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Important Native Plants
Below is a list of native plants for eastern North America that have co-evolved with the beneficial insects and birds of our area and therefore are ideal for the Bluffs.
Plants that function as top ecological powerhouses are listed first, then
they are organized by growing requirements:
Sunny Places, Sunny Places with Moister Soil, Plants for Shade,
Nitrogen-Fixing Plants,
Spring Flowering and Fall Flowering.
You can find an updated version here.
Find out why native plants are key to Restoring Ecological Health here.
Important Native Plants: RestaurantsMenus
Ecological Powerhouses: The Most Beneficial Plants for Birds, Butterflies and Bees
These are native plants that provide ample nectar and pollen, are larval hosts to butterflies and provide seeds, berries and insect food for birds.Oak (Quercus)
Brims with life, powerhouse to boost biodiversity, is larval host to 534 species of butterflies! The round holes show the work of leaf cutter bees building their nests. Caterpillars are essential food for birds. Acorns feed all wildlife from birds to bears. Oaks are very easy to grow from acorns. Acorns of Bur oaks stay on the tree into winter and provide nutritious food for overwintering birds like the blue jays.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
In spring clusters of white flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen to attract all pollinators. Native Cherries (Prunus) support 456 species of caterpillars for e.g. Swallowtails, Gossamer Wings and Hairstreaks, birds love the berries. Full sun to light shade, tolerates any soil type that is medium to moist. Not deer resistant, big scrub up to 6m tall, 3.50m wide. Wild Black Cherry (P. serotina) is a very similar native Cherry.Organic
Willow (Salix)
First plant to bloom in early spring, provides abundant nectar for butterflies and pollen for bees. Is a larval host for 455 lepidopterans, e.g. Mourning Cloak, White admiral, Viceroy and Swallowtail. Prefers wet areas. The smallest species is the Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) with 2m-4m tall and 1m-3m wide.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Endless violet flowers with yellow centre, provide valuable pollen and nectar from late summer till late fall for bees and butterflies. Super host for 109 species of caterpillars! Full sun to part shade, medium moist, well-drained, sandy loam, drought resistant. Deer resistant, 60 cm to 2.40 m high in wet sides, 1m wide.
$5
Organic
Milkweed (Ascleplias ssp.)
All kinds of Milkweed feed the larvae of the Monarch Butterfly and are superb nectar sources for a wide variety of bees and butterflies. Therefore every garden should have a patch with 3 to 4 plants planted together to easily locate them. It also is recommended to plant these rather close to a fence than in the open if there is a choice.Organic
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Large, long lasting flowers throughout summer. Magnet for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Keep the stems all winter, birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. Seeds attract finches in fall. Drought tolerant once established, clay-busting, any soil from rock to clay, very easy to grow, sun to partial shade, self seeds, 60 days of CMS, germinates at 21ºC, 60 cm to 1.50 m.
Narrow-leaf Coneflower (E. angustifolia) and Pale Purple Coneflower (E. pallida) are equally excellent native choices.Organic
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Sweet smelling lavender coloured, nectar rich clusters of flowers blooming all summer and fall are loved by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. With constantly creating new flowers, it is one of the best forage flowers for bumble bees. Larval host plant to Hermit Sphinx Moth and Snout Moths. Flowers and leaves are eatable, used to make tea and repel mosquitos. Need a lot of sun and sufficient air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. Dry or moist soils, can easily be divided and propagated by pulling stems and replanting. 30cm- 1.50m high, up to 1.20 wide.
Other native species are the red flowering Bee balm (Monarda didyma), yellow flowering horsemint (M. punctata), purple bergamot (M.media) and white bergamot (M. clinopodia).
$5
Organic
(Spotted) Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
Elegant feathery, lightly scented rose flowers on top of long sturdy, burgundy coloured stems bloom late summer to late fall. Attracts butterflies like Monarchs, Swallowtails and Red Admirals with its nectar and is a bee magnet, Eupatorium genus is larval host to 42 butterflies. Full sun to partial shade, can tolerate some standing water, but no drought. Deer resistant. CMS for 30 days, seeds need light to germinate within 2- 3 weeks. 1.60 m- 2 m high, 80 cm wide.
