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Botanical Name: Andropogon gerardii Common Name: Big Blue Stem Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie/Savanna Grass The primary grass species of the tallgrass prairie, this impressive 4'-8' tall plant blooms in mid summer to early fall. It is also called "turkey foot" for its often 3-spiked inflorescence which resembles a bird's claw. Preferring full sun and dry to medium soil moisture, this species turns a bronzen-gold in late fall.

Botanical Name: Andropogon scoparius Common Name: Little Blue Stem Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie/Savanna Grass Another classic grass species of the prairie, this plant grows 2'-4' in height and blooms from late summer to early fall. Preferring dry soils and full to partial sun, this clump-forming plant turns a brilliant reddish bronze in the fall. With its silver-white seed heads, this species adds visual interest to the landscape and provides crucial structural support for many shorter prairie wildflowers.

Botanical Name: Aquilegia canadensis Common Name: Wild Columbine Species Category: Dry Prairie/Savanna Forb This spring-blooming wildflower produces showy 1"-2" nodding scarlet flowers with yellow centers. It grows 1'-3' high and will bloom into early summer. Tolerant of dry to medium soil moisture, this plant will grow in conditions ranging from full sun to shade. This plant provides an important nectar source for hummingbirds, the plant's only pollinator.

Botanical Name: Asclepias incarnata Common Name: Swamp Milkweed Species Category: Wetland Forb A magnificent milkweed species that produces clusters of pink blossoms, this species prefers moist soils and full to partial sun. It is a favorite of native bees and wasps and is also used as a food source for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar. Growing to heights of 3'-5', this plant blooms from early summer to late summer.

Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa Common Name: Butterfly Weed Species Category: Dry Prairie/Savanna Forb A wonderful plant to attract butterflies and colorful native bees and wasps, this stunning orange-blooming wildflower prefers dry soils and full to partial sun. A favorite food plant of the caterpillar stage of the Monarch butterfly, this species grows to about 2' in height.

Botanical Name: Aster laevis Common Name: Smooth Blue Aster Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie/Savanna Forb A beautiful late summer to mid fall bloomer, this smoothstemmed aster species produces blue to violet flower disks that can be up to 1" in diameter. A perfect plant for dry fields and open woods, this plant can grow up to 4' in height.

Botanical Name: Aster novae-angliae Common Name: New England Aster Species Category: Wetland/Mesic Prairie Forb A spectacular late-blooming species, this attractive plant produces numerous violet-blue, 1"-2" in diameter flowers in late summer to mid fall. This plant prefers medium-moist to wet soil conditions in full to partial sun. It grows 3'-6' in height and provides one of the last nectar sources for small butterflies, moths, and native bees.

Botanical Name: Baptisia australis Common Name: Blue Wild Indigo Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie/Open Woods Forb An interesting species of the legume (pea) family, this plant produces bluish, 1-inch long flowers on a loose flower stalk. Growing from 2'-5' in height, this plant blooms from late spring to early summer in rich, partially shaded woods to open, dry prairies.

Botanical Name: Baptisia leucantha Common Name: White Wild Indigo Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie Forb Another member of the pea family, this species can tolerate more soil moisture and produces bright white 1" long flowers on a loose stalk. Like the Blue Wild Indigo, its 3-leaflet leaves provide an attractive bluish-green foliage. It grows from 2'-4' in height.

Botanical Name: Bouteloua curtipendula Common Name: Side-Oats Grama Species Category: Dry Prairie Grass A delicate-looking grass of dry prairies, this 2'-4' tall species prefers full sun and blooms from mid summer to mid fall. It produces small purplish flowers with red stamens, and its oatlike seeds attract birds.

Botanical Name: Calamagrostis canadensis Common Name: Blue Joint Grass Species Category: Wetland Grass A slender plant of wet meadows and lake banks, this wetland grass blooms in mid summer and prefers full to partial sun. Growing 2'-4' in height, this species is a tussock-forming, perennial grass that spreads from its rhizomes.

