Prairie Alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii) is a hardy native perennial valued [...]

Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is a cheerful native annual wildflower [...]

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) is a fast-growing native annual legume [...]

New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a vibrant native wildflower that bursts into bloom in late summer and fall with clusters of purple-pink, daisy-like flowers surrounding bright yellow centers. It grows tall in prairies, meadows, and roadsides, providing an important late-season nectar source for pollinators. Interesting fact: it is a key fall nectar plant for migrating Monarch butterfly populations as they travel south for the winter. 🦋🌸

Lead plant (Amorpha canescens) is a tough prairie shrub recognized by its silvery-gray leaves and tall spikes of tiny purple flowers with bright orange stamens that bloom in early to mid-summer. It thrives in dry prairie soils and develops extremely deep roots that help it survive drought and stabilize the soil.

Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is a cheerful native wildflower with bright golden-yellow, daisy-like blooms that appear from late spring into early summer. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves give the plant its name and help it thrive in sunny, dry soils.

Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis) is a native prairie legume with delicate, fern-like leaves and small round clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in early summer. Like many plants in the pea family, it helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen through a partnership with soil bacteria.

Hoary vervain (Verbena stricta) is a hardy prairie wildflower known for its tall, upright spikes of small purple flowers that bloom from early to mid-summer. Its leaves and stems are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a pale, grayish—or “hoary”—appearance. Interesting fact: hoary vervain is an important nectar source for many butterflies and native bees, making it a valuable plant for supporting prairie pollinators.

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a striking native wildflower that produces tall spikes of vivid blue blossoms in late summer, often growing in moist prairies, meadows, and woodland edges. Its tubular flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees, which are strong enough to force their way inside to reach the nectar.

Gray coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), sometimes called gray-headed coneflower, is a tall prairie wildflower known for its drooping yellow petals and distinctive elongated gray-brown cone. Blooming in mid- to late summer, it adds height and movement to prairies while supporting bees and other pollinators. Interesting fact: despite its delicate look, gray coneflower has a deep taproot that helps it survive drought and thrive in tough prairie soils. 🌼🌾