Prairie Ironweed is another popular choice for moist gardens. The tall, purple flowering plants are loved by all kinds of pollinators. It even hosts some larvae such as the Parthenice Tiger Moth. This plant can tolerate occasional flooding, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens. Ironweed is perennial and may self-seed into the garden, spreading over time. The bitter foliage is unpalatable to mammals, including deer. (photo by nativegardeners.com)

Greene's Rush is a grass-like plant that grows well in sandy soils along the coast, with high salt tolerance. It provides a good source of nutrition for coastal songbirds. An excellent choice for rain gardens, as this plant tolerates intermittent moisture and drought. Prefers cool weather, so most growth occurs during the spring and fall. 

White Avens is a great choice for moist, shaded gardens. It can tolerate increased sun with increased moisture. It may tolerate temporary dryness. The flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds are eaten by songbirds. The seedheads have curved barbs and may stick to clothing or fur. May have a weedy tendency in an area that is regularly disturbed. 

Purple Coneflower is a popular native choice due to its large, attractive flowers and its ease of care. Its use doesn't stop there, as it is the host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and the Wavy-lined Emerald moth. The flowers bloom all summer, and afterwards, the seeds are enjoyed by the American Goldfinch. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil and water conditions, becoming quite drought-tolerant as it matures. Some solitary bees will lay eggs in the hollow stems, so it's best to leave 1-2 feet of stem during the winter if choosing to prune. 

Silky Dogwood, or Kinnikinnik, is a deciduous shrub that thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate any amount of sunlight, but will require mulch and increased moisture in full sun conditions. This shrub is the host plant for the Azure butterfly, and its nectar is enjoyed by many pollinators. The fruits that follow are attractive, drooping clusters that start white and ripen to a deep blue. These drupes are eaten by birds from late summer to early fall, and are edible to humans. They are more often used in cooking than eaten raw.

Long's Sedge is a grass-like plant found in seasonally wet areas. Their wild populations are considered vulnerable in New York. The flowers begin in late spring, and the following seeds provide important nutrition to waterfowl and songbirds. Best planted in areas that are prone to flooding, but do not stay waterlogged. 

The Common Wild Rose is a favorite for pollinators. They are a great nectar source for bees and butterflies, and stem-nesting bees prefer the hollow stems left behind by this shrub to lay their eggs. The 2-inch pink flowers appear in early summer and are followed by edible rose hips that are enjoyed by songbirds in the winter. This shrub will sucker and spread, forming colonies. The stems are heavily armed. Pet safe.

Staghorn Sumac is a beautiful addition to a large native garden. Pollinators and songbirds prize this small, colony-forming tree for its large flower and fruit clusters. There are separate male and female plants. Only the females produce fruit, but the males are required for fertilization. Over time, this plant will spread through the production of root suckers. The fruit can be harvested in the fall and has a tart flavor. It can also be made into a drink called 'Sumac-ade.' Pet safe.

Great Blue Lobelia is a great choice for shaded gardens. It may also be planted in full sun if the soil is kept moist. This wildflower prefers consistent moisture, and is a good choice for rain gardens. The beautiful blue flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Toxic if eaten.

One of the few deciduous members of the Holly family, Winterberry holly still provides some winter interest through its bright red berries. Both a male and a female are required to produce fruit. Flowers and their fruit appear on new growth. Keep this in mind while pruning, as this bush is a good option for hedging. This plant has some resistance to fires, in addition to deer and salt. Planting this shrub in the shade will result in a taller, more open habit that could be considered a small tree. Fruit are toxic.