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PHOTOS
AND DESCRIPTIONS
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Full
Sun(SU)
Part
Shade(SP) Shade
(SH)
Dry Soil (D)
Medium
Soil
(M)
Wet
Soil (W)
Wildlife
Food (WL)
Hummingbirds
& Butterflies (HB)
ALUM
ROOT Heuchera
richardsonii
Beautiful lush and distinctive foliage is the hallmark of
this unusual and uncommon prairie plant. Greenish flowers appear
on 2' stems in April to June. (SU) (D)
ASTERS
New England Aster Aster
novae-angliae
This beautiful aster has profuse flowers with deep purple rays
and bright yellow centers. The 4' plant blooms from mid-Sept.
into Oct. Pinch back the tops until the end of June for shorter,
more compact plants. (SU-SP) (M-W)
Sky Blue Aster Aster
azureus
The name says it all! This 1.5' to 2' beauty is drought
tolerant and produces delicate blooms in Sept. and Oct. (SU-SP) (D-M)
BEARD
TONGUES
Prairie Beard Tongue Penstemon
tubaeflorus
The abundant pure white flowers are arranged in a compact
spike atop 2' to 2.5' nearly leafless stems. In June the immaculate
white bloom is a pleasing contrast with the wine red poppy mallows.
(SU) (D-M)
Purple
Beard Tongue Penstemon
cobae
Profuse tubular purple flowers, over 1" long, appear on the
top third of 1' to 2' stems in May to June. Often found growing
in the same dry habitat as Missouri Primrose, and with parallel
blooming periods, they make a showy combination. With blossoms
so extravagant, this flower is mistakenly thought to be a cultivar.
(SU) (D-M) (HB)
White
Beard Tongue
Penstamon digitalis
Several dozen white irregular tube-shaped flowers branch from
the top of a 2' to 3' stem in June. (SU-SP) (M-W)
BERGAMOTS
Aromatic plants with numerous 2" blooms
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Bumblebees like this 3' to 4' plant that blooms in late June
and July. Planted with Gray-headed Coneflowers, the lilac and
pastel yellow are a pleasing combination. (SU-SP) (M) (HB)
Woodland
Bergamot
Monarda russeliana
The 1.5' tall plant blooms in May when few others do. This
mint is suited for smaller beds. (SU-SP) (D-M)
BLACK-EYED
SUSANS
Yellow-orange rays around a brown center make this a favorite
wildflower. One of the four diverse species can fill a difficult
niche and is sure to find a place in your garden.
Black-eyed
Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
A 1' to 2' biannual, adds color to plantings the second year,
blooms from mid-June to Aug. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Missouri
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia missouriensis
This 1 1/2' to 2' tall species is very drought tolerant, blooming
in July to Aug. (SU) (D-M)
Sweet
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia subtomentosa
This 4' tall plant has a long bloom time, from mid-Aug. through
Sept. (SU-SP) (M-W) (HB)
BLAZING
STARS Many small flowers form distinctive purple spikes.
Blooms begin at the top and descend the stalk for prolonged color.
They are perfect for attracting butterflies to your yard! All
are attractive in dried flower arrangements when picked in full
bloom.
Button Blazing
Star Liatris aspera
The 3' tall plant blooms from Aug. to Sept. Miniature, cabbage-like
buds accent the spike. (SU) (D-M) (HB)
Eastern
Blazing Star
Liatris scariosa
Unbelievably intense purple blooms on 3' to 4' stems are a
magnet for butterflies in Aug. and Sept. (SU-SP) (M) (HB)
Prairie
Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya
Blooms begin in mid-July on 3' to 4' stalks. (SU) (D-M) (HB)
COLUMBINE
Aquilegia canadensis
Crimson flowers with yellow markings and five long spurs are not
easily missed by either hummingbirds or people. At 1' tall, this
May and early June bloomer grows well in sun or shade. (SU-SH) (D-M) (HB)
COMPASS
PLANT
Silphium laciniatum
Yellow flowers on 4' to 6' stems bloom in July or Aug. The
large, deeply cut leaves of this prairie plant add an interesting
visual texture. During flowering time a gummy substance, similar
to chewing gum, appears on the stem making it a fun plant. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
CONEFLOWERS
A trademark of the prairie!
Gray-head Coneflower Ratibida
pinnata
Multi-branched stems topped with many yellow flowers sway
in the summer breeze in late June or July. Grows 3' to 4' tall.
