grown in everyones yard. Asters are one of the best plants to attract butterflies.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: Smooth Aster - Aster laevis
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The flowers of this aster are one of the biggest. It blooms profusely and asters are one of the best nectar plants for butterflies. It likes full sun but tolerates some shade. The foliage is a pretty blue-green. It is drought tolerant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: New England Aster - Aster novae-angliae
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This aster has the largest blooms of all the asters offered. It likes moist soil for best performance. One of the last flowers to bloom in the fall, it is a great butterfly magnet.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Aromatic Aster - Aster oblongifolius
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
One of the shortest asters, it blooms profusely late in the fall. Like all asters, it attracts tons of butterflies. This aster does spread by underground stems but is not too aggressive.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Sky Blue Aster - Aster oolentangiensis
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Asters are one of the showiest late fall blooming plants. They are the last of the flowers to bloom in the fall and are excellent nectar sources for butterflies, especially the migrating Monarchs that need energy to make their trip to Mexico. This aster has the prettiest sky blue blooms.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Silky Aster - Aster sericeus
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This aster's foliage has tiny hairs on it in the spring and gives it a silky appearance. It does not like competition from taller plants. It works well in a rock garden or a controlled setting like a flower bed. You can't beat asters for attracting butterflies.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Canadian Milkvetch - Astragalus canadensis
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
This is one of the tallest milkvetches. It gets loads of whitish yellow flowers that mature into rattling seed pods. The plants are loaded with light yellow flowers that form in upright spikes.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: White Wild Indigo - Baptisia alba
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
These gorgeous plants have beautiful blue-green foliage, attractive white blossoms, and interesting black seed pods - giving them all season interest. They make good specimen plants and are long lived.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to dry
Plant: Bur Marigold - Bidens polylepis
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
One of the few prairie annuals, this plant blooms profusely. It's a good way to get instant color in a new planting. Its seeds do not stick to your clothing like some of its cousins.Plant Life Type
annual
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Side-Oats Grama - Bouteloua curtipendula
Family: Grass - Poaceae
A showy smaller grass of the prairie. It's good for the home landscape because of its size and interesting seed heads. They dangle on the sides like oats, hence the name.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: American Bellflower - Campanula americana
Family: Bellflower - Campanulaceae
A nice annual for shade to part sun areas. It blooms profusely with many flowers on each single stem. Great for producing flowers right away because it's an annual.Plant Life Type
annual
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Maryland Senna - Cassia marilandica
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
One of the best plants for the home landscape. The foliage is a beautiful deep green. It gets showy yellow flowers. They are followed by seed pods that whorl around the stem. The pods turn black in fall making it interesting year round. It is a larval food plant for the sulphur butterflies. The plants are very sturdy and never flop over. It even tolerates some shade.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: Spring Beauty - Claytonia virginicia
Family: Purslane - Portulacaceae
This is one of the earliest spring wildflowers. Under 6" in height, it works well in rock gardens.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
6
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
dry to medium
Plant: Leather Flower - Clematis pitcheri
Family: Buttercup - Ranunculaceae
A very interesting vine that has bell shaped flowers. Gets the typical clematis seed pod. Grow it on a trellis or fence. It dies back to the ground each year but regrows the next year.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
vine
Plant Width (inches)
vine
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Round Prairie Clover - Dalea multiflorum
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
An excellent plant for dry rocky areas. It gets tons of round white flowers. Attractive foliage too.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Purple Prairie Clover - Dalea purpurea
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
Grows best in dry soil with no tall competition. Each plant gets a multitude of flowers. Has interesting foliage too.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Plains Larkspur - Delphinium virescens
Family: Buttercup - Ranunculaceae
With its delphinium like white blooms this is a very nice plant for the garden. It doesn't like much competition. After it blooms and sets seed it becomes dormant, but returns to growing in the fall and again in the spring.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
6
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: American Beakgrass - Diarrhena obovata
Family: Grass - Poaceae
The glossy leaves of this shade to part shade loving plant are very attractive. Its seeds are relatively large and make the heads of the plants droop. A nice ornamental grass.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
