big bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
This colorful, robust hardy grass is native from Canada to Mexico. Tall foliage turns light … Continued
Other Trait: butterfly caterpillar food
butterfly weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed) features showy orange (pure native) or yellow (selection ‘Hello Yellow’) flower … Continued
common milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Common milkweed produces dusty pink flower clusters in mid-summer atop large, glossy leaves that resemble … Continued
showy milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Showy milkweed produces dusty pink flower clusters in mid-summer atop large, glossy leaves that resemble … Continued
‘Silky Gold & Red’ tropical milkweed
Asclepias curassavica
‘Silky Deep Red’ blooms scarlet red and yellow two-tone. ‘Silky Gold’ sports yellow blooms. Both … Continued
swamp milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Swamp milkweed sports lightly fragrant flower clusters from early summer through fall. Plants grow 3-5′ … Continued
tall green milkweed
Asclepias hirtella
Plants grow up to 4′ and produce white flowers. This species prefers medium-wet to dry … Continued
whorled milkweed
Asclepias verticillata
According to the website Monarch Butterfly Garden, you shouldn’t rely on it as your main milkweed … Continued
birch
Betula
nigra ’Dura Heat’ (clump river birch) Vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized, Missouri native deciduous tree which occurs … Continued
buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
This deciduous shrub has an open, rounded habit. Common throughout the midwest, it can most … Continued
New Jersey tea
Ceanothus americanus
Named because dried leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolutionary War. … Continued
eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis
Delicate deep ink blossoms and buds are one of the earliest spring displays. Unique and … Continued