(SU-SP) (D-M) (HB) (WL)
Pale
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
In June the light purple drooping rays gracefully dance in the
wind around the dark brown centers on 2' to 3' stems. (SU-SP) (D-M) (HB) (WL)
Purple
Coneflower
Echinacea
purpurea
The red-orange centers accent the rosy rays of this 2' to
3' coneflower. It is better adapted for shaded areas than pale
purple. An individual plant will bloom from June through September
if faded blossoms are removed. (SU-SP) (D-M) (HB) (WL)
Yellow Coneflower Echinacea
paradoxa
Planted with Pale Purple Coneflowers as plants are similar
in habit but has slightly larger centers and bright yellow rays.
This least known coneflower does well in dry sunny beds. (SU) (D-M) (HB) (WL)
Full
Sun(SU)
Part
Shade(SP) Shade
(SH)
Dry Soil (D)
Medium
Soil
(M)
Wet
Soil (W)
Wildlife
Food (WL)
Hummingbirds
& Butterflies (HB)
COREOPSIS
Grand
Coreopsis Coreopsis
grandiflora
Yellow-orange, daisy-like flowers are in full bloom at the
end of May. Grows 1 1/2' tall in full sun. (SU) (D-M)
Prairie
Coreopsis
Coreopsis palmata
Bright yellow flowers bloom in June or July on 2' stems. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Tickseed
Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Yellow-orange, daisy-like flowers are in full bloom at the
end of May and keep blooming through June on 1 1/2' stems. (SU) (D-M)
CUP
PLANT Silphium perfoliatum
This unusual 7' to 8' plant has leaves that attach around
the distinctive square stems in a way that allows them to hold
water. The bright yellow flowers appear in Aug. (SU-SP) (M-W) (WL)
FLAGS
Blue
Flag
Iris virginica
Typical blue iris flowers and pale green sword-like leaves
adorn this 1' to 3' plant in May and June. It prefers a wet site,
but tolerates dry periods. (SU) (W)
Sweet
Flag
Acorus calamus
This 3' to 3.5' plant produces light blue flowers from May
to July. This is a true wetland species. (SU) (W)
GOATS
RUE
Tephrosia virginiana
Spikes of 3/4" flowers are showy in May-June with their
rose keels and contrasting creamy yellow standards. This 1' tall
legume has downy silver foliage. Wild turkeys love the seed pods.
(SU) (D-M) (WL)
GOLDEN
ALEXANDERS Zizia aurea
Clusters of tiny, pale yellow flowers top 3' plants in May
and June. Both flowers and seeds are aromatic. (SU-SP) (D-M)
GOLDENRODS
Although sometimes maligned by farmers because of a few weedy
members of the family, goldenrods are true native wildflowers,
the species we offer are typically shorter than the offensive
species and provide a beautiful splash of late color as well as
an important source of fall nectar for bees.
Gray
Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis
Also known as Old-field Goldenrod this attractive 1' to 2'
plant blooms from Sept. to Nov. Its distinctive silver-gray appearance
sets off the yellow of its flowers. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Rigid
Goldenrod
Solidago rigida
This 3' to 4' plant provides color in Sept. and a favorite
food for finches after the blooms have faded. (SU) (M) (WL)
Showy
Goldenrod
Solidago
speciosa
As its name indicates, this is no shrinking violet! This 2'
to 4' Oct. blooming eye-catcher is also aromatic. (SU-SP) (D-M)
HYACINTHS
Prairie Hyacinth Camassia
angusta
Showy spikes of pale blue to violet flowers top a 2'to 3'
stem in May or June. (SU) (M-W) (HB)
Wild
Hyacinth
Camassia scilloides
Nearly white to pale lavender spikes of flowers in the typical
hyacinth style adorn 2' stalks in April and May. (SU-SP) (D) (HB)
ILLINOIS
BUNDLEFLOWER
Desmanthus illinoensis
The small white flowers on this legume make many brown seed
pods on the upper part of its 2' to 3' stems - a great conservation
plant. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
INDIAN
PAINTBRUSH
Castilleja coccinea
Brilliant red-orange blooms on top of 1' to 1 1/2' stems.
May blooming biannual adds color to a prairie planting. (SU) (D-M)
INDIGOS
Spikes of many large 1 1/4" pea-like flowers bloom above
a ball shaped mound of foliage. These legumes are very striking
when in bud and bloom, and later the leaves and seed pods blacken
against the winter landscape. They are drought tolerant.