18
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Deertongue Panicgrass - Dichanthelium clandestinum
Family: Grass - Poaceae
This grass has extra wide and extra short leaves. This makes for a most intersting ornamental grass.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Topeka Coneflower - Echinacea atrorubens
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Only found from Topeka south into Oklahoma, this echinacea has very smooth foliage and short ray florets in the blooms. It does well in dry rocky sites. Use it a rock garden for best results.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
18
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Pale Coneflower - Echinacea pallida
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This is by far one of the showiest wildflowers and has long lasting blooms. As the flowers mature the blossoms tend to droop and lose their stiffness. Goldfinches relish the seeds. It is also a medicinal plant. The roots can be chewed on to relieve sore throats and to boost the immune system.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Canada Wildrye - Elymus canadensis
Family: Grass - Poaceae
An attractive cool season grass of the prairie. The seeds heads droop and have long hairs.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Philadelphia Fleabane - Erigeron philadelphicus
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This early spring flower is so attractive. Its hairlike petals and smaller stature make it a nice addition to your garden. It's not aggressive or weedy like some of its cousins.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
18
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Rattlesnake Master - Eryngium yuccifolium
Family: Parsley - Apiaceae
This has to be one of the coolest plants of the prairie. Its leaves are similar to a yuccas. Its flowering heads are unusual. And it turns an attractive brown in the fall and winter.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Tall Boneset - Eupatorium altissimum
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Boneset and Joepyes are in the same genus. Both are excellent butterfly magnets. Grow this boneset in full sun. It is drought tolerant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Sweet Joe-Pye - Eupatorium purpureum
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Produces large headest of showy pink flowers. The foliage is interesting because it is whorled around the stem in groups of four. Being a Eupatorium it's an excellent butterfly magnet. I've seen three tiger swallowtails on one plant alone. This Joepye is better suited to Kansas climates that the typical Joepye sold in most nurserys.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
shade to part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: White Snakeroot - Eupatorium rugosum
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This plant looks similar to ageratum. Its white flowers are very showy.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
shade to part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Snow on the Mountain - Euphorbia marginata
Family: Spurge - Euphorbiaceae
An annual, so you get flowers the year you plant. Reseeds readily but is not aggressive. It's very attractive in the evening when the flowers seem to glow because of their white color.Plant Life Type
annual
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Wild Strawberry - Fragaria virginiana
Family: Rose - Rosaceae
Grow this plant if you want something that spreads readily, has showy white flowers in the spring, and produces delicious edible fruit. To grow for fruit, make sure it gets plenty of moisture when its flowering and fruiting for best yields. Spreads just by above ground runners or stolons. Makes an interesting groundcover if other competition isn't allowed.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: Hairy Sunflower - Helianthus hirsutus
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This sunflower does well in part shade. It isn't as tall as our other wild sunflowers. Birds love the seeds. Spreads by underground stems but not aggressively.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Willow Leaf Sunflower - Helianthus salicifolius
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Grow this most amazing sunflower for its foliage. The leaves are very narrow and whorl around the stem. The tops of the plants look like mini fireworks. Plants tend to get tall in rich soil but can be trimmed back. Gets a typical yellow sunflower flower.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
5 >
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: False Sunflower - Heliopsis helianthoides
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
Not a true sunflower but looks very similar. Goldfinches seem to like to sit on the heads and pick off the petals to eat. Birds also like the seeds. Grows in part to full sun. Does best in full sun.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
part ot full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Virginia Waterleaf - Hydrophyllum virginianum
Family: Waterleaf - Hydrophyllaceae
This is a must have plant for a shade garden. It has interesting foliage in the spring that looks like it was splashed with water. The blooms are a light blue color and are ball shaped. Plants may become dormant in the heat of summer but will return in the fall and spring.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
shade to part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Round-headed Bush Clover - Lespedeza capitata
Family: Bean - Fabaceae
Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Button Gayfeather - Liatris aspera
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This gayfeather gets buttons of flowers on the stem. Like dry soil and even rocky soil. Butterflies love gayfeathers. Gayfeathers are one of the showiest flowers of the prairies.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Narrow Leaf Gayfeather - Liatris mucronata
