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1 | Latin Name | Common Name | Photo | Brief Description | Availability | Bloom Time | Light Considerations | Soil Considerations | Water Considerations | Natural Habitat | Size and Growth Habit | Wildlife and Ecological Value | Germination Needs | Learn More | Image Credit | ||||||||||||||||||
2 | Rudbeckia hirta | Black-Eyed Susan | A garden classic, Black-Eyed Susan is a late summer/early fall staple. Though it prefers full sun and average soils, it is highly adaptable and can be grown in partial shade, moist to dry conditions, and poor soils. In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, resisting deer browsing, and tolerating drought, it makes a great cut flower. The lowest growing leaves and seed heads persist through the winter, adding seasonal intrigue. | Next year | Summer-Fall | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Other than preferring well-draining soils, this plant is highly adaptable. Can be grown in moist to dry soils with clay, silt, or sand content. Tolerates polluted soils. | Prefers average to slightly moist soils. Can tolerate drought. | Fields and meadows, forest edges | Perennial. 2ft-4ft tall, 1ft-2ft wide. Freely self-seeds, and can spread in a garden setting. | As an aster, Black-Eyed Susan is a fabulous pollinator plant and attracts bees and hummingbirds. It also hosts Emerald Checkerspot (Synchlora aerata) and Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) caterpillars. It can be deadheaded to extend bloom period, though leaving spent seed heads in the fall is recommended to attract and feed songbirds like goldfinches through the winter. This is a hardy plant that is resistant to deer browsing, salt, and drought. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rudbeckia-hirta/ | https://www.forestryimages.org/browse/image/2119004 | ||||||||||||||||||||
3 | Gillenia trifoliata | Bowman's Root | The whimsical, star-shaped flowers suspended on red stems gives Bowman's Root a delicate look, especially in mass-plantings. A mountain plant in the rose family, it easily tolerates rocky soil, and thrives under both dry and moist conditions. After the flowers fade away, attractive red seed pods remain, and leaves turn red in the fall. Though this plant usually blooms white, sometimes it produces pinkish flowers instead! | Next year | Spring-Summer | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Prefers acidic, well-drained soils, but is adaptable and can tolerate some clay, silt, or sand content. Easily grows in shallow, rocky soils. | Adaptable. Can thrive in moist to average soils, as well as tolerate drought. | Dry to moist mountain forests and rock banks in dappled sun | Perennial. 2ft-4ft tall, 1ft-3ft wide. Spreads in a clumping fashion, so is useful for borders or rocky areas where other plants struggle to grow. | Bowman's Root is attractive to pollinators, and can control erosion in rocky or shallow-soil areas where few other plants are growing. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gillenia-trifoliata/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=gitr6 | https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/species/3611 | ||||||||||||||||||||
4 | Lobelia cardinalis | Cardinal Flower | Cardinal Flower's show-stopping flower spikes are vibrantly red and beloved by hummingbirds from late-summer to early-autumn. Due to its intolerance to drought, it's a great plant for streambanks, where its cold-hardy lower leaves help prevent erosion even in winter. It can grow fairly tall, and so is also well-suited to borders and rain-gardens. This plant is often considered a short-lived perennial, so plant it where it can seed easily. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Summer-Fall | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Moist, rich. Mulching recommended in a garden setting. | Loves water, should never be allowed to dry out. Can tolerate brief flooding. Good plant for streambanks. | Damp woodlands, wet meadows, stream and river banks, beside ponds and lakes, wetlands, ditches | Perennial. 4ft-5ft tall, 1ft-2ft wide. Tends to be short-lived but spreads easily, so a spot in which it can "move around" is recommended. | Highly attractive to hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators. Flowers open in a cascading fashion, offering pollen and nectar to pollinators over a long time span. Spreading roots reduce erosion along streambanks, and the lower leaves may persist through the winter which further reduces erosion in the cold season. Note that this plant is toxic to humans, but only if consumed in large quantities. | Like many native plants, Cardinal Flower requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This can be achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. Artificial stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in your fridge for 90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds on top of soil and keep damp. Light is required for germination, so covering the pot with a clear cover is recommended to keep seeds consistently moist while allowing light through. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lobelia-cardinalis/ | https://www.flickr.com/photos/swallowtailgardenseeds/29182935132 | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | Asclepias syriaca | Common Milkweed | The monarch plant! Common Milkweed attracts a variety of beneficial insects in addition to monarchs, including pest predators and pollinators. The fragrant flowers bloom for weeks during summertime, and can add delightful color and texture to sunny areas with poor, dry soils. Because of its tendency to spread, this plant is suggested for naturalized areas like meadows where it can be easily contained by shade, mowing, or other boundaries. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Summer | Full Sun | Average, well-draining. Can tolerate poor soils, including those that are shallow or contain clay, sand, silt, or rocks. | Average moisture. Drought-tolerant. | Sunny disturbed areas, meadows, or fields. | Perennial. 3ft-5ft tall, 1ft-2ft feet wide. Spreads aggressively via thick, persistent rhizomes. Recommended for naturalized spaces, meadows, and fields rather than a formal garden. | Of course, Asclepias (milkweed) species host monarch caterpillar butterflies! If you are planting milkweed specifically for monarch butterflies, consider dedicating a whole area to the milkweed. Monarchs identify milkweed by sight, so if it's growing among other plants, the butterflies are less likely to find it. Additionally, since Common Milkweed is quite weedy, it is best planted in naturalized areas where it can be easily contained by shade, mowing, or other boundaries. Common Milkweed hosts other speciality insects including milkweed tussock moths, milkweed aphids, milkweed weevils, and milkweed longhorn beetles. On top of that, it is known to attract a variety beneficial insects, such as assassin bugs (pest control predators.) The long-lived and fragrant summer flowers are beloved by pollinators (and people) of all kinds. Note that here in the Southern Appalachians, Common Milkweed can hybridize with other milkweed species, such as Poke Milkweed. If you have other Asclepias species on your property, planting Common Milkweed is not recommended. The milky sap is poisonous and should be kept away from livestock, pets, and children. | Like many native plants, Common Milkweed requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This can be achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. Artificial stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in your fridge for 90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds by pressing them lightly into the soil. Light is required for germination, so covering the seeds with a thin layer of coarse sand or capping the pot with a clear cover is recommended to keep seeds consistently moist. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asclepias-syriaca/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepias_syriaca | |||||||||||||||||||
6 | Viola striata | Creamy Violet | A unique violet with abundant, long-lived blooms. In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, Creamy Violet hosts Fritillary Butterfly caterpillars. It prefers moist soil and partial shade or dappled sunlight, and easily forms a natural ground-cover in these areas. This interesting violet produces taller, more upright stems than many other violets, and spreads by seed rather than by runners to form colonies. It is best suited for unmanicured areas where it will not outcompete less aggressive plants. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Spring-Summer | Full Shade- Partial Shade | Adaptable, but prefers well-draining, moist soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Can tolerate occasional wet feet. | Prefers well-draining soil, but can tolerate soils with some clay, silt, or sand content. | Moist and shady woodlands, wet meadows, ditches, woodland borders, stream and river banks | Perennial. 1ft-2ft tall, 3in-6ft+ wide. Unlike many other violets, Creamy Violet spreads by seed rather than by runner. It lives in a "colony" setting and therefore can form large patches. Seeds spread by exploding seed pods, so new patches may show up around your garden. | Violets host Fritillary Butterfly caterpillars, including the threatened Diana Fritillary, Speyeria diana. Violets also support multiple specialized, native miner bees like Andrena fragilis, Andrena integra, and Andrena platyparia. The long bloom time makes Creamy Violet a great pollinator plant, and small mammals and birds will eat the abundant seeds. Since violets have shallow roots and grow as a ground cover, they are easily grown among other plants as a living mulch, including tall crop plants in a veggie garden (short crops, like strawberries, may be shaded out by the taller Creamy Violet stems.) All above-ground parts are edible, though due caution is advised when eating any wild plant. | Like many native plants, Creamy Violet requires a period of cold, moist stratification. For this species, this is best achieved by sowing seeds shallowly outdoors in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. Artificial stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in your fridge for 60-90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand, perlite, or potting soil in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds shallowly and keep damp. They may take 3-4 weeks to germinate. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viola-striata/ | https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/species/2724 | |||||||||||||||||||
