1. White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/White-Snakeroot-646x517.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MONGO<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The small, native perennial plant known as white snakeroot or Ageratina altissima<\/em> grows in Kentucky and other parts of the United States. It has oblong dark green leaves. In late summer and fall, the plant produces clusters of white flowers. Any garden in Kentucky will benefit significantly from the addition of this beautiful native plant.<\/p> - Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-8<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist But Well Drained, Poorly Drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Summer (Mid, Late), Fall<\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 3-5 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Trees-to-Plant-in-Atlanta-646x431.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The small trees known as Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis<\/em>) are native to the forests and thickets of Kentucky. In addition to being drought-resistant and low-maintenance, Eastern redbuds are an excellent tree for those just starting with a garden. They also work wonderfully as a backdrop for flower beds.<\/p> Because of its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements, the Eastern redbud has become a symbolic native plant of Kentucky. They are commonly found in Louisville. <\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Trees (Deciduous)<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun, Partial Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Well Drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Spring (Early, Mid), Fall<\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 20-30 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds <\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Black-eyed](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/9423202067_1aa5920910_c-646x431.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jack Pearce<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Black-Eyed Susans are annual wildflowers that may be found in Kentucky. Their signature feature is a bright yellow flower with a dark brown to black center. In terms of care, this plant is ideal for novice gardeners because it does not require a lot of attention and maintenance. When growing this native plant, remember that it only lasts one to two years. <\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Annual or Biennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Dry to Moist<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Mid-summer, Fall (Early)<\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 2-3 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, and Birds <\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Cardinal](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Cardinal-Flower-646x661.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ALAN SCHMIERER<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The cardinal flower blooms for a month or more in the late summer and produces beautiful red flowers. It is one of the top hummingbird-attracting plants in Kentucky. It is found on the roadsides and the banks of rivers and ponds. The cardinal flower is a short-lived plant that is remarkably pest and disease resistant.<\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun to Partial Shade<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist to Wet<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Summer (Mid, Late) to fall <\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 2-4 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds <\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky, but uncommon in the Bluegrass region<\/li> <\/ul>
5. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/New-England-Aster-646x431.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The New England aster is also commonly found in Kentucky and blossoms in fall. It produces small flowers with light purple petals and a vibrant yellow center. They typically grow in meadows and along roadways.<\/p>
These asters thrive in a variety of soil conditions. The New England aster is an excellent choice for planting in a pollinator garden. <\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>4-8<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist but well-drained, well-drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Summer (Late), fall <\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 3-6 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Monarch butterflies and bees<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Big](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Big-Bluestem-646x428.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T.Voekler<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Big bluestem is a warm-season perennial grass that grows in clumps and has stiff straight stems. It is blue-green when it first sprouts in spring, deep green in summer, and orange-red in fall. However, it produces a dense cluster of deep purple flowers in the late summer. Additionally, it will self-seed if given the right conditions and care.<\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>4-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Ornamental Grass<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist but well-drained, well-drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Spring (Early, Mid, Late), summer (Early, Mid, Late), fall, winter <\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 3-6 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Butterflies and birds<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky, except the Appalachian Plateau and Cumberland Mountains<\/li> <\/ul>
7. Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Wild-Hydrangea-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Wild hydrangea is a popular native plant found in Kentucky. Most gardeners clip this plant’s stems to the ground in early spring to let new shoots sprout and flourish in the same season. In the summer, it produces clusters of beautiful white flowers.<\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-8<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Shrub (Deciduous)<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Partial shade<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist but well drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> summer (Early, Mid, Late), fall <\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 3-5 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, Birds<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Swamp](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Swamp-Milkweed-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Swamp milkweed is a moisture-loving perennial. It is commonly found in open areas like streams and river banks. It produces light purplish-pink flowers. This plant also has beautiful seed pods in the fall. <\/p>
