Also known as Hardhack, Steeplebush is an upright bush found in wet prairies and meadows, and around marshes.  Our native alternative to the Japanese spiraea, Steeplebush develops multiple spires of pinkish-purple flowers from July through September. Its foliage turns bright reddish-gold in Fall. A good addition to raingardens, Steeplebush is the host plant for the Columbia silkmoth.

stub

One of the quintessential goldenrods in our wild areas.  Tall Goldenrod is also called Late Goldenrod, and blooms later than most other of its cousins.  It grows quickly and spreads both by seed and rhizomes to form colonies.  Its large clusters of yellow blooms are a great source of pollen for bees and butterflies.

stub

Also known as the hairy white old-field aster, a common aster that grows more compact than others in the species.  Its name comes from its very hairy stems.  Many clustered small white flowers adorn its stems during late summer through fall, attracting pollinators.  Many birds such as turkey, grouse, and sparrows enjoy its seeds during the winter.

An upright, weedy wildflower, found in sandy, dry, and disturbed areas.  Its stems are quite hairy, and produces small red flowers.  This easy-going species blooms from Summer to Fall.

Also known as Cottongrass Bulrush or "Teddy-bear paws."  This is a densely-tufted, clumping rush that can be found in our wetlands.  Many brown, woolly bristles surround its nutlets giving a fuzzy appearance.  Good for moist gardens and alongside ponds.  Woolgrass is the host plant for the Dion Skipper butterfly and provides food for waterfowl.

Also known as Summersweet, Clethra is a common flowering bush found along the shores of our freshwater features (ponds, lakes, rivers) and wetter woodland edges.  Aptly named, its narrow clusters of blooms are quite fragrant during mid to late Summer, attracting copious bees and other pollinators.  These flowers grow into peppercorn-shaped seeds in late Summer.  A great addition to any rain garden and hedgerows.

One of the few St. John's-worts that have purple flowers, and one of our few native St. John's-worts.  Can be found in bogs, swamps, and wet meadows.  Good for wetter, shady garden areas.

Partridge pea is a readily self-seeding annual legume that is easy-to-grow and enjoys disturbed soil areas.  It has feather-like leaves and small yellow flowers.  Great to mix amongst other plantings.