Plant Attributes

‘Leggy’ Plants

White Sage

Artemisia ludoviciana

This species tends to leave only in the upper 2/3 of the plant giving it a leggy appearance.

Goldenglow (Coreopsis)

Coreopsis tripteris

This species has an upright structure with little leaf structure; it makes a nice background planting.

Blazing Star (Gayfeather)

Liatris pycnostachya

This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting.

Foxglove (Penstemon)

Penstemon digitalis

This species requires other plants to provide stability and competition, in low light areas it will drop its leaves (such as at the base of the plant) giving it a leggy appearnce.

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can cast as high as 3’; use behind other species that will block the stem.

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting.

General Rule: If you plant full sun plants in shade you will reduce the flower production

and increase legginess as plants reach for the sun.

Plant Attributes

‘Floppy’ Plants

Yellow Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata

This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can average about 4’ tall; use behind other species and with competitive species to encourage upright growth.

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

This species averages about 5-6’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support.

Blazing Star (Gayfeather)

Liatris pycnostachya

This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species to provide support.

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

This species averages about 3-5’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support.

Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea pallida

This species has a tight basal rosette but the inflorescence is large and can become too heavy for the stem.

False Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

The floret is often heavier than the stem can sustain.

General Rule: Tall grass species will become floppy without adequate competition and

structural support.

Plant Attributes

‘Aggressive’ Plants

Red-twig Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

This species is a wetland species but does well in drier conditions as well; it is also a large shrub (10-12’ ht). It is excellent for screening.

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

This species makes an excellent groundcover, but in good garden soil, regular moisture, and full sun it can become a nuisance.

False Aster

Boltonia asteroides

This species does well in dry years and will spread aggressively by seed in open or disturbed soils.

General Rule: Use these plants sparingly, appropriately, and where there will be suitable

constraint or competition.

Monarda (Bergamot)

Monarda fistulosa

In rich garden soil this species can become larger than intended and will spread easily in disturbed or open soil.

New England Aster

Aster novae-angliea

This species is a wetland species but does well in drier soils it is easily wind spread.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbecki hirta

This species is biannual but will seed in disturbed and open soil easily; it can dominate a first year or second year planting.

Native Substitutes

Solomon Seal or False Solomon Seal

OR Hosta

Black-Eyed Susan OR

FORMayapple

DaylilyFORBlue-Eyed Grass

Native Substitutes

Butterfly Milkweed OR Sedum

Blue-Joint Grass OR

FORJoe Pye Weed

MiscanthusFORIndian Grass

Native Substitutes

Geum OR Periwinkle

Prairie Dropseed OR

FORLupine

MiscanthusFORFox Sedge

Native Substitutes

Bottle Gentian OR Asian Lily

Big Bluestem Grass OR

FORMichigan Lily

Blood GrassFORIndian Grass

Native Substitutes

Lead Plant OR Lamb’s Ear

Pasque Flower OR

FORWhite Sage

CrocusFORTrout Lily

Native Substitutes

Lead Plant OR Salvia

Soldier Mallow OR

FORCatnip

RoseFORPrairie Rose

Native Substitutes

Witch Hazel Forsythia

St. John’s Wort PotentillaFOR

FOR

Native Substitutes

Arrowwood Viburnum Lilac

Maple Leaf Viburnum

RhododendronFOR

FOR

Thank You