![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plant-Perennials.jpg\")
Living in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives. Spending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives.
\n\n\n\nSpending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining at Saw’s BBQ or hiking at Red Mountain Park. So we break down the best ways to achieve a low-maintenance yard, including prices and examples.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nAll flowering plants go through similar life stages, but perennials repeat their life cycle, living for at least three years. In contrast, annual plants only live one year, so you must continuously replant your garden. Furthermore, many perennials can thrive even when only given well-drained soil and sunshine.
\n\n\n\nHowever, because perennials live for years, proper planning is crucial. Dividing a single plant into multiples controls the size of the plant, so its roots spread out and take in more water and nutrition. Smaller plants also provide greater flexibility with plant placement and garden design. The best time to divide your perennials is in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nExamples of low-maintenance perennials that thrive in Birmingham’s climate include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Perennial plants tend to cost more than annuals, typically costing $10 to $100 per plant. However, many perennials can grow from seeds, and a package of single plant seeds is usually less than $2. To start a wildflower garden, you can buy a bag of mixed perennial wildflower seeds for $10 to $25.
\n\n\n\nAlabama is home to some of North America’s most magnificent trees, flowers, and vines. Native plants require less maintenance than foreign species because they naturally thrive in Birmingham’s environment. As a result, flower beds filled with native perennials require minimal watering, fertilization, and soil amendments.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are also fantastic for Birmingham’s ecosystem because they support local wildlife and don’t disturb their habitat. Pollinators like butterflies and bumble bees prefer native nectar, while birds feast on native seeds. Birmingham’s native herbivores, such as white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail rabbits, enjoy native leaves, nuts, and fruit.
\n\n\n\nExamples of Birmingham’s best native plants include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most native Birmingham plants cost $20 to $150, but the cost depends on the type of plant, its stage of maturity, rarity, and desirability. For example, immature native trees typically cost $35 to $200, but a mature tree can cost as much as $1,850. In contrast, vines and shrubs are usually less than $50 each. Many native plants also grow well from seeds, which can be taken from existing plants for free.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pine-straw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nMulch can save you time in the yard while dramatically improving the curb appeal of your Alabama landscape. Because mulch shades the soil, less water evaporates, allowing you to water less often. Additionally, mulch prevents weeds from sprouting by barricading the earth.
\n\n\n\nThere are organic and inorganic mulch options, but in most cases, organic mulch is superior. As organic mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. On the other hand, some inorganic mulches, such as rubber mulch, deteriorate the soil’s quality. Although both types block weeds and look pretty, organic mulch is better at retaining soil moisture.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most mulch costs $45 to $130 per cubic yard or $3 to $7 per bag. Organic mulch typically costs $50 to $150 per cubic yard, while inorganic is usually $20 to $400 per cubic yard. Straw, pine bark, gravel, and plastic are some of the most affordable mulches, while rubber mulch, crushed sea shells, and pine needles are among the most expensive.
\n\n\n\nHardscape includes all the non-living, man-made structures in your yard, so adding more reduces yard work and improves your outdoor living experience. For example, some Brummies enjoy sipping sweet tea beneath the partial shade of a pergola, while others prefer gathering around a fire pit on a cool November night.
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscape:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of hardscape varies depending on the structure. For example, most fire pits cost $250 to $2,200, while you can expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a pergola. A typical walkway ranges from $335 to $2,840, and a composite deck usually costs about $8,850.
\n\n\n\nDerived from the Greek word “xeros”, which means dry, xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that requires little to no water. Examples include replacing a portion of the lawn with a rock garden and selecting native plants and succulents that require minimal irrigation.
\n\n\n\nBy reducing water usage, xeriscaping saves you money and time watering the yard. Furthermore, xeriscaping typically requires no fertilization and very little pruning
\n\n\n\nExamples of xeriscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Including labor and materials, most xeriscaping costs $5 to $20 per square foot. Expect xeric plants to cost $9 to $70 and ground cover to cost $10 to $25. The average drought-tolerant tree costs about $300, and rocks typically cost $40 to $140 per cubic yard. Most landscape architects charge $60 to $175 per hour.
\n\n\n\nEven Birmingham’s best grass types require a lot of maintenance, but groundcover is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns. Groundcovers, like creeping thyme, add beauty, color, and fragrance to your landscape. Best of all, the groundcover doesn’t have to be mowed and rarely requires fertilization.
\n\n\n\nExamples of groundcover include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcover:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover typically costs $10 to $25 per plant.
\n\n\n\nIs caring for the grass bogging you down? Natural grass requires regular mowing, fertilization, sunshine, well-drained soil, and much TLC. In contrast, artificial grass just needs occasional cleaning, allowing you to have a beautiful lawn that requires next to no work.
\n\n\n\nHowever, artificial grass isn’t an exact match, and some homeowners prefer the feeling of natural grass between their toes. Although replacing your existing turf with artificial grass requires a hefty upfront investment, you’ll save time and money on maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay about $3,000 to $7,000 to replace your lawn with artificial turf, which is about $5.50 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are fleshy plants (e.g., cacti) that store water in their leaves or stem. Because they stockpile water, they are drought tolerant and require minimal care. They can thrive indoors or outdoors and are standard features in xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are also very forgiving, making them great for new gardeners. I grew my first succulent in the second grade, took it home, put it on the window sill, then forgot about it for months. Finally, I came back to a sickly brown plant, added a little water, and it flourished. That plant survived to see me graduate high school, even with inconsistent care.
\n\n\n\nExamples of succulents for your Birmingham landscape include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most succulents cost $10 to $75 per plant, but prices vary depending on the size and species. For example, most aloe vera plants cost $10 to $20 per plant, but large aloe plants can cost $30 to $150.
\n\n\n\nCreeping phlox is an attractive yet inexpensive ground cover that thrives in Birmingham’s soil.
Planting perennials and native plants from seeds is the cheapest way to start a garden. Most seed packs cost under $2, and gardening groups often have seed exchanges. You can save more money by using DIY fertilizers made from existing organic material, such as grass clippings or a compost pile.
