Herbaceous perennial

Height: 2-3 ft.
Flower color: Red and yellow
Bloom time: February through July
Preferred site conditions: Moist conditions, in the shade

The drooping, bell-like characteristics of this perennial contain backward-pointing tubes that nectar. This nectar often attracts long-tongued insects and hummingbirds. It has been said that Native Americans would rub the crushed seeds on the hands of men in order to create a love charm.

Wetland perennial with a thick stem, broad leaves and round clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.

Height: 3-4 ft.
Flower color: Pink to light purple
Bloom time: Early to mid-summer
Preferred site conditions: Full sun, wet soils and open spaces.

Swamp milkweed’s fragrant flowers attract bees, moths, hummingbirds and butterflies. Monarch butterflies will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants making its foliage an important source of food for monarch caterpillars. This species is deer resistant and also great for rain gardens.

Tall perennial that may form large clones of itself. Its flower emits an attractive odor.

Height: Typically 3-5 ft.
Flower color: White and purple
Bloom time: Summer
Preferred site conditions: Moist conditions, in the sunlight

This species can be found in multiple different types of habitats that include but are not limited to: croplands, pastures, roadsides, ditches, and old fields. The follicles on the plant split open in the fall and early winter in order to release its wind borne seeds.

The small yet bright array of the goldenrod’s tiny yellow flowers are a perfect way to add color to any garden. These plants thrive in moist soils and prefer room to grow in open areas.

Height: 3-6 ft.
Flower color: Yellow
Bloom time: Late summer and early fall
Preferred site conditions: moist/wet soil, in sunlight

Not only does the grass-leaved goldenrod provide a bright addition to your garden, but they are also extremely beneficial to bees and other pollinators. In addition to this, goldenrod also provides a natural biological pest control. This is made possible because goldenrod attracts predatory and/or parasitic insects that prey upon pest insects.

Large, clump-forming perennial bearing bullet-shaped flowers with little tufts of hair and a distinct vanilla scent.

Height: 5-7 ft.
Flower color: Pink, mauve
Preferred site conditions: Partial shade, but can handle full sun if soil remains moist.

Joe pye-weed flowers will attract bees, moths and butterflies. Some types of caterpillars will feed on its leaves. It also works well in rain gardens. Due to its height it looks best in the back of the garden and requires ample space.

The harlequin blueflag is a graceful, sword leafed plant that has a down-curved violet veined sepals. This flower also contains yellow on its petals that complement the violet.

Height: 1-3 ft.
Flower color: Blue and purple
Bloom time: Late spring through summer
Preferred site conditions: moist soil, in partial shade

If you’re thinking about adding harlequin blueflag to your garden, it is important to note that they are best grouped in sunny areas of ponds or water gardens. In addition to this it can also be grown in moist border areas.

The Canadian lily is colored red, orange and yellow. This species can grow up to 8 feet tall and contains up to 20 pendulous (suspended/hanging) flowers.

Height: 3-6 ft.
Flower color: Red, orange, and yellow
Bloom time: Summer
Preferred site conditions: moist soil, in sunlight

Canadian lilies are found in moist woods, wet meadows, stream sides, marshes, and open areas such as roadsides where there is moisture. For best flowering conditions, full sunlight is recommended.

Proliferating, showy perennial that was historically used for medicinal applications.

Height: 3-4 ft.
Flower color: Lavender, pink
Bloom time: Early to late summer
Preferred site conditions: Full sun to part shade, will tolerate poor soils and requires thinning when colonies become too densely packed as it is susceptible to powdery mildew.

Bee-balm’s pom-pom like blooms draw butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Its aromatic foliage can also be used to make teas.

Stylish, cottage garden perennial with bell-shaped blossoms.

Height: 2-4 ft.
Flower color: White
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Preferred site conditions: Sunny spaces with filtered shade and can thrive in dry or clay soils.

Foxglove beard-tongue’s delicate flowers are well-suited for long-tongued bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. It is a versatile plant that is a good choice for challenging sites. It also makes beautiful cut flowers.

Aromatic perennial with dark green, silver foliage that is considered to be one of the best plants for pollinators.

Height: 2-3 ft.
Flower color: Pale pink
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Preferred site conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist or dry conditions. Tends spread so give it ample space.

Short-toothed mountain mint’s jade-colored flower heads yield tiny, tubular flowers that are irresistible to bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. Its fragrant leaves also make it resistant to deer and other pesky garden herbivores.

Clump-forming, slender and drought-tolerant perennial that adds texture to your garden.

Height: 2-3 ft.
Flower color: White with pink or purple spots or hues
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Preferred site conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist or dry conditions, as well as shallow, rocky soils.

Narrow-leaf mountain mint features needle-like foliage and densely packed clusters of soft flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies as well as other beneficial insects like wasps, flies and beetles. Its leaves exude a minty fragrance when crushed making it unlikely to be foraged.

The abundant light green leaves that this perennial possesses form dene clumps which steadily grow with new foliage during the season.

Height: 1-3 ft.
Flower color: Blue
Bloom time: Spring and early summer
Preferred site conditions: moist/wet soil, in sun with partial shade

If you wish to add blue-eyed grass to your garden it is important to note that this species is best naturalized in informal garden areas such as cottage gardens, woodland gardens, wild gardens or native plant areas. Blue-eyed grass is also effective in border fronts and rock gardens as well as natural edger for paths or walkways.

Perennial whose flower attracts butterflies to your garden.

Height: 4 ft.
Flower color: Purple
Bloom time: Summer and fall
Preferred site conditions: Moist conditions, low amount of water, and in the sunlight

This species is a part of the Aster family. It contains many branches, and has leaves that are simple (not divided into parts). The broad-leaved aster has 10-15 ray flowers and its leaves are gray/green.

This late bloomer’s flowers will attract pollinators, butterflies, and birds.

Height: 2-4 ft.
Flower color: Purple rays and yellow centers
Bloom time: Fall
Preferred site conditions: Dry to medium moisture soil, in full sunlight

The smooth aster is a Missouri native plant that usually grows in prairies, rocky glades, dry open woods, roadsides, and thickets. The smooth aster is a very resilient plant, being able to resist the cold, and often is seen blooming until November.

The New England aster will provide color and contrast to the fall perennial border front

Height: 3-6 ft.
Flower color: Pink and purple
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Preferred site conditions: moist soil, in partial shade

The New England aster can grow up to 6 feet with a hairy stem and clasping leaves. This species provides a crucial source of nectar for fall pollinators, most notably the Monarch butterfly, who stock up for their fall migration to Mexico.

Tall, wild perennial that is part of the Aster family.

Height: 5-7 ft.
Flower color: Reddish purple, magenta
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Preferred site conditions: Moist conditions and full sun.

New York iron weed’s stiff branches bear loose clusters of vibrant flowers will that attract butterflies and bees. And as a tall, narrow plant, it is best suited for the back border or in tight spaces.

Golden alexanders are a perennial belonging to the Carrot Family, and typically have a short lifespan.

Height: 1-3 ft.
Flower color: Yellow
Bloom time: Late spring and summer
Preferred site conditions: moist soil, in partial shade

Golden alexanders contain lower leaves which are divided into threes twice, while its upper leaves are divided only once. The yellow flowers are approximately 1/8 inch long. Each tiny yellow flower possesses 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens.