Verbena hastata, commonly known as blue vervain, is a graceful perennial wildflower native to North America, found in wet meadows, stream banks, and marshy areas. It is characterized by its slender, erect stems that can reach heights of up to 4 feet, adorned with clusters of small, vibrant purple-blue flowers. Blue vervain blooms from mid-summer to early fall, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms. Its lance-shaped leaves are arranged along the stem in opposite pairs, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Blue vervain also plays a role in ecological restoration efforts, as it is valued for its ability to stabilize wetland soils and provide habitat for native wildlife.

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as cardinal flower, is a striking wildflower native to North America, particularly fond of wet habitats such as stream banks, marshes, and damp woodlands. It is renowned for its vibrant display of scarlet-red flowers. The cardinal flower stands tall, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet, with lance-shaped leaves arranged along its erect stems. Its tubular blossoms, resembling the shape of a cardinal’s beak, bloom in dense spikes from midsummer to early fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms. This perennial plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, though it can tolerate some sun in cooler climates. It is often used in rain gardens, bog gardens, and other water features, where its brilliant blooms add a pop of color to the landscape while providing habitat for pollinators.

Veronicastrum virginicum, commonly known as Culver’s root, is an elegant and stately wildflower native to the eastern United States. This perennial herb typically reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet and features whorls of lance-shaped leaves along its upright stems. The flower spikes, which bloom from mid to late summer, rise above the foliage, creating a striking vertical accent in the landscape. Its blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Culver’s root thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it well-suited for rain gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. It’s a low-maintenance plant once established, and its deep root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Cup Plant is a tall perennial native forb found in much of the Central Plains and Eastern states of the United States. This plant is often found on low ground, moist areas and along woodland edges within wetlands.

Mature heights of 6 t 8 feet

Bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer

Prefers wet to mesic soils and adapts well to varying soils types

Leaves are egg-shaped, toothed and create cups at the base

If establishing from seed, dormant seeding works best to stratify the seed

Deer resistant species

Golden Alexander is a perennial forb that is generally found in the eastern half of the United States. This attracts many pollinators and other insects with beautiful yellow flowers that bloom late spring.

Perennial forb with mature height up to 3 feet

Bloom period late spring lasting 30 days

Grows in colonies and prefers full sun to partial shade

Adapts best in moist, loamy soils

Commonly found near moist to mesic woodlands

Valued species in wildflower gardens

Attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects

Leymus cinereus, commonly referred to as basin wildrye, stands as a stalwart presence in the landscapes of the Great Plains and Intermountain regions of the western United States. This impressive perennial bunchgrass commands attention with its stature, characterized by large, coarse, robust clumps that can expand to reach diameters of up to 3 feet and towering heights of 3 to 6 feet (and sometimes up to 10 feet under optimal conditions). Rising majestically from its crown, the growing points of basin wildrye stand proud at 10 to 12 inches above ground level, a testament to its vigor and resilience. A true survivor of diverse environments, basin wildrye thrives in a range of habitats, from moist to dry sites including wet meadows, valley bottoms, flood plains, and hillsides. Its adaptability extends to climate as well, exhibiting exceptional winter hardiness and a broad climatic tolerance. While it flourishes in regions with average annual precipitation ranging from 8 inches to over 20 inches, it demonstrates remarkable resilience even in less hospitable conditions. Underpinning its endurance is an extensive, deep, coarse fibrous root system, anchoring it firmly in the soil and facilitating its long-term persistence. As a long-lived cool-season native, basin wildrye plays a crucial ecological role in stabilizing soils, conserving moisture, and providing habitat and forage for wildlife. In the vast and varied landscapes it inhabits, Leymus cinereus stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, embodying the spirit of the western wilds while contributing to the ecological richness of its native habitats.

Astragalus canadensis, commonly known as Canada milkvetch, stands as a robust and smooth-stemmed plant, celebrated for its ornamental value and ecological significance. Inhabiting a diverse range of habitats, Canada milkvetch can be found in dry prairies, moist shores, riverbanks, marshy grounds, and open or partly shaded areas. It thrives in well-drained soils under sunny conditions, showcasing its adaptability to various environments. However, it exhibits low tolerance to root disturbance and cannot withstand extremely cold weather conditions. While germination may be slow, typically occurring within four to nine weeks for fresh seeds, patience is rewarded with the emergence of vigorous seedlings. Astragalus canadensis remains valued for its ecological role and aesthetic qualities, contributing to the biodiversity and visual allure of natural landscapes.

Scientific Name: Hordeum brachyantherum

Meadow barley is a perennial grass native, to western North America, from Alaska to northern Mexico, and parts of eastern North America. It is a tufted grass that produces compact, narrow purple flower clusters. Similar to other barleys, the smaller lateral spikelets come in triplets.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx, alfalfa looper moth, venerable dart, armyworm moth, bilobed looper moth, bronzed cutworm, and glassy borer

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Alkali barley, also known as low barley or dwarf barley, is a resilient and versatile annual pasture seed, specially selected for its adaptability to alkaline and saline soils. It is native to the western United States, from Idaho to California, where it can be found in moist habitats such as vernal pools. Alkali barley is an excellent choice for regions with high pH or saline levels. It is a hardy, quick-growing forage option that provides valuable grazing opportunities for livestock, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. With its robust root system, this pasture seed aids in soil stabilization and erosion control, making it an eco-friendly addition to any agricultural or reclamation project.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx, alfalfa looper moth, venerable dart, armyworm moth, bilobed looper moth, glassy borer, and spotted cut-worm

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Scientific Name: Trifolium obtusiflorum

Creek clover, also known as clammy clover, is annual native to California in the Peninsular, Transverse, Sierra Nevada, and California Coast Ranges. It is also found from the Cascade Range to southwestern Oregon. Creek clover grows in moist habitats, such as streambanks and marshes, as well as disturbed areas.

Host plant: gray hairstreak, orange Sulphur, southern dogface, Shasta blue, greenish blue, Persius Duskywing, and clouded Sulphur

Produced by Hedgerow Farms