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The most drought tolerant of the gayfeathers. It produces many stems from the base. Each stem is covered with a multitude of rose-purple colored flowers. Butterflies love gayfeathers.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Thickspike Gayfeather - Liatris pychnostachya
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This tall gayfeather is a thick spike of flowers. It has the earliest bloom of the gayfeathers offered. Butterflies love this gayfeather and others.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Michigan Lily - Lilium michiganense
Family: Lily - Liliaceae
This lily requires relatively moist soil to prosper. Gorgeous orange blooms make it one of our showiest wildflowers.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full to part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Fringed Puccoon - Lithospermum incisum
Family: Borage - Boraginaceae
One of the prettiest wildflowers of the prairie. Puccoon is an Indian term for dye plant. The roots can be used as a natural dye. The pretty little yellow flowers have a fringed edge. Does not tolerate much competition. Perfect in a flower bed or a rock garden. Bees love this plant and any others in the Borage family.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
18
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Mintleaf Beebalm - Monarda fistulosa
Family: Mint - Lamiaceae
The pink blooms are long lasting and attract bees and other native pollinators. The foliage can be made into tea. Everyone should grow this plant in their gardens because of its showiness and ease to grow.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Missouri Evening Primrose - Oenothera macrocarpa
Family: Evening Primrose - Onagraceae
The blooms are the largest flowers offered. Some are 6 inches in diameter. Although its a perenniel, it normally blooms the first year from seed. It also gets interesting four winged pods after the blooms. Very drought tolerant and an excellent plant for rockgardens and flowerbeds. Does not like competition.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Marbleseed - Onosmodium molle
Family: Borage - Boraginaceae
An unusual addition to the garden because of its foliage and unusual flowering form. It is very drought tolerant and doesn't like much competition. The seeds are white and hard as marbles! Bees love this plant and others in the Borage family.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Anise Root - Osmorhiza longistylis
Family: Parsley - Apiaceae
The perfect plant to grow in the shade and a bonus is its anise like odor of the foliage.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Switchgrass - Panicum virgatum
Family: Grass - Poaceae
One of the main grasses of the tallgrass prairie. It produces seeds relished by birds. The foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. Foliage is sometimes a blue-green.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Showy Beardtongue - Penstemon cobaea
Family: Figwort - Scrophulariaceae
With its large tubular flowers it attracts bumble bees. One of the showiest flowers of the prairies. Flourishes in dry rocky soil. It doesn't tolerate competition from other plants. It is a very drought tolerant wildflower.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Foxglove Beardtongue - Penstemon digitalis
Family: Figwort - Scrophulariaceae
Like all beardtongues, its a attracts native bees for pollinating. It gets oodles of showy white flowers. The foliage is a pretty green that often turns purple in the fall. A very showy flower for the garden.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Large-flowered Beardtongue - Penstemon grandiflorus
Family: Figwort - Scrophulariaceae
The largest pink blooms are very attractive, as is its blue green waxy foliage. Does not like competition. A very drought tolerant wildflower. Likes sandy or rocky soil.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Blue Phlox - Phlox divaricata
Family: Phlox - Polemoniaceae
One of the best plants for shade. Gorgeous blue blooms.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
shade
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Obedient Plant - Physotegia virginicia
Family: Mint - Lamiaceae
Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
wet to medium
Plant: Virginia Knotweed - Polygonum virginianum
Family: Buckwheat - Polygonaceae
This shade loving plants has early spring flowers with purple splotches on them. When they flower they get many white flowers on the stem that have an interesting form.Plant Life Type
annual
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Rough Rattlesnake Root - Prenanthes aspera
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
An unusual prairie flower with a tall spike of flowers.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Slender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Family: Mint - Lamiaceae
Showy white flowers make for a showy display. THe foliage has a delicious minty smell. The plants turn black upon maturity for more interest in the garden.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to dry
Plant: Prairie Coneflower - Ratibida columnifera
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
One of the easiest wildflowers to grow. Blooms profusely and the first year from seed.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Gray-headed Coneflower - Ratibida pinnata
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
An excellent wildflower for the garden. Has a long blooming period. An added bonus is the seed heads smell like anise.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Black Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
