Downy Phlox-Phlox pilosa

Downy Phlox Blooms

Welcome spring with flaming pink mounds of this low growing phlox.

From early May to June the fragrant flowers are a source of nectar for returning hummingbirds, butterflies and skippers.

They tolerate a little shade and slightly damp loamy soil.

Late Fall Interest

Also known as:  Prairie Phlox

Note:

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.


More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu

Early Spring

Harebell-Campanula rotundiflora

Harebell Blooms

This delicate plant displays small blue-violet bell-shaped flowers nodding from the tips of  twelve inch wiry stems. Loose clusters of flowers in a sunny or shady spot will attract hummingbirds to your garden.

A repeat bloomer all summer long, this plant will reseed itself in rocky soils. A perfect plant for crevices and even a little shade.





Harebell Fall Interest

Also known as: 

Blue Bell Flower


Note:

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.



More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu



Winter Interest

Early Spring

Lanceleaf Coreopsis- Coreopsis lancelata

Bloom-Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Golden yellow rays of flowers in spring to summer. The 1 1/2 inch blooms atop 1-2 foot clumps will repeat bloom if you take care to deadhead old flowers. Any spent blooms left will happily reseed themselves and you can end up with a full colony of coreopsis.

Mature plants will benefit from fall dividing, just in time to share them among friends. Visiting pollinators, nectar loving insects, as well as song birds for ripe seeds, will also be happy you made room in your garden. This easy plant is drought tolerant.

Fall Interest

Also known as: 

Lance-leaf tickseed


Other Benefits:

Flower for Arrangements

Note:

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.




More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu

Early Spring

Little Bluestem-Schizachyrium scorparium

Late Fall Interest

Little Bluestem equals the beauty of other ornamental grasses. The upright three foot slender bunchgrass goes from blue-green in the summer, changing after the first frost to a coppery pink.

Grasses are a great compliment to other flowering prairie plants. Giving them stability to stand upright and offering nesting and coverage for insects and birds. 

As a host plant for many varieties of skipper larvae, small birds will also enjoy the seeds from fall into winter.

Whether its waving in the wind or the winter interest these grasses won't keep you mowing all summer. Excelling in sandy dry soils, you won't have to put the sprinkler out either.


Note:



Winter Interest

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.

Other Benefits: Deer Resistant


More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu


Mid Spring

Ohio Spiderwort-Tradescantia ohiensis

Ohio Spiderwort Blooms

Enjoy the deep blue blooms each morning from May to July. By noon the flowers will close up unless it's a cloudy day. See if you can find some afternoon shade in your garden for this plant.. 

Growing up to two feet the grassy like leaves can be cut back mid summer to encourage a fall bloom.

Easy to divide when over crowed.






Note:



Fall Interest

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.


More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu

Mid Spring

Prairie Blazingstar-Liatris pycnostachya

Early Bloom-Prairie Blazingstar

Blooming from the top downward on tall four foot spikes from July to September.

The densely packed tiny lavender flowers attract Butterflies, Bees and Hummingbirds. Maybe you'll even get a visit from the rare Glorious Flower Moth.

Find a sunny spot in most soils, even moist clays.


Also Known as:

Prairie Gay Flower

Other Benefits:
 

Deer Resistant

 

Other Uses:
 

Fall Interest

Excellent cut and dried flower.


Note:

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.


Winter Interest



Mid Spring

More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu

Prairie Dropseed-Sporobolus heterolepsis

Fall Interest

A four foot fountain of emerald green in the summer to golden tones in the autumn. You'll fall in love with this finely textured grass. Use it as an ornamental on its own or for a distinctive border.

Seed eating birds will love it, as well as the Leonard Skipper. Seed heads form in August to September.

Besides the wonderful winter interest, drop seed is also fragrant.


Also Know as:

Northern Drop-Seed


Other Uses:

Plains Indians used the ground seed to make a tasty flour.


Winter Interest

 


Note:

Please remember to not pick flowers, gather seeds or dig plants without permission from any land owner. It is not allowed on any state or federal properties, so everyone (people and animals) can benefit and enjoy these amazing plants.




More Information: wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu

Mid Spring