Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
106 Bird Magnets
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Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Category: Evergreen Trees
Height: 45'
Width: 15'-20'
Sun: full
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Types: sand, silty clay, rocky
Fruit Color: blue
Fruit Type: cone
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Drought and heat tolerant. Berry-like cones add interest and attract birds in autumn.
Bebb's Oval Sedge
Carex bebbii
Category: Grass/Sedge
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'6"
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Comments: Clump-forming. Cool-season growth. A wonderful sedge for wetland restoration, lake shores, and rain gardens. An essential food source for many birds and waterfowl.
Regent Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent'
Category: Shrub
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 5'-6'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: well-drained loam, sand tolerant
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: blue, purple, black
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Upright branching habit. Drought tolerant. Sweet fruit.
Inland Serviceberry
Amelanchier interior
Category: Shrub
Height: 15'-30'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: sandy loam
Bloom Period: April-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Edible Garden
Comments: Moderately shade tolerant.
Sand (Roundleaf) Serviceberry
Amelanchier sanguinea
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-8'
Width: 6'-8'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: sandy loam
Bloom Period: May
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: red, purple
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Edible Garden
Comments: Rounded habit. Blue-green leaves.
Running Serviceberry out
Amelanchier stolonifera
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 5'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: sandy loam
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: blue, purple
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Edible Garden
Comments: Low, spreading habit.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Native Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Category: Shrub
Height: 5'
Width: 5'+
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: peaty, sandy, rocky
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-October
Fruit Color: blue, black
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Local seed source: leaves are smaller & plant grows denser. Rhizomatous.
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-12'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: brown
Fruit Type: nutlet
Fall Color: yellow, brown
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Zone: 4-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Fragrant Garden
Comments: Found along stream banks, swamps, low areas. Fragrant 'pin-cushion' shaped flowers. Fuzzy, button-like fruit.
Silky Dogwood
Cornus amomum
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-12'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: blue
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow, maroon, bronze, purple
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 4-5
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Flood & salt intolerant. Reddish-purple bark.
Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
Category: Shrub
Height: 8'-12'
Width: 6'-10'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: white
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement
Comments: Showy flower clusters. Upright branching habit. Colonizer. High wildlife value.
Roundleaf Dogwood
Cornus rugosa
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-10'
Width: 8'-12'
Sun: part, shade
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: well-drained, sandy, loamy, rocky
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: white, cream
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: blue
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: magenta, red, yellow, maroon, bronze
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement
Comments: Colony forming by root suckers. Greenish-gray bark. Moderate shade tolerance. Slopes. Remains single stem in container until planted.
Red-Twigged Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-12'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Bloom Period: May-August
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: white
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, yellow, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Flood tolerant. Common shrub of shorelines and wetlands. Red branches in late fall/winter and on new growth. White pith. Stems used for basket weaving and wreaths.
Eastern Wahoo out
Euonymus atropurpurea
Category: Shrub
Height: 12'-20'
Width: 15'-20'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: June
Flower Color: red, purple, maroon
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: magenta, red
Wildlife: Bird
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Showy fruit. Juglone tolerant.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-10'
Width: 6'-8'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: acidic (pH 4.5-6), well-drained, sandy, loam, clay
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: green, white, cream
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow, maroon
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Dioecious. Showy, poisonous fruit. Flood tolerant.
Eastern Sandcherry
Prunus pumila
Category: Shrub
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 4'-6'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Erect, upright habit. 3/4" fruit. Dark green leaves. Protect from rabbits until established. Suckering habit. Mix with prairie grasses & wildflowers.
Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
Category: Shrub
Height: 5'-6'
Width: 6'-8'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: well-drained, sandy/gravelly loam
Bloom Period: May
Flower Color: yellow
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 4-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Aromatic foliage. Found in oak openings & upland wood borders. Excellent for erosion control.
Gro-Low Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
Category: Shrub
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 6'-7'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: May
Flower Color: yellow
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, orange
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 4-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Spreading habit. Fragrant, shiny green foliage. Excellent for massing/slopes. Clonal selection of R. aromatica.
Smooth Sumac
Rhus glabra
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-8'
Width: 10'-12'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: dry
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: yellow, green
Fruit Period: July-September
Fruit Color: red
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Comments: Long, compound leaves. Rhizomatous colonizer.
Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina
Category: Shrub
Height: 10'-12'
Width: 10'-12'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: green
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: red
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Comments: Densely pubescent twigs. Rhizomatous colonizer.
