Plant library

Native plant growing guides

Native plants are adapted to local rainfall and soils, which makes them the lowest-input planting most gardeners can choose. These pages cover siting, first-season establishment, and the wildlife value each plant brings.

Illustration of a black-eyed susan flower with yellow petals and a dark center

Native plant

Black-eyed Susans

A tough native wildflower that blooms from midsummer into fall and feeds goldfinches over winter.

Open
Illustration of butterfly weed with a cluster of orange flowers

Native plant

Butterfly weed

A tidy native milkweed with orange summer blooms and a top host plant for monarch caterpillars.

Open
Illustration of a bee balm flower with a shaggy tufted head

Native plant

Bee balm

A native perennial with shaggy midsummer blooms that pulls in bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Open
Illustration of upright pitcher plant tubes with hoods and a nodding flower

Native plant

Pitcher plant

The hardy North American carnivore for bog gardens and wet containers; wants sun, pure water, and no fertilizer ever.

Open