- 1. Milkweed (Asclepias)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Coneflower (Echinacea)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Sunflower (Helianthus)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Blazing Star (Liatris)<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Native Plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Milkweed (Asclepias<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Milkweed](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_milkweed.jpg\")
Milkweed
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Milkweed is a pollinator-friendly super-flower with over 100 varieties. Milkweed\u2019s nectar not only attracts bees and butterflies but also natural garden predators like ladybugs and wasps, which act as organic pest control for your garden<\/a> and will consequently mitigate the need for toxic pesticides.<\/p>
Milkweed is also the go-to host plant for monarch butterfly<\/a> larvae, which ingest its sap to keep predators at bay. Just make sure you wear gloves in the planting process to avoid skin irritation from the sap.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>4A-9B<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Milkweed is <\/strong>native across most of the continental U.S.<\/li>
- Milkweed varieties include:<\/strong> Common milkweed, swamp milkweed, California milkweed<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Milkweed is a self-sufficient plant that won\u2019t need much in the way of hands-on care. You can skip regular watering unless your area is prone to drought. Milkweed can be a skin irritant, though, so be cautious when handling it.<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Tiny clusters of flowers, often white or pink; June-October<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet, vanilla-scented<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Seed packets are available for free from the Live Monarch Educational Foundation<\/a> and other butterfly conservation organizations.<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/5992418976_285495a522_c.jpg\")
Wild bergamot
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Wild bergamot, also known as \u201cbee balm,\u201d is a bonafide bumblebee magnet. It thrives in a wide range of soils, including acid, lime, sand, and clay. Once wild bergamot<\/a> has taken root, you can also harvest the leaves of this wildflower mint variety to make a soothing homegrown tea.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-8<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Bee balm can be found in nearly all 50 states<\/li>
- Wild bergamot varieties include:<\/strong> Claire Grace, Jacob Cline<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Plants in the Monarda<\/em> family are prone to powdery mildew<\/a>, especially in areas with poor airflow, but Monarda fistulosa<\/em> is generally resilient. Prune stems and ensure the soil doesn\u2019t dry out, as bee balm likes moisture and can develop disease when stressed.<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Tubular pink and lavender flowers with wispy petals; summer to late summer<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Citrusy flowers. Leaves will have a minty scent when rubbed together.<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Wild bergamot seed packets<\/a> are available for around $6<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Snapdragons](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/31931697864_1b26a0f80f_c.jpg\")
Snapdragons
Photo Credit: Bennilover<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Snapdragons are one of the best plants for pollinator gardens<\/a>. These perennial flowering plants hold their nectar inside of their petal \u201clips,\u201d which naturally keep out unwanted critters and invite in bumblebees.<\/p>
Other natural ways snapdragons entice bee populations: They release scent during bees\u2019 most active hours, and have evolved their yellow, blue, and violet shades for maximum visibility. It\u2019s a true show of colors for you and the bees, too.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 7-11<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Snapdragons are found in the western United States.<\/li>
- Snapdragon varieties include:<\/strong> Axion, Black Prince, Sonnet<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Snapdragons prefer moist conditions in the first few weeks of garden acclimation. Tall varieties may require staking. Remove spent blooms as they appear, and clip the top stem and any side shoots to encourage more flowers.<\/li>
- Blooms: <\/strong>Yellow, blue, purple, and pink flowers in a characteristic \u201cdragon mouth\u201d shape; blooms in autumn, spring, and into the summer in cooler climates.<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Light and fruity<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Snapdragon seed packets<\/a> can be found for around $6<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Coneflower (Echinacea<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_purple-coneflower-gc1a99a243_1280.jpg\")
Purple coneflower
Photo Credit: Antranias<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>The scientific name for coneflowers \u2014 Echinacea<\/em> \u2014 comes from the Latin word for \u201chedgehog\u201d in reference to their prickly stems. Like goldenrods and daisies, these precious pink plants are members of the aster family and are known to attract butterflies and songbirds.<\/p>
Looking for an at-home anxiety remedy or a way to boost your immunity ahead of cold and flu season? Some swear by echinacea\u2019s health benefits<\/a> for humans.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>5-8, Magnus coneflowers will also thrive in Zone 3<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Coneflowers are native to eastern and central regions of the United States.<\/li>
- Coneflower varieties include:<\/strong> Magnus, Pink Shimmer, Marry Me<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Keep soil moist for best results if sowing from seeds. Avoid watering at night and getting water on the plant itself, as coneflower is prone to Alternaria leaf spot and botrytis.<\/li>
- Blooms: <\/strong>Bright pink, red, and yellow flowers; typically July-September<\/li>
- Fragrance: <\/strong>Coneflower\u2019s scent varies based on pollination status and petal position. Initially earthy, the flower will start to smell of honey when the ray florets point downward to attract pollinators. After successful pollination, the flowers will emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Coneflower seed packets<\/a> are available for around $6<\/strong><\/strong>. <\/li> <\/ul>
5. Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Cow](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/35993177242_59c0d92082_c.jpg\")
Cow parsnip
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Cow parsnip is the only plant in its genus that\u2019s native to the U.S., and it\u2019s naturally found far and wide. The large gatherings of tiny flower clusters are characteristic of the carrot family and make this plant a native pollinator hotspot.<\/p>