Botanical Name: Caltha palustris Common Name: Marsh Marigold Species Category: Wetland Forb One of our earliest spring-blooming wildflowers, this species, with its heart-shaped, rounded, and slightly toothed leaves, offers native bees one of their first nectar sources each year. Blooming when nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, this spring ephemeral requires moist to wet soils. Reaching up to 2' in height, this plant grows in shade to full sun.

Botanical Name: Carex bebbii Common Name: Bebb's Oval Sedge Species Category: Wetland Sedge A member of the sedge family, this 2'-3' tall plant blooms in early summer. Preferring wet soils in full to partial sun, this species is often found in wet meadows, along lake margins, and on wooded borders and clearings. It can also be found in wet sand prairies.

Botanical Name: Carex comosa Common Name: Bristly Sedge Species Category: Wetland Sedge A member of the sedge family, this 2'-4' tall plant blooms in late spring to early summer. Preferring wet soils in full to partial sun, this long-lived species is found in wet meadows, along lake shores, and in marshes.

Botanical Name: Carex hystericina Common Name: Porcupine Sedge Species Category: Wetland Sedge A member of the sedge family, this 2'-3' tall plant blooms in late spring to early summer. It prefers wet soils in shade to full sun. This species is often found in wet meadows, fens, and marshes. It is named after the fact that the seed head is a spiny, swollen spikelet.

Botanical Name: Carex lacustris Common Name: Commom Lake Sedge Species Category: Wetland Sedge A member of the sedge family, this 2'-4' tall plant blooms in late spring to mid summer and prefers wet soils in shady to full sun conditions. This slow-growing species is common on the edges of standing water.

Botanical Name: Carex vulpinoidea Common Name: Brown Fox Sedge Species Category: Wetland Sedge A member of the sedge family, this 2'-3' tall plant blooms in late spring to early summer. Preferring wet soils in full to partial sun, this species is one of our most common sedges and can be found in wet meadows and any other sunny to partially sunny areas where the soils are wet. It is named after its short-lived display of seed heads that resemble a fox's tail.

Botanical Name: Coreopsis lanceolata Common Name: Sand Coreopsis Species Category: Dry Prairie Forb Growing up to 2' in height, this attractive plant with its 4"-6" long, lance-shaped leaves is a bright addition to the prairie landscape. Preferring full sun and dry soils, this species produces 1"-2.5" in diameter yellow flower heads from late spring to late summer.

Botanical Name: Coreopsis palmata Common Name: Prairie Coreopsis Species Category: Dry Prairie Forb A relative of the Sand Coreopsis, this plant has interesting, attractive, delicate foliage. It prefers dry soils and sunny to partially sunny conditions. Its bright yellow flowers are 1"-1.5" in diameter and appear from early to late summer. It grows up to 2' in height.

Botanical Name: Echinacea pallida Common Name: Pale Purple Coneflower Species Category: Dry Prairie Forb A wonderful cousin of the well-known species of this genus, this species has beautiful pale purple flowers whose heads range from 2"-3.5" in diameter. The long ray flowers of this plant's heads tend to droop, creating a visually stunning look. Growing in full sun and dry to medium soils, this species blooms late spring to late summer. It is a favorite nectar source for butterflies and provides seeds for birds.

Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea Common Name: Broad-Leaved Purple Coneflower Species Category: Dry Prairie Forb The typical coneflower species, this 3'-5' tall plant blooms in early to late summer. Its 2"-4" diameter flowers are favorite nectar sources for butterflies. In the fall, the seed heads attract birds. It prefers sunny to partially sunny areas with dry soils.

Botanical Name: Eleocharis obtusa Common Name: Blunt Spike Rush Species Category: Wetland Sedge This attractive, short-statured sedge prefers wet soils and full sun. Blooming from late spring to mid fall, this species grows to 2' in height and can be found in a wide range of wetland communities. This clump-forming plant produces a showy display of tiny flower spikes atop the plant that look like minute pine cones before the flowers emerge.