American Black Currant
Ribes americanum
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 3'-6'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: yellow, white, cream
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: High wildlife value.
Pasture (Prickly) Gooseberry out
Ribes cynosbati
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 3'-6'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: July-August
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: yellow, maroon, bronze, purple
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Open habit with thorns along branches & on fruit. Fragrant flowers. High wildlife value.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Missouri Gooseberry out
Ribes missouriensis
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 3'-6'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: April-June
Flower Color: green, white, cream
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: magenta, red, orange, yellow, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Very shade tolerant. Upright, arching branches w/ reddish-brown spines. Fragrant flowers. High wildlife value.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Carolina Rose
Rosa carolina
Category: Shrub
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 6'-7'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: acidic, sand/loam
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: pink
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: hip
Edible Parts: fruit, flowers
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-6
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Fragrant flowers. Rhizomatous colonizer.
Highbush Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full, part
Soil Types: sandy loam/clay
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, maroon
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Edible Garden
Comments: Rhizomatous colonizer. Sharp thorns.
Northern Raspberry
Rubus idaeus canadensis
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Types: sandy/clay loam
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, yellow, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Zone: 4
Recommended: Edible Garden
Comments: Long, arching canes. Colonizer. Very high wildlife value.
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-5'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Edible Garden
Comments: Canes will tip-root. Thorns. Tasty fruit.
Thimbleberry out
Rubus parviflorus
Category: Shrub
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 3'+
Sun: part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: alkaline
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow, maroon, bronze
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Edible Garden
Comments: Thornless. Large leaves. Showy, 1.5" flowers. Rhizomatous.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Pussy Willow
Salix discolor
Category: Shrub
Height: 15'-20'
Width: 10'-12'
Sun: full
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic
Soil Types: clay, loam, sand
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: green, silver
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Dioecious. Upright form. Flood tolerant. Showy catkins. Found along lakeshores, swamps, and bogs.
Prairie Willow
Salix humilis microphyllus
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 3'-6'
Sun: full
Water Use: high
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: March-May
Flower Color: yellow, green, purple, brown
Fruit Color: brown
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3
Comments: Showy catkins. Very dense branching habit. Dark green foliage.
American Elder
Sambucus canadensis
Category: Shrub
Height: 8'-10'
Width: 8'-10'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: blue, purple, black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit, flowers
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Flood tolerant. Adaptable. Fast growth. Rhizomatous. Excellent for pies, jams, and wine. Very high wildlife value.
Red-Berried Elder
Sambucus pubens
Category: Shrub
Height: 10'-12'
Width: 10'-12'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white, cream
Fruit Period: June-August
Fruit Color: red, orange
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 4-6
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Flood intolerant. Fast growth rate. Found in mixed woodlands and ravines. 5" flower panicles. Bitter berries can be made into wine.
Silver Buffaloberry
Shepherdia argentea
Category: Shrub
Height: 8'-10'
Width: 8'-10'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: loam
Flower Color: yellow
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: drupe
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Edible Garden
Comments: Dioecious. Drought tolerant. Nitrogen fixer. Thicket-forming with ascending branch habit. Thorns. Found in western prairies and shrub-grassland communities. Silvery, green foliage. Berries can be made into jam.
White Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 4'-5'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: clay, limestone, loam, sand
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: September-November
Fruit Color: white
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Moth, Bird
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Rhizomatous. Flood intolerant. Blue-green foliage. High wildlife value. Self-fertile.
Wolfberry
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
Category: Shrub
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 4'-6'
Sun: full
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: pink, white
Fruit Period: September-October
Fruit Color: white
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Rhizomatous. Upright habit. Fruit persists on stems into winter. Western prairies of MN.
Red Snowberry / Coralberry
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
Category: Shrub
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 4'-6'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam, tolerates most
Flower Color: green, white
Fruit Color: pink, magenta, red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-7
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Rhizomatous colonizer. Upright, arching habit. Native to southern MN. Fruit persists on stems into winter. High wildlife value.
Common Lowbush Blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium
Category: Shrub
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 1'-2'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: sand, loam
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-September
Fruit Color: blue
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, maroon
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Zone: 2-3
Recommended: Groundcover, Edible Garden
Comments: Bell-shaped flowers. Flood tolerant.
Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-10'
Width: 6'-10'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: well-drained, loam
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: blue, black
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: magenta, red, orange, yellow, maroon
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 2-8
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Upright habit. Showy flowers & fruit clusters. Native range to Iowa (not MN). Hardy.
Nannyberry Viburnum
Viburnum lentago
Category: Shrub
Height: 12'-20'
Width: 8'-20'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: loam, tolerates most
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: black
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: maroon
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Upright habit. Flat-topped flower clusters.
Downy Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum rafinesquianum
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-8'
Width: 6'-8'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: May
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: blue, black
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, orange
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Upright habit.
American Highbush Cranberry
Viburnum trilobum
Category: Shrub
Height: 6'-10'
Width: 6'-10'
Sun: full, part, shade
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: loam, organic peat
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: September-February
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, maroon
Wildlife: Beetle, Bird, Fly, Bee
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: AKA Viburnum opulus var. americanum. Dark green foliage. Flat-topped flower clusters. Fruit persists through winter. True type - not a hybrid cross!
Speckled Alder
Alnus rugosa
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-20'
Width: 15'-20'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: moderately acidic, heavy, loam
Bloom Period: March-May
Fruit Period: July-October
Fruit Color: brown
Fruit Type: samara
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement
Comments: Catkins. Attractive reddish-brown "cones" of small, flattened samaras. Clump-forming colonizer. Flood tolerant. Nitrogen fixer. Found along stream banks, low wet woods, and open floodplains.
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-25'
Width: 10'-15'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: red, blue, purple, black
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Multi-stemmed tree occurring in rich woods, thickets, and hillsides of northeast and southeast MN. High wildlife value.
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-25'
Width: 10'-15'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: June-July
Fruit Color: red, purple
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Large shrub or small, multi-stemmed tree. Rhizomatous. Found on moist hillsides and in cool, rich, deciduous woods. High wildlife value.
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance'
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-25'
Width: 15'-25'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Types: well-drained loam
Bloom Period: April
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange
Wildlife: Bird
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Northern Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
Category: Tree
Height: 40'-60'
Width: 20'-40'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates most, clay
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: brown
Fruit Type: pod
Fall Color: yellow, brown, bronze
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 4-8
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden
Comments: Large, heart-shaped leaves. Showy, fragrant flowers. Interesting seed pods persist through winter. Medium-fast growth rate. Native range to Illinois (not MN).
Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Category: Tree
Height: 50'-75'
Width: 50'-75'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: non-acidic, well-drained, sandy, silty, clay, loam, tolerates polluted
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: yellow, green
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: red, purple, brown
Fruit Type: drupe
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Shade Tree
Comments: Flood tolerant, tolerates most non-peat soils. Drought & wind tolerant. Deep-rooted. Long-lived. Disease resistant. Very high wildlife value.
Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-20'
Width: 20'-25'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: loam
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: black
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden
Comments: Grows as understory plant in moist woods. Interesting horizontal branching.
Cockspur Hawthorn out
Crataegus crus-galli
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-30'
Width: 20'-30'
Sun: full
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: tolerates most
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 4-6
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Deep green, glossy foliage. Drought tolerant. Good rust resistance. Wide-spreading, low-branched. Profuse flowers. Thorny branches. Native to Illinois.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Sweet Crabapple out
Malus coronaria
Category: Tree
Height: 15'-30'
Width: 20'-30'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: well-drained, loam, sand, clay
Flower Color: pink, white
Fruit Color: yellow, green
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow, bronze
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 4-7
Recommended: Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Attractive to wildlife & pollinators. Fragrant flowers. Native to southeast WI.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only. Prairie Crab
Malus ioensis
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-35'
Width: 20'-35'
Sun: full
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: pink
Fruit Color: yellow, green
Fruit Type: pome
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, green, maroon
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 4-5
Recommended: Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Prefers moist soil. Grows in open woods, rocky hillsides, pastures, and woodland margins. Fragrant flowers. Good wildlife value.
American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Category: Tree
Height: 75'-100'
Width: 50'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: sandy, silty, loam, clay
Bloom Period: March-April
Flower Color: red, yellow, green, brown
Fruit Color: orange, brown
Fall Color: brown
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 5-9
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Fuzzy seed balls. Attractive, exfoliating bark. Large, maple-shaped leaves. Lowlands/floodplains. Fast growth. Pollution tolerant. Long-lived. Aggressive root system. Native to WI/IA.