However, if growing it from seed isn’t an option, save money by buying less mature plants. For example, purchasing a small tree that won’t produce fruit for years is much more affordable than buying a mature fruit tree.
Butterflies are attracted to the colorful petals of Birmingham’s native Azaleas, such as pink azaleas (Rhododendron periclymenoides). In fact, nearly 20 species of azaleas are native to Alabama, and these plants don’t require a lot of care. However, they attract swallowtails, grey commas, and several other butterflies.
If you want to eliminate yard work, hire a landscaper to do it for you. Experienced professionals know how to maintain a lush lawn and gorgeous garden beds. However, even low-maintenance landscaping requires heavy lifting upfront, so contact a Birmingham lawn care pro to take that weight off your shoulders.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
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\n","content":"\nIn the wild areas of Pensacola, such as Big Lagoon State Park, native plants abound. These plants are an important part of any local ecosystem. They’re a great help to pollinators and feed your area’s critters. They’re also beautiful low-maintenance options for your landscaping if you’re looking for some new blooms to fill your outdoor space with. Here’s a list of some of the best native plants for Pensacola to help you pick out your new flora:
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
American beautyberry is a shrub that certainly lives up to its name. Its light green leaves and vivid purple berries are a sight to behold, making it a great choice for beds or as an accent plant. Beautyberry requires very little water, prefers low sun, and is low-maintenance. It does best in soil with either loam or sandy composition.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, requires only 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, the berries it grows are edible for humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low, prune in late winter to make it look better next year
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Black-eyed Susan is a beautiful Florida native wildflower with bright yellow leaves and a dark brown center that gives it its name. It’s highly attractive to pollinators but is resistant to deer and looks great in beds, pots, or planters. It has some drought tolerance but does require its fair share of water.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan prefers full sun and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. If you plant this flower, be warned that it can become invasive if conditions are too ideal, so keep an eye on it and dig up the underground rhizomes it spreads by if it starts pushing out your other plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be perennial, biennial, or annual depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring to early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium. Has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blue_Mistflower_Conoclinium_coelestinum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Linda M Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Blue mistflower is another beautiful Florida native wildflower, one that grows small purple clumping flowers. It can handle some shade and tolerates a few different soil types, and requires a moderate amount of water while still being drought tolerant.
\n\n\n\nBlue mistflower is resistant to deer and is very attractive to pollinators thanks to the abundance of nectar its flowers hide. This is another flower that can spread, so take care not to let it take over.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate, is drought-tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral honeysuckle is a flowering vine with lovely tube-shaped red flowers that attract all kinds of pollinators, hummingbirds in particular. It has moderate water needs but is drought tolerant once established, and it can tolerate some shade along with a variety of different soils.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle makes a great addition to trellises, or can grow around a pole or on a wall. You can even grow them around posts on outdoor structures, like gazebos, to give them that extra je ne sais quoi. Keep in mind, however, that this vine’s flowers are poisonous, so be very careful around them.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring, early summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Flowers are toxic to both animals and humans, berries are inedible
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_leavenworthii_Leavenworths_Tickseed_12743506864.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
If you want a native plant for your Pensacola landscape, there’s none better than Florida’s state wildflower. Also known as tickseed, Coreopsis is a wonderful yellow flower that loves the sun and tolerates many different soil types. Some varieties also have stunning red or orange colors closer to the center. It requires a bit more maintenance than some of the others on this list, but is well worth it.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 inches to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None, has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30324722222_48e115f639_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schluz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Longleaf pine is a species of pine tree native to Florida. Unlike many other pines, it grows tall and thin, up to 100 feet tall, with most of its branches towards the top of the tree. For this reason, it makes for a great centerpiece for your outdoor space. Longleaf pine is low-maintenance, requires little water, and prefers full sun.
\n\n\n\nIf you do choose this tree for your property, don’t make the decision lightly. Longleaf pine is classified as an endangered species. While you can have one on your property, you cannot cut it down and will need a special permit to relocate it should you decide you no longer want it, so make sure you do your research and understand state and local laws surrounding endangered species before installing a longleaf pine.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, acidic or neutral, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Year-round
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 80 to 100 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pollen and nuts can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8695231251_e54600299a_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: manuel m. v. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Red buckeye is a beautiful shrub with tube-shaped red flowers that make it very attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. It’s low-maintenance, tolerates some shade, and requires a moderate amount of water. Thanks to its height, which is tall enough to sometimes be considered a small tree, it makes a great centerpiece for your landscape or can be used as an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose red buckeye, keep in mind that several parts of the plant are highly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, tolerates a wide variety of soil types
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Seeds, leaves, and sprouts are toxic to both humans and animals when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Symphyotrichum_adnatum_168895303.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Horn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
Scaleleaf aster is another stunning Florida native wildflower, one with pale purple to white flowers and a beautiful yellow center that make it very attractive to pollinators, bees especially. It can tolerate some shade and is very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This aster goes great in flower beds and containers and makes for a wonderful accent plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, chalky, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late autumn to early winter
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not require supplemental water once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scarlet-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
Scarlet sage, also known as blood sage or tropical sage, is a Florida native wildflower and the only sage native to the US with red flowers, which attract many different kinds of pollinators. It has moderate water needs and is low-maintenance. Scarlet sage can be either an annual or a perennial, and typically blooms in June.
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage is a great accent plant that goes well in flower beds or containers. It’s somewhat sensitive to salt, so make sure it has protection from salt spray and coastal winds. If you’re expecting a heavy storm or hurricane, take them inside so the salt doesn’t harm the plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be annual or perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"picture](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nSeaside goldenrod is another Florida native wildflower, one with beautiful small yellow clumping flowers that attract both birds and pollinators. It prefers full sun, loamy or sandy soil, and is low-maintenance and drought tolerant. As its name implies, seaside goldenrod is very salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas like Pensacola specifically.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nWith so many choices available, it can be difficult to pick out a few native plants for your landscape. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to narrow them down. Take note of the conditions in your landscape and choose plants that are well-suited for it. If you get a great deal of sun, for example, pick native plants that do best in full sun, which shouldn’t be hard in Florida.
