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
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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
Black-Eyed Susan
Daylily
Blue-Eyed Grass
OR
FOR
5
Native Substitutes
Butterfly Milkweed
Sedum
OR
Joe Pye Weed
FOR
Blue-Joint Grass
Miscanthus
Indian Grass
OR
FOR
6
Native Substitutes
Geum
Periwinkle
OR
Lupine
FOR
Prairie Dropseed
Miscanthus
Fox Sedge
OR
FOR
7
Native Substitutes
Bottle Gentian
Asian Lily
OR
Michigan Lily
FOR
Big Bluestem Grass
Blood Grass
Indian Grass
OR
FOR
8
Native Substitutes
Lead Plant
Lambs Ear
OR
White Sage
FOR
Pasque Flower
Crocus
Trout Lily
OR
FOR
9
Native Substitutes
Lead Plant
Salvia
OR
Catnip
FOR
Soldier Mallow
Rose
Prairie Rose
OR
FOR
10
Native Substitutes
Forsythia
Witch Hazel
FOR
St. Johns Wort
Potentilla
FOR
11
Native Substitutes
Lilac
Arrowwood Viburnum
FOR
Maple Leaf Viburnum
Rhododendron
FOR
12
Thank You