These native plants:

• Are generally easy to find at native plant nurseries and sales,
• Tolerate a wider range of soil types, sun, and moisture,
• Have broad wildlife and pollinator appeal, and
• Boast lengthy bloom time and seasonal interest.

Sociability of Native Plants

Plant sociability measures how species spread and interact in a garden setting. From solitary clumps to prolific spreaders, understanding growth habits can create a balanced garden where plants collaborate, not compete. Sociability varies by region and site conditions. The spectrum listed here is for the Kansas City region with plants in their “ideal” growing conditions. Learn more here.

Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata

Short and sunny keystone species
Bloom: May – June
Height: 16-24 inches
Spread: 12-24 inches
Sun: full sun to light shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: butterflies, pollinators
Sociability: More Social

Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Keystone species with purple fall flowers
Bloom: October – November
Height: 12-36 inches
Spread: 18-30 inches
Sun: full sun to light shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: butterflies, pollinators, bees
Sociability: Most Social

Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula

Compact plant with prairie personality
Bloom: July – September
Height: 12-24 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Sun: full sun to light shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: birds, butterflies
Sociability: Mid

Pussytoes
Antennaria parlinii

Tough groundcover with sweet fuzzy flowers
Bloom: April – May
Height: 6-10 inches
Spread: 8-10 inches
Sun: full sun to light shade
Moisture: average to dry
Wildlife: birds, butterflies
Sociability: More Solitary

Bee Balm
Monarda bradburiana

Always popular with pollinators and people!
Bloom: May – June
Height: 18-24 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Sun: light sun to shade
Moisture: average
Wildlife: hummingbirds, pollinators, bees
Sociability: More Solitary

Eastern Blazing Star
Liatris scariosa

Comes with butterflies!
Bloom: September – October
Height: 36-50 inches
Spread: 12-16 inches
Sun: full sun to light shade
Moisture: average to dry
Wildlife: bees, hummingbirds, monarch magnets, birds eat seeds
Sociability: Mid

Alumroot
Heuchera americana

Our native coral bells
Bloom: April – June
Height: 12-24 inches
Spread: 10-18 inches
Sun: half sun to full shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: tiny pollinators
Sociability: Most Solitary

Golden Groundsel
Packera obovata

Evergreen groundcover and great spring color
Bloom: April – May
Height: 10-14 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Sun: half sun to full shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: pollinators, beneficial insects
Sociability: Mid

Dittany (aka wild oregano)
Cunila origanoides

Fall blooms followed by frost flowers!
Bloom: September – October
Height: 12-16 inches
Spread: 12-16 inches
Sun: sun to medium shade
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: pollinators
Sociability: More Solitary

Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida

Fan favorite keystone species

Bloom: July to October
Height: 24-36 inches
Spread: 24-30 inches
Sun: full sun
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: butterflies, pollinators, birds
Sociability: Mid

Purple Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe involucrata

Knockout color for a sunny spot
Bloom: June – July
Height: 6-9 inches
Spread: 24-36 inches
Sun: full sun
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: pollinators
Sociability: Most Social

Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis

Fine foliage and a formal fountain shape
Bloom: August – October
Height: 18-24 inches
Spread: 24-36 inches
Sun: full sun
Moisture: dry to average
Wildlife: birds
Sociability: Mid

Bee in Candy Land

Garden Design PDF

Shadier Soft Landings

Garden Design PDF

Welcome All Year

Garden Design PDF