{"id":121964,"date":"2024-10-18T15:50:30","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T18:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=121964"},"modified":"2025-04-04T16:54:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T19:54:24","slug":"iowa-native-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Iowa Native Plants for Landscaping"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Want a beautiful yard that\u2019s also eco-friendly? Opting for Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and sugar maple, is a smart move. These plants are perfectly adapted to Iowa\u2019s climate, thriving in the local weather and soil conditions with minimal fuss.<\/p>    <p>Native plants also support local wildlife, especially pollinators. Let&#8217;s explore some of the top native flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses that will make your Iowa landscape beautiful and sustainable.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-d1fad96f-4ceb-4761-b59c-40b617101f1b\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#0-native-flowers\" style=\"\">Native Flowers<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#4-native-trees\" style=\"\">Native Trees<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#8-native-shrubs\" style=\"\">Native Shrubs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#12-native-grasses\" style=\"\">Native Grasses<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#16-more-iowa-resources\" style=\"\">More Iowa Resources<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#17-faq-about-iowa-native-plants\" style=\"\">FAQ About Iowa Native Plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-native-flowers\">Native Flowers<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-purple-coneflower\">Purple Coneflower<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1.jpg\" alt=\"Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)\" class=\"wp-image-122012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1-656x438.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/512px-Echinacea_purpurea_Feeling_Pink_02-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Echinacea_purpurea_%27Feeling_Pink%27_02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FreCha<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The purple coneflower (<em>Echinacea purpurea<\/em>) is a stunning addition to any garden with its vibrant purple-pink petals and hardy nature. This perennial is not only beautiful but also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for any Iowa garden. Plus, it\u2019s a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it an excellent Iowa native pollinator plant.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy Here<\/strong>: Purchase seed packets at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.earlmay.com\/purple-coneflower-coneflower-seeds_2?location=&amp;quantity=1&amp;custcol_em_sca_pickup_only=F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Earl May Garden Centers<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-black-eyed-susan\">Black-Eyed Susan<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of black eyed susan in a yard\" class=\"wp-image-119186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/black-eyed-susan-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/black-eyed-susan-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/black-eyed-susan-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Jeff Herman \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Add a splash of color to your garden with Iowa City\u2019s official flower \u2014 black-eyed Susan (<em>Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>). Their vibrant flowers, in shades of red, orange, or yellow with dark centers, bloom from summer to fall, offering long-lasting beauty. These drought-tolerant plants attract various pollinators and are highly deer-resistant.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: Buy seed packets at <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.seedsavers.org\/black-eyed-susan-prairie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seed Savers Exchange<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-wild-bergamot\">Wild Bergamot<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"588\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers\" class=\"wp-image-122018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1-656x482.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1-150x110.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/26044903210_ce402c92e6_c-1-768x564.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wackybadger\/26044903210\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Wild bergamot (<em>Monarda fistulosa<\/em>), with its lavender, pink, or white blooms and minty fragrance, is another fantastic native flower for Iowa. It\u2019s easy to grow and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus, you can use its leaves for tea or food seasoning.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: Buy seed packets at <a href=\"https:\/\/wildspiritsfarm.com\/product\/bergamot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wild Spirits Farm<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-native-trees\">Native Trees<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-northern-red-oak\">Northern Red Oak<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)\" class=\"wp-image-122019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10518594416_b10d528f3b_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/sludgeulper\/10518594416\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sludge G<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>For a majestic shade tree, the northern red oak (<em>Quercus rubra<\/em>) is a top choice. Its wide canopy provides excellent shade, making it one of the best Iowa native shade plants. It also supports local wildlife and adds a timeless beauty to your landscape.<\/p>    <p><strong>Important note: <\/strong>Acorns from the northern red oak are toxic to pets and livestock if ingested.<br><\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: Buy northern red oaks from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowanativetreesandshrubs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">native tree and shrub nursery in Iowa<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-sugar-maple\">Sugar Maple<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple-.jpg\" alt=\"sugar maple trees in fall colors\" class=\"wp-image-111524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple-.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple--300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple--646x496.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple--150x115.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sugar-Maple--768x589.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jsjgeology\/46277271532\/in\/photostream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James St. John<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Known for its stunning fall foliage, the sugar maple (<em>Acer saccharum<\/em>) offers brilliant colors and ample shade. Most common in eastern Iowa, it\u2019s perfect for creating a picturesque autumn landscape in Iowa and is also a source of maple syrup. Honey bees and birds love this native tree.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: You can purchase this tree at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowanativetreesandshrubs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-eastern-redbud\">Eastern Redbud<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud.jpg\" alt=\"eastern redbud tree in bloom with pink flowers\" class=\"wp-image-23020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/eastern-redbud-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:American_Eastern_Redbud_Tree_(Cercis_canadensis).