Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa):

This garden classic is also one of the best plants for the prairie meadow. The intricate lavender flowers appear in June and July, attracting a multitude of different butterflies. The strong stems have been known to be used by Indigo Buntings to build their nests. The aromatic leaves are the flavoring used in Early Grey Tea, and the dried seedheads make attractive dried arrangements. Easy to grow from seed, Bergamot is at home on clay, loam, or sand, from damp soils to dry hillsides. Grows 5 feet tall in full sun or light shade.  Prefers full sun.  This plant is suppose to be deer resistant.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastate)

This fast growing biennial is an important constituent of native wetland plants.  Grows 5’-6’ tall.  Spikes appear in mid-summer of its second year.  Very easy to grow from seed.  Prefers full sun and medium to moist soils of sand or loam.  Makes great cut flowers and attracts butterflies. 

False Dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana):

This lover of moist areas makes a great groundcover, forming thick patches of fine yellow-green foliage that stands up beautifully throughout the summer. By September, when you wonder if it will ever bloom, it suddenly erupts in an explosion of distinctive pink to purple, snapdragon like flowers. With a little help in the early going, this plant squeezes out weeds and takes over. Grows no more than two feet tall and spreads by rhizomes. Requires dry to moist, rich soils.

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

This deep blue flower is a cousin to the Cardinal flower,  A longer-lived plant than its cousin it is great for attracting hummingbirds.  Planted together with the Cardinal the two Lobelias make a stunning combination.  The Great Blue Lobelia prefers full to partial Sun and will grow in sand, loam or clay.  It likes medium to moist soils and blooms July to September.  Is deer and rabbit resistant.

Hairy Beard Tongue (Penstemon hirsutus)

A woolly-stemmed plant with open stalked clusters of lavender, trumpet-shaped, white lipped flowers.  Grows 1 to 3 ft. tall and flowers June-July.  Prefers dry or rocky ground.  Flowers on this penstemon are about 1” long.  This plant makes a stunning visual impact when planted in masses.  It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.  Prefers full sun to partial shade and dry to medium dry soils.  Grows well in sand or loam.  Is said to be deer resistant.

Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta):

The light blue spires of Hoary Vervain are a real stand out in the late summer prairie. This extremely drought-resistant plant thrives on dry sandy soils, and actually sends up its flower stalks in the heat of July and August. Also grows on well-drained loamy soils, reaching two to four feet in height. Self-sows, readily on open soil. The seed is easy to grow, and plants usually bloom the second year after seeding.  The seeds are eaten by a variety of songbirds.

Horsemint (Monarda punctata):

The bright lavender "flowers" of the Horsemint (or Dotted Mint) create quite a mid-summer sensation. The "flowers" are actually bracts that surround the true flower, similar to the Poinsettia. A multitude of butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and it is ranked as one of the top nectar plants for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Grows one to two feet tall in dry sandy soils in full sun. A biennial, it self-sows on open sand.

Ironweed  (Vernonia missurica):

This native perennial is 2’-5’ tall.  It prefers full sun to partial sun and dry conditions.  It is not particular about soil type; it often grows in soil that contains clay.  This species of Ironweed is more drought-resistant than other species in the genus.  It blooms a little earlier as well and it attracts butterflies.

Jacob’s Ladder (Poleemonium reptans):

A very pretty light blue, bell-shaped flower in loose clusters appear on sprawling, weak stems in mid to late spring.  The foliage looks fresh and green all through the growing season.  Prefers partial to full shade and moderate to high moisture.  Grows 8”-18” in height with a 12”-18” spread.

Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens):

This is one of the few shrubs that make the prairie their home. Spikes of iridescent purple flowers appear in June and July atop the delicate silver-gray foliage. A member of the Pea family, it creates its own fertilizer by "fixing" nitrogen in its roots. Deeply tap-rooted, Leadplant is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives on the driest sandy, rocky soils in full sun and light shade. Grows slowly from seed, but is extremely long lived. Transplants will provide flowering plants in one to two years, while direct seeding into the soil may require up to five years for blooms. Use the distinctive flowers and foliage of leadplant to create a focal point in the summer prairie garden. Grows two to three feet tall, and two to three feet in diameter.