\n\n\n\nYou also need to examine your soil and determine what composition it has, how well it drains, and its pH balance. All of these things are important for a plant, native or no, so make sure you pick plants that can thrive in the type of soil in your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPensacola is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. This means that its average minimum yearly temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The Hardiness Zones are used to determine how low of a temperature that plants can thrive in any given area.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant on this list can comfortably tolerate Zone 9a, and Pensacola’s other native plants are very likely to be the same way.
\n\n\n\n Some native plants are poisonous. You’ll need to take certain precautions when keeping these species in your outdoor space to avoid harm to yourself or others. Some examples include certain passionflower species, magnolia trees, and milkweed.
There’s also the possibility for certain native plants to become invasive. If conditions are too ideal, some native plants can push out the others in your garden, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t take over your landscape.
With the right precautions, yes. Most poisonous plants are harmless unless ingested. Some, however, can cause irritation of the skin if you touch them. Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe when keeping poisonous plants:
Many are, but not all. Native plants generally require less maintenance than non-native ones since they’re already in the habitats they’re best suited for. Just like any other kind of plant, however, their levels of maintenance vary.
Not particularly. Every plant needs time to establish itself in a new area, and native ones are no different. Keep an eye on any plant you introduce to your landscape and care for it well until the establishment period has come and gone. How long this takes will vary depending on the kind of plant and exact species.
When it comes to discovering new native plants to grow in your North Florida landscape, there’s no better place to look than the wilderness. Take a walk through areas like Pensacola’s Scenic Bay Bluffs Preserve and take note of some of the flora you see so that you can plant some in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to remember, however, that you should never take plants directly from the wild. Doing so can upset a fragile ecosystem. Instead, purchase them from qualified retailers recommended by the Florida Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help caring for your landscape, connect with a local lawn care pro who can maintain the yard’s turfgrass, edging, and hedges.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Black-eyed Susan / Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Pensacola","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1789c/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/107df/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/293e9/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/f2cbb/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1789c/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/c26c2/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1dd6e/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/67b76/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/8df11/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/98a65/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/1dd6e/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/a2f882eeffefd56e2151b35fce700822/3cc96/52377061309_b24b0dc971_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Pensacola | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants are very important for your local ecosystem. Read here to find some of the best native plants for your Pensacola yard or garden."}}},{"node":{"id":"89583ed8-e7d1-5dc4-a061-3e0402e994bc","slug":"best-native-plants-grand-rapids","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/best-native-plants-grand-rapids/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"438713f2-daf7-5a75-a66f-7741f7e2b4cb","name":"Grand Rapids","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 9th, 2023","excerpt":"From the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids is home to many beautiful landscapes. It’s easy to appreciate the variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragrances of the plants. The good news is that you can create the same environment in your yard with the best native plants for Grand Rapids. […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids is home to many beautiful landscapes. It’s easy to appreciate the variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragrances of the plants. The good news is that you can create the same environment in your yard with the best native plants for Grand Rapids.
\n\n\n\nOnce you open your yard to native plants, you and the ecosystem will experience a range of benefits:
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer a variety of choices. From native wildflowers to native shrubs to perennials with pretty white flowers, it won’t be hard to find native species that will thrive in your West Michigan home landscape.
\n\n\n\nThis article will cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Osier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is also called red twig dogwood. No doubt named because it is red and looks like a small tree limb or twig. It blooms in spring and summer and adds a splash of color to the cold Grand Rapids winters. It’s a favorite because it develops its beautiful bright color, which is usually red, in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIt will be at home most anywhere, as it adapts to a wide range of soil types. If you’re looking to make a quick impression, you’ll appreciate how quickly this shrub grows. Red-osier dogwood is also functional; its roots help reduce erosion.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub offers a beautiful cluster of creamy white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. Pollinators and butterflies stop by to admire the small petals, while birds feast on the berries.
\n\n\n\nIt requires full sun to partial shade, so a home with a few trees that allows in a moderate level of light will provide a warm welcome for the red-osier dogwood.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop it from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis beautiful cluster of tiny, hot pink petals sits atop stems with long, erect leaves emerging on opposite sides. Swamp milkweed is commonly found in the wetlands and blooms between June and October. It’s poisonous in large quantities, so be sure to keep small children from giving it a taste test.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds and butterflies are some of this flower’s biggest fans. Monarch butterflies depend on this perennial for survival. Swamp milkweed makes a great addition to rain gardens and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nEven though swamp milkweed is usually found outlining ponds and streams, it adapts to drier conditions like loam and clay. The best home for this sappy weed is one that gets a lot of sunlight. The flower tolerates partial shade but thrives best when it can salute the sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Nannyberry\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nannyberry-flowers-wendell-smith-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This plant’s berries are enjoyed by wildlife, birds, and humans, too. That is, if you can reach the berries. Nannyberry is a very large, tall shrub or a small tree. This plant is a Grand Rapids favorite because its dark berries are usually still around in the winter, and the berries attract wildlife and birds, too. Nannyberry’s creamy white flowers sprout in the spring.
\n\n\n\nNannyberry prefers full sun but will adjust to partial shade. If you have a shady yard, be on the lookout for mildew on your nannyberry. Other than that, it’s insect and disease tolerant. If you’re looking for a good, natural privacy screen, plant nannyberries as hedges. Nannyberry also works well as shrub borders and foundation plantings.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Prune immediately after flowering.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/35788220756_6c924b709e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed’s yellow and orange petals are a wonderful site for sore eyes and for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Grand Rapids homeowners can give back to the ecosystem by planting this bright plant, as monarch butterflies depend on it for their existence.
\n\n\n\nIf you have poor soil, you’ll be happy to know butterfly weed isn’t picky. Although it prefers well-drained soils, it grows in dry, poor soils, too. This plant is drought-tolerant and easy to care for, but it may attract aphids. To get rid of aphids, hit the plants with a strong spray of water.