Sweet Joe Pye Weed ( E. purpureum) is taller and can grow in full shade.Organic
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Tall, stately plumes of amethyst flower spikes bloom in summer, full sun, heat loving, magnet for native bees including bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Birds enjoy their seeds. Medium to wet, sandy loam to loamy soil. Species at risk. 40 cm - 2 m high, 30 cm wide.
$5
Organic
Gray/ Dwarf Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
Yellow clusters of flowers from August till September. Goldenrod provides pollinator superfood and tops the list of perennial hosts by feeding 115 species of butterflies. Full sun, dry soil, 30cm-60cm high. This species is garden worthy, because it is clumping and doesn't spread by rhizomes. The pollen of Goldenrod is too heavy to be transported by the wind and therefore doesn't cause allergies. Another option is Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) with a height of up to 1.20 m. Tolerates all soil conditions.
Anise/ Blue giant hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Spikes and spikes of beautiful lavender coloured flowers from June till September, loves sun, but can tolerate part shade. Attracts all pollinators, larvae host. Seeds will germinate at 21ºC after 30 days. 60 cm- 1.20 m high, 60 cm wide.Organic
Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)
Abundant yellow flowers all summer till late fall,
loved by bees, butterflies, and birds. Native sunflowers are caterpillar super hosts, supporting 73 species. Keep the stems up all winter. Birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. At the end of May cut stems to 20 cm that bees can nest in the hollow stems again. Full sun to part shade, drought tolerant, 1.50m high, 1m wide. Other native sunflowers include False Sunflower also called Smooth or Sweet Oxeye (H. helianthoides), Maximilian's Sunflower (H. maximilianii) that is
$5
Organic
Easy to Grow Native Plants for Sunny Places
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Large, long lasting flowers throughout summer. Magnet for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Keep the stems all winter, birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. Seeds attract finches in fall. Drought tolerant once established, clay-busting, any soil from rock to clay, very easy to grow, sun to partial shade, self seeds, 60 days of CMS, germinates at 21ºC, 60 cm to 1.50 m.
Narrow-leaf Coneflower (E. angustifolia) and Pale Purple Coneflower (E. pallida) are equally excellent native choices.Organic
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Striking orange flower clusters from late spring till end of summer, was Perennial Plant of the Year 2017. Milkweed is the only larval host for Monarchs and Grey Hairstreak. Attracts bees, many butterflies, and hummingbirds with it's nectar. Full sun and well drained, preferably sandy sites, tolerant to poor soil and drought.
$5
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Fragrant baseball-size pink flowers all summer long, attracts a wide variety of butterflies with their abundant nectar. Milkweed is the only food Monarch caterpillars can eat! Full sun is needed, tolerates clay soil and poor, dry conditions, 90-140 days CMS, seeds need light to germinate at 21ºC, spreads by rhizomes that can be cut and transplanted in spring. 60 cm -1.20 m high, 30 cm wide.
Organic
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Tall, stately plumes of amethyst flower spikes bloom in summer, full sun, heat loving, magnet for native bees including bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Birds enjoy their seeds. Medium to wet, sandy loam to loamy soil. Species at risk. 40 cm - 2 m high, 30 cm wide.
$5
Organic
Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Beautiful yellow flowers all summer way into fall.
Loved by bees, butterflies and birds. Keep the stems all winter, birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. Full sun to part shade, self seeds, clay-busting, 30cm-1m high, 60 cm wide.
$5
Organic
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Endless violet flowers with yellow centre, provide valuable pollen and nectar from late summer till late fall for bees and butterflies. Super host for 109 species of caterpillars! Full sun to part shade, medium moist, well-drained, sandy loam, drought resistant. Deer resistant, 60 cm to 2.40 m high in wet sides, 1m wide.
$5
Organic
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Sweet smelling lavender coloured, nectar rich clusters of flowers blooming all summer and fall are loved by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. With constantly creating new flowers, it is one of the best forage flowers for bumble bees. Larval host plant to Hermit Sphinx Moth and Snout Moths. Flowers and leaves are eatable, used to make tea and repel mosquitos. Need a lot of sun and sufficient air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. Dry or moist soils, can easily be divided and propagated by pulling stems and replanting. 30cm- 1.50m high, up to 1.20 wide.
