Archives

Andropogon glomeratus

Bushy Bluestem is a wildlife-friendly, perennial bunchgrass with blue-green leaves. The fluffy, silvery-white flower heads bloom from late summer to early fall. Both the seed heads that follow the flowers and the foliage turn a beautiful coppery-orange color in the fall. The seed plumes are used in floral arrangements. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. The plants provide cover for wildlife and nesting material and structure for native bees. Bushy Bluestem is also a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Skippers and Satyrs. This plant does well in moist, low-lying areas. Use it as an accent plant, or plant in masses in moist meadows, rain gardens, or along pond edges.

Allium schoenoprasum

Wild Chives is an edible perennial herb with attractive flowers. It is grown for its flavorful, onion-like leaves, which can be used in salads or cooked dishes. Round clusters of purple or lilac flowers bloom April-May; the flowers are also edible and can be used to garnish soups and salads. The flower heads can be dried for use in floral arrangements. Wild Chives is not just for the herb or vegetable garden! Use it as an edging plant in flower beds or borders, or as an accent around larger perennials. Plants can be dug-up in the fall and grown indoors in a container window garden.

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.

Adiantum pedatum

Northern Maidenhair is a fine-textured deciduous fern. Pink fiddleheads emerge in spring, turning green as they mature. Northern Maidenhair is a good plant for moist, shady sites. This attractive fern combines well with other perennials in shade, woodland, or rock gardens, and makes an excellent edging plant along shady pathways.