zigzag goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis
Spikes of golden flowers open on black stems that zigzag. Like all goldenrods zigzag supports … Continued
browsing: Lightning Bug // Firefly
Lightning bugs (as we call them in the Midwest) are an amazing sight lighting up summer nights. In addition to the wonder the adults bring, the larvae are beneficial predators, consuming snails, slugs, and other soft-bodied insects. You can support them in the following ways:
Leave the leaves! Allow leaf litter to accumulate, providing shelter and food for lightning bug larvae and pupae. In addition to shrubs and perennial beds, allowing areas of lawn to grow longer also increases cover for lightning bugs.
Turn off outdoor lights! Excessive light pollution can interfere with fireflies’ ability to communicate and find mates.
Avoid pesticides!
Lightning bug larvae feed on snails, slugs, and other insects, so a healthy soil environment with diverse insects is important. Some adults feed on nectar and pollen, while others don’t eat at all. Lightning bugs prefer the plants on the following list:.
Visit our Wildlife Gardening page to find
host plant lists for additional butterfly and moth species!
White Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides
Wiry, branching stems are covered in small glossy green, needle-like leaves and a snowstorm of … Continued
foxglove beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
This clump-forming native perennial typically grows in prairies, fields, and woodland edges. White, two-lipped, tubular … Continued
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
New England aster brings ahowy display of violet-pink flowers late August til frost. A staple … Continued
‘Purple Dome’ aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
A compact selection recommended by the Mt. Cuba Center as a cultivar that draws loads … Continued
‘Bluebird’ aster
Symphyotrichum laevis 'Bluebird'
A Mt. Cuba selection of the native smooth aster introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty, this … Continued
‘Golden Fleece’ goldenrod
Solidago sphacelata
Sprays of golden yellow flowers open from mid-August through September over semievergreen heart-shaped leaves. This … Continued
‘Fireworks’ goldenrod
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
Lacy, radiating bloom spikes of sparkling golden-yellow from mid-September past mid-October. Plants grow 3-4′ high. … Continued
Stiff Goldenrod
Oligoneuron rigidum {Solidago rigida}
Large, flat medium yellow flower clusters provide late-season nectar for butterflies and, later, seed for … Continued
‘Cloud Nine’ switchgrass
Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'
This clump-forming, warm-season grass typically grows to 3′ tall. When in flower, flower panicles may … Continued
oxeye daisy, false sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
Bright yellow daisies open in late summer thru fall on tall native plants. Tolerates some … Continued
‘Autumn Gold’ narrow-leaved sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius 'Autumn Gold'
Narrow, dark-green leaves and compact, rounded form give this perennial a shrub-like appearance during Spring … Continued