Botanical Name: Eryngium yuccifolium Common Name: Rattlesnake Master Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb An attractive plant with an unusual whitish, spiky, ball-shaped flower head. This 3'-5' tall plant prefers full sun and medium soils. With its waxy-green foliage reminiscent of yucca, this species blooms mid summer to early fall. Its common name is derived from the fact that Native Americans treated rattlesnake bites with a tea made from the roots.

Botanical Name: Eupatorium maculatum Common Name: Spotted Joe-Pye Weed Species Category: Wetland Forb A superb butterfly-attracting species, this 4'-7' tall plant produces large, branching clusters of purplish-pink flowers in mid summer to mid fall. Named for the fact that its stem often is purple spotted, this plant prefers wet soils and full sun. It is found in fens, wet meadows, and on the edges of ponds, lakes, and streams.

Botanical Name: Filipendula rubra Common Name: Queen of the Prairie Species Category: Wetland Forb Its common name says it all! A member of the rose family, this remarkable plant with its delicate foliage produces clusters of pink flowers that have a wonderful fragrance. Blooming in mid summer, this wildflower prefers wet soils and full sun and grows 3'-6' tall.

Botanical Name: Helenium autumnale Common Name: Sneezeweed Species Category: Wetland Forb This wetland plant prefers full to partial sun and blooms mid summer to mid fall. It has drooping, yellow, wedge-shaped ray flowers that are 3-lobed. The base of each lance-shaped leaf extends down the stem, making the plant's stem appear to be winged like the shaft of an arrow. Growing 3'-5' tall, the plant gets its name from the fact that the dried flower heads and seeds induce sneezing.

Botanical Name: Heliopsis helianthoides Common Name: False Sunflower Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb An aggressive native species, this plant produces numerous, showy yellow flowers 1.5"-2.5" in diameter. It has large, triangular-shaped, toothed leaves. Blooming mid summer to early fall, this species grows up to 6' high.

Botanical Name: Hibiscus laevis Common Name: Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow Species Category: Wetland Forb A terrific, showy wetland forb, this species gets its common name from the long, 3-lobed, spear-shaped lower leaves. Growing 3'-7' tall, this plant prefers wet soils and full to partial sun. Its mostly white flowers are 4"-6" in diameter and have areas of pink in the middle. It blooms mid summer to early fall.

Botanical Name: Hibiscus palustris Common Name: Swamp Rose Mallow Species Category: Wetland Forb Another showy wetland forb, this species produces similar-looking flowers to the Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow but they can also be reddish in color. Its leaves are rounded and egg shaped, although some may appear marginally lobed. It prefers wet soils and full to partial sun.

Botanical Name: Hystrix patula Common Name: Bottlebrush Grass Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Mesic Forest Grass A wonderful species found from dry prairies to rich, loamy woodlands, this plant grows up to 5' tall. Blooming from early to mid summer, this species prefers dry to medium soil moisture and partial to fully shaded conditions--although it can occasionally be found in mostly sunny areas.

Botanical Name: Iris virginica shrevei Common Name: Blue Flag Iris Species Category: Wetland Forb An outstanding wetland wildflower with showy, 2"-4" blue to violet blooms, this species grows in areas with damp soils and in water up to 12" deep. Blooming from late spring to mid summer, this 2'-3' tall plant, with its wide, silver-green leaves, is a perfect choice for water gardens.

Botanical Name: Juncus effusus Common Name: Common Rush Species Category: Wetland Forb Another interesting-looking graminoid species, this plant grows in full to partial sun, preferring damp to saturated soils. Blooming from early to mid summer, this clump-forming species can grow to a height of 4'. This is one of our most common rush species, often found in wet meadows, along stream corridors, and in other wetland habitats.

