Wildflowers

Biannual. A beautiful native thistle (be careful when you plant it) that blooms the second year. Goldfinch love the seeds and you may even see a hummingbird visit for nectar.

Stunning white flowers. Seed pods also add beauty and texture to the garden. A study in KC showed that Penstemon is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species.

Prefers a drier, rocky soils. Long tap root makes it drought tolerant. Delicate flowers seem to float in the air. Attracts long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. Caterpillars of the chalcedony midget moth feed on the leaves.

Bees love this plant. May be aggressive.

All parts of the plant are mildly toxic to humans. Likes acidic, well-drained soil. Interesting bi-colored flower in the pea family. Difficult to transplant/divide.

Host plant for swallowtail butterflies. Can tolerate a lot of shade, though prefers more sun. Great for butterflies. Can be aggressive – give it competition.

A study in KC showed that Packera attracts a large number of different bee species in our area. Groundcover for a shady, moist area. Semi-evergreen. Readily self seeds. Doesn't like to dry out.

Spreads aggressively. Great for bees and butterflies. Not favored by deer. One of the shortest goldenrods. Good for poor soil.

Prefers full sun and may spread quickly with its rhizomatous; better for larger gardens. Attracts many insects with its nectar, pollen, and foliage. Not preferred by rabbit or deer.

Great food source for pollinators; not preferred by mammals. Native to moist, open-wooded areas. Large plant, with flowers lasting only a few weeks, but great foliage texture.

Plant with grasses or other tall perennials to help support the long, slender stalk. Fragrant seedheads. Seeds enjoyed by birds, especially Goldfinches. Visited by many small sweat bees.

Unsure which species, but we think P. angulata, which is an annual ground cherry with a large taproot. Otherwise may be a rhizomatous perennial. Fruits are edible.

Pollinators love this plant! Strong mint fragrance. 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.