Seed Profiles

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Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Planting Time & Germination: Germination code of C(30), requiring 30 days of cold stratification. It can be winter-sown or artificially stratified.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Biennial, full or partial sunlight, and soil that is not consistently soggy. 
Height and Bloom: Blooms between June and October; grows to 2-3 feet and has beautiful yellow-orange petals surrounding a brown center.

Additional Notes: They are pioneer plants: the first to grow in areas damaged by fire or natural disasters.  

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Spotted Bee’s Balm (Monarda punctata)

Planting Time & Germination: Germination code of A and D, requiring no cold stratification. It can be planted in the fall or early spring.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Perennial, full or partial sunlight, and soil that is medium-dry or dry. 
Height and Bloom: Blooms between July and September; grows 1-3 feet and has complex purple, green, and maroon blossoms. 

Additional Notes: The Spotted Bee’s Balm is impressively tolerant to drought and has antiseptic properties, as it was originally used to sooth bee stings.

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Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Planting Time & Germination: Night-blooming flower that grows best when planted in late fall or early spring. A cold stratification of 45-60 days is recommended for germination.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Requires full sunlight and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Height and Bloom: When mature, it reaches a height of 3-6 feet. The Common Evening Primrose blooms from June - October, during which the yellow flowers open rapidly in the evening and shrivel by the next noon, emitting a lemony scent. 
Additional Notes: An important source of food for birds during the winter months, nighttime pollinators, and the caterpillars of many moth species.

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Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)

Planting Time & Germination: Prairie Blazing Stars can be stratified from 4-6 weeks or up to 15 weeks in a refrigerator. These seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the fall or the spring. 
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: The flowering plant needs full sun for at least 6 hours in order to grow. These plants aren’t picky as to the specific type of soil they are planted in as long as it is well-drained, for soggy and overly fertile soils may cause the plant to rot.
Height and Bloom: These plants can reach a mature height between 2-4 feet tall. Prairie Blazing Stars can take up to 2 years to grow and will have purple to pink blooms from midsummer to late summer. 
Additional Notes: These flowers are especially beneficial for monarchs because they are attracted to densely cluttered nectar-filled flowers.

 

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Planting Time & Germination: Anise Hyssop seeds should be cold-stratified for about 30 days in a refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring after the last frost. 
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A versatile, aromatic herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil. It can grow in sandy or slightly dry conditions as long as the soil drains well.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and blooms from June to August, displaying vibrant purple to blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Additional Notes: Its aromatic leaves, with a licorice-like flavor, can also be used in cooking or for herbal teas. 

 

Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis)

Planting Time & Germination: Illinois Bundleflower seeds can be cold-stratified for 30 days in the refrigerator to improve germination and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring, once the frost has passed. 
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Native perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soils. It is tolerant of dry and poor soil conditions, making it a resilient plant for prairies and wildflower gardens.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2-3 feet and blooms from June to August, producing small, white, ball-shaped flowers that form in clusters.
Additional Notes: This plant is especially valuable for supporting native pollinators, and its deep taproot helps with soil stabilization and erosion control, particularly in prairie restoration efforts.

 

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Planting Time & Germination: New England Aster seeds should be cold-stratified for 30-60 days in the refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring or fall.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Perennial wildflower that thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and slightly dry conditions.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 3-6 feet and blooms from late summer to fall (August to October), producing striking purple to pink flowers with yellow centers.
Additional Notes: New England Aster is also drought-tolerant once established and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than cutting back the stems in early spring to remove dead growth.

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Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Planting Time & Germination: For those looking to cultivate Wild Bergamot, seeds usually benefit from a period of cold stratification to enhance germination rates, and they can be directly sown outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Full sun and a range of soil types, especially those that are well-drained.
Height and Bloom: Typically, this herbaceous plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and showcases its beautiful blooms from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are typically lavender to pale purple and are arranged in dense clusters, attracting a plethora of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Additional Notes: This species plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife and boasts fragrant foliage that can deter garden pests.

 

Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata

Planting Time & Germination: For those looking to cultivate Rose Milkweed, sowing seeds in the fall or early spring is recommended. Sacrification or soaking seeds prior to planting helps improve germination rates.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A striking perennial that flourishes in wetland areas, making it perfect for gardens with moist or bog-like conditions. Rose Milkweed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in rich, well-drained soils that maintain consistent moisture.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet and boasts clusters of fragrant, rose-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, drawing in a variety of pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies.
Additional Notes: This plant not only plays a crucial role in supporting monarchs, whose populations have been declining, but also contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat for a range of beneficial insects. 
 