\n\n\n\nLike swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed comes with some concerns. All parts of this perennial herb are considered poisonous. It can result in skin or eye irritation when touched. Be sure to handle this attractive plant with gloves, and plant it somewhere not easily accessible to pets and small children.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained dry to mid-range soil moist. Loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is appropriately named for its dark center and sunny disposition. With its long, yellow petals, it resembles a daisy. Young plants may attract snails and slugs, but other than that, black-eyed Susan has no major disease or pest problems. She was made for the Grand Rapids winters – young plants can withstand a little frost.
\n\n\n\nThis daisy look-alike is easy to grow and works well in borders or as an accent plant. Butterflies, pollinators, and birds flock to this ray of sunshine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Black-eyed Susan requires about one inch of water weekly when first planted and is drought-resistant once established.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virgins-Bower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s bower, also called the devil’s darning needles, is toxic to humans and pets. The strong bitter taste and mouth pain this vine causes humans when ingested is usually a quick and memorable warning that it’s not edible.
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s bower withstands occasional flooding and thrives best in soils that are rich and moist but well-drained. If you have a very shady yard and have been looking for a flowering vine that likes to climb high, look no further. Virgin Bower loves to wind around fences and up walls and trellises. If you’re looking for it to seed, be sure to get the female version. The male plant does not seed.
\n\n\n\nJust know that Virgin Bower likes to wrap around other plants and can invade the space of other vegetation, like shrubs. Pruning it in the spring can help manage its aggressive spread.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Little](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Montrealais / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem is not afraid to stick around through the harsh Grand Rapids winters. This ornamental grass provides cover for wildlife year-round. It has a blue-green color in the summer and a copper color that stands its ground through the winter. The leaves are yellow-orange in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIt’s drought-resistant once established and works well in a xeriscape garden or rain garden. This year-round colorful grass is low-maintenance and shares its seeds with small mammals and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August – February
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon boneset has been used to treat a variety of maladies, including constipation, fevers, and colds. Little white flowers appear in late summer and fall. Common boneset gives nectar to pollinators and butterflies and also attracts aphids, Lygus bugs, and leaf beetles.
\n\n\n\nThis flower is serious about its water consumption and grows best when the soil does not dry out. If you have a pond on your property, common boneset is a great addition. It works well next to ponds and in rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nAlthough common boneset has been used medicinally, it is considered toxic and should not be consumed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich moist to wet sandy or clay soils; though it can also tolerate dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if eaten.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9518319219_495c9ab151_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nGrand Rapids homeowners can’t help but love New England aster. Starting from late summer to late fall, it blooms for at least six weeks. It grows up to six feet tall and is still around even when Grand Rapids temperatures get cooler.
\n\n\n\nThese strikingly beautiful bright pink flowers resemble daisies, but with slightly thinner petals. If your property is sometimes visited by deer or rabbits, New England aster is a great addition, as deer and rabbits prefer tastier treats. Butterflies and birds are quite pleased about this; there’s more New England aster for them to consume.
\n\n\n\nThis plant needs space for good airflow or it may develop diseases. It works well in cottage gardens and borders, just as long as it’s not crowded.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. If it grows tall, it may require staking or other support. Pinching back stems before midsummer controls plant height and promotes flower growth.
\n\n\n\nChoose plants that are in your area’s hardiness zones. Grand Rapids temperatures can drop into the teens or lower. Plants in the Grand Rapids zone, which are zones 5 and 6, can withstand the lowest temperatures the area may experience.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you have the yard space and capacity to grow the vegetation. Although you may have seen a few white oaks (quercus alba), the tree is huge and may not be right for a typical front yard or backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to knowing how much space you have, be familiar with your soil type, if your soil tends to retain water or dry out, and how sunny or shady your yard is. Select native plants that will thrive best in your yard’s composition.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are low-maintenance, but they still require some work. Gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic. However, if you feel forced to tend to your plants, it may cause undue stress. So, it’s also important to choose plants that fit your maintenance availability.
\n\n\n\nGrand Rapids experiences freezing winters and can have hot summers. It’s best to plant in the spring or fall. The weather is cooler and there’s more rain. This allows for roots to establish before the summer heat or before winter freezing temperatures cause dormancy.
The USDA separates the United States into different zones, with each zone representing a 10 degrees Fahrenheit difference in yearly average lowest winter temperatures.
Grand Rapids is in zones 5 and 6. Zones 5 through 6 include zones 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. They have temperatures that range from -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit for zone 5a, to -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit for zone 6b.
Most plants native to Grand Rapids thrive best in soil with a range of 5.5 to 7.0 pH. Some plants may tolerate soil more acidic or alkaline, and the type of plant determines where it fits in the pH soil range. It’s best to research the plant to know what type of soil is best. Without appropriate soil conditions, plants can suffer and even die.
You’ve probably admired plenty of native plants while visiting the John Ball Zoo or Millenium Park. Lovely examples of Michigan native plants are likely displayed throughout your neighborhood. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has information on local native plant sales by the Kent Conservation District and other organizations.