Blue
Indigo
Baptisia australis
With unique blue flowers, this plant grows 2' to 4' tall from
May to June. (SU) (D-M)
White
Indigo
Baptisia leucantha
The large, strikingly white flowers bloom from May to July
on 3' to 5' bushy plants. (SU) (D-M)
LEAD
PLANT
Amorpha canescens
Small spikes of purple flowers with orange stamens top 1 1/2'
stems. This legume's foliage has downy hairs giving it a silver
cast. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
LESPEDEZAS
Roundhead Lespedeza
Lespedeza capitata
Many dark brown, round seed heads remain showy into the winter
and attractive as dried flowers. This legume grows about 3' tall.
(SU) (D-M) (WL)
Slender
Lespedeza
Lespedeza virginica
The crowded pink flowers bloom from the middle to upper parts
of the 2' stem. September blooming legume is valued by wildlife,
retaining its seed above the snow for survival food. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
MILKWEEDS
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa
This bright orange June through Aug. blooming flower is a
favorite. Many clusters of flowers top 1 1/2' to 2' stems. (SU) (D-M) (HB)
NEW
JERSEY TEA
Ceanothus americanus
This 3' shrub is topped with clusters of white flowers in
May to June. The leaves and stems are a favorite browse for deer
and wild turkeys eat the pods and seeds. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
OBEDIENT PLANT
Physostegia
virginiana
Many pink to white flowers, tightly spaced in vertical rows
on a 4" to 8" spike. Its 2' to 3' height makes for an
ideal plant in the front on beds, September blooms hide other
mature plants. (SU-SP) (D-M)
PARTRIDGE
PEAS
Chamaecrista fasciculata
This annual legume provides profuse yellow blooms in August
and September. It provides soil nitrogen, ground cover and wildlife
food during the establishment period of perennials. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
PHLOX,
BLUE
Phlox divaricata
The
1" Blue to Violet flowers form loose clusters on multiple
stems 1' tall, blooms from April to June. The leaves remain green
during winter and provide browse for wildlife. (SU-SH) (M) (HB) (WL)
PINKS
These spring blooming flowers are suitable for the front of beds.
Their short stature and delicate seed stems give way to dark green
basal rosettes in summer. Require well drained soils.
Fire
Pink
Silene virginica
Deep red flowers enjoyed by hummingbirds bloom on 12"
stems in May. (SU-SP) (D-M) (HB)
Wild
Pink
Silene caroliniana
The 6" spreading stems form a rosette of pale green leaves
that produce dozens of 1" rosy pink flowers in April-May.
Its low stature is ideal along edges of gravel paths and rock
borders. (SU-SP) (D-M)
PITCHERS
SAGE Salvia azurea
The delicate blue flowers form spikes on 3' to 4' stems. The
plants have a long bloom time in Aug. and Sept. (SU) (D-M) (HB)
POPPY
MALLOWS
Only Mother Nature could create the iridescent wine red to purple
color of these flowers! The blooms are not only brilliant and
abundant, they provide color for several months beginning in June.
Bush's Poppy Mallow Callirhoe
bushii
The flowering stems ramble with other companion plants. This
is the poppy mallow for lightly shaded areas. (SU-SP) (M)
Fringed
Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe digitata
Slender stems to 4' tall with few leaves give this plant an open
airy look. The blossoms appear to float in the air above your
other plants. The unique openness of this plant enhances a stone
wall or other garden features. (SU)
(D-M)
Purple
Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe involucrata
Unique plant for landscaping, its 3' trailing stems cascade
down walls or grow over shorter plants. And of course, the flowers!
(SU) (D-M)
PRAIRIE
CLOVERS
Purple Prairie Clover Dalea
purpurea
Many tiny rose-magenta florets bloom upward forming a rising
ring on the vertical flower head. This legume's attractive fern-like
foliage grows 1 1/2' tall. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
White
Prairie Clover Dalea
candida
White florets, larger leaves and taller plants distinguish
this from the Purple Prairie Clover. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
PRAIRIE
DOCK Silphium terebinthinaceum
Mature plants have enormous 2' long by 1' wide basal leaves.
They are a conspicuous element of the glade and prairie landscapes.
Our Ozark ancestors used the large leaves to shade garden transplants.