7 | Aquilegia canadensis | Eastern Columbine | A hummingbird magnet! This spring wildflower is popular for its striking flowers and attractive foliage, though it self-seeds and can be weedy. Eastern Columbine is a plant of shady, damp woodlands, but it can tolerate full sun if given adequate water, and minor drought if given adequate shade. It presents an interesting groundcover after the flowers have faded, and the foliage can be cut back when it yellows to give fall flowers more room. | Next year | Spring | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Prefers rich, well-draining soils with high organic content. | Prefers moist but not overly wet soils, though can tolerate occasional drought in sufficiently shady spots. Requires consistent moisture to thrive in full sun. | Moist, rich forests with dappled sunlight, creek banks, wetlands, shady woodlands | Perennial. 1ft-3ft tall, 1ft-2ft wide. Readily self-seeds, though like many native plants, new plants do not bloom until their second year. Foliage does not persist through the autumn, but makes an attractive groundcover even in the absence of flowers. Fading foliage can be cut back if desired with no harm to the plant. | Eastern Columbine is a hummingbird magnet, and has been observed to bloom in the spring right when hummingbirds are returning on their spring migration! This occurrence demonstrates the concept of "phenological match," the concurrent and mutually beneficial biological timing of different creatures. Hummingbirds get a meal, and Eastern Columbine gets pollinated. Eastern Columbine also attracts bees and butterflies, and hosts Columbine Duskywing caterpillars (Erynnis lucilius.) The foliage is deer-resistant, and small mammals will eat the abundant seed. | Like many native plants, Eastern Columbine requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This can be achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. Artificial stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in your fridge for 30-60 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand, perlite, or potting soil in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds shallowly and keep damp. They may take 2-3 weeks to germinate. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aquilegia-canadensis/ | https://www.forestryimages.org/browse/image/5560207 | |||||||||||||||||||
8 | Salvia lyrata | Lyreleaf Sage | Often discounted as a "lawn weed," the underappreciated Lyreleaf Sage attracts abundant pollinators from mid-spring to early summer. The uniquely-shaped, low-growing leaves make an excellent lawn alternative, and persist through the winter. This pretty, hardy wildflower can be grown in partial shade to full sun and will tolerate many soil conditions including occasional flooding, occasional drought, clay, and shallow, rocky soils. | in March | Spring-Summer | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Highly adaptable. Prefers average, neutral to acidic, well-drained soils, but will thrive in poor soil. Tolerates soil with clay, sand, or rock content, and can grow in shallow soils. | Prefers average moisture, but is adaptable. Tolerates both occasional drought and occasional flooding. | Wet to dry meadows, forest edges, forest openings, open woodlands | Perennial. 1ft-2ft tall, 4in-1ft wide. As a member of the mint family, this plant spreads readily by seed. Aside from the flower spike, Lyreleaf Sage grows as a dense ground cover, with uniquely-shaped leaves generally reaching no more than 3in tall. | A common and underappreciated "lawn weed," Lyreleaf Sage is an excellent pollinator plant, attracting many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds over its long bloom season. The abundant seeds are enjoyed by small mammals and birds, especially goldfinches. This plant is moderately deer-resistant; deer will generally only eat the tall flowering spike while avoiding the low-growing leaves. Its tolerance for mowing and being stepped on makes this plant an excellent lawn alternative. It can be allowed to flower and go to seed, then mowed down to restore its lawn height. Its very low-growing, evergreen leaves reduce erosion even through the winter. This is a very adaptable plant that can be grown in almost any condition except for waterlogged soils. Flowers usually present purple, but can be any color from pale pink to indigo blue. | Lyreleaf Sage seeds do not require pretreatment, but light is needed for germination, so it is recommended to press seeds lightly into the soil instead of burying them. Keep the soil moist, and germination should occur in 2-4 weeks. It is recommended to plant in early- to mid-spring so adequate root systems develop by winter. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salvia-lyrata/ | https://www.flickr.com/photos/53817483@N00/17326362382/ | |||||||||||||||||||