\n\n\n\nAnother place to look if you want to bring a piece of Grand Rapids home with you is a native plant nursery. Try these local options:
\n\n\n\nYou’ve already done the work of helping sustain the ecosystem by giving natural resources to butterflies, other pollinators, and local wildlife with your native landscape. Now, make sure both you and the local wildlife have a healthy turfgrass canvas, too. Let a local lawn care pro handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Farmartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Grand Rapids, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1789c/Common-Boneset-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/107df/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/293e9/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/f2cbb/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1789c/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/c26c2/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1dd6e/Common-Boneset-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/67b76/Common-Boneset-1.webp 320w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/8df11/Common-Boneset-1.webp 500w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/98a65/Common-Boneset-1.webp 800w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1dd6e/Common-Boneset-1.webp 960w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/3cc96/Common-Boneset-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Grand Rapids, MI | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the best native plants for Grand Rapids, including the benefits of native plants, native plant nurseries, and FAQ."}}},{"node":{"id":"175290c2-ba3e-595b-9a2a-77833ce93316","slug":"best-native-plants-detroit","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/detroit/best-native-plants-detroit/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Tatiana Barrie is a writer with a background in law and tech, passionate about environmental sustainability and animal welfare. When she’s not writing, Tatiana enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and traveling the world.","name":"Tatiana Barrie","id":"8c60c769-47b8-542b-b658-4947278b51c5","path":"/author/tatiana-barrie/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2efff47c9ef277fa369b6224bb184e40?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f43b41b2-c5f2-52fc-842d-d4f53b9ac8ab","name":"Detroit","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/detroit/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s a lot more to Detroit than just Comerica Park, the Eastern Market, and Mototown. From the Riverwalk to Belle Isle, the Motor City is also home to an amazing array of native plants that can add a touch of Michigan’s natural beauty to your yard. To help you incorporate them into your landscape design, […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a lot more to Detroit than just Comerica Park, the Eastern Market, and Mototown. From the Riverwalk to Belle Isle, the Motor City is also home to an amazing array of native plants that can add a touch of Michigan’s natural beauty to your yard. To help you incorporate them into your landscape design, we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Detroit lawns.
\n\n\n\nThese native trees and plants won’t only improve the appearance of your yard but also come with a range of additional benefits:
\n\n\n\nWhether you prefer showy wildflowers, elegant trees, or a mix of both, these 10 best native plants for Detroit are sure to enhance your outdoor space and bring you closer to the natural beauty of the city.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Frank Mayfield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs a member of the sunflower family, the yellow coneflower produces beautiful, bright yellow flowers that bloom from mid-June to September, providing a long-lasting burst of color in your garden. While it can endure some degree of light shade, it requires full sun conditions to thrive – so it’s not the best choice for heavily shaded yards.
\n\n\n\nYellow coneflower is also low-maintenance and resistant to many common plant pets, such as Lygus bugs, leafhoppers, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Plus, it’s a pollinator magnet, so you’ll be doing your part to support Detroit’s wildlife by planting it in your yard.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Mid-range soil moist; it can thrive in various soil types, including clay, sandy, and calcareous.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-Season (June to August)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. If it grows tall stems, these may require support. To encourage new growth, prune back 1 to 2 inches above the ground during early to mid-spring.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon boneset is a versatile and attractive plant that can bring both aesthetic and practical benefits to your yard. This plant is known for its Detroit’s winter hardiness, beautiful clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, and its medicinal properties.
\n\n\n\nIt can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from dry to moist, and it will reach around 3 to 4 feet tall under full sun conditions. Now, keep in mind that common boneset spreads via underground rhizomes. As a result, it’s best to avoid planting it in the same flower bed as other Detroit native plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich moist to wet sandy or clay soils; though it can also tolerate dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. To shield the roots from the harsh effects of Detroit’s deep winter freezes, it’s recommended to apply a three-inch layer of mulch.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs a wetland species, swamp milkweed is commonly found along the edges of streams and rivers, wet meadows, and swamps. In fact, if you like to spend time outdoors around Detroit’s great lakes and rivers, you’re probably already familiar with it. The plant produces clusters of pink or purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, and it serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis species prefers full sun or partial shade, and it’s adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It’s also a good idea to plant it somewhere that’s well-drained, because although it needs moist soil, it doesn’t like to sit in flooded areas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is known for its cheerful yellow petals and dark center. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and thrive in various conditions, whether it’s full sun or partial shade, dry or moist soil – this plant will adapt and flourish.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, black-eyed Susan is a practical choice for erosion control and stabilization. Its deep root system helps to hold soil in place, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rain or wind. This means that if your lawn is already damaged or sloped, black-eyed Susan can help stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed gets its name from its ability to attract a wide variety of butterflies, including monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries. These butterflies are drawn to its bright orange and yellow flowers, which provide a rich source of nectar. It’s also a hardy and easy-to-grow plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can also grow in partial shade and tolerate drought once established.
\n\n\n\nNow, butterfly weed is not for impatient gardeners. If you choose to grow it from seed, it can take up to two years to bloom. Besides, it’s prone to aphids. You can control them through natural methods such as spraying the plants with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can help keep their populations in check.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained dry to mid-range soil moist. Loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Trembling-Aspen.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tewy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTrembling aspen (aka quaking aspen) is known for its striking white bark and shimmering leaves that flutter in the breeze, giving it its common name. This tree is a fast grower, reaching heights of up to 60 feet – way taller than the Spirit of Detroit statue! To get there, though, you’ll need to maintain it frequently. It requires at least four hours of daily sunlight as well as generous watering and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nOne potential issue to be aware of when growing trembling aspen is its susceptibility to insect pests such as tent caterpillars and aspen leaf miners. These pests can cause defoliation and damage to the tree. You can control them using natural pesticides or by encouraging natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 1 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to mid-range, organic-rich, well-drained soil moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a tall, elegant plant that produces masses of purple flowers in late summer and fall, providing a burst of color to your garden when many other plants are slowing down. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers slightly acidic pH levels.
\n\n\n\nWhile it can tolerate partial or light shade, this plant needs at least six to eight hours of daily sunlight to thrive. Detroit’s humidity during the summer can become an issue if you don’t provide adequate air circulation around your New England aster plants. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to space them out properly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ninebark.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nNinebark’s dense growth and multi-stemmed habit make it an excellent choice for creating a living privacy screen around your garden beds or lawn. This shrub is known for its striking bark, which peels away in layers to reveal a range of colors including red, brown, and orange. In addition to its attractive bark, ninebark produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by red or brown fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nOne of the great things about ninebark is that it is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning or special care. However, if you want to keep the plant looking its best, you can prune it in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist clay and loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer (May – Jun)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s Bower (also known as woodbine, the devil’s darning needles, and old man’s beard) is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it perfect for covering a trellis, fence, or other vertical structure in your yard. This plant prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged and produces feathery seed heads that persist into the winter months.
