Blue-stemmed Goldenrod gets its name from the stem having a dark, blue tone in mature plants. This goldenrod is a woodland species, tolerating shade. It forms attractive loose clumps with arching stems and long, thin leaves. Small clusters of bright yellow flowers form in the leaf axils for about half the stem's length. 

Jewewlweed self-seed with popping pods annually in dense stands. Attracts hummingbird bees and butterflies. The juice in the stem is said to be an antidote to Poison Ivy and Stinging Nettle. The species may be difficult and/or slow to germinate and grow to maturity, double dormancy is required before the seed will germinate. Best luck is to have the right habitat for it to occur naturally. Planting the plant can help ensure the seed bank for possible plants. 

This legume grows low and is a pioneer species in disturbed areas. Like most legumes, it enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation. Showy, small flowers are pink/purple and mature from the bottom up-wards. After flowering, the leguminous seed pods approximately ⅛ inch long and can stick to fur of animals can end up in new locations. 

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)

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. 

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.

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. (Photo by Anthony Marinello)

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.

The American Holly is a great alternative to its European counterpart. This evergreen tree, in cultivation, can reach up to 30 feet after many years. The strong trunks are resistant to damaging winds, and deer do not like to eat the armed leaves. The flowers attract pollinators, and the fruit is eaten by songbirds. Both male and female plants are required to produce fruit. The fruit is toxic.