9 | Vernonia noveboracensis | New York Ironweed | Though New York Ironweed is a classic wetland plant that handles occasional flooding with ease, it can also tolerate clay-dominant and dry soils. The numerous blooms provide pollinators with a late-season burst of food, particularly the specialty Long-Horned Ironweed Bee, plus the dead stems create bee nesting habitat when left standing into the next year. This vibrant wildflower controls flooding when planted in wet spots and prevents erosion if grown on streambanks. | Yes- Jackson County Public Library and Macon County Public Library | Fall | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Prefers rich, acidic soils. Can tolerate clay and silt content, as well as high organic matter. | Usually found growing in moist soils in the wild, but can flourish in average or dry soils, too. Tolerates clay and occasional flooding. | Wet meadows, floodplains, ditches, riverbanks, wetlands. | Perennial. 5ft-8ft tall, 2ft-4ft wide. The height of this tall, skinny plant can be reduced by pruning to about 2 feet in spring. | Pollinators are highly attracted to the clusters of bright purple flowers. Bees will nest in the previous year's stems; instead of pruning back dead plants to the ground, gardeners are encouraged to leave 1-2 feet of stems for bee nesting habitat. The Long-Horned Ironweed Bee (Melissodes denticulatus) relies on this plant's pollen. The seed heads provide winter bird food as well as seasonal intrigue. New York Ironweed's preference for wet soils make it an effective erosion-controller along streambanks and riverbanks. It is resistant to deer browsing. | Like many native plants, New York Ironweed requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This can be achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. Artificial stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in your fridge for 60 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand, perlite, or potting soil in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds by pressing lightly into the soil (sunlight may aid germination) and keep damp. They may take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Germination rates of this plant are typically low, so sow thickly. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vernonia-noveboracensis/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VENO | https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/species/4453 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | Sorghastrum nutans | Nodding Grass, "Indian Grass" | The tall, golden plumes and attractive blue-green leaves of Nodding Grass are not only striking, but are also extremely beneficial to wildlife. Its dense clumps and abundant seeds offer birds and small mammals shelter and food. It also supports Pepper-and-Salt Skipper butterflies and many grasshopper species. This hardy grass easily tolerates poor, clay-dominant, and dry soils, but note that it is extremely flammable. | in March | Summer-Fall | Full Sun | Well-drained soils. Does well in poor soils and high clay content. May flop over/"open up" in overly rich soils. | Prefers dry to average moisture. May flop over/"open up" in overly moist soils. Easily tolerates drought. | Dry, sunny fields, meadows, and prairies. It was once common across the Midwest as part of the now-rare tallgrass prairie habitat. | 5ft-7ft tall, 1ft-2ft wide. Forms dense clumps, and can self-seed in ideal conditions. Can be cut back to the ground in late winter to early spring before new growth appears for a neater look, though leaving dead leaves is beneficial to wildlife. | This ornamental grass is not only striking, but is highly valuable to wildlife. Nodding Grass was once extremely common in the tallgrass prairies of the Midwest, a habitat that is now rare and threatened, and many animals make use of it. Its tall, dense clumps offer birds and small mammals safe shelter, and the seeds feed songbirds for weeks. Though its golden plumes may not attract pollinators, the caterpillars of the Pepper-and-Salt Skipper butterfly (Amblyscirtes hegon) and Ottoe Skipper butterfly (Hesperia ottoe) rely on its leaves for food. It is also important to many grasshopper species, and so will support a healthy native insect population. Despite its attractiveness to other wildlife, deer tend to avoid grazing it. As a prairie plant, Nodding Grass is hardy, and will tolerate a wide range of adverse soil conditions including poor soils, clay-dominant soils, dry soils, and shallow-rocky soils. It will happily grow under or around Black Walnut, provided it receives adequate sunlight. Nodding Grass is highly flammable, and should not be planted within the "safe zone" around any structures. | No pretreatment is necessary to germinate Nodding Grass seeds. Sow seeds shallowly in a warm location and keep moist, or sow directly in mid-spring. Germination should occur in 1-4 weeks. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sorghastrum-nutans/ https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_sonu2.pdf | https://open.lib.umn.edu/nativegrasses/chapter/1-1-parts-of-the-plant/ | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | Chamaecrista fasciculata | Partridge Pea | This prolific legume produces interesting feathery leaves, and abundant flowers in late summer through early fall. The bright yellow blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, and the subsequent seed pods are a treat to birds. Partridge Pea greatly improves soil health and reduces erosion along slopes. Plant it in a spot with full sun and well-draining soil far away from your formal garden; this annual spreads aggressively and forms dense colonies. | in March | Summer-Fall | Full Sun | Prefers well-drained soils. Can tolerate silt, sand, and nutrient-poor soils, and some clay content. | Prefers evenly moist soils, but can tolerate drought. Tolerates occasional flooding provided that the soil drains well. | Meadows, drainage ditches, streambanks, slopes. | Annual. 