Wildflowers

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 finicky species. A milkweed for your shade garden. Very similar to common milkweed but won't grow as tall or spread as much. Prefers moist but well drained soil.

Caution: very spiny. An annual; allow to reseed and move around the garden. Needs well-drained soil. Good for rock gardens.

Naturally occurs in rocky areas. Can sprawl 4 feet wide; may be used as a ground cover. Flowers and foliage eaten by deer and other herbivores.

A shorter beauty with a wonderfully interesting flowerhead and leaf structure. Good for dry areas - needs well drained soil. Attracts several types of insects.

Not preferred by deer or rabbits. Interesting blooms. Great planted in a mass. Can get tall and lanky in fertile soil. A short-lived perennial, so allow to reseed.

A fuzzy little ground cover. Does best in dry, lean soils (may not survive in rich soil). Host plant for American Painted Lady butterflies. Deer tolerant. Dioecious - males shorter with yellow stamens; females taller with pinkish stamen.

Adds a great structural interest to the garden and seedheads provide winter interest. Spiny leaves, so avoid planting near walkways. Nectar source for many insects and birds, such as finches, eat the seeds. Host to a few swallowtail butterflies.

A goldenrod for your rain garden. Naturally occurs in wet meadows in the Ozark region.

A native succulent that likes rocky, sandy, or well drained soil.

Biennial that blooms the second year then must reseed to continue. Plant some this year and next year to get a consistent show of color for years to come. Native to southern and eastern Missouri.

Like many natives, this plant may not bloom the first year. Can cut back in late spring to reduce flowering height. A nice late bloomer for a wet, partially shady area.

Large, showy flowers can range from white to a light pink. Requires moist soil, like in the base of your rain garden. Taller plants may need to be staked.

Tolerates very dry conditions. Birds love the seeds. Can be aggressive.

Good in dry, poor soils. Butterflies love the Blazing Stars! But rodents also like to eat the corms.