Prairie Blazing Star (Gayfeather)

The Prairie Blazing Star, or Liatris pycnostachya, is a native plant that grows best in the spring after the last frost has passed. The flowering plant needs full sun for at least 6 hours in order to grow. These plants aren’t picky as to the specific type of soil they are planted in as long as it is well-drained, for soggy and overly fertile soils may cause the plant to rot. These plants can reach a mature height between 2-4 feet tall. Prairie Blazing Stars can take up to 2 years to grow and will have purple to pink blooms from midsummer to late summer. These flowers attract pollinators such as native bees, bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prairie Blazing Stars can be stratified from 4-6 weeks or up to 15 weeks in a refrigerator. These seeds do not require scarification, but the seeds can be nicked with a knife, or the seeds can be boiled to assist in germination. These seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the fall or the spring. During the fall, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil. In the spring, the seeds can be mixed with moist sand and refrigerated for about 60 days before planting. These flowers are especially beneficial for monarchs because they are attracted to densely cluttered nectar-filled flowers. Other butterflies such as Swallowtails and Painted Ladies are also attracted to these plants. Prairie blazing stars are also important for the increase in native bees. Lastly, in the fall and the spring, various birds like to use these plants as food. This native species is very low maintenance and isn't particular about what it needs to survive. Some tips for how to maintain it include leaving the seed heads on the plant to provide food for birds, cutting back foliage after the plant has bloomed, mulching the base of the plant in cold weather, and spacing the plants out to improve air circulation. Historically, this flower was used as a food source, medicine, and landscaping. Various indigenous groups would bake the roots of the plant and also eat the stems. Arthritis headaches and earaches were also prevented via this plant. In addition, mashed roots were applied to various bites from snakes. This species is also known to be good for restoring prairies.

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a versatile, aromatic herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil. It can grow in sandy or slightly dry conditions as long as the soil drains well. This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and blooms from June to August, displaying vibrant purple to blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Anise Hyssop seeds should be cold-stratified for about 30 days in a refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring after the last frost. The plant doesn’t require scarification but can benefit from being nicked lightly. Anise Hyssop is especially beneficial for pollinators, particularly honeybees and bumblebees, and supports butterfly populations as well. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring little more than occasional cutting back in the fall after blooming. Historically, this plant has been used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including teas for treating colds and digestive issues. Its aromatic leaves, with a licorice-like flavor, can also be used in cooking or for herbal teas. Additionally, Anise Hyssop helps prevent soil erosion with its deep root system and contributes to healthy ecosystems by supporting local wildlife.

Illinois Bundleflower

Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis) is a native perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soils. It is tolerant of dry and poor soil conditions, making it a resilient plant for prairies and wildflower gardens. This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2-3 feet and blooms from June to August, producing small, white, ball-shaped flowers that form in clusters. These blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Illinois Bundleflower seeds can be cold-stratified for 30 days in the refrigerator to improve germination and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring, once the frost has passed. The seeds do not require scarification but can be nicked to help with germination. This plant is especially valuable for supporting native pollinators, and its deep taproot helps with soil stabilization and erosion control, particularly in prairie restoration efforts. It’s a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established and is drought-tolerant. Historically, the Illinois Bundleflower was used by Native American tribes for food, medicine, and making ropes. The seeds can be eaten as a food source, and the plant is believed to have medicinal uses, including treatments for fever and digestive issues. Illinois Bundleflower is an excellent addition to any garden focused on pollinator support or soil health.

New England Aster

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial wildflower that thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and slightly dry conditions. This plant typically reaches a mature height of 3-6 feet and blooms from late summer to fall (August to October), producing striking purple to pink flowers with yellow centers. These blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. New England Aster seeds should be cold-stratified for 30-60 days in the refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring or fall. The seeds do not require scarification but can benefit from being lightly nicked to improve germination. This plant is particularly valuable for pollinators, especially late-season pollinators that are drawn to its abundant nectar. New England Aster is also drought-tolerant once established and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than cutting back the stems in early spring to remove dead growth. Historically, Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating colds, coughs, and wounds. Additionally, New England Aster contributes to ecosystem health by supporting pollinators and adding beauty to wildflower gardens, especially in areas looking to attract beneficial insects or restore native habitats.

Butterfly Weed

Perennial Lupine

Yellow Coneflower

Wild Bergamot

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a vibrant, native perennial known for its adaptability to full sun and a range of soil types, especially those that are well-drained. It thrives in prairies and wildflower gardens, showcasing its resilience even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Typically, this herbaceous plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and showcases its beautiful blooms from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are typically lavender to pale purple and are arranged in dense clusters, attracting a plethora of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. For those looking to cultivate Wild Bergamot, seeds usually benefit from a period of cold stratification to enhance germination rates, and they can be directly sown outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed. While scarification isn’t necessary, a gentle nick can help with seed viability. This species plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife and boasts fragrant foliage that can deter garden pests. In addition to its ecological benefits, Wild Bergamot has a rich history of use among Native American tribes, who valued it both for culinary and medicinal applications. The leaves and blooms can be brewed into a soothing tea noted for its digestive and respiratory benefits, and it is often used topically for its soothing properties. Overall, Wild Bergamot is an excellent choice for any garden aimed at enhancing pollinator habitats and promoting biodiversity. 