2ft-3ft tall, 1ft wide. Aggressive self-seeder. Do not plant in a formal garden! Forms large colonies that will quickly take over a space. | This prolific, native legume is a pollinator magnet with a long bloom period. Multiple butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves including Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa), and Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe.) After the flowers are finished, the abundant seed pods provide food for a variety of birds. This includes game birds like turkey and quail, which also take cover in Partridge Pea's dense foliage. Since it is a legume with a deep taproot, Partridge Pea greatly improves soil texture and health by fixing nitrogen and making mineral nutrients more available to other plants. Though it is an annual, its deep taproot helps control erosion along slopes and banks. | No pretreatment is necessary to germinate Partridge Pea seeds. Sow seeds shallowly in a warm location and keep moist, or sow directly in the spring. Germination should occur in 2-4 weeks. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaecrista-fasciculata/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHFA2 | https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/species/3781 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | Rudbeckia laciniata | Sochan, Cut-Leaf Coneflower, Green-Headed Coneflower | A tall-growing, quickly-spreading aster with intriguing leaves and bright, happy flowers. Cut-Leaf Coneflower's thick rhizomes are ideal for controlling erosion along streambanks, and the lowest growing leaves may persist through the winter, further reducing erosion and providing seasonal intrigue. The seed heads also persist through winter, adding an attractive taller texture as well as food for songbirds like goldfinches. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Summer-Fall | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Adaptable. Can tolerate clay, sand, or silt content. | Prefers moist soils, but can thrive in average moisture, especially in part-shade. Easily tolerates hot, humid places if provided with adequate water. Good plant for streambanks. | Highly variable: shady to open forests, damp fields meadows, streambanks, wetlands, and roadside ditches | Perennial. 3ft-10ft tall, 1ft-3ft wide. Spreads aggressively via thick, persistent rhizomes. Recommended for naturalized spaces, edges, and fields rather than a formal garden. It can be divided to control its spread, and deadheaded to encourage rebloom. | Asters provide abundant pollen and nectar and therefore are great pollinator plants, so Cut-Leaf Coneflower will attract bees and butterflies. It also hosts Wavy-lined Emerald caterpillars (Synchlora aerata.) The seed heads provide bird food through winter, and are especially attractive to goldfinches. Its thick rhizomes and tendency to spread quickly make it ideal for controlling erosion, especially along riverbanks that are consistently moist. All above-ground parts are edible, though due caution is advised when eating any wild plant. This plant is a staple food of the Cherokee. It grows quickly after deer browsing, making it moderately deer resistant. | Like many native plants, Cut-Leaf Coneflower requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by placing in them in the fridge for 60-90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand, perlite, or potting soil in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds shallowly and keep damp. They may take 3-4 weeks to germinate. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rudbeckia-laciniata/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudbeckia_laciniata | |||||||||||||||||||
13 | Penstemon digitalis | Foxglove Beardtongue | The tall flower spikes of Foxglove Beardtongue make a statement in both a naturalized and garden setting. Its clumping growth habit makes it suitable for formal gardens, where it will attract abundant pollinators as well as the specialized Distinct Osmia bee. A flexible plant that isn't picky about soil or water conditions, Foxglove Beardtongue will thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. The lower leaves often persist through the winter, and may display an attractive reddish-purple hue. | Yes- Jackson County Public Library | Spring-Summer | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Well-drained. Tolerates clay, silt, and sand content. Prefers acidic soils. | Adaptable; moist to dry. Tolerates occasional drought. | Prairies, wood margins, and open woods | Perennial. 2ft-5ft tall, 1ft-2ft wide. Forms easily-divisible clumps, and thus is suitable for formal gardens. Somewhat short-lived, so it's recommended to let it seed itself back in, or collect seeds to sow intentionally. | Like many plants with tall flower spikes, Foxglove Beardtongue is a wonderful pollinator plant. Since the blooms open in a cascading fashion, pollen and nectar is available for a long period of time. The purple lines within each individual flower serve to guide bees and other pollinators to the pollen and nectar at the base of the flower. In particular, this plant supports the specialist Distinct Osmia bee (Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta), which collects pollen for its young exclusively from Penstemon species. The lower leaves usually persist through the winter and often turn reddish-purple, reducing erosion through the cold months when few other groundcover plants are growing while providing seasonal intrigue. Note that this plant is not related to Foxglove (Digitalis species), and does not have the same toxicity concerns. | Like many native plants, Foxglove Beardtongue requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by placing in them in the fridge for 90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds by pressing them lightly into the soil. Light is required for germination, so covering the seeds with a thin layer of coarse sand or capping the pot with a clear cover is recommended to keep seeds consistently moist. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/penstemon-digitalis/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEDI | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/168725513 | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | Achillea millefolium | Yarrow | This truly hardy wildflower handles full sun, drought, and poor soils with ease, all while attracting abundant pollinators. Yarrow's dense flower clusters are long lived, especially when deadheaded, and the lacy leaves are attractive even outside of bloom. Its tendency to spread makes it well-suited to naturalized areas or borders, or even as an lawn alternative in areas of low foot traffic. | Next year | Summer | Full Sun | Well-drained. Tolerates a range of soil conditions, from rich soils with high organic content to poor soils with high clay content. | Prefers average water. Easily tolerates drought and occasional wetness, but cannot withstand flooding or consistent wet feet. | Fields, forest openings. Often found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides | Perennial. 1ft-3ft tall, 1ft-3ft wide. Spreads aggressively by seed and rhizome, but plants are easily divided to contain growth. Deadheading can prevent self-seeding and prolong bloom time. Its weediness and durability make it a good choice for a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas. | Yarrow's tolerance of drought, poor soils, heat, and full sun allows it to shade the soil and prevent erosion in places where few other plants can thrive. The long-lived, abundant flower clusters are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, and deadheading can encourage a longer bloom time. Yarrow has long been used medicinally, though due caution is advised when consuming or medicinally using any wild plant. | Light is needed for germination, so it is recommended to press seeds lightly into the soil instead of burying them. Keep the soil moist, and germination should occur in 2-4 weeks. It is recommended to plant in early- to mid-spring so adequate root systems develop by winter. No stratification is required. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/achillea-millefolium/ | https://www.flickr.com/photos/gmayfield10/3116122125/ | |||||||||||||||||||
15 | Eryngium yuccifolium | Rattlesnake Master | A stately plant, Rattlesnake Master adds intriguing texture to your landscape in every season. The long, tough, yucca-like leaves contrast with the soft, fluffy flowers that grow above them, which are highly attractive to pollinators and pest predators. The round seed heads provide winter interest, and feed songbirds like goldfinches. This wildflower isn't picky about soil type, but prefers even moisture, and performs well in a variety of conditions from wet spots to rain gardens. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Spring-Summer | Full Sun | Prefers well-drained soils with high silt/sand content and minimal organic matter, but is adaptable. Tolerates shallow, rocky soils, clay content, and acidic to alkaline conditions. May flop over if grown in rich soils. | Prefers evenly moist soils. Tolerates both consistently damp soils and occasional drought. Mulching recommended in a garden setting. | Damp, open woodlands, wetlands, and moist prairies | Perennial. 4ft-6ft tall, 3ft-6ft wide. Plants form unique, yucca-like clumps. Though the individual plants are clumping rather than spreading, it can be an aggressive self-seeder in a garden setting. Removing the spent flower heads can prevent spreading by seed. Note that the long leaves have stiff tips which can be uncomfortable to walk past or through; a location away from walkways is recommended. | The pompom-esque flowers attract a variety of pollinators as well as pest predators like wasps and soldier beetles. Caterpillars of the rattlesnake-master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii) feed exclusively on this plant, killing it in the process. This is not generally a serious issue; the moth is not present in large numbers, and is even endangered in other regions. Voles may eat the crowns, especially in winter, but the tough and somewhat sharp foliage is resistant to deer and rabbit browsing. Songbirds like goldfinches will eat the seeds through fall and winter. | Like many native plants, Rattlesnake Master requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by placing in them in the fridge for 60 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand, perlite, or potting soil in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds shallowly and keep damp. They may take 3-4 weeks to germinate. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eryngium-yuccifolium/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERYU | https://www.flickr.com/photos/jvancisephotos/48731703988/ | |||||||||||||||||||