Botanical Name: Liatris scariosa nieuwlandii Common Name: Savanna Blazing Star Species Category: Dry Prairie/Savanna Forb This splendid prairie and savanna wildflower is one of our region's showiest. Blooming in late summer to early fall, this species produces many clusters of flower heads, each with numerous, small purple flowers. Each flower head is from 1/2"-1" in diameter and is a favorite of native bees and wasps. This plant prefers dry soils and sunny to partially sunny conditions.

Botanical Name: Liatris spicata Common Name: Marsh Blazing Star Species Category: Mesic Prairie/ Wetland Forb Another wonderful wildflower of the genus Liatris, this species prefers medium to wet soils and full sun. It grows up to 5' high and blooms mid summer to early fall. The purple flower heads attract butterflies.

Botanical Name: Lobelia cardinalis Common Name: Cardinal Flower Species Category: Wetland Forb Few native species are as stunning as this wetland wildflower. One of a handful of native species in our region with red flowers, this hummingbird-pollinated plant prefers shade around its basal leaves but sun on its upper leaves. It is found in wet meadows, pond and lake edges, and along stream corridors. Blooming in mid summer to mid fall, this 2'-5' tall plant is a self-seeding, short-lived perennial.

Botanical Name: Lobelia siphilitica Common Name: Great Blue Lobelia Species Category: Wetland Forb A beautiful blue-flowering wetland wildflower, this longerlived member of the Lobelia genus is a favorite of native bees. Blooming from mid summer to mid fall, this plant grows up to 4' tall and prefers wet soils along the edges of ponds and streams.

Botanical Name: Lupinus perennis occidentalis Common Name: Wild Lupine Species Category: Dry Prairie/Savanna Forb The classic legume species of the dry prairie, this plant produces an elongated cluster of bluish flowers. With interesting silverygreen foliage, this species can be found in full sun prairies to partially shaded savannas. Blooming from mid spring to early summer, this 1'-2' tall plant offers bees an early nectar source in the spring.

Botanical Name: Mimulus ringens Common Name: Monkey Flower Species Category: Wetland Forb This species is an attractive wetland wildflower with 1" long, violet-purple flowers. The flowers are tubular ending with two lips, the lower lip split into three lobes. It grows in areas with damp soils and in water up to 3" deep. Blooming from mid summer to early fall, this plant prefers full sun.

Botanical Name: Monarda fistulosa Common Name: Wild Bergamot Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Savanna Forb This member of the mint family is striking in full bloom. A prairie and savanna species that prefers dry soils, it can be found in full and partial sun. Blooming early summer to late summer, the dense flower heads are ringed with small, tubular lavender flowers. Growing up to 5' tall, this plant is a favorite with bumblebees and hawk moths.

Botanical Name: Nuphar advena Common Name: Yellow Pond Lily Species Category: Wetland Forb This floating-leaved, aquatic lily can grow into water up to 7' deep, sending its vegetation to the surface. Most of its 4"-12" long leaves are held above the water, but some float on the surface. Blooming in late spring to late summer with yellow 1.5"-3" flowers, this species prefers full to partial sun and can spread rapidly.

Botanical Name: Nymphaea tuberosa Common Name: White Water Lily Species Category: Wetland Forb With its 4"-8" wide, bright white blooms barely floating on the surface, this elegant aquatic plant grows in waters up to 6' deep. All of its round, notched leaves float on the surface. It prefers full to partial sun and blooms from late spring to late summer.

Botanical Name: Panicum virgatum Common Name: Switch Grass Species Category: Mesic Prairie Grass This aggressive grass species is equally at home in moderately dry soils as it is in moderately wet soils. It prefers full sun and blooms from mid summer to mid fall. Reaching heights of 5', it forms a dense cover once established, making it perfect for wildlife habitat. In late fall, it turns a brownish-gold.

Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis Common Name: Foxglove Beard Tongue Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb A late spring to early summer bloomer, with its white to pinkish 1" long tubular flowers, this plant is a favorite with bees and hummingbirds. It grows up to 4' tall and prefers medium soil moisture and full to partial sun. Its smooth stems are often reddish in color, creating a wonderful contrast with its lance-shaped, toothed green leaves.