An annual that will produce loads of blooms the first year of planting. It reseeds readily. Butterflies love it.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to drained
Plant: Cutleaf Coneflower - Rudbeckia laciniata
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The leaves make for interesting foliage in the garden. The flowers attract goldfinches. Plant are strong and do not flop.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Prairie Petunia - Ruellia humilis
Family: Acanthus - Acanthaceae
A long lasting low growing wildflower that should be in all gardens. The flowers open in the early morning and last a day, but are replaced by more flowers.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Blue Sage - Salvia azureus
Family: Mint - Lamiaceae
This is one of the few blue flowering plants of the prairie. Bees love this and other mints.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Aug-Sept
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium
Family: Grass - Poaceae
Probably the best prairie grass for the landscape. Its smaller size makes it work well with many wildflowers Very attractive orange color in the fall. Attractive fluffy seed heads.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Prairie Ragwort - Senecio plattensis
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The yellow flowers are an intense golden yellow. A very good wildflower for the home garden. Foliage turns purple in the spring and fall. During the heat of summer the plant becomes dormant but will return with cooler weather. It's very drought tolerant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
1 to 2
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Compass Plant - Silphium laciniatum
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
One of the biggest most robust plants of the prairie. Interesting giant palm shaped leaves. Deep roots make it very drought tolerant.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
5 >
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to dry
Plant: Cup Plant - Silphium perfoliatum
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
This cool plant has large leaves that form cups around the square stems of the plant. These cups hold water after it rains making good drinking spots for birds. The plants are very sturdy and do not flop.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
5 >
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Gray Goldenrod - Solidago nemoralis
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The best goldenrod for the garden. It doesn't spread aggressively. Its flowers are a bright golden yellow and attract butterflies in droves. Goldenrods do not cause allergies as they are not wind pollinated. Everyone should have this wildflower in their gardens.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Downy Goldenrod - Solidago petiolaris
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
The flowers of this goldenrod grow on a spike and are very showy. Goldenrods are one of the best butterfly attractants. This goldenrod does spread by underground stems but is not aggressive.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
clones
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Elmleaf Goldenrod - Solidago ulmifolia
Family: Aster - Asteraceae
For shade, this is the goldenrod to grow. It flowers on long spindley stalks. Not an aggressive goldenrod and attracts butterflies and other native pollinators.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
part
Water Requirement
medium to drained
Plant: Indiangrass - Sorghastrum nutans
Family: Grass - Poaceae
One of the showiest tall grasses of the prairie. The seeds heads turn a pretty yellow-orange. The foliage is a blue green.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Ohio Spiderwort - Tradescantia ohiensis
Family: Spiderwort - Commelinaceae
This showy wildflower should be in everyones garden. It flowers for a long period and has attractive blue green foliage. Each flower lasts just one day but it just keeps producing more.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Gama Grass - Tripsacum dactyloides
Family: Grass - Poaceae
This giant grass iss a showy bunch grass that produces seeds as large as corn. The foliage looks nice.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
48
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Rose Verbena - Verbena canadensis
Family: Vervain - Verbenaceae
This sweet smelling wildflower doesn't like competition so should be restricted to a rock garden or controlled flower bed.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
< 1
Plant Width (inches)
24
Flowering Time
April-May
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
drained to dry
Plant: Blue Verbena - Verbena hastata
Family: Vervain - Verbenaceae
This attractive wildflower grows best in moist sites. It produces a multitude of showy purple flowers.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
4 to 5
Plant Width (inches)
18
Flowering Time
Sept-Oct
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Wooly Verbena - Verbena stricta
Family: Vervain - Verbenaceae
Its long lasting blooms are perfect in a flower garden. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
12
Flowering Time
July-Aug
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
medium to dry
Plant: Culvers Root - Veronicastrum virginicum
Family: Figwort - Scrophulariaceae
The interesting flower heads are a favorite. Foliage is whorled around the stem. Attracts bees and butterflies.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
3 to 4
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
June-July
Sun Requirement
full
Water Requirement
moist to medium
Plant: Golden Alexanders - Zizia aurea
Family: Parsley - Apiaceae
A bountiful bloomer that is a favorite of the black swallowtail butterfly. Grows in part sun as well as full sun.Plant Life Type
perennial
Plant Height (feet)
2 to 3
Plant Width (inches)
36
Flowering Time
May-June
Sun Requirement
part to full
Water Requirement
moist to medium