As it attracts butterflies and several beneficial insects, many individuals have planted swamp milkweed to aid the monarch butterfly, whose population has declined dramatically during the previous two decades. Pests and diseases seldom affect swamp milkweed, so it requires significantly less care and maintenance than other plants.<\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-11<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist but well-drained, moisture retentive, poorly drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Summer (Mid, Late)<\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 4-5 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky<\/li> <\/ul>
9. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-318.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew C<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Purple coneflower is a perennial Kentucky native flower. Because of its durability, low maintenance, and height, this plant is frequently used in natural gardens and reclaimed areas. <\/p>
Native Americans also have a long history of utilizing the purple coneflower’s root to treat ailments, including indigestion and chronic pain. It has been claimed that the purple coneflower’s petals also have anti-inflammatory effects. <\/p>
- Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun, Partial Shade<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Dry to Moist<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Late spring, Summer (Early, Mid, Late), fall <\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 2-4 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky, except the Jackson Purchase region<\/li> <\/ul>
10. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-98.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Trumpet honeysuckle, also known as coral honeysuckle, is a deciduous climbing vine producing attractive bright red foliage. It is an evergreen plant and is commonly found in Kentucky. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Planting it near an arbor with arches is a great idea for vertical gardening.<\/p>
- Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4-9<\/li>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full Sun to Partial Sun<\/li>
- Soil Drainage:<\/strong> Moist but Well-Drained<\/li>
- Blooms:<\/strong> Spring, summer, fall<\/li>
- Height:<\/strong> 10-20 ft<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Bees, Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds<\/li>
- Range:<\/strong> All regions of Kentucky, except the Cumberland Mountains<\/li> <\/ul>
11. Red Maple (
The small, native perennial plant known as white snakeroot or Ageratina altissima<\/em> grows in Kentucky and other parts of the United States. It has oblong dark green leaves. In late summer and fall, the plant produces clusters of white flowers. Any garden in Kentucky will benefit significantly from the addition of this beautiful native plant.<\/p> The small trees known as Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis<\/em>) are native to the forests and thickets of Kentucky. In addition to being drought-resistant and low-maintenance, Eastern redbuds are an excellent tree for those just starting with a garden. They also work wonderfully as a backdrop for flower beds.<\/p> Because of its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements, the Eastern redbud has become a symbolic native plant of Kentucky. They are commonly found in Louisville. <\/p> Black-Eyed Susans are annual wildflowers that may be found in Kentucky. Their signature feature is a bright yellow flower with a dark brown to black center. In terms of care, this plant is ideal for novice gardeners because it does not require a lot of attention and maintenance. When growing this native plant, remember that it only lasts one to two years. <\/p> The cardinal flower blooms for a month or more in the late summer and produces beautiful red flowers. It is one of the top hummingbird-attracting plants in Kentucky. It is found on the roadsides and the banks of rivers and ponds. The cardinal flower is a short-lived plant that is remarkably pest and disease resistant.<\/p> The New England aster is also commonly found in Kentucky and blossoms in fall. It produces small flowers with light purple petals and a vibrant yellow center. They typically grow in meadows and along roadways.<\/p> These asters thrive in a variety of soil conditions. The New England aster is an excellent choice for planting in a pollinator garden. <\/p> Big bluestem is a warm-season perennial grass that grows in clumps and has stiff straight stems. It is blue-green when it first sprouts in spring, deep green in summer, and orange-red in fall. However, it produces a dense cluster of deep purple flowers in the late summer. Additionally, it will self-seed if given the right conditions and care.<\/p> Wild hydrangea is a popular native plant found in Kentucky. Most gardeners clip this plant’s stems to the ground in early spring to let new shoots sprout and flourish in the same season. In the summer, it produces clusters of beautiful white flowers.<\/p> Swamp milkweed is a moisture-loving perennial. It is commonly found in open areas like streams and river banks. It produces light purplish-pink flowers. This plant also has beautiful seed pods in the fall. <\/p> As it attracts butterflies and several beneficial insects, many individuals have planted swamp milkweed to aid the monarch butterfly, whose population has declined dramatically during the previous two decades. Pests and diseases seldom affect swamp milkweed, so it requires significantly less care and maintenance than other plants.<\/p> Purple coneflower is a perennial Kentucky native flower. Because of its durability, low maintenance, and height, this plant is frequently used in natural gardens and reclaimed areas. <\/p> Native Americans also have a long history of utilizing the purple coneflower’s root to treat ailments, including indigestion and chronic pain. It has been claimed that the purple coneflower’s petals also have anti-inflammatory effects. <\/p> Trumpet honeysuckle, also known as coral honeysuckle, is a deciduous climbing vine producing attractive bright red foliage. It is an evergreen plant and is commonly found in Kentucky. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Planting it near an arbor with arches is a great idea for vertical gardening.<\/p>
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis<\/em>)<\/h2>
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta<\/em>)<\/h2>
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis<\/em>)<\/h2>
5. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>)<\/h2>
6. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii<\/em>)<\/h2>
7. Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens<\/em>)<\/h2>
8. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata<\/em>)<\/h2>
9. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)<\/h2>
10. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens<\/em>)<\/h2>
11. Red Maple (