Botanical Name: Penstemon hirsutus Common Name: Hairy Beard Tongue Species Category: Dry Prairie Forb Preferring drier soils than the Foxglove Beard Tongue, this plant has small, white hairs covering its stem. Its purple-pink tubular flowers have white lips and are slender. It blooms late spring to mid summer and prefers full to partial sun.

Botanical Name: Physostegia virginiana Common Name: Obedient Plant Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Wetland Forb A beautiful plant with 1" long, pinkish, tubular flowers in a spike on top of the plant, this species gets its name from the fact that its flowers remain for a while in whatever position they are moved. Preferring medium to wet soils and full sun, this 2'-5' tall plant blooms in late summer to early fall.

Botanical Name: Pontederia cordata Common Name: Pickerel Weed Species Category: Wetland Forb An emergent, aquatic species that can grow in water up to 5 feet deep, this marvelous plant produces 4" long flower spikes, ringed with bluish-purple flowers. Its elongated, heart-shaped leaves emerge out of the water on long stalks. Growing in full to partial sun, this species blooms in early to late summer. Its flower spikes are often used by dragonflies for perches.

Botanical Name: Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Name: Common Mountain Mint Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Wetland Forb Another member of the mint family, this pleasant-smelling plant prefers medium to wet soils and full to partial sun. It grows 1'-3' high and blooms in early summer to late summer. It produces many round flower heads, each with numerous small, white flowers. It is a favorite among native bees and wasps.

Botanical Name: Ratibida pinnata Common Name: Yellow Coneflower Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb With its long yellow, drooping flower rays, this pretty plant creates an impressive display when in full bloom. The disc of each flower head is greenish-grey to brown in color and gives off an anise-like odor when crushed. Reaching heights of up to 6', this species prefers full sun and dry soils. It has attractive foliage and blooms mid summer to early fall.

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb A well-known garden-center plant which produces beautiful yellow flower heads up to 3" wide, this species gets its common name from the dark purplish-brown disk in the center of each flower head. Growing 1'-3' high, each stem is covered with fine hairs. It prefers dry to moist soils and full to partial sun.

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia laciniata Common Name: Wild Golden Glow Species Category: Wetland Forb A stately plant with 2"-4" wide yellow flowers, this species prefers wet soils and full to partial sun. Its lower leaves are long and wide, each divided or cleft into 3-7 leaflets. It grows up to 10' tall and can be found in wet meadows and along streams. It readily spreads by rhizome, creating dense stands.

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia subtomentosa Common Name: Sweet Black-Eyed Susan Species Category: Mesic Prairie Forb This wonderful plant growing up to 5' tall produces a stunning display of bright, yellow flowers in late summer to early fall. With its large trident-shaped leaves, this plant prefers full to partial sun and medium soil moisture.

Botanical Name: Sagittaria latifolia Common Name: Common Arrowhead Species Category: Wetland Forb An emergent aquatic plant with long, arrow-shaped leaves, this species produces small, eye-catching white flowers about 1" in diameter. The flowers grow in whorls of 3, with multiple whorls on a single, stout stalk. Growing in water up to 1.5' deep, this plant blooms early summer to late summer. It prefers full to partial sun and grows to a height of 4'--although it is often much shorter in poor soils.

Botanical Name: Scirpus acutus Common Name: Hard-Stemmed Bulrush Species Category: Wetland Sedge A tall, sturdy plant, this species grows in waters up to 2'-3' deep. Preferring full sun, it blooms between mid spring and mid summer. It can reach heights of 6' and is an important food source for waterfowl and aquatic mammals.