Rose Milkweed

Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), often referred to as Swamp Milkweed, is a striking perennial that flourishes in wetland areas, making it perfect for gardens with moist or bog-like conditions. This plant typically reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet and boasts clusters of fragrant, rose-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, drawing in a variety of pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies. Rose Milkweed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in rich, well-drained soils that maintain consistent moisture. Gardeners often find it beneficial to plant this species in rain gardens or near water features, as it naturally adapts to these environments. Its robust stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves provide a beautiful backdrop in garden settings, while also serving as a vital food source for caterpillars during their life cycle. For those looking to cultivate Rose Milkweed, sowing seeds in the fall or early spring is recommended. Sacrification or soaking seeds prior to planting helps improve germination rates. This plant not only plays a crucial role in supporting monarchs–whose populations have been declining–but also contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat for a range of beneficial insects. 

Purple Prairie Clover

Purple Prarie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a charming perennial legume native to North America’s prairies, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their gardens with beautiful and beneficial plants. Typically growing to a height of 1 to 2 feet, this species features dense, cylindrical clusters of small purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Preferring full sun to partial shade, the Purple Prarie Clover thrives in well-drained soils and it natably drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-maintenance and xeriscpaped gardens. Its pinnate leaves, composed of small leaflets, add a fine texture to garden aesthetics, while its robust root system plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and enriching soil health through nitrogen fixation. For propogation, gardeners can sow seeds in the fall or early spring, and it is advisable to stratify the seeds to boost germination rates. While the Purple Prarie Clover supports the local ecosystem by providing vital resources for pollinators and promoting biodiversity, it also has a history of traditional medicinal uses among some Indigenous cultures. With its striking appearance and ecological contributions, the Purple Prairie Clover is a fantastic addition to any sustainable garden, nurturing both beauty and wildlife. 

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower seeds, derived from the Echinacea purpurea plant, are highly valued for both their ornamental and ecological benefits. These seeds, small and brown with a rough texture, are typically harvested from the mature, dried flower heads once the petals have fallen. When planted, they produce resilient, drought-tolerant perennial plants that thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight, although they can also tolerate partial shade. As the plants mature, they yield striking purple flowers with prominent, spiky centers, typically blooming in mid to late summer. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, purple coneflowers play a vital role in supporting local wildlife; their seeds provide nourishment to birds, particularly finches, during the winter months. Furthermore, the plant is renowned for its medicinal properties, with its roots and seeds being used in herbal remedies believed to enhance immune function. The seeds, easily collected and stored, are also a valuable resource for propagation, allowing for the continued cultivation of this beneficial plant.

Little Bluestem Grass

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a native, warm-season grass valued for its ecological and ornamental qualities. The seeds of this species, small and reddish-brown in color, are typically harvested in late summer or early fall when the plant's inflorescence matures. Little bluestem is well-suited to a variety of environments, thriving in dry, well-drained soils and tolerating both full sun and light shade. It is a perennial grass that is known for its drought resistance and ability to improve soil structure through its deep-root system. In addition to its ecological value, little bluestem adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes with its slender, arching blades that turn a vibrant reddish-bronze in the fall, providing visual interest throughout the seasons. The plant serves as an important habitat for wildlife, providing cover for small mammals and birds, while its seeds offer food for various bird species, especially during the winter months. Additionally, little bluestem plays a crucial role in erosion control due to its strong root system. The seeds are easily collected for propagation, contributing to the establishment of native prairie ecosystems or sustainable landscaping projects.

Prairie Dropseed

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a perennial grass native to North America, highly regarded for its aesthetic and ecological benefits. The seeds of prairie dropseed are small, light, and golden-brown, typically harvested in late summer to early fall when the plant's seed heads mature. This grass thrives in well-drained soils and is well-suited to full sun, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and prairie restoration projects. Known for its fine, arching foliage and airy, open seed heads, prairie dropseed adds visual interest and texture to landscapes, particularly in native gardens and wildflower meadows. The plant is also highly drought-tolerant and resilient, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Ecologically, prairie dropseed provides valuable habitat and forage for wildlife, with its seeds serving as a food source for various bird species. Its deep, fibrous root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it an important plant in land restoration efforts. The seeds of prairie dropseed are easily collected for propagation, supporting the restoration of native prairie ecosystems and the promotion of biodiversity in urban and rural landscapes.