Other native species are the red flowering Bee balm (Monarda didyma), yellow flowering horsemint (M. punctata), purple bergamot (M.media) and white bergamot (M. clinopodia).
$5
Organic
American Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
Clusters of bluish-purple flowers bloom from June to September and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Dry, sandy, well-drained soil, full sun to part shade on woodland edges or rock garden. 90-140 days of CMS, 20-35cm.
$5
Rattle Snake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
Distinct round flower balls become a focal point from early summer, attracts bees and butterflies and is a larva host, clay-busting, full sun, 90cm -1.50m high, 40 cm wide.
Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
Clusters of white flowers from July to September, larvae host for America lady and painted lady butterflies, loved by bees and butterflies alike. Drought tolerant, full sun to part shade, seeds germinate at 21ºC after 30 days. Can grow into a bush 1m by 1m.
$5
Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)
Abundant yellow flowers all summer till late fall,
loved by bees, butterflies, and birds. Native sunflowers are caterpillar super hosts, supporting 73 species. Keep the stems up all winter. Birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. At the end of May cut stems to 20 cm that bees can nest in the hollow stems again. Full sun to part shade, drought tolerant, 1.50m high, 1m wide. Other native sunflowers include False Sunflower also called Smooth or Sweet Oxeye (H. helianthoides), Maximilian's Sunflower (H. maximilianii) that is
$5
Organic
Anise/ Blue giant hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Spikes and spikes of beautiful lavender coloured flowers from June till September, loves sun, but can tolerate part shade. Attracts all pollinators, larvae host. Seeds will germinate at 21ºC after 30 days. 60 cm- 1.20 m high, 60 cm wide.Organic
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Clusters of long lasting flowers from summer into fall are a pollinator magnet. Leaf, flowers and seeds used by wildlife. Poor, well drained soil, full sun, drought tolerant. Spread readily by rhizomes and self seeds. 30 days CMS, needs light to germinate after 14 to 100 days at 21ºC, blooms the first year, or propagate by divisions. 60 cm - 90 cm high.
Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)
Loaded with white spikelet flower heads that bloom from mid-summer till fall and attract tiny bees and butterflies. Part shade, moister loving. 1.20 m high.
$15
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnantheum virginanum)
Dense clusters of small white flowers are a pollinator magnet from June till September. Tolerates full sun to part shade, swamp to dry, any soil from gravel to clay, best in moist soil in part shade. Ideal filler plant, since it spreads but nicely, only to empty places, 60 cm high.
$5
Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Carpet of yellow flowers bloom from June till July attracting butterflies. Songbirds love their seeds. Sun to part shade, very
draught tolerant, grows in all soils including sand and clay, 30 to 60 cm high.
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
Large magenta flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. Full sun to part shade, rocky ground, woodland edges, all well-drained soil types. 50 cm - 2 m high.
Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Spikes of yellow flowers that open in the evening, all summer and fall, feed all pollinators with nectar and pollen. Full to partial sun, any soil, self seeding biennial, 90-1.50 m high
$5
Organic
Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum)
Beautiful pink globes of bell-shaped flowers attract all pollinators including hummingbirds and small short-tongued bees. Full sun to part shade, any soil, prefers medium moisture but is drought tolerant. Seeds will germinate at 21ºC within 30 days. 30 cm to 50 cm high.
Sweet Oxeye (Heliopsis helianthoides)
Abundant yellow flowers from July till September attract bees with nectar and pollen and butterflies. The seeds are loves by songbirds. Host plant to Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth. Full sun, any soil conditions including clay, drought tolerant. Self seeds easily, CMS needed. Attracts aphids if soil is too rich in nitrogen. To remediate plant with native plants attracting beneficial insects that eat aphids, like syrphid flies, soldier beetles, ladybugs. 1.5 m by 1.5m.Organic
Cup Plant
Beautiful large yellow flowers bloom from August until October and attract Hummingbirds and butterflies with their nectar. Birds feast on the seeds. Full sun, clay and drought tolerant, 1.8 m - 3 m tall.Organic
Easy to Grow Native Plants for Moister Areas
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Eye catching, huge plant with gorgeous pink flowers all summer long. Attracts hummingbirds and provides food for caterpillars of Monarch butterflies. Full sun to part sun, thrives in medium to wet soil, even in mucky clay soil or in a pond. 30 days of CMS, needs light to germinate at 21ºC. Is susceptible to aphids if soil is too rich in nitrogen. They are not fatal for plant, just leave them for ladybugs and other predatory insects. Any natural/ biological treatment will also kill the eggs and caterpillars of Monarchs. Deer resistant, 60 cm to 1.50 m high and wide.Organic
(Spotted) Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
Elegant feathery, lightly scented rose flowers on top of long sturdy, burgundy coloured stems bloom late summer to late fall. Attracts butterflies like Monarchs, Swallowtails and Red Admirals with its nectar and is a bee magnet, Eupatorium genus is larval host to 42 butterflies. Full sun to partial shade, can tolerate some standing water, but no drought. Deer resistant. CMS for 30 days, seeds need light to germinate within 2- 3 weeks. 1.60 m- 2 m high, 80 cm wide.