16 | Lonicera sempervirens | Coral Honeysuckle | This semi-evergreen vine attracts hummingbirds while providing vertical color and texture. With it's polite nature, it can be grown on a trellis in the garden, or even as a groundcover in an area that needs cover. Coral Honeysuckle isn't too picky about its soil conditions provided it receives adequate drainage, but will flower best in full sun. Note that this vine has a high flammability rating, and shouldn't be planted in the "safe zone" around any residential structure. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Spring-Summer | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Well-draining, neutral to acidic soils. Likes humus-rich soils, but soil (or added fertilizer) that is too high in nitrogen will encourage leafy growth over blooms. Tolerates clay, silt, and organic matter. | Average moisture. | Edges, fields, meadows | Perennial vine. 10ft-20ft tall, 3ft-6ft wide. This twining vine is generally considered well-behaved, and can be grown on a fence, treillis, or other supportive structure in the garden without suppressing other plants. It can also grow as a groundcover in areas without a vertical structure to climb. | This polite vine is usually semi-evergreen in WNC and will often hold onto its leaves through the winter, which provides not only seasonal intrigue but also winter shelter for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife if dense enough. The red, tube-shaped blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, who are the main pollinator of this plant, but also attract bees, butterflies, and some moths. After pollination, Coral Honeysuckle produces red berries that are eaten by songbirds. The leaves host Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon) and the Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis), and may also be eaten by deer. If grown as a groundcover, Coral Honeysuckle will reduce erosion, especially in winter due to its evergreen leaves. Coral Honeysuckle is highly flammable, and should not be planted within the "safe zone" around any structures. | Like many native plants,Coral Honeysuckle requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by placing in them in the fridge for 90 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds by pressing them lightly into the soil. Light may be required for germination, so covering the seeds with a thin layer of coarse sand or capping the pot with a clear cover is recommended to keep seeds consistently moist. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lonicera-sempervirens/ https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOSE | https://www.ipmimages.org/browse/image/5474024 | |||||||||||||||||||
18 | Clematis virginiana | Virgin's Bower | This pretty vine grows in a wide range of sunlight conditions, and often flowers for over a month! The numerous, fragrant blooms are highly attractive to pollinators of all kinds, and songbirds love to nest in the dense foliage. Plant this vine where it can climb, and where the interesting seed heads will be on display through the winter. Use gardening gloves when handling this plant and ensure it is inaccessible to pets, children, and livestock due to its poisonous nature. | Yes- Macon County Public Library and Jackson County Public Library | Summer-Fall | Full Shade to Full Sun | Rich, well-draining soils. | Prefers consistent moisture. Tolerates occasional flooding. Can tolerate drought in shade. | Partially shaded thickets, woodlands, fields, edges, wetlands. | Perennial vine. Can grow 15ft-20ft feet high, and 3ft-6ft wide. Virgin's Bower is a fast grower and is not recommended to plant near landscaping shrubs, as it can easily grow over and overwhelm them. It thrives when provided with a structure to climb up, but can also twine along the ground. Can be an aggressive self-seeder. | One of the few native vines that flowers in full shade, Virgin's Bower provides food to pollinators in a wide range of sunlight conditions. This plant is highly attractive native pollinators, including hummingbirds, and often blooms for over a month. If planted in a wetland or near a streambank, it will improve water quality by reducing erosion and filtering runoff. Virgin's Bower hosts the Clematis Borer Alcathoe caudata, whose larvae feed exclusively on its roots, and songbirds often use the dense vegetation to conceal their nests.This pretty vine can grow in close proximity to Black Walnut trees, and is resistant to deer and rabbit browsing. Virgin's Bower is poisonous to mammals including humans, though fatalities are rare due to the intense bitter taste of the plant. Some gardeners may experience redness and burning when touching the plant, especially the sap, so using gardening gloves when handling this plant is recommended. | Like many native plants, Virgin's Bower requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in pots or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by placing in them in the fridge for 60 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand or perlite in an airtight jar. After stratification, press seeds lightly into the soil and keep damp. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis-virginiana/ https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/moths/view.php?MONA_number=2623.00 https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLVI5 | https://www.vanberkumnursery.com/plants/clematis-virginiana-le/ | |||||||||||||||||||