American Plum
Prunus americana
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-35'
Width: 20'-35'
Sun: full
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: loam
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: red, purple
Fruit Type: drupe
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Drought tolerant. Globular form with horizontal branching habit. Thicket-forming. Found at forest edges, open oak woods, and rocky hillsides. Profuse flowers with strong sweet-spice fragrance.
Pin Cherry (Fire Cherry)
Prunus pensylvanica
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-35'
Width: 10'-20'
Sun: full
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: July-August
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: drupe
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: red, orange
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Fragrant flowers. Ovoid to columnar form. Exfoliating, golden-tan to reddish-brown bark. Found along forest edge, open woods, and pastures. Very high wildlife value.
Wild Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Category: Tree
Height: 50'-60'
Width: 23'-30'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium, low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam
Flower Color: white
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: black
Fruit Type: drupe
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-7
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Buckthorn Replacement, Shade Tree, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Flood intolerant. Columnar to ovoid form. Edge of woods, savanna, and alluvial bottomlands. Fragrant flowers. Very high wildlife value.
Common Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-35'
Width: 12'-15'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam, tolerates most
Bloom Period: August-September
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: purple, black
Fruit Type: drupe
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-5
Recommended: Buckthorn Replacement, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden
Comments: Upright ovoid form. Attractive flower spikes in spring. Open woods, edge of forests, and open fields. Very high wildlife value.
Showy Mountain Ash
Sorbus decora
Category: Tree
Height: 20'-35'
Width: 15'-25'
Sun: full
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: tolerates most
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: red, orange
Fruit Type: pome
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-4
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Showy fruit & flowers. Not affected by Emerald Ash Borer. Ovoid form. Pinnately compound leaves. Good wildlife value; cedar waxwing favorite. Common in northeast MN. Single-stem & clump form available.
Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Category: Tree
Height: 10'-35'
Width: 10'-20'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: yellow, green
Fruit Color: red
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: orange, yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Irregular-obovoid form. Sharp thorns. Forest edge, open woods, and savannas. Forms extensive colonies. Szechuan pepper cousin. High wildlife value.
American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
Category: Vine
Height: 3'-35'
Width: 6'-12'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates most
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: green, white
Fruit Period: September-October
Fruit Color: orange, yellow
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-4
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Showy fruit clusters of 3-part, berry-like capsules; poisonous. Dioecious. Climbs by twining. Salt tolerant. Excellent for floral arrangements.
Red Vine Honeysuckle out
Lonicera dioica
Category: Vine
Height: 5'-10'
Sun: part, shade
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates rocky
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: red
Fruit Color: red, orange
Fruit Type: berry
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Groundcover
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Yellow Vine Honeysuckle out
Lonicera prolifera
Category: Vine
Height: 10'-15'
Width: 4'-8'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: yellow, cream
Fruit Color: red, orange
Fruit Type: berry
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4
Recommended: Groundcover
Comments: AKA Lonicera reticulata. Vigorous, mat-forming, blue-green leaves. Found in light oak woods, ravines, bluffs, rocky banks. SE MN.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only. Woodbine
Parthenocissus inserta
Category: Vine
Height: 12'-20'
Width: 3'-6'
Sun: part, shade
Water Use: medium
Flower Color: green
Fruit Color: blue, black
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-8
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Groundcover
Comments: Uses tendrils to climb. Flood tolerant. Human-poisonous fruit relished by birds.
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Category: Vine
Height: 50'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: clay, sandy, rocky, limestone
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: green
Fruit Period: September
Fruit Color: blue, black
Fruit Type: berry
Fall Color: red, maroon
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-6
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Groundcover
Comments: Flood tolerant. Trailing or climbing habit with suction discs & aerial tendrils/rootlets. Ravines & bluffs. Poisonous fruit.
Riverbank Grape
Vitis riparia
Category: Vine
Height: 35'-75'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: May-June
Fruit Period: August-September
Fruit Color: blue, purple
Fruit Type: berry
Edible Parts: fruit
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 2-6
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Edible Garden
Comments: Flood tolerant. Vigorous climber. Forked tendrils. River banks, wooded bottomlands, wet ravines, and rich woods. High wildlife value.
Fragrant Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 1'-2'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: purple, violet, lavender
Edible Parts: leaves
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Edible Garden
Comments: Glossy, dark green foliage. Anise-scented flowers & foliage. Loved by bumblebees, hummingbirds, finches, and butterflies.