\n\n\n\nJust a heads up, though: Virgin’s Bower can be quite the go-getter. It spreads quickly by self-seeding and can take over other plants if not managed properly. So, if you want to keep it in check, be sure to prune it back in the spring and keep it away from delicate plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Little-bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alexschott / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem is a warm-season grass that typically blooms in mid to late summer, producing fluffy seed heads that persist into the winter months. The plant’s foliage is a gorgeous blue-green color in the summer, turning to shades of orange, red, and bronze in the fall – it’s like having a mini autumn in your garden!
\n\n\n\nAnother great thing about little bluestem is that it’s low-maintenance. It’s drought-tolerant and can adapt to a wide range of soil types, making it a great choice for Detroit’s climate. Plus, it’s deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about pesky critters munching on your plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August – February
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBefore picking a native plant, the first thing you should do is take a look at your yard and think carefully about its conditions. Is it sunny or shady? Is the soil sandy or clay-based? Are there any areas that are particularly wet or dry? Choose plants that are well-suited to your yard’s conditions to ensure their success.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to consider is maintenance. Native plants are generally low-maintenance, but it’s still important to think about your ability to care for them. Choose plants that fit your time and energy level, and consider factors like pruning and watering requirements.
\n\n\n\nAlthough we highly recommend the native plants mentioned earlier, there are many other options available (native and non-native) that might better align with your preferences. Detroit falls under USDA hardiness zone 6b, indicating that the region’s average minimum temperature ranges from -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. When exploring alternative plants, make sure that they are suitable for the hardiness zone of Detroit.
\n\n\n\nDetroit’s winters can be quite challenging, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall. That’s why, generally, the ideal time to plant is in the spring or early fall, when the weather is cooler and there is more moisture in the soil.
Most Detroit native plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. However, make sure you research the specific pH needs of your chosen native plants before planting them in your garden. If you don’t, it can lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and even plant death.
In Michigan, it’s illegal to collect certain native species, such as club mosses and all trillium species. These plants play an important role in local ecosystems and are protected to ensure their survival. Additionally, there are some endangered native plants that you’ll want to avoid collecting to help preserve their populations.
If you’re a fan of walking along the Detroit Riverfront or taking a trip to Belle Isle Park, you’ve probably already seen most of these plants. These sites boast several native flowers, including Black-eyed Susans, New England asters, and yellow coneflowers.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want to bring some of that natural beauty into your own yard, you can check your locally-owned and operated nurseries to see whether they have Michigan native plants in stock. These are some recommended options:
\n\n\n\nFilling your garden with native plants is a great starting point to create your dream outdoor space. However, if you don’t take care of the other aspects of your landscape, your natural oasis won’t reach its full potential. Leave the lawn care to the experts and connect with a local pro to achieve your landscaping goals.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Swamp Milkweed at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge / USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
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\n","content":"\nAfter visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found 9 native plants that thrive in Milwaukee’s short, mild summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a Milwaukee favorite because it blooms for at least 6 weeks, starting from late summer to late fall. It’s built to withstand the cooler temperatures of southeastern Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nThis flower will stop you in your tracks with its bright pink-reddish daisy-looking petals. As they droop and close at night or when it’s cloudy, they appear to fall asleep. They awaken by reopening to show off their yellow center when the sun returns.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster can tower to heights of 6 feet, easily signaling to butterflies to come and have some of its nectar. If grown in the right conditions, this plant saves you money by reseeding if not cut back after it flowers.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster thrives well in yards with a lot of sun or just a little shade. It’s usually found growing as a prairie plant. Use this daisy look-alike in butterfly gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s trademark is its double-flower. A bushier, smaller array of smaller petals resembling pom-poms sit atop longer petals.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a contest between which is more striking, the purple coneflower or the New England aster. Both are rich in color. Also called pink double delight because of its pink-purplish double flowers, the purple coneflower is well-adapted to Milwaukee winters. The flower blooms until the first frost.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see these flowers generously decorating meadows and prairies. They add wonderful excitement to pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and borders. If pink is not your favorite color, no worries. The purple coneflower has cultivars that come in many colors and sizes.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is great for homeowners that don’t want to replant every season. Like the New England Aster, the purple coneflower reseeds if the seed heads are not removed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like bright flowers, the stunning orange petals sprouting from butterfly milkweed’s wide green leaves will be an asset to your garden. On the other hand, if you have children, you may want to stay clear of this plant or use it with caution. This perennial herb, which also goes by the name butterfly weed, is not an herb you want to cook with. It has low poison severity, and all parts are considered poison. It can cause vomiting or spasms if ingested and skin or eye irritation when touched.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to butterfly milkweed for the nectar. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed plants for their existence, so you’ll give back to the ecosystem by planting this nonedible herb in your butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed likes to be left alone once planted, so make sure you’re certain when you give it a home. It doesn’t transplant well. Fortunately, it’s pest and disease tolerant and requires little maintenance. It’s a great addition to borders and cottage gardens in yards where small children and pets do not wander into the vegetation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. Possible skin and eye irritant if touched.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou can see why red columbine is also called little lanterns. The red and yellow tubular flowers droop. Sometimes the petals can be found flaring out a little, exposing their yellow stamens. This flower may not be ideal if people tend to discard lit cigarettes on your property. Red columbine is moderately flammable.
\n\n\n\nRed columbine is most at home in soils that remain moist and on properties that get a lot of sun. But it will adapt to partial shade. The flowers come in early spring and only last about a month. But the bright green leaves stay through the summer and make a wonderful groundcover.
