As the common name suggests, this is one of the showiest of the many goldenrod species that occur throughout the United States. Pinch or cut off spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. 

As the name suggests, this native aster sports purple stems.  Also known as Swamp Aster, can be found in our swamp and wetter areas. It is easily grown in average, wet, well-drained soil in full sun, and easily self-seeds.  A favorite of many of our native bees.

Drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing, this plant is a high-value wildlife plant and is a host plant for butterflies, a forage plant, a nectar plant for pollinators and seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. 

American boneset, also called common boneset or American thoroughwort, is an easy growing, tall pollinator plant that loves moist, sunny areas.  It is easily identified by its opposite, stalkless leaves that are fused together across the stem, making them look like a single leaf that has been pierced by the stem.

Yarrow is an easy-to-grow garden plant. White flowers and fern-like leaves can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements and has a pleasing fragrance. Blooming is staggered from June to August. Yarrow is known to spread, so plant it in a place you don't mind it acting as a ground cover, next to the lawn or edge of a garden is ideal. Original native yarrow has white flowers, cultivars are colorful yellow or pink. 

A favorite of pollinators with huge, domed flower heads, Hollow Joe-pye Weed is a dramatic back-of-the-border garden plant. Found near freshwater pond edges, it prefers partial shade, and moist soil. Safe for pets.

Tall, upright stalks holding striking red blooms help Cardinal Flower stand out in a garden.  Its flower structure attracts hummingbirds.  Occurring naturally in wetlands, it prefers light shade to full sun and moist conditions. 

Adapted to coastal environments including dunes and edges of salt marshes, it can tolerate dry conditions and salt spray.  The flowers are an important energy source for monarch butterflies in their fall migration.

This goldenrod has fine hairs covering its very leafy stems. It is relatively shorter than its other goldenrod cousins.  It is drought-tolerant and common in well-drained, sunny locations. Downy goldenrod is an excellent late-season nectar and pollen source for a wide variety of pollinators.

A neat form that has leaves and flowers with a rich, anise scent, this species is a well-behaved goldenrod that does well in garden settings . A tea can be brewed from its leaves and dried flowers. It is easily grown and tolerates poor, dry soils and light shade, but performs best in full sun.