Sweet Joe Pye Weed ( E. purpureum) is taller and can grow in full shade.Organic
Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Masses of white flower clusters in late summer. Very attractive to all pollinators, Eupatorium genus is larvae host to 42 caterpillars. Likes sunny and moist spots.
1.20 m high, 60 cm wide. Organic
Cardinal Flower
Showy scarlet red flower spikes blooming all summer and fall, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prefer morning or afternoon sun. 90 days CMS, seeds need light and soil to germinate after 14 days. Can also be propagated through stem cuttings or division in fall. 60 cm to 1.50m high, 40 cm wide.Organic
Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Beautiful blue flower clusters in summer and fall, sun to part shade, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, 30-90 cm high, 30cm wide.Organic
Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)
Climbing vine with clusters of white flowers, throughout summer and fall, attract bees, wasps, flower flies, and humming birds, full sun to shade. Can be propagated by ground layering. Can grow many up to 5 m long vines.Organic
Queen of Prairie (Filipendula rubra)
Show-stopping huge clusters of pink flowers tower on 1 to 2 m high stems, blooms in summer, visited by butterflies and hummingbirds, sun, clay to sand, intolerant to drought. Self seeding, spreads through rhizomes. Sow late in fall just beneath the surface or 90 days CMS. Mature plants can also be divided after plants have gone dormant in fall.
Ironweed (Veronica fasciculata)
Beautiful deep purple coloured flowers on a sturdy stem, attract butterflies, blooms July to September, larva host for American Painted Lady butterfly, full sun, moist soils, clay-busting, 1.20m - 1.80m high, 50 cm wide. V. fasciculata is referred to as just Ironweed or Common, Smooth, Prairie Ironweed. Other native Ironweed include Giant Ironweed (V. gigantea), Missouri Ironweed (V. missourica), Western Ironweed (V. baldinii).Organic
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Small yellow flowers followed by showy red berries that attract songbirds. Larval host for Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. The caterpillar The spicebush is dioecious, there are male and female plants.
Berries only develop on female plants if a male plant is close by. Grows in wet woodlands, sun to part sun, 1.80m to 3.60m high and wide. Leaves are very aromatic.
Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris)
Fragrant pink flowers attract bees and butterflies from May to July. Songbirds like the Cedar Wax Wing love to feed on the rose hips in fall. Cardinals, Yellow Warblers, and Brown Thrasher build their nests in the thorny branches. Full sun to part shade, moist but rocky or sandy soil, 1 m - 2.40 m tall.Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Elegant tiny, long white flowers on multiple spikes provide rich nectar for bees in summer. CMS, needs light to germinate, best sow directly in fall. Prefers full sun, but tolerates part shade, any kind of soil if medium to wet, 1.20 m - 2.10 m heigh and 80 cm wide.
Bottled Gentian (Gentianopsis andrewsii)
Bottle gentian ( G. andrewsii), with striking blue flowers is mostly pollinated by bumble bees. Sun to light shade, l, moister soil, Self-seeds or CMS for 90 days, needs light to germinate. 30 cm - 60 cm high.