\n\n\n\nPlanting these little lanterns allows you to give hummingbirds and other birds a reason to visit. Touching the sap could irritate the skin, so be careful. This plant is easy to grow and a great way to complement a city garden or add some flavor to underplantings for roses and shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Showy-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dseiver / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod’s bright yellow cluster of small petals looks optimistically toward the sky. The flower has medium flammability, so it’s best planted away from areas where the barbeque grill is fired up. It works well with other wildflowers and adds sunshine to wildlife gardens, borders, or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s well-adapted to most soils, so if you have dry or poor soil, showy goldenrod will not let you down. It even self-seeds. The butterflies and birds coming for a nibble are a nice treat for homeowners, but get ready for the bees and beetles it also attracts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure no one uses this flower as an ashtray, as it’s moderately flammable. Flammability appears to be a theme with many of these native Milwaukee plants. But don’t let that scare you away. This flower makes up for its fire rating with other desirable qualities, like being tolerable to multiple soil types, including poor soil, which is not uncommon in Milwaukee.
\n\n\n\nThe wild bergamot’s essential oil is a natural repellent to certain mosquito species, which is another benefit of this native plant. The lavender tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. If Bambi and Bugs Bunny like to visit your yard, you’ll appreciate the deer- and rabbit-resistant qualities of wild bergamot.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Yes; of mint and oregano emitted from foliage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; drought-tolerant, resistant to deer and rabbits
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie_Blazing_Star_Liatris_pycnostachya_-_9395264385-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: wackybadger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis flower blooms from the top down. For four weeks or more, these purple, white, or pink fuzzy flowers sit atop tall multi-pronged grass-like leaves. Milwaukee bird lovers love to send these stars blazing in their gardens because they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they feed birds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nBlazing stars are cold, heat, and drought tolerant. Use them as perennial borders or in native gardens. If you’re trying to impress someone who appreciates nature, put some in a dried flower arrangement as a gift. They’ll stand out like a captured shooting star.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not need additional watering once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 5 feet, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low once established; They require deadheading regularly, which is pruning away seed heads and old growth to allow re-flowering and new growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rattlesnakemaster-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Crazytwoknobs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nRattlesnake Master has a q-tip looking, ball-shaped appearance at its tip. The white parts stick out like porcupine needles. This perennial forb tends to clump together in clusters when growing.
\n\n\n\nIt’s forgiving of soil type, as it thrives in many types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Rattlesnake master is drought-tolerant, so it should work well in a xeriscape design. It has no known toxic hazards to humans, but it has sharp, spiky leaves, so you may not want to touch it.
\n\n\n\nPlant this evergreen in city gardens, or use it as a border or in your flower garden. This plant gets floppy if grown in too much shade. Unless you want wilted-looking plants, make sure this rattlesnake is placed somewhere with lots of sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Evergreen wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers loamy, dry sand and well-drained soil; Adapts well to most soil, including clay and shallow rocky soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid-summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou may already be familiar with the health benefits many attribute to elderberry. Elderberry is an eye-opener with its bright green leaves. It also encourages you to take a deep breath to inhale its lemon-scented white flowers that bloom in the summer.
\n\n\n\nBirds flock to the dark berries. If the birds aren’t stingy, they leave a little of the fruit to be made into jellies and jams. The best part is the elderberry wine that is made from this deciduous shrub. But you must be careful to prepare the plant properly. If ingested uncooked, it can make you sick. This plant is great for hedges and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Deciduous Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer, typically between June and July
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Prefers moist soils but once established, tolerates periods of drought
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide/
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Uncooked berries and other plant parts contain a chemical that can cause nausea and vomiting
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nWhile native plants are adapted to the local environment, each plant has its own unique characteristics and needs. Choose plants that thrive best on your property’s conditions and your maintenance schedule. For example, if a plant needs a lot of water and you have no irrigation system and don’t plan on watering it regularly, it’s not the best choice.
\n\n\n\nBe familiar with your property’s soil type. You don’t want to buy plants that thrive best in well-drained soil if your soil tends to retain water. You also want to be mindful of plants that may be harmful to pets or children, if you have any.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that it’s best to choose plants that are well-suited for your yard’s conditions, your availability for upkeep and maintenance, and your family’s composition and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant is about six weeks before the hard frost, which is when the temperature is consistently below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually in September and October.
Native plants help maintain the Milwaukee ecosystem and create a natural habitat and food source for local butterflies, pollinators, insects, birds, and wildlife. Native species are adapted to the city’s climate, so they take less work to maintain and require less water and fertilizer.
Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you pick plants that thrive best in that climate. Milwaukee is in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. Zones 3 and 4 also make up Wisconsin.
If you’ve been to Lake Park, you’ve seen native plants. Look around you as you’re driving or walking, and you’ll notice the beautiful native greenery and the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife they attract.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local native plant nurseries in the Milwaukee area recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
\n\n\n\nPlant native greenery and watch your yard come alive with color, butterflies, and birds. You don’t have to stop there. Bring even more excitement to your property with other low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nAnother secret to a low-maintenance yard? Leaving it to the pros. Connect with a local lawn care pro who can mow, trim, edge, and tend to the yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Purple coneflowers / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/107df/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/293e9/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/f2cbb/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/c26c2/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/67b76/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/8df11/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/98a65/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/3cc96/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out the best native plants for Milwaukee to find plants that thrive in the city’s climate, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"367475e8-37e1-57ee-b643-d3aca209d1ce","slug":"best-native-plants-tulsa","path":"/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/best-native-plants-tulsa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"105f656f-2e37-56d3-ad23-147a8a48d26a","name":"Tulsa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Nestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native […]
\n","content":"\nNestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native planting.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have had thousands of years to develop in a particular ecosystem. With that much local experience, the native plants covered in this article need virtually no assistance to thrive in Tulsa’s temperate climate.
