Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) offers great textural contrast and is more adaptable than most other native ferns. At 1-3′ in height and with a 1-2.5′ spread, this fern grows easily in rich, well-drained soils but can also thrive in somewhat drier conditions. It prefers part to full shade but can handle more sunlight if the…
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a beautiful and functional grass selection suitable for a wide range of landscapes. Naturally found in prairies, glades, and open meadows, its thin, wispy foliage is a soft complement to the upright forms and bold textures of wildflowers. It can also offer good contrast to sedge and grass mixtures in…
Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is an herbaceous perennial that is found growing in limestone glades, prairies, and open woodlands. It is a small, bushy plant that grows up to 3′ tall and spreads to form dense colonies. This late-summer blooming wildflower features blueish-purple, daisy-like flowers from August through September. Similar to other asters, the flower…
Appalachian mountain mint (Pycnanthemum flexuosum) is an under-used, multifaceted plant. Native to the Southern Appalachians, this plant grows 2-3′ tall and spreads 3-4′ in hardiness zones 6 to 9. Its aromatic, white, tuft-like flowers bloom summer to fall and attract butterflies and other pollinators. The fragrant foliage has a hint of red along the margins…
Whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata) is an herbaceous perennial native to Eastern North America. It grows 2.5 to 3 feet tall and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet in zones 3 to 9. Yellow, daisy-like flowers appear June through September and are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Once whorled tickseed is established, it can survive tough…