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Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Weed is a long-blooming, drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly perennial. Its showy, bright orange flowers bloom in flat-topped clusters, June-August. The nectar is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; it has special value for native bees. The flowers are followed by attractive seed pods, which are used in dried flower arrangements. Butterfly Weed is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Queen (Danaus gilippus), and Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus). Butterfly Weed does not have milky sap like other milkweeds; however, like other milkweeds, the leaves contain cardiac glycosides. When ingested by Monarch butterfly larvae feeding on the leaves, these substances make them (and the adult butterflies) toxic to birds and other predators. This plant’s deep tap root makes it difficult to transplant once established. Use Butterfly Weed in sunny borders, meadows, rain gardens, and butterfly gardens.

Asclepias syriaca

Common Milkweed is a wildlife-friendly perennial. The large, thick leaves are light green with red veins. Rounded clusters of fragrant, pinkish-purple flowers bloom June-August. Large, bumpy seed pods split open when ripe to release silky, wind-dispersed seeds. The seed pods are used in dried floral arrangements. This plant’s nectar is a food source for butterflies, native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees. Common Milkweed is an important nectar source and larval (caterpillar) host plant for Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. The leaves and stems have a milky sap, which contains cardiac glycosides. When ingested by Monarch butterfly larvae feeding on the leaves, the cardiac glycosides make them (and the adult butterflies) toxic to birds and other predators. Common Milkweed grows well in poor, dry soils. It spreads by self-seeding and rhizomes (underground stems) to form colonies. This plant is best used in wildlife gardens, meadows, and other naturalized areas.

Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed is a wildlife-friendly perennial. Clusters of fragrant, pink flowers bloom at the top of stems, July-August. The flowers are followed by elongated seed pods, which are used in dried flower arrangements. The flower nectar is an important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; it has special value for native bees. Swamp Milkweed is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and Queen (Danaus gilippus). Stems and leaves have a milky sap, which contains cardiac glycosides. When ingested by Monarch butterfly larvae feeding on the leaves, the cardiac glycosides make them (and the adult butterflies) toxic to birds and other predators. As its name suggests, Swamp Milkweed prefers wet soils, but it will tolerate well-drained soils in cultivation. Its deep tap root makes it difficult to transplant once established. Use this plant in rain gardens, along edges of ponds or streams, and in other moist areas of the yard. It can also be used in the back of borders, in meadows, and butterfly gardens.

Aralia spinosa

Devil’s Walkingstick is a wildlife-friendly, large deciduous shrub with club-like branches and spiny stems. Its huge, compound leaves can reach 3-4 feet long and wide. Showy, umbrella-shaped clusters of small, white flowers bloom July-August. The flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies. Clusters of fleshy, black berry-like fruits on bright pink stalks ripen in late August-October; the fruits provide a food source for birds and other wildlife. This shrub spreads by suckering; it is best planted in areas of the yard where it can spread. Use Devil’s Walkingstick in shrub borders, wildlife gardens, or along edges of woodland gardens.

Anthemis tinctoria

Golden Marguerite is an easy-to-grow, long-blooming perennial. The finely cut, fern-like, aromatic foliage grows in a rounded mound. Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom on erect stems from June-September; the flowers are good fresh-cut. This plant can spread aggressively by self-seeding. Removing the spent flowers extends the bloom time and prevents seed formation. The foliage should be cut back after blooming to encourage basal growth. Plants can be divided every 2-3 years. Golden Marguerite requires good drainage, and does not grow well in clay soils. It will tolerate dry soil and droughty conditions. Use Golden Marguerite as an accent plant, in massed plantings, or in containers.

Andropogon virginicus

Broomsedge Bluestem is a wildlife-friendly, upright perennial bunchgrass. This grass turns a golden brown in the fall and maintains good color through the winter. Birds utilize plant parts for nesting materials, and the seeds as a winter food source. Broomsedge Bluestem provides nesting materials and structure for native bees. It is a host for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon). It grows well in moist to wet soils, but also tolerates both poor soil and drought. Use Broomsedge Bluestem in masses in meadows or along edges of ponds or other water features. It can also be used for erosion control on sites with disturbed soil.

Amaranthus tricolor

Joseph’s Coat is a bushy annual grown for its vibrantly colored foliage. A variety of cultivars are available with leaves in shades of greens, yellows, reds, and browns. This plant is sometimes grown for culinary purposes, as the leaves are edible. The tiny, red-green flowers are inconspicuous. Tall plants may need to be staked. Use massed in beds and borders, or as an attractive accent along paths or edges.

Ageratum houstonianum

Ageratum is one of the few annuals that can tolerate some shade. This fast-growing, long-blooming annual adds a touch of blue to the yard. Its dense, rounded clusters of fuzzy-looking, blue flowers bloom from June until first frost. Varieties are also available with purple and white blooms, and tall varieties may be used for cut-flower arrangements. Use Ageratum as an edging plant, in beds, or in containers.

Agastache foeniculum

Blue Giant Hyssop is a long-blooming, perennial herb known for its bright lavender-blue flowers and fragrant leaves. Spikes of the tubular, lavender-blue flowers bloom July-September; the flower spikes are good fresh-cut or dried for floral arrangements. The flowers are a good nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Blue Giant Hyssop has special value to native bees and bumblebees. The leaves have a strong anise fragrance; they can be used to make herbal teas. Blue Giant Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant. It is a good choice for the dry, sandy soil conditions of seashore gardens. Use Blue Giant Hyssop in borders, herb gardens, or containers.

Achillea spp.

Yarrow is a flowering perennial with fragrant, fine-textured leaves. Tiny flowers are clustered together in flat displays, layered on top of stems. Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in many colors, June-September. Yarrow is easily grown in average, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. This plant can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, and should be divided as needed. Best used in wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.