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…
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…