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BETTY<\/a>  \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>If you\u2019re looking for early spring color, the eastern redbud (<em>Cercis canadensis<\/em>) is ideal. This small tree (20-30 feet tall) produces beautiful pink flowers before its leaves appear, adding a splash of color to your yard. It\u2019s compact and fits well into smaller landscapes.<\/p>    <p><strong>Additional note<\/strong>: You can add eastern redbud\u2019s flowers and flower buds, which have a slightly sour taste and are high in vitamin C, to your salads, breads, and pancakes.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers <a href=\"https:\/\/nursery.iowadnr.gov\/Redbud_p_191.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eastern redbud<\/a> seedlings for spring delivery.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-native-shrubs\">Native Shrubs<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-american-hazelnut\">American Hazelnut<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) tree with fruits\" class=\"wp-image-122024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14623759319_ea9914bbd5_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/fritzflohrreynolds\/14623759319\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fritz Flohr Reynolds<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>American hazelnut (<em>Corylus americana<\/em>) is a versatile shrub that provides privacy and produces edible nuts. It attracts wildlife and can be used as a natural hedge. Its multi-stemmed growth habit makes it an attractive and functional addition to your landscape.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers <a href=\"https:\/\/nursery.iowadnr.gov\/Hazelnut_p_171.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American hazelnut<\/a> seedlings for delivery.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-common-ninebark\">Common Ninebark<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/18058350309_269130c367_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"White flowers of common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)\" class=\"wp-image-122054\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/50697352@N00\/18058350309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">F. D. Richards<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Common ninebark (<em>Physocarpus opulifolius<\/em>) is a hardy shrub, known for its peeling bark and white flowers. It offers year-round interest and serves as an excellent flowering shrub for Iowa. An ideal choice for a hedge, it\u2019s also great for erosion control and attracts pollinators.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers <a href=\"https:\/\/nursery.iowadnr.gov\/Ninebark_p_185.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">common ninebark<\/a> seedlings for delivery.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-gray-dogwood\">Gray Dogwood<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"White Gray Dogwood flowers (Cornus racemosa)\" class=\"wp-image-122056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50030986306_d48ce3871a_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ke9tv\/50030986306\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kevin Kenny<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The gray dogwood (<em>Cornus racemosa<\/em>) is a versatile shrub that typically grows between 6 to 15 feet tall. While it is commonly found in upland woods, it will also look great in other naturalized settings. This hardy shrub tolerates shade and is excellent for supporting wildlife, including the Azure butterfly.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here:<\/strong> You can order <a href=\"https:\/\/nursery.iowadnr.gov\/Gray-Dogwood_p_159.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gray dogwood<\/a> at the Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-native-grasses\">Native Grasses<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-little-bluestem\">Little Bluestem<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30.jpg\" alt=\"little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) ornamental grass\" class=\"wp-image-121120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:BBC_Gardeners_World_-_2017-06-15_-_Andy_Mabbett_-_30.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andy Mabbett<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Little bluestem (<em>Schizachyrium scoparium<\/em>) is an ornamental grass with blue-green stems that turn red in the fall and golden in winter. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it attracts wildlife. However, it reseeds easily, so it&#8217;s best for larger gardens.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: Little bluestem is available for purchase at <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.inthecountrygardenandgifts.com\/products\/schizachyrium-scoparium-chameleon?srsltid=AfmBOooYOQOUe4g5TTjXOrGALtNpgzsIE_an8UoUPA3QKFw6BUGmmmbL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In the Country Garden &amp; Gifts Online Store<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-switchgrass\">Switchgrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of switchgrass\" class=\"wp-image-92781\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switchgrass-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/3912256151\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Want a yard that attracts butterflies? Planting switchgrass (<em>Panicum virgatum<\/em>) is a great way to do this. This tall, clumping grass has delicate, airy seed heads that add visual interest. It\u2019s fantastic for creating habitats and controlling erosion, making it both a beautiful and practical choice for your Iowa yard.<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: Switchgrass is available at <a href=\"https:\/\/hamiltonnativeoutpost.com\/product\/switchgrass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hamilton Native Outpost<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-prairie-dropseed\">Prairie Dropseed<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)\" class=\"wp-image-122026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1-656x435.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20438010001_a4fbf38604_c-2-1-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wackybadger\/20438010001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Prairie dropseed (<em>Sporobolus heterolepis<\/em>) features graceful, arching leaves and fragrant seed heads. It&#8217;s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and stays upright even in snow. In fall, its foliage turns golden with orange hues, then fades to light bronze in winter. Plus, its flowers have charming pink and brown tints. A colorful addition to your Iowa landscape.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Buy here<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allendanseed.com\/native-seed-products\/sporobolus-heterolepis---prairie-dropseed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Allendan Seed Company<\/a> sells prairie dropseed in Iowa.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-more-iowa-resources\">More Iowa Resources<\/h2>    <p>Maintaining a vibrant landscape in Iowa involves several essential practices besides choosing native plants. Knowing how to aerate, choose the right grass seed, follow a seasonal care schedule, and manage common weeds are other key tasks.<\/p>    <p>For detailed lawn care tips and how-tos, check out these helpful guides:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/lawn-aeration\/\">Lawn Aeration in Iowa: Everything You Need To Know<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/best-grass-seed\/\">Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/lawn-care-schedule\/\">Lawn Care Schedule for Iowa<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/common-weeds-iowa\/\">Common Weeds in Iowa: How to Identify Them<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-faq-about-iowa-native-plants\">FAQ About Iowa Native Plants<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-how-do-i-care-for-my-native-iowa-flowers\">How do I care for my native Iowa flowers?