wildflower

  • Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis)

    Despite being native to wet areas, this herbaceous perennial has a surprisingly high tolerance for heat and drought once established. Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) is native to the Southeastern United States and grows in hardiness zones 5 to 9 with average moisture and well-drained soil. It grows to 2 feet tall and spreads 1 to…

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  • Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

    Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), or false dragonhead, is a very fun plant that has some very unique qualities. The common name comes from the flowers’ unique pliable nature: the flower heads can be pushed from side to side along the stem, and they will remain wherever they are moved. This makes the plant very useful…

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  • Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

    Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a 10- to 20-foot-long, twining evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States.  As it is a southern species, in southeastern Pennsylvania it is best to use the cold-hardy variety called ‘Margarita’ and plant it in a location where it will be protected from harsh winter winds. Gelsemium is among…

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  • Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

    Hubricht’s bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) is a beautiful clump-forming, herbaceous perennial that has many noteworthy characteristics. It is a member of the Dogbane plant family, or Apocynaceae.  One trait expressed by members of this family is a milky/latex sap.  Due to this, Hubricht’s bluestar is not preferred by deer.  It is known for its elegant powdery…

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  • Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

    Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), like other goldenrods, has a long panicle of yellow ray and disk florets characteristic of the aster family, Asteraceae. But there are a few key features that distinguish wrinkleleaf goldenrod from the other goldenrods. The central stem, which can reach 1-5 feet, is covered in tiny hairs, or pubescence. The upper…

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