Cow parsnip<\/a> is known to attract butterflies, native bees, and even beetles and moths to pollinate. Like milkweed, though, it can irritate human skin, so be sure to plant it safely.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Cow parsnip is distributed from northern California to Georgia.<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Cow parsnip will tolerate a variety of soils as long as it\u2019s provided with enough moisture. Care is very easy for this hardy native plant, and cow parsnip is deer-resistant.<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Clusters of small white flowers in flat-topped umbels, June-August<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Flowers smell sweet, similar to parsnip<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Cow parsnip seed packets<\/a> start at around $10<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"butterfly](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_butterfly_weed.jpg\")
Butterfly weed
Photo Credit: James St. John<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Butterfly weed is prized for its bright orange blooms and its ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This deciduous cousin of the milkweed can bloom into early fall and tolerates drought, making it a perfect addition to your other pollinator plants.<\/p>
Fun fact:<\/strong> The fibers harvested from dried butterfly weed stems have been traditionally braided together to make rope, while the roots are used in tea as a cure for inflammation and infection.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Butterfly weed is native across the country.<\/li>
- Butterfly weed varieties include:<\/strong> Rolf\u2019s milkweed, Canada root<\/li>
- Care: <\/strong>Butterfly weed is easy to grow from seed. Keep soil moist until the plant is established, but afterward, it will require little water or fertilizer \u2014 the latter may even be detrimental to the plant. Its long, sturdy roots make transplanting difficult, so sow seeds in their permanent place among your other pollinator garden plants.<\/li>
- Blooms: <\/strong>Tubular flower clusters in orange will bloom June-August and sometimes through September<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet and mild, described as evoking vanilla or candy<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Butterfly weed seeds<\/a> can be found for around $8<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
7. Sunflower (Helianthus<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Sunflower](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_sunflower-1.jpg\")
Sunflower in north Texas
Photo Credit: Loadmaster<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Love the bright blooms of sunflowers? These gorgeous annuals attract all kinds of butterfly and bee species. As a plus, sunflowers bloom throughout the fall, adding color to your autumn landscaping<\/a>. That way, you can ensure your pollinator garden lasts for caterpillars during the pivotal cocoon-spinning season.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4-9<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Sunflowers are homegrown throughout the U.S.<\/li>
- Sunflower varieties include:<\/strong> Soraya, American Giant, Russian Mammoth<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Sunflowers do best with deep, regular watering before, during, and after flowering. Taller varieties with large, heavy flower heads will benefit from staking to prevent breakage and flopping.<\/li>
- Blooms: <\/strong>Bright yellow flowers, July-October<\/li>
- Fragrance: <\/strong>Mild, earthy<\/li>
- Cost: <\/strong>Sunflower seed packets<\/a> can be found for $5<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"blanketflower,](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_firewheel-g9b070302e_1280.jpg\")
Blanketflower, aka firewheel
Photo Credit: PurpleOwl<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>Beautiful blanketflowers are a classic image of the American West. These ornamentals are a common choice for xeriscaping gardens<\/a> due to their tolerance for rocky soils and low moisture, and they attract a wide variety of pollinator populations. <\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Native to:<\/strong> Besides the American West, blanketflowers are also found around the Great Lakes and in certain parts of New England.<\/li>
- Blanketflower varieties include: <\/strong>Goblin, Arizona Sun<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Blanketflowers have few pest and disease problems and are drought tolerant. Remove faded flowers as they appear to encourage more blooms.<\/li>
- Blooms: <\/strong>Wide, flat red and yellow flowers from early summer to early fall<\/li>
- Fragrance: <\/strong>Sweet, candy-like scents ranging from licorice to bubblegum<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Blanketflower seed packets<\/a> start around $5<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>
9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"Black-eyed](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/9423202067_1aa5920910_c.jpg\")
Black-eyed Susan
Photo Credit: Jack Pierce<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Sunny black-eyed Susans<\/a>, like their blanketflower cousins, are both sweet on the eyes and pollinator magnets. Their bright yellow blooms draw nectar-loving bees and insects, while their seeds attract granivorous birds like sparrows and finches.<\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-10<\/li>
- Native to:<\/strong> Black-eyed Susans are native to most of the country.<\/li>
- Black-eyed Susan varieties include:<\/strong> Denver Daisy, Goldsturm, Indian Summer<\/li>
- Care:<\/strong> Black-eyed Susans can become aggressive if not given enough competition, so limit the spread by dividing clumps every four or five years. They prefer full sun and should be kept moist until fully grown, at which point you can gradually reduce watering.<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Yellow, some varieties with a brown ring around the center; blooms from late spring through early fall<\/li>
- Fragrance: <\/strong>Pleasant smell, similar to sweetgrass<\/li>
- Cost:<\/strong> Black-eyed Susan seed packets<\/a> are available for about $7<\/strong> each.<\/li> <\/ul>
10. Blazing Star (Liatris<\/em>)<\/h2>
- Native to:<\/strong> Black-eyed Susans are native to most of the country.<\/li>
- Native to:<\/strong> Besides the American West, blanketflowers are also found around the Great Lakes and in certain parts of New England.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Sunflowers are homegrown throughout the U.S.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Butterfly weed is native across the country.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Cow parsnip is distributed from northern California to Georgia.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Coneflowers are native to eastern and central regions of the United States.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Snapdragons are found in the western United States.<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Bee balm can be found in nearly all 50 states<\/li>
- Native to: <\/strong>Milkweed is <\/strong>native across most of the continental U.S.<\/li>
- 2. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)<\/a><\/li>