Plant Attributes

1. Plant Attributes Foxglove (Penstemon) Penstemon digitalis This species requires other plants to provide stability and competition, in low light areas it will drop its leaves (such as at the base of the plant) giving it a leggy appearnce. White Sage Artemisia ludoviciana This species tends to leave only in the upper 2/3 of the plant giving it a leggy appearance. Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can cast as high as 3’; use behind other species that will block the stem. Goldenglow (Coreopsis) Coreopsis tripteris This species has an upright structure with little leaf structure; it makes a nice background planting. False Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting. Blazing Star (Gayfeather) Liatris pycnostachya This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting. General Rule: If you plant full sun plants in shade you will reduce the flower production and increase legginess as plants reach for the sun. ‘Leggy’ Plants

2. Plant Attributes Yellow Coneflower Ratibida pinnata This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can average about 4’ tall; use behind other species and with competitive species to encourage upright growth. Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans This species averages about 3-5’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support. Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida This species has a tight basal rosette but the inflorescence is large and can become too heavy for the stem. Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii This species averages about 5-6’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support. False Sunflower Helianthus annuus The floret is often heavier than the stem can sustain. Blazing Star (Gayfeather) Liatris pycnostachya This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species to provide support. General Rule: Tall grass species will become floppy without adequate competition and structural support. ‘Floppy’ Plants

3. Plant Attributes New England Aster Aster novae-angliea This species is a wetland species but does well in drier soils it is easily wind spread. Monarda (Bergamot) Monarda fistulosa In rich garden soil this species can become larger than intended and will spread easily in disturbed or open soil. Red-twig Dogwood Cornus stolonifera This species is a wetland species but does well in drier conditions as well; it is also a large shrub (10-12’ ht). It is excellent for screening. False Aster Boltonia asteroides This species does well in dry years and will spread aggressively by seed in open or disturbed soils. Black-eyed Susan Rudbecki hirta This species is biannual but will seed in disturbed and open soil easily; it can dominate a first year or second year planting. Wild Strawberry Fragaria virginiana This species makes an excellent groundcover, but in good garden soil, regular moisture, and full sun it can become a nuisance. General Rule: Use these plants sparingly, appropriately, and where there will be suitable constraint or competition. ‘Aggressive’ Plants

4. Native Substitutes Solomon Seal or False Solomon Seal Hosta OR Mayapple FOR Daylily Black-Eyed Susan Blue-Eyed Grass OR FOR

5. Native Substitutes Butterfly Milkweed Sedum OR Joe Pye Weed FOR Miscanthus Blue-Joint Grass Indian Grass OR FOR

6. Native Substitutes Geum Periwinkle OR Lupine FOR Miscanthus Prairie Dropseed Fox Sedge OR FOR

7. Native Substitutes Bottle Gentian Asian Lily OR Michigan Lily FOR Blood Grass Big Bluestem Grass Indian Grass OR FOR

8. Native Substitutes Lead Plant Lamb’s Ear OR White Sage FOR Crocus Pasque Flower Trout Lily OR FOR

9. Native Substitutes Lead Plant Salvia OR Catnip FOR Rose Soldier Mallow Prairie Rose OR FOR

10. Native Substitutes Forsythia Witch Hazel FOR St. John’s Wort Potentilla FOR

11. Native Substitutes Lilac Arrowwood Viburnum FOR Maple Leaf Viburnum Rhododendron FOR

12. Thank You