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'-3'
Width: 1'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: April-May
Flower Color: red, yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 3-4
Comments: Lobed foliage. Found in most woodlands.
Marsh/Red Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: July
Flower Color: pink
Fruit Type: pod
Fall Color: yellow, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Butterfly, Beetle, Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-5
Recommended: Fragrant Garden
Comments: Attractive seed pods in fall. Found at edge of marshes.
Common Milkweed out
Asclepias syriaca
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-6'
Width: 1'+
Sun: full
Water Use: medium, low
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: pink
Fruit Color: yellow, green
Fruit Type: pod
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Moth, Beetle, Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Fragrant Garden
Comments: Rhizomatous. Readily reseeds.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only. Canada Milk Vetch out
Astragalus canadensis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'
Width: 1'6"-2'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: yellow, cream
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
White Indigo
Baptisia alba
Category: Wildflower
Height: 4'
Width: 2'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: green, black
Fruit Type: pod
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4
Recommended: Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Great for borders or massing. Winter interest. SE MN native.
Blue Indigo
Baptisia australis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 3'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: blue, violet
Fruit Color: green, black
Fruit Type: pod
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4-7
Recommended: Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Blue-green foliage. Excellent as specimen or for massing. Winter interest. Long-lived. WI native.
Hairy Wood Mint
Blephilia hirsuta
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'4"-2'6"
Width: 1'+
Sun: part, shade
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Bloom Period: June-September
Flower Color: purple, white
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Rhizomatous. Pollinator magnet. Fragrant foliage. Woodlands.
White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic
Soil Types: organic
Bloom Period: August-September
Flower Color: white, cream
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-7
Comments: Sturdy stems; pairs well with Lobelia spp.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'6"-3'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: sandy, rocky, poor
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Comments: Long bloom period.
Narrow-leaved Coneflower
Echinacea angustifolia
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'-1'6"
Sun: full, part
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: dry
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: pink
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 1'-1'6"
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: pink
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 4-5
Maximilian's Sunflower
Helianthus maximiliani
Category: Wildflower
Height: 7'
Width: 3'-4'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Bloom Period: August-September
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Moth, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-9
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Showy flowers. Rhizomatous spread.
Western Sunflower out
Helianthus occidentalis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 1'+
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates sand, limestone, rocks
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Comments: A less-aggressive sunflower. Rhizomatous.
Out of stock. Prices/sizes for reference only.
Stiff Sunflower
Helianthus pauciflorus
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-6'
Width: 1'6"+
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates clay, sand, gravel
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Comments: Rhizomatous.
Halberdleaf Rosemallow
Hibiscus laevis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-5'
Width: 2'-3'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: pink, white
Wildlife: Bird, Hummingbird
Recommended: Ornamental Garden
Comments: Large, showy flowers.
Northern Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolor
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'+
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic
Soil Types: average
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: blue, lavender
Wildlife: Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 3
Comments: Stiff, swordlike leaves. Clumps suitable for massing. Tolerates standing water to 12" deep.
Dense (Marsh) Blazingstar
Liatris spicata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-5'
Width: 1'-2'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: pink, magenta, purple
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Comments: Native to WI.
Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Category: Wildflower
Height: 4'-5'
Width: 1'6"+
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: organic
Bloom Period: July
Flower Color: orange
Wildlife: Bird
Zone: 3-4
Comments: Nodding flowers. Excellent for moist garden areas. Rhizomatous.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 8"-1'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: rich loam
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: red
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 3-5
Comments: Shallow roots need to be kept moist.
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'-3'
Width: 1'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: August-October
Flower Color: blue, purple
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Tubular flowers. Readily reseeds.
Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 1'-1'6"
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: blue, purple
Fruit Color: yellow, black
Fruit Type: pod
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Comments: Larval host of the federally-endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.
Bee Balm/Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 1'6"+
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: pink, lavender
Edible Parts: leaves, flowers
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Edible Garden
Comments: Fragrant foliage. Rhizomatous.
Dotted Mint/Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'6"-3'
Width: 1'+
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: yellow, maroon, lavender
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Ornamental Garden, Fragrant Garden, Rabbit Resistant
Comments: Fragrant foliage. Showy magenta-white bracts.
Glade Mallow
Napaea dioica
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 1'6"-2'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: high, medium
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic
Bloom Period: July-August
Flower Color: white
Fruit Color: green, brown, black
Fall Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Hummingbird
Comments: Dioecious. Large (12"+) leaves add textural interest.
Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 1'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: sandy
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: white
Fall Color: red, green, maroon
Wildlife: Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Moist, open woods & prairies of eastern MN.
Slender Penstemon
Penstemon gracilis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'
Width: 1'-1'6"
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: May-July
Flower Color: purple, violet
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-6
Comments: Drought tolerant.
Showy Penstemon/Beardtounge
Penstemon grandiflorus
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: sand, sandy loam
Bloom Period: May-June
Flower Color: pink, lavender
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Large, showy, 2" tubular flowers. Waxy, blue-green leaves.
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Purple Prairie Clover
Petalostemon purpureum
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: sand, loam
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: pink, magenta, purple
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Nitrogen-fixing taproot.
False Dragonhead / Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 2'+
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Bloom Period: June-September
Flower Color: pink
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Bumblebee
Zone: 3-4
Comments: Tubular flowers. Rhizomatous. Spreads rapidly in moist soil. Excellent for shoreline color.
Yellow (Gray) Headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-7'
Width: 1'6"
Sun: full, part
Water Use: low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: tolerates clay
Bloom Period: June-August
Flower Color: yellow
Fruit Period: July-September
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 4-7
Brown-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-5'
Width: 1'-3'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry
Bloom Period: August-October
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Zone: 3-9
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Short-lived perennial or biennial. Freely reseeds. Excellent cut flower.
Wild Petunia
Ruellia humilis
Category: Wildflower
Height: 1'-1'3"
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: June-September
Flower Color: violet, lavender
Fall Color: yellow, maroon
Wildlife: Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4-5
Comments: SE MN native. Excellent border plant.
Early Figwort
Scrophularia lanceolata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-6'
Width: 1'-2'
Sun: full, part, shade
Water Use: medium
Bloom Period: June-July
Flower Color: pink, orange, green
Fall Color: green, maroon, purple
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Rabbit Resistant
Comments: High pollinator value. Heavy nectar production.
Late Figwort
Scrophularia marilandica
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-10'
Width: 1'6"-2'
Sun: full, part, shade
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: red, green, maroon
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Ant, Bee, Wasp, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Recommended: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Comments: High wildlife value. High nectar production.
Royal Catchfly
Silene regia
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry
Soil Types: loam
Bloom Period: July-August
Flower Color: red
Wildlife: Bird, Hummingbird
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Sturdy stems. Sticky calyx can trap/catch small insects. Native to IL.
Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum
Category: Wildflower
Height: 5'-8'
Width: 2'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird
Zone: 4
Comments: Basal leaves orient with sun. 2-4" flowers. Long-lived. Taproot.
Cup Plant
Silphium perfoliatum
Category: Wildflower
Height: 6'-8'
Width: 2'+
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic
Soil Types: well-drained, loam
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Hummingbird, Bumblebee
Zone: 4
Comments: Perfoliate leaves form "cups" that collect water. Favorite of goldfinches, bees, & chipmunks. Freely reseeds. Not suitable for small gardens.
Stiff Goldenrod
Solidago rigida
Category: Wildflower
Height: 4'
Width: 2'
Sun: full, part
Soil Moisture: wet-mesic, mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: August-October
Flower Color: yellow
Fall Color: red, orange, yellow, maroon
Wildlife: Butterfly, Beetle, Bird, Bee, Wasp, Bumblebee
Comments: Large, rough-textured basal leaves.
Showy Goldenrod
Solidago speciosa
Category: Wildflower
Height: 5'
Width: 2'-3'
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: September-October
Flower Color: yellow
Wildlife: Bird, Bee
Recommended: Deer Resistant
Comments: Clump-forming. Fibrous root system.
Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'6"+
Sun: full, part
Water Use: medium, low
Soil Moisture: mesic, mesic-dry, dry
Bloom Period: August-October
Flower Color: white
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee
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Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Category: Wildflower
Height: 2'-4'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: wet, wet-mesic, mesic
Bloom Period: July-September
Flower Color: blue, purple
Fall Color: maroon, purple
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Hummingbird
Hoary Vervain
Verbena stricta
Category: Wildflower
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 1'
Sun: full
Soil Moisture: dry
Soil Types: well-drained
Bloom Period: July-August
Flower Color: blue, purple, lavender
Wildlife: Butterfly, Bird, Bee, Hummingbird
Zone: 4-5
Comments: Sturdy stems. Fuzzy leaves.