The 2" yellow flowers bloom at the top of 4' to 6' stems
from July to September. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
PRAIRIE
PARSLEY
Polyaenia nuttallii
Pale Yellow blooms form umbrella shaped clusters at the top
of this plant up to 3' tall. Found in prairies as well as open
glades. (SU) (M)
MISSOURI
PRIMROSE
Oenothera
macrocarpa
Showy 3" to 4" lemon-yellow flowers bloom on 1'
sprawling stems. Opening at dusk, each delicate flower lasts but
a short time, however there are many blooms from May through July.
(SU) (D-M)
WILD
QUININE Parthenium integrifolium
The
white blossoms clustered atop 3' stems can be used as dried flowers
when picked in full bloom from June to Aug. (SU-SP) (D-M)
RATTLESNAKE
MASTER
Eryngium yuccifolium
Several distinct 1" ball shaped heads, with numerous
tiny flowers top this 3' plant. The yucca-like leaves are 1"
wide with stiff thread like teeth along the edge. (SU-SP) (M)
PRAIRIE
ROSE Rosa arkansana
Delicate pink, aromatic flowers adorn this 2' plant in May
to June. Red "hips" are distinctive and remain on the
plants into winter. (SU-SP) (D-M)
ROSIN
WEED Siliphium integrifolium
Several 3" bright yellow flowers top stout 3' to 4' stems
in July-August. The leaves are sandpaper rough to the touch. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
ROYAL
CATCHFLY Silene regia
Striking crimson-scarlet flowers along 2' to 3' stems are
brilliant from July-August. Hummingbirds visit them frequently
so plant them where you can enjoy the view. (SU-SP) (D-M) (HB)
SENSITIVE
BRIER Schrankia uncinata
This native legume grows along the ground on many 2' to 3'
stems. There are many pink to rose 1" ball-shaped flowers
from May to July. The leaflets are sensitive and fold up when
touched, making it fascinating and interesting. (SU)
(D-M) (WL)
SHOOTING
STAR
Dodecatheon meadia
Beautiful pink to violet flowers cascading forward on 1' arched
stems make this April to May bloomer easy to identify and a favorite
to anyone who has seen it. (SP-SH) (D-M)
SLENDER
MOUNTAIN MINT Pycnanthemum
tenuifolium
Tight clusters of many small white flowers combine into 3"
to 4" flat-topped heads. All parts of the 2' to 3' plant
have a pleasant mint smell making it a very desirable plant. (SU) (D-M)
SAMPSON'S
SNAKEROOT
Orbexilum
pedunculatum
Violet flower clusters on 2' erect plants are attractive in
May to June. The seed pods are a food source of quail and turkeys.
(SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
SPIDERWORTS
Many 1" flowers with 3 broadly rounded blue to rose petals
are accentuated by 6 yellow-tipped stamens.
Ohio
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis
Plants 3' tall bloom in June-July. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Ozark
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ozarkana
Plants 1' tall bloom in May-June. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Wild
Crocus
Tradescantia longipes
Plants 6" to 9" tall bloom in April-May (SH-SP)
FLOWERING
SPURGE
Euphorbia corollata
Many dainty white flowers make up large flat-topped clusters
on bare 2' stalks that appear to float in the August breeze. (SU) (D-M)
BLUE
STAR GRASS
Sisyrinchium campestre
In May, many blue-star-shaped flowers float above the beginning
growth of other later wildflowers. The exquisite blooms on 8"
grass-like clumps are eye catching. (SU-SP) (D-M)
SUNFLOWERS An emblem
of the prairie these bright yellow perennial flowers have aggressive
rhizomes that stabilize erosive areas. The seeds, an integral
part of the food chain, are relished by a variety of birds and
small mammals.
Ashy
Sunflower
Helianthus mollis Showy 3" blooms appear in August
on 2' to 3' stems. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
Ox-eye
Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
This is not a true sunflower and does not spread by rhizomes,
but it is very attractive. The yellow-orange flowers bloom June
through September on 2 1/2' to 3' stems. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
Western
Sunflower Helianthus
occidentalis
A good one for a shorter prairie mix because the basal rosettes
and the 3' stems' small leaves do not conceal other flowers. It
blooms in Aug. and Sept. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
Willowleaf
Sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius
This sunflower blooms in Sept. and is easily recognized by
it's graceful willowy foliage. Height varies from 3' to 10' depending
on competition and soil moisture. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
VERBENA
Rose
Verbena
Glandularia canadensis
One of the first prairie wildflowers to appear, its rosy purple
mounds of flowers bloom showy and fragrant in April. On well-drained
soils, trailing stems grow rapidly and will produce some flowers
until fall frost. (SU) (D-M)
Blue
Vervain
Verbena hastata
Many spikes of blue flowers top 3' to 6' plants in Aug. and Sept.