Smaller Fringed Gentian (g. virgata), an other captivating native species, has given inspiration to a lot of poets. Flowers open only during sunshine and bloom from August till late September. Wet meadows, full sun. Unfortunately, quite rare now. Organic
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
Spikes of purple blue flowers from July till September attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Larval host to Common Buckeye butterfly. Seeds are a favourite of songbirds. Full to part sun, moist, well drained soil. Seeds need 30 days of CMS, need light to germinate after 21-28 days, low germination rate, best sown directly in fall. 30 cm to 2 m high.Organic
Native Plants for Shade and Part Shade
Columbine ( Aquilegia canadensis)
Dainty, nodding red and yellow flowers from spring to early summer attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Full sun to shade, self seeding, easy to grow from seed. 90-120 days of CMS, germinates at 21ºC. 30-60 cm high, 40 cm wide. Non-native double varieties can not be accessed by pollinators.Vegan
Paw Paw Tree
Only tropical tree native to Toronto from the custard apple family, produces delicious mango-sized fruits and huge burgundy flowers early in spring. Only larva host for the beautiful zebra swallowtail butterfly, shade to part shade, rich, wet to moist soil, up to 8 m high, 3 m wide.Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Great ground cover for shade or part shade. Spreads through rhizomes in moist rich soil. Produces one big, apple-like berry that is eatable once very ripe. Otherwise the plant is toxic to humans.
False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
April to June
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
White flowers in spring attract bees and butterflies. Larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly. White berries are a favourite among birds. Full sun to part shade, tolerates all soil types, does best in rich, consistently moist soil. Can be propagated by cuttings in fall and ground layering, up to 2.70 m high and wide.
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
Tolerates clay soil and shadeBottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix)
Cool season grass for part shade. Its natural habitat includes flood plains and forest edges. Great under sugar maple.
Zigzag Goldenrod
Fall
Virginia Water-Leaf
Spring
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Ideal woodland ground cover with beautiful heart-shaped leaves and big red flower for shade in rich, medium to moist soil. Deer resistant.
15 cm - 20 cm tall.My New Choice
Native Nitrogen Fixing Plants
Showy tick-trefoil (Desmodium canadense)
Pea-shaped pink flowers bloom from July till September, attracts butterflies, larva host, full sun, clay-busting, 60cm - 1.80m high.Blue wild indigo (Baptista australis)
Beautiful blue to purple pea shaped flowers on long spikes in early till mid summer attract all pollinators and hummingbirds. Larval host to many butterflies and moths including Wild Indigo Duskywing, Orange Sulfur, Hoary Edge Skipper, Three-lined Grapholita, and Black-rimmed Prominent. Full sun to part shade, sandy loam to loam, very easy to grow, drought tolerant once established, long lived, 90 cm high, 60 cm wide.
New Jersey Tea Shrub (Ceanothus americanus)
Panicles of white flowers attract a lot of different kids of bees. Host plant for Spring Azure, Mottled Duskywing butterflies. Full sun, drought tolerant. Scarification needed, best pour boiling water over seeds, soak for 24 hours. After 90-140 days CMS. Germinates at 21ºC. 1.20 m tall and wide.
Native Spring Flowering Plants
New Jersey Tea Shrub (Ceanothus americanus)
Panicles of white flowers attract a lot of different kids of bees. Host plant for Spring Azure, Mottled Duskywing butterflies. Full sun, drought tolerant. Scarification needed, best pour boiling water over seeds, soak for 24 hours. After 90-140 days CMS. Germinates at 21ºC. 1.20 m tall and wide.Golden Alexander (Zizia area)
Yellow flowers in late Spring, larval host for black swallowtail butterfly and rigid Sunflower Borer Moth, sun to part shade, moist, clay, self seeds. Deer and rabbit resistant. 60-90 cm high, 40 cm wide.
Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
White flowers in spring provide pollen and nectar to bees and butterflies. Full to part sun, spread by runners, 10 cm.
These strawberries are also delicious for humans.
Another native species is the woodland strawberry (F. vesca).
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
Violet flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Full sun to part shade, June to August, any soil including clay, wet to drought tolerant. CMS for 60 days, seeds need light and 21ºC to germinate. 30 cm - 60 cm tall.Vegan
Serviceberry Tree (Armelanchier spp.)
Provides all season interest with white flowers, red berries and orange Fall colour. One of the earliest nectar sources for pollinators. All fruit-eating birds, like the cedar waxwing love the berries, that are delicious for humans as well and already ripe in June. Full sun to part share, any soil. Small tree 3-10m high depending on the species.
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium spp.)
Little blue flowers with yellow centres from May to June attract bees. Plenty of early seeds are a favourite to many songbirds. Full to part sun, 10-30 cm.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A sea of magenta flowers emerge directly from the branches in early spring and are loved by hummingbirds. This elegant and delightful small tree is shade tolerant. Seeds need scarification, pour boiling water on seeds and soak for 24 hours, then CMS for 90-140 days, germination at 21ºC. 3.5 m to 7.5 m high.
Willow (Salix)
First plant to bloom in early spring, provides abundant nectar for butterflies and pollen for bees. Is a larval host for 455 lepidopterans, e.g. Mourning Cloak, White admiral, Viceroy and Swallowtail. Prefers wet areas. The smallest species is the Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) with 2m-4m tall and 1m-3m wide.Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
In spring clusters of white flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen to attract all pollinators. Native Cherries (Prunus) support 456 species of caterpillars for e.g. Swallowtails, Gossamer Wings and Hairstreaks, birds love the berries. Full sun to light shade, tolerates any soil type that is medium to moist. Not deer resistant, big scrub up to 6m tall, 3.50m wide. Wild Black Cherry (P. serotina) is a very similar native Cherry.Organic
Oak (Quercus)
Brims with life, powerhouse to boost biodiversity, is larval host to 534 species of butterflies! The round holes show the work of leaf cutter bees building their nests. Caterpillars are essential food for birds. Acorns feed all wildlife from birds to bears. Oaks are very easy to grow from acorns. Acorns of Bur oaks stay on the tree into winter and provide nutritious food for overwintering birds like the blue jays.Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
White flowers from late spring to early summer provide pollen for different type of native bees. Prefers moist woodland conditions, in ideal conditions can be an aggressive ground cover. 90-140 days CMS, germinates at 21ºC. 30 cm-60 cm tall.
Other native anemones are: Wood anemone (A. quinquefolia),
candle anemone (A. cylindrica), thimble weed (A. riparia) and tall thimble weed (A. virginiana).
Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus)
Blooms in spring and early summer provide pollen and nectar to bees and butterflies. Berries are loved by humans and wildlife. The hollow stems are the preferred habitat for cavity-nesting bees. Tolerant to dry soil, sun to part shade. 60 cm to 2.45m high.
Other native Rubus species are: red raspberry (R. idaeus), black raspberry (R. occidentalis), common blackberry (R. allegheniensis).
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
Reddish nodding budlike closed flowers is an important pollen source for bumblebee queens that are out as early as April. It also provides nectar and pollen for butterflies. Once pollinated the flowers open to display captivating fuzzy hair. Full Sun to part shade, prefers sandy to loamy and medium to dry soil, drought tolerant, 30 cm high. 
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius)
Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Arrowwood (Viburnum)
Hop-tree (Ptelea trifoliata)
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Small white flowers in spring attract smaller bees. Birds love the fruits in fall. Full sun, tolerates all soil types, prefers moister areas with acidic soil, salt tolerant. Seeds need 90-140 days CMS. Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
White flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Full sun to part shade, June to August, any soil including clay, wet to drought tolerant, root rot can occur if snow melt creates standing wet conditions in spring. Easy to grow from seed, CMS for 60 days, seeds need light and 21ºC to germinate, longer storage improves germination. 30 cm - 60 cm tall.Vegan
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
White flowers in late spring provide nectar and pollen for bees, larval host plant for butterflies e.g. gossamer wings. Large clusters of red berries provide excellent late winter food for a great variety of birds. Full sun, moist, well drained soil. 2 m- 4 m. Columbine ( Aquilegia canadensis)
Dainty, nodding red and yellow flowers from spring to early summer attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Full sun to shade, self seeding, easy to grow from seed. 90-120 days of CMS, germinates at 21ºC. 30-60 cm high, 40 cm wide. Non-native double varieties can not be accessed by pollinators.Vegan
Native Fall Flowering Plants
Smooth blue aster (Aster Iaevis)
Purplish blue flowers provide late season nectar to bee and butterflies, larval host. Birds love the seeds. Full sun to part shade, dry to medium sandy to clay loam, drought tolerant, 60 cm-1.20 m.Heath aster (Aster ericoides)
white, full sun, September-October, 30-60 cm,
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Endless violet flowers with yellow centre, provide valuable pollen and nectar from late summer till late fall for bees and butterflies. Super host for 109 species of caterpillars! Full sun to part shade, medium moist, well-drained, sandy loam, drought resistant. Deer resistant, 60 cm to 2.40 m high in wet sides, 1m wide.