19 | Hypericum prolificum | Shrubby St. John's Wort | A bright summertime plant, Shrubby St. John's Wort will call pollinators to your garden all season long. It blooms best in full sun, but will tolerate partial sun as well. The waxy leaves are rabbit and deer resistant, and often persist through the winter. This slow-growing shrub tolerates a wide range of soils, from dry, compacted, clay-heavy soils to the moist and rich soils in your rain garden. Ingesting or touching the sap of this plant may cause photosensitivity in some people, so use gloves when pruning. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Summer | Partial Shade- Full Sun | Prefers moist, calcareous soils, but is adaptable. Tolerates poor soils including clay, silt, and compaction. | Prefers moist soils, but tolerates drought. | Meadows, grasslands, edges, open woodlands, bogs. | Perennial shrub. 1-5ft tall, 1-4ft wide. Can spread via rhizomes, but can be controlled with spring pruning. It flowers on new wood, so don't wait to prune. Slow growing. | St. John's Worts, the genus Hypericum, are known to be excellent pollinator plants due to their long bloom time and nectar- and pollen-rich flowers. The semi-evergreen foliage provides birds and small mammals with shelter even through winter, and is both deer and rabbit resistant. Songbirds and small mammals will also eat the fruits that result from pollination. Shrubby St. John's Wort hosts a variety of beneficial native insects, including the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly (Strymon melinus) and the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata.) Ingesting or coming into contact with the sap of this plant can cause photosensitivity in some people; use gloves when pruning. | Light is needed for germination, so it is recommended to sprinkle seeds on top of the soil instead of burying them. Keep the soil moist, and germination should occur in 2-4 weeks. Capping the pot with a clear cover can help keep seeds consistently moist while allowing light through. It is recommended to plant in early- to mid-spring so adequate root systems develop by winter. No stratification is required. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hypericum-prolificum/ https://www.prairienursery.com/shrubby-st-john-s-wort-hypericum-prolificum.html | https://www.flickr.com/photos/cranbrooksci/6549492617 | |||||||||||||||||||
20 | Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides | Southern Mountain Mint | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | Calycanthus floridus | Sweet Shrub | This delightful and easy-going shrub displays its deep red flowers in the springtime, attracting butterflies and beneficial beetles. Some individuals produce an pleasant fragrance, though the scent varies by plant. This native plant blooms even in deep shade, and will get somewhat lanky if exposed to full sun during hot summer afternoons. Try Sweet Shrub in a place where you can enjoy the blooms and their potential fragrance- perhaps as a privacy hedge against nosey neighbors- and prune it immediately after flowering if a specific shape is desired. | Soon- seed packing in progress | Spring | Full Shade to Full Sun | Rich, well-draining soils. Prefers loam, can't tolerate sand. | Well-drained to moist. Tolerates brief flooding, does not tolerate drought. | Shady damp woodlands, edges, understory. | Perennial, woody shrub. 6ft-12ft wide, 6-12ft tall. Tends to sucker, but suckers can be pruned to discouraged naturalization. | Sweet Shrub evolved before bees existed, so beetles are its primary pollinator! As such, this shrub attracts a variety of beetles, many of which are beneficial and may hunt garden pests such as aphids. The seed pods that develop after pollination are beloved by small mammals; gardeners will likely notice entry holes chewed into the mature pods. This shrub can get quite large if allowed to grow, and provides shelter to many species of birds and mammals. As an aside, the dried flowers, leaves, twigs and bark are suitable for use in potpourri | Like many native plants, Sweet Shrub requires a period of cold, moist stratification. This is best achieved by sowing seeds outdoors (in large containers or in the ground) in the fall, and keeping the soil damp through winter. If outdoor stratification is not possible, seeds can be artificially stratified by pouring warm water over them, soaking them for 12-24 hours, then placing in them in the fridge for 30 days. Ensure that seeds are kept moist; common techniques include wrapping them in a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel in a plastic bag, or mixing the seed with damp sand in an airtight jar. After stratification, sow seeds by pressing them into the soil and lightly covering them. Capping the pot with a clear cover is recommended to keep seeds consistently moist. This plant has a large root system, so use a big pot if not direct sowing. | https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/calycanthus-floridus/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/calycanthus_floridus.shtml | https://www.flickr.com/photos/goosedancer/4564820288 | |||||||||||||||||||
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