Wildflowers

Similar to C. lanceolata, but leaves not as dense and flowers a bit smaller. Good in a hot, dry area. Deadhead for persistent blooms.

A study in KC showed that Solidago is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species. This goldenrod has large clusters of flowers that stand upright versus arching. Also attracts lots of beetles.

A nice choice for a shorter aster and it can tolerate a decent amount of shade. Supports lots of insects.

Native to the Ozarks, this sunflower stands tall on mostly leafless stalks above large basal leaves. Sunflowers attract lots of pollinators to their flowers and birds to their developed seeds.

A shorter aster, but a bit spindly. A study in KC showed that Symphyotrichum is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species.

A cute little pea flower. Better massed together to make a statement. Great wildlife benefits for bees, butterflies, birds, and mammels.

Pollinators love this plant! Lovely mint fragrance. Beautiful texture. Spreads slowly by roots and seeds; not as aggressive as most mints. A study in KC showed that Pycnanthemum is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species.

An annual that readily self-seeds in disturbed soils. Host of common buckeye butterfly. Hemiparasitic: this plant feeds of the roots of other plants and therefore should be planted among other species.

Annual from southern MO glades. Likes it dry and sunny. Hosts Bordered Patch and Dainty Sulphur butterflies and attracts other butterflies.

Beautiful, short structure and colorful leaves make this plant a great choice for formal garden borders.

Another wonderful, medium height aster to support pollinators in the fall. Nice, upright structure. Common name "smooth aster" comes from the texture of the shiny, hairless leaves. Attracts many bees and butterflies, and songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds.

Annual, so allow to reseed. May cause skin irritation. Not preferred by deer or rabbits.

Great plant for your water garden. Does best in full sun, in consistently moist, organic soils. Slowly spreads by rhizomes; can divide when plant gets over crowded.

Very tolerant of dry conditions. Tracy’s favorite milkweed. May bloom again in fall if you cut it back after the first bloom.

One of the earliest spring ephemerals (meaning it will disappear and go dormant after setting seed). Prefers rich, organic, moist but well-drained soil. Corms eaten by Native Americans and some rodents. Early source of food for several bee species.