Botanical Name: Scirpus validus creber Common Name: Great Bulrush Species Category: Wetland Sedge Like the Hard-Stemmed Bulrush, this sturdy sedge species grows in moist soil to waters up to 2'-3' deep. Although it can grow in partially shaded conditions, it prefers full sun. It blooms between late spring and mid summer. It can reach heights of 7' and is an important food source for waterfowl and aquatic mammals.

Botanical Name: Solidago speciosa Common Name: Showy Goldenrod Species Category: Dry Prairie/Savanna Forb One of the showiest of all goldenrod species, this plant has a branching flower cluster festooned with numerous, relatively large yellow flowers heads. It blooms mid summer to early fall, preferring full sun and dry soils. Contrary to popular myth, goldenrod species are not responsible for seasonal allergies. It is the wind-borne pollen from ragweed (which blooms at the same time as goldenrod) that causes the misery.

Botanical Name: Sorghastrum nutans Common Name: Indian Grass Species Category: Mesic Prairie Grass A majestic grass of the tallgrass prairie, this clump-forming species grows up to 9' tall, blooming late summer to early fall. Preferring full sun and dry to moist soils, with its plume-like, golden seed heads, this plant attracts birds and adds visual interest to the landscape.

Botanical Name: Sparganium eurycarpum Common Name: Common Bur Reed Species Category: Wetland Forb An aquatic, emergent wildflower that grows in water up to 2' deep, this species looks like cattail to the untrained eye before blooming. Once in bloom, however, the dazzling ball-shaped flower heads on a zigzagging stalk make it clear that this plant is a wetland wildflower. It grows up to 6' high and prefers full sun. The mature seeds, or nutlets, form a spiky ball, hence the name bur reed.

Botanical Name: Spartina pectinata Common Name: Prairie Cord Grass Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Wetland Grass This tall-standing, erect grass species is found in wet meadows, pond edges, sloughs, and drainage ditches. It grows to 4'-7' in height and prefers full sun and moist to wet soils. It blooms mid to late summer with its long, coarse seed heads creating an attractive display. It spreads quickly by rhizome.

Botanical Name: Sporobolus heterolepis Common Name: Prairie Dropseed Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie Grass A regal-looking grass of the prairie, this species grows 2'-4' in height. It prefers dry to mesic soils in sunny to partially sunny areas. Blooming late summer, once mature, the seed head gives off a pleasant-smelling odor that some liken to fresh, culinary herbs. This clump-forming plant turns various shades of gold, bronze, and red in the late fall.

Botanical Name: Tradescantia ohiensis Common Name: Common Spiderwort Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Savanna Forb A spectacular plant of prairies and savannas, this 2'-4' tall plant prefers medium soil moisture and full to partial sun. Blooming in late spring to early fall, the delicate bluish-purple 1.5" wide flowers emerge in the early morning and often "melt" away in the hot, afternoon sun.

Botanical Name: Verbena hastata Common Name: Blue Vervain Species Category: Wetland Forb A wetland wildflower with branching flower spikes, this 3'-6' tall plant prefers moist to wet soils and full sun. With its delicate, tiny, purple flowers, it blooms from early summer to late summer. Its small flowers provide a nectar source to a variety of tiny native bee species who have a difficult time competing with large bee species on bigger blooms.

Botanical Name: Veronicastrum virginicum Common Name: Culver's Root Species Category: Dry-Mesic Prairie Forb A gorgeous wildflower of dry to medium soils, this 3'-6' tall plant can live in conditions from full sun to shade. Blooming from early to late summer, small white tubular flowers cover multiple floral spikes. Its leaves, in whorls of 3 to 7, add to this species' charm. It is much sought after by native bees.

Botanical Name: Zizia aurea Common Name: Golden Alexanders Species Category: Mesic Prairie/Wetland Forb A wonderful early season bloomer, this member of the parsley family grows to 3' in height. It prefers medium soil moisture and can be found in conditions ranging from full sun to shade. With its attractive foliage and yellow flower head in a flat-topped umbel, this plant blooms in mid spring to early summer. It is a food source for some butterfly species.

Resources

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