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