White Vervain is an upright perennial wildflower. It grows naturally along woodland edges, meadows, fields, and disturbed habitats. The inconspicuous white flowers rest on long inflorescence branches. The plant acts as a nectar source for bees, wasps, butterflies, and flies. Also, the seeds are also consumed by songbirds.

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)

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.

Showy Aster, Eastern Showy Aster or Purple Wood Aster, has a large inflorescence. Disk flowers are bright yellow and ray flowers are bright blue/purple. Typically lives in sandy to loamy, and dry woodland soils. The root system is rhizomatous. Uses in the garden include rock gardens, short meadows, and heathlands. A great addition to an ornamental, short flower bed. It can act as a ground cover in areas of dry, sandy, coastal soils.

Coastal Joe Pye Weed is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 5 feet tall. This is one of the smaller plants in the genus. It is loved by all kinds of pollinators, such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Carpenter Bees. The pale pink to purple flowers open late summer to early fall, and the fruit that follows is nutritious for songbirds before winter. It is tolerant of deer, salt, and high moisture, being found in the wild in coastal swamps. The leaves will crisp if allowed to dry out. Safe for pets.

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.

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.

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.  

Also known as pasture rose, this native rose is an easy-to-grow shrub.  It prefers dry, rocky, sunny locations but tolerates most conditions and is good for neglected areas.  Its flowers attract bees and butterflies.  It also provides nesting structure for bumblebees and its rose hips are food for birds.  Rose petals and hips are also edible by humans!

Ironweed is a tall, deep-rooted, moisture-loving wildflower that can be found near streams and ponds.  It is great for the rear of your pollinator garden or rain garden.  Like many other natives, it can be pruned down before blooming for a shorter plant ('Chelsea chop').  Produces many purple flowers on its tall stalks.  In the Fall, Ironweed generates lots of seed which is a great food source for birds.