Archives: Plants

Iris versicolor (northern blue flag) General info: Iris versicolor is a North American native that grows best in 2 to 4 inches of standing water in full sun to partial shade. This iris is native to marshes, swamps, and shorelines. Landscape uses: Iris versicolor is excellent in groups along ponds and streams.

Eragrostis spectabilis (purple lovegrass) General info: Eragrostis spectabilis is a native North American ornamental grass. Purple lovegrass grows best in sandy soil and is drought and infertile soil tolerant. Landscape uses: Purple lovegrass can be grown in groups or masses. This ornamental grass is a good addition to meadows or naturalized areas.

Carex amphibola (creek sedge) General info: Carex amphibola, commonly called creek sedge, is a North American native perennial that thrives in medium to wet soils in sun to part shade. Creek sedge is a native sedge to eastern U.S. and grows in moist wooded areas. This ornamental sedge grows in fountain shaped mounds. This Carex… Continue reading Carex amphibola (creek sedge)

General info: Commonly called white false indigo, is an upright perennial that typically grows 2-3’ tall and occurs in dry woods from Tennessee and North Carolina to Florida. It features small, white, pea-like flowers (to 1/2” long) in erect racemes (to 12”) atop dark flower stems extending well above a foliage mound of clover-like, trifoliate,… Continue reading Baptisia alba

General info: Asclepias tuberosa, commonly called butterfly weed, is a tuberous rooted, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dry/rocky open woods, glades, prairies, fields and roadsides throughout the State (Steyermark). It typically grows in a clump to 1-2.5′ tall and features clusters (umbels) of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers atop upright to reclining, hairy stems… Continue reading Asclepias tuberosa

Vernonia noveboracensis (NY ironweed) General info: Vernonia noveboracensis is a North American native perennial that thrives in medium to wet soils in full sun. This perennial is commonly called NY ironweed and is typically found in moist meadows, along streams, or low thickets. Landscape uses: Vernonia noveboracensis can reach heights up to six feet tall with bright… Continue reading Vernonia noveboracensis (NY ironweed)

Uniola paniculata (sea oats) General info: Uniola paniculata, commonly called sea oats, is a North American native perennial. This native grass thrives in dry sand dunes with full sun. Sea oats can get up to six feet tall and has narrow green leaves. Uniola produces oat like fruit hence its common name sea oats. Landscape uses:… Continue reading Uniola paniculata (sea oats)

Thalia geniculata ruminoides (red stemmed Thalia) General info: Thalia geniculata ruminoides is a North American native perennial that thrives in shallow water to wet soils in full sun to part shade. This variety of Thalia stands out for its brilliant red stalks. It is a clump forming species and can reach heights up to ten feet… Continue reading Thalia geniculata ruminoides (red stemmed Thalia)

Thalia dealbata (powdery alligator-flag) General info: Thalia dealbata is a North American native perennial that thrives in shallow water to wet soils in full sun. This marginal aquatic perennial can reach heights up to 10 feet and has striking violet blue blooms. Landscape uses: Thalia dealbata is an excellent choice for the margins of ponds. This beautiful… Continue reading Thalia dealbata (powdery alligator-flag)

Spartina patens (saltmeadow cordgrass) General info: Spartina patens is a North American native grass that thrives in dry to wet soil in full sun. This perennial grass is typically found in wetland and salt marsh margins. Landscape uses: Spartina patens is a very important grass for beach ecosystems. This native grass is used to stabilize sand dunes… Continue reading Spartina patens (saltmeadow cordgrass)