<\/h3>    <p>Most native flowers require minimal care once established. Ensure they are planted in the right conditions and provide occasional watering during dry spells.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-how-can-i-diagnose-and-treat-plant-and-insect-problems-in-my-iowa-garden\">How can I diagnose and treat plant and insect problems in my Iowa garden?<\/h3>    <p>If you encounter issues with plant health or insect infestations, the Iowa State University\u2019s Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic is an excellent resource. They provide expert diagnosis and treatment recommendations for a wide range of plant and insect problems.<\/p>    <p>For more information and to submit a sample, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/pidc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State University Extension and Outreach<\/a> website.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-reach-out-to-a-lawn-pro-today\">Reach Out to a Lawn Pro Today<\/h2>    <p>Choosing Iowa native plants for your landscape is a win-win for you and the environment. From vibrant flowers and majestic trees to practical shrubs and grasses, you can create a beautiful, sustainable yard that thrives in Iowa\u2019s unique climate.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>For help maintaining your yard or personalized advice, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/ia\">local lawn care professional<\/a> today.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-0ec508c5-97bf-43fc-9017-ac990ebed87c\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-0ec508c5-97bf-43fc-9017-ac990ebed87c\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-0ec508c5-97bf-43fc-9017-ac990ebed87c\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-0ec508c5-97bf-43fc-9017-ac990ebed87c\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenia.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardenia<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State University Natural Resource Stewardship<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildflower.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UF IFAS Extension<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/plants.usda.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA PLANTS Database<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Photo Credit: Wild bergamot (<em>Monarda fistulosa<\/em>). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wackybadger\/23265435245\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Mayer<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":181,"featured_media":122061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[588],"tags":[1998],"class_list":["post-121964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iowa","tag-ia-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Rela Catucod","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/rela-catucod\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best Native Plants for Iowa<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Native Plants for Iowa\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"803\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rela Catucod\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rela Catucod\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rela Catucod\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/90a01e2352ff6ecce1cb7bc223862493\"},\"headline\":\"The Best Iowa Native Plants for Landscaping\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1244,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"iowa landscaping\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Iowa\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/\",\"name\":\"Best Native Plants for Iowa\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":803,\"caption\":\"Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/iowa\\\/iowa-native-plants\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Best Iowa Native Plants for Landscaping\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"description\":\"The LawnStarter Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"width\":198,\"height\":26,\"caption\":\"Lawnstarter\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/90a01e2352ff6ecce1cb7bc223862493\",\"name\":\"Rela Catucod\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr\",\"caption\":\"Rela Catucod\"},\"description\":\"Rela Catucod, a writer and gardening enthusiast, blends her expertise in nurturing plants with helpful tips in her articles. With experience in caring for orchids and succulents, she knows the secrets to keeping plants healthy. She aims to assist garden lovers in cultivating thriving, beautiful gardens in their homes.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/rela-catucod\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best Native Plants for Iowa","description":"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best Native Plants for Iowa","og_description":"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/","og_site_name":"Lawnstarter","article_published_time":"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":803,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Rela Catucod","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rela Catucod","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/"},"author":{"name":"Rela Catucod","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/90a01e2352ff6ecce1cb7bc223862493"},"headline":"The Best Iowa Native Plants for Landscaping","datePublished":"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/"},"wordCount":1244,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","keywords":["iowa landscaping"],"articleSection":["Iowa"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/","name":"Best Native Plants for Iowa","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","datePublished":"2024-10-18T18:50:30+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-04T19:54:24+00:00","description":"Discover how choosing Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and prairie dropseed, can create an eco-friendly and low-maintenance yard.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/23265435245_b0cea3d9fd_k-1.jpg?wsr","width":1200,"height":803,"caption":"Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/iowa\/iowa-native-plants\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Best Iowa Native Plants for Landscaping"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","name":"Lawnstarter","description":"The LawnStarter Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Lawnstarter","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","width":198,"height":26,"caption":"Lawnstarter"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/90a01e2352ff6ecce1cb7bc223862493","name":"Rela Catucod","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rela-Catucod.png?wsr","caption":"Rela Catucod"},"description":"Rela Catucod, a writer and gardening enthusiast, blends her expertise in nurturing plants with helpful tips in her articles. With experience in caring for orchids and succulents, she knows the secrets to keeping plants healthy. She aims to assist garden lovers in cultivating thriving, beautiful gardens in their homes.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/rela-catucod\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/181"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=121964"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121964\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/122061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=121964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=121964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=121964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}