Natives In Harmony

Red Lobelia or Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

One of the most striking native perennial species around. This plant LOVES damp ground typically growing along streams, springs, swamps and in low wooded areas. Although it is somewhat short-lived, it self sows readily and has a long late summer bloom period. Cardinal flower attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Virginia Mountain-mint Pycnanthemum virginianum

The common name of this native perennial is misleading since the plant loves moist soils. It is also easily grown in average soil in full sun and features profuse clusters of small white, flowers in mid to late summer. All parts of the plant have a strong, mint-like smell.

Partridge Pea Chamaechrista fasciculata

One of the few Ohio tallgrass prairies annuals and is attractive in both foliage and flowering habit, providing quick bloom during the first year of a wild flower planting. Partridge pea attracts honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. The seeds are eaten by many species of birds.

Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Flowers close about noon when planted in full sun. Cut back in mid-summer to encourage a possible fall bloom.

False White Indigo, wild white indigo Baptisia leucantha

This native is easy to grow and tolerates drought and poor soils. Plants develop slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems, and should not be disturbed once established. This species is listed as potentially threatened in Ohio.

Sundrops Oenothera pilosella

Open during the day and closing at night, the flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. This lovely plant should be grown more often.

Purple Milkweed Asclepias purpurascens

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture in full sun. The nectar of the flowers attracts bees, butterflies, skippers and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars).

Dense Blazing Star Liatris spicata

Dense blazing star is a tall, upright, clump-forming perennial which attracts many native pollinators.

Royal Catchfly Silene regia

Although this bright red flower is only pollinated by the Ruby-throated hummingbird, the nectar of Royal Catchfly attracts the larger butterflies, such as Black Swallowtail. Best grown in full sun in wildflower gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens or cottage gardens.

Grey-headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata

This lovely coneflower has a long summer bloom period and is attractive to bees, butterflies and songbirds. You can leave the cones on during the winter to feed the birds.

Culvers Root Veronicastrum virginicum

Tall white spikes really add architectural interest to a planting. The most common visitors to the flowers are bees, Other kinds of insect visitors include Sphecid wasps, butterflies, moths, and Syrphid flies.