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae):

Tall and majestic, New England Aster rules the prairie in autumn. The deep blue to purple, and sometimes pink flowers are highlights of the late season wildflower garden. Blooms late into the fall, well after the first frosts. This is a critical late season nectar source for butterflies, especially for Monarchs, as they stock up for their long migration to Mexico. Plant with other tall flowers. Prefers rich, medium to slightly moist soil, in full sun. Grows three to six feet tall.  This plant will produce hundreds of large purple flowers with yellow centers.  Pinch garden plants back three or four times before Aug 15th to keep them more compact. 

Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata):

This native perennial is 2’-5’ tall and unbranched.  The flowerheads are densely crowded along the spike.  It prefers full sun and moist conditions.  The soil should possess sufficient organic material to retain moisture.  Some sand or gravelly material is tolerated.  Butterflies are common visitors of this plant.

Pale Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea pallida):

The large showy purple flowers of Pale Purple Coneflower signal that summer is in full swing. Blooms in June to July.  Grows two to three feet tall, on almost any well-drained soil, tolerates very dry soil.  This plant was used by Plains Indians to treat more ailments than any other plant. Used for burns, snakebites and stings. Pale purple coneflower was apparently unrivaled in relieving pain.  Attract birds and butterflies.  Also is good for cut or dried flowers.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):

Just another "native weed" twenty years ago, but has become one of the most popular perennials in America today. It's easy to see why, with its fabulous purple flowers, long season of bloom, and attraction for butterflies. It is very easy to grow.  Adapts to many soil types and grows well in full sun or light shade.  Remove seed heads after flowering if self-seeding is not desired.  Birds love the seeds and butterflies and hummingbirds also like this plant.

Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera):

Tall stalks of rounded, fluffy, deep rosy purple flowers bloom in September.  Most of the flowers open at the same time making it a good cut flower.  Butterflies love the nectar.  This is one of the last Liatris species to bloom.  It blooms in late summer until frost.  Grows in full sun in well drained soil with average moisture. 

Sky Blue Aster (Aster oolentangiensis):

This plant is filled with dozens of blue flowers with yellow centers in the fall.  The foliage is blue-green and stems are dark.  Butterflies love the nectar.  Grows in full sun or light shade.  Tolerates dry soils.  Grows 2-3 ft. with an 18”-24” spread.    A favorite of butterflies and birds.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis):

The delightful deep blue flowers of Spiderwort bloom for an extended period in late spring and early summer. Opening first thing in the morning, the blooms close in the afternoon to conserve moisture.  Each plant will expand over time to form a nice clump, which can be easily divided in spring or fall. Growing two to four feet tall, this is an excellent choice for dry soils that antagonize most other plants. Also grows in well-drained loam. Spiderworts typically go dormant in summer, so be sure to plant with other later-blooming prairie flowers and grasses.  You can cut back to 6”-12” in mid-summer to encourage fresh growth and repeat bloom. 

Wild Blue Iris (Iris versicolor):

This Iris is basically found in swamps and in lowlands.  It grows 2’3 feet with 1inch sword-shaped leaves.  Blooms May-June.  The blue flowers with yellow  and white markings are 3-4 inches across.  Needs full sun to partial shade with a heavy, rich moist soil.  Prefers to be kept moist at all times, which makes it a great plant for water features. 

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis):

A late spring favorite, Lupine's unmistakable spires of bright blue flowers signal the coming of summer. Lupine is the only food plant for the caterpillars of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Excellent for extremely dry sandy soils where few other plants dare to venture. Will not grow in clay. Grows to two feet high in full sun to light shade. The large seeds are very easy to grow. Plant a patch of Lupine for the butterflies.

Wild Petunia (Ruellia humillis):

A native perennial of great character with flowers that will remind you of the annual bedding plant Petunia.  Low growing clumps produce light purple tubular flowers from May to Oct.  The flowers arise in groups at the leaf axis.  The square stems and the leaves are both quite hairy-a natural defense against dry conditions.  Prefers full sun, hot dry conditions may seem harsh for this little plant, but it is tough.  Part shade is tolerated, with reduced flowering.  Wild Petunia can be easily overcome by larger neighbors.