$5
Organic
Gray/ Dwarf Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
Yellow clusters of flowers from August till September. Goldenrod provides pollinator superfood and tops the list of perennial hosts by feeding 115 species of butterflies. Full sun, dry soil, 30cm-60cm high. This species is garden worthy, because it is clumping and doesn't spread by rhizomes. The pollen of Goldenrod is too heavy to be transported by the wind and therefore doesn't cause allergies. Another option is Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) with a height of up to 1.20 m. Tolerates all soil conditions.Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Beautiful, feathery looking grass, blooms in August and September. The seeds attract Cardinals, Finches and Sparrows. Full sun, tolerates drought, heat and poor soil. 40-90 cm high, 45 cm wide.
Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)
Abundant yellow flowers all summer till late fall,
loved by bees, butterflies, and birds. Native sunflowers are caterpillar super hosts, supporting 73 species. Keep the stems up all winter. Birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. At the end of May cut stems to 20 cm that bees can nest in the hollow stems again. Full sun to part shade, drought tolerant, 1.50m high, 1m wide. Other native sunflowers include False Sunflower also called Smooth or Sweet Oxeye (H. helianthoides), Maximilian's Sunflower (H. maximilianii) that is
$5
Organic
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Large, long lasting flowers throughout summer. Magnet for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Keep the stems all winter, birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems. Seeds attract finches in fall. Drought tolerant once established, clay-busting, any soil from rock to clay, very easy to grow, sun to partial shade, self seeds, 60 days of CMS, germinates at 21ºC, 60 cm to 1.50 m.
Narrow-leaf Coneflower (E. angustifolia) and Pale Purple Coneflower (E. pallida) are equally excellent native choices.Organic
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Beautiful yellow flowers all summer way into fall,
loved by bees, butterflies and birds, keep the stems all winter birds love the seeds and bees can nest in the stems, full sun to part shade, self seeds, clay-busting, 30cm-1m high, 60 cm wide.Organic
Vegan
Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Masses of white flower clusters in late summer. Very attractive to all pollinators, Eupatorium genus is larvae host to 42 caterpillars. Likes sunny and moist spots.
1.20 m high, 60 cm wide. Organic
Cardinal Flower
Showy scarlet red flower spikes blooming all summer and fall, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prefer morning or afternoon sun. 90 days CMS, seeds need light and soil to germinate after 14 days. Can also be propagated through stem cuttings or division in fall. 60 cm to 1.50m high, 40 cm wide.Organic
Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)
Climbing vine with clusters of white flowers, throughout summer and fall, attract bees, wasps, flower flies, and humming birds, full sun to shade. Can be propagated by ground layering. Can grow many up to 5 m long vines.Organic
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
Large magenta flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. Full sun to part shade, rocky ground, woodland edges, all well-drained soil types. 50 cm - 2 m high.Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Spikes of yellow flowers that open in the evening, all summer and fall, feed all pollinators with nectar and pollen. Full to partial sun, any soil, self seeding biennial, 90-1.50 m high
$5
Organic
Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Beautiful blue flower clusters in summer and fall, sun to part shade, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, 30-90 cm high, 30cm wide.Organic
Obedient Plant ( Physotegia virginiana)
Lavender flowers on spikes all Summer attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Thrives in sunny and moist areas or shaded locations with dry soil. Being a member of the mint family it spreads quite aggressively from rhizomes and seeds, but can be controlled easily. Deer resistant, 75 cm- 1 m tall.
Beneficial Non Natives
Dill
Dill attracts ladybugs, lacewings, parasitoid wasps and repels aphids and spider mites. It is the larval host for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. Can be sown continuously throughout the season to produce continuous supply, needs full sun and moderately rich soil. Germinates after 10-21 days at 15ºC, surface sow, needs light to germinate. Companion plants are cabbage, brassicas, cucumber, lettures and onions. Should not be planted with carrots and tomatoes.
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