Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):

The flaming red wands of the Cardinal Flower are a hallmark of the August perennial garden, often blooming for a month or longer. Occurs naturally in marshes and wooded streambanks, but responds magnificently to cultivation, producing flower stalks up to five feet long. Short-lived, Cardinal Flower may require replanting every few years, but is well worth the effort. This popular plant adds dazzle to any garden.  Grows well in standing water or moist organic garden soil.  As soil moisture increases, so does sun tolerance.

Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum):

The extravagant Joe Pye Weed is crowned with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers in late summer. The whirls of textured foliage also work to great effect in the garden. As with all Eupatoriums, butterflies find it irresistible. Grows up to six feet tall in moist soil, in full sun or light shade. Perfect for planting in damp soils along streambanks and pond edges. Also does well in rich garden soil. Bumblebees are fond of roosting on the flowers on cool September nights

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum):

Is one of the most distinctive and best-loved of all prairie plants. Its unmistakable feathery silver and pink seedheads are one of the stars of the spring prairie garden. Once the flowers have gone by, the attractive, deeply-cut leaves look great for the rest of the season. Spreading by rootstocks and growing less than a foot tall, it makes a unique groundcover. Thrives in poor, dry soil, as well as in richer, well-drained soils. Try this unique plant in a hot, dry spot and watch it excel.

Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula ruba):

The large pink plumes of this regal plant are a real show-stopper. "The Queen" is truly one of the highlights of the summer prairie garden. Very easy to grow, transplants spreads by rhizomes to form large clumps. Prefers rich, moist soil and performs brilliantly in good garden soil, growing four to five feet tall. This is one of the finest of all our native wildflowers.  Prefers full to partial sun and moist soils.  But is quite adaptable once it is well rooted. 

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata):

The leaves of this Milkweed are a preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars. Plant Red Milkweed and start your own butterfly farm. The bright pink and red flowers appear in June and July on three to five foot stems. Preferring moist soils and full sun, this is a great plant for naturalizing in roadside ditches, detention basins, and other wet soils that often dry out in summer. No butterfly garden is complete without Red Milkweed.   It has a faint vanilla fragrance.

Wild Colombine (Aquilegia canadensis):

A woodland classic, Columbine is one of our most popular plants for partially shady areas. The appearance of the lush bluish green foliage in early spring is a sure sign that winter is finally over. Hummingbirds flock to the intricate red and yellow flowers for a sip of nectar in spring, when few other flowers are available. Prefers well-drained sites, and will actually thrive in dry, rocky soil in medium shade. This versatile plant also blooms profusely in full sun in a rich garden soil. Grows one to three feet tall. Plant a patch of Columbine and create a hummingbird haven.