(SU) (M-W)
BIRDSFOOT
VIOLET Viola
pedata
The 1" violet flowers, on 5" stems are accented
with orange centers and deeply cut leaves. A pleasant sight to
see in April and May and often again in the fall. (SU-SP) (D)
NATIVE
SHRUBS
Coral
Berry
Symphoricarpos
orbiculatus
An often overlooked plant that offers great cover and food
for wildlife. Red berries appear in September and persist on this
2' to 4' shrub into winter. (SU-SH)
(D-M) (WL)
Winged
Sumac
Rhus copallina
This 6' to 10' shrub with characteristic spikes of reddish brown
fruit offers glossy green foliage that turns brilliant red in
autumn. The persistant fruit offers winter wildlife food. (SU)
(D-M) (WL)
NATIVE
PRAIRIE GRASSES
SHORT GRASSES
Buffalo grass Buchloe dactyloides
This 4" to 6" drought tolerant species is well adapted
to low maintenance lawns and walkways in sunny areas. (SU)
(D-M)
MEDIUM GRASSES
These 2' to 3' bunch grasses are compatible with wildflowers without
being overly competitive.
Broomsedge
Andropogon
virginica Known for it's striking orange color, it adds warmth
to the winter landscape. (SU) (D-M)
Little
Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium During winter the reddish brown
color intensifies to a warm glow after a rain. (SU) (D-M)
Porcupine
Grass Stipa
spartea This highly unusual grass gets its name from the 5"
to 8" sharply pointed awns attached to its seeds. The 3'
to 4' stems and leaves are arched and attractive. (SU) (D)
Prairie
Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis The graceful fountain arch of the
long slender leaves makes this a favorite. As autumn fades, the
green leaves gradually change to golden rust. (SU-SP) (D-M)
Purple
Top
Tridens
flavus As its name implies, the fine, open seed heads of
this grass are typically purple in color. The stems are very thin
making the heads appear to be suspended in the air. (SU-
SP) (D-M) (WL)
River
Oats Chasmanthium
latifolia Large flattened spikelets on a drooping head are
decorative in winter bouquets and plantings. The seeds from this
2' shade tolerant grass are eaten by wildlife. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
Sideoats
Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula This is the least competitive of
the prairie grasses. Its oat-like drooping seeds which hang from
one side of the arching stem making it both attractive and easy
to recognize. (SU) (D-M) (WL)
Split
Beard Bluestem
Andropogon
ternarius Beautiful fluffy silver seed heads make this one
of the showiest of the native grasses, especially when set aglow
by a low morning or afternoon sun! It's shallow root system reduces
it's competitiveness making it ideal to plant with wildflowers.
(SU-SP) (D-M)
WILD
RYE
Cool season grasses that provide green basal growth during winter,
used as green browse by wildlife.
Canada Wild Rye Elymus
canadensis
This attractive 3' to 5' grass is a welcomed addition to any
native setting. Its graceful seed heads nodding in the breeze
provide a valuable food source for birds. (SU-SP) ( M) (WL)
Virginia
Wild Rye
Elymus virginicus The 8" showy grain-like heads with
spiked awns remain from June until spring. The green basal leaves
provide nutritious green browse for wildlife. It is used to accent
dried flower arrangements. (SU-SP) (D-M) (WL)
TALL
GRASSES
These 5' to 8' species add diversity and texture to a larger planting
and are used as accent plants in smaller areas.
Big Bluestem Andropogon
gerardii
The attractive blue to purple stems and "turkey track"
seed heads identify this plant. (SU) (M) (WL)
Eastern
Gama Grass
Tripsacum dactyloides
This stout, bunched 4' to 8' grass will add texture to any
planting. The juicy stems and leaves as well as the distinctive
seed kernels provide great wildlife food. (SU)
(M-W) (WL)
Indiangrass
Sorghastrum
nutans The 1' golden plume-like seed heads in September and
October are an emblem of the prairie as they sway in the wind.
(SU) (D-M) (WL)
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum The 3' to 6' upright orange foliage of
winter and fine-textured seed heads persist until spring providing
food and hard cover for wildlife. (SU) (D-W)(WL)
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