\n\n\n\nOther perks of growing native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bluestar-Amsonia-tabernaemontana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBluestar is a medium-sized shrub that compliments the landscape of Oklahoma with its four-season interest. This shrub produces clusters of small powder-blue flowers from March until May. The star-shaped blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and carpenter bees. This herbaceous perennial has soft green stems and leaves that turn a buttery yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nBluestar prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It has a vase-shaped growth pattern, with wax stems that are toxic to ingest, so any whitetail deer that pop in won’t hang around. This shrub is not prone to disease and is available in dwarf varieties, such as ‘Blue ice,’ if you need to landscape a small space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy, moist soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March-May
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, delicate scent
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs frequent watering (should never dry out)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 24 to 36 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic (dogs, cats, humans)
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Cut one-third of the plant back each spring.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nEchinacea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but Tulsa residents probably recognize this distinct perennial as a local wildflower. Named after the Greek word ‘echinus,’ which means hedgehog, this flower has a spikey, cone-shaped center that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThese native flowers grow 2 to 4 feet tall and produce blooms from July through September. As the plant matures, its petals droop, highlighting the coneflower’s signature cone shape. A sun-loving flower, this plant is accustomed to the fertile loam of the prairies; however, it will tolerate dryer, sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nThe coneflower is available in yellow, red, orange, purple, and white, with purple being the most common. Plant a variety of colors for a cheerful springtime look, and be sure they get plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nSome coneflower varieties worth exploring:
\n\n\n\nMost coneflowers rebloom without deadheading, which adds to their low-maintenance appeal.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers fertile loam, tolerates clay
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch of water weekly.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Water weekly, add a layer of compost in the spring. Cut back in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Indian-Blanket-Gaillardia-pulchella.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIndian blanket is Oklahoma’s state wildflower. This colorful flower gets its name from how its blooms blanket the ground with vibrant color patterns often found in Native American weaving baskets. A member of the daisy family, this multi-tonal flowering plant has a reddish-pink center that bleeds to yellow towards the tips of the petals.
\n\n\n\nEasy to care for and drought-tolerant, Indian blanket blooms from May through July, and occasionally the colorful blooms continue into the fall. Pollinators are drawn to these flowers’ colors and sweet fragrances, making them an excellent addition to butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Poor soils, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Depending on the habitat, the scents range from licorice to bubblegum.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water daily during germination. Then after blooms appear, you may water once or twice a week when the ground dries out.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: aphids and thrips, Aster yellow
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: No maintenance is required.
\n\n\n\nThis list of native plants would be incomplete without mentioning Oklahoma’s state tree, the eastern redbud. Favored for its stout stature and brilliant violet blooms in spring, the Oklahoma redbud has heart-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. This tree adds four-season interest to Tulsa’s hilly forests. This redbud is also remarkably drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThis deer-resistant tree is excellent for smaller yards in need of visual interest. As one of the first trees to bloom each year, the redbud’s bloom proclaims spring’s arrival. Due to its deep root systems, the eastern redbud can withstand Tulsa’s harsh winters.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering deciduous tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet pea
\n\n\n\nSeasons of interest: Purple blooms in spring, and leaves turn yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Minimal.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 25 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize annually and add mulch. Prune after blooming as needed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purple-Passion-Vine-Passiflora-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nPassion flowers may be synonymous with the tropics, but the purple passion vine stems from Texas and Oklahoma. This tenacious vine can grow up to 25 feet long and produces unique purple flowers that add a regal touch to arches and trellises. In addition to producing flowers, this vine produces edible fruit, which is used to relieve anxiety and sleep problems.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance vine is considered drought-tolerant; however, it needs regular moisture to produce flowers and fruit from mid-summer through fall. The uniquely shaped flowers have spaced-out petals surrounded by a dazzling array of thin, crimped, hair-like segments that lend an exotic feel to any Oklahoma garden. The vine blooms spring through the fall, though most blooms last only 24 hours.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flowering vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, non-saline clays, loams, and san
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, tropical. Reminiscent of grapes.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water every week.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet tall, 25 feet long
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in spring, prune in early spring.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nIf you want to lure butterflies to your garden, try planting butterfly milkweed. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on this wildflower, which the caterpillars use as a food source while growing. Twenty-five milkweed cultivars are native to Oklahoma, so gardeners should have no problem selecting the perfect native specimen for their lawns.
\n\n\n\nDon’t be deterred by the term “weed’–– this plant produces clusters of small, orange, star-shaped flowers that bring a burst of unexpected color to any landscape. This herbaceous perennial loves sunlight and is drought-tolerant. Thanks to its long tap root, this plant only needs an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nThis plant releases seed pods in the fall and can become invasive. To stop the unwanted spread around your home garden, you’ll need to cut off the seed pods in late summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry soil, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested by people, pets, and livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants. Do not fertilize.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bitternut-Hickory-Carya-cordiformis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA deciduous tree that bridges the divide between the hilly forests and prairie land around Tulsa, the bitternut hickory is among the tallest trees in the hickory family. This tree reaches heights of 60 to 80 feet and provides excellent shade. Its long, narrow leaves with serrated edges fade from green to bright yellow each fall. This hickory holds its spectacular foliage longer than most trees.
\n\n\n\nThe bitternut tree is named after the bitter-tasting nuts it produces when it blooms each April. Male flower clusters bond together to make green, rope-like tendrils called catkins, while female flowers produce the bitter fruit after which the tree is named.
\n\n\n\nThe nuts of the bitternut hickory might be too bitter for the human palate, but they are a favorite among squirrels, raccoons, foxes, chipmunks, and rabbits.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous perennial tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam and well-drained quartz sands
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: an inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Hyacinth-Camassia-scilloides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA clump-forming bulbous perennial, the wild hyacinth produces upright clusters of small flowers called racemes. These star-shaped flowers are mostly white but can also be found in lavender, pink, and blue.
\n\n\n\nThey reseed themselves; however, they are easier to grow from bulbs. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart for best results. Like lilies, irises, and other blossoming springtime bulbs, the wild hyacinth has a relatively short bloom time.
\n\n\n\nAfter your hyacinths have finished flowering, remove their blooms, but do not remove their foliage. In order to produce next year’s blooms, bulbs need their leaves to gather energy. Foliage will naturally die back at the end of spring. To prevent fungal diseases, remove the leaves once they have turned brown.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, acidic soils, chalk, loam, sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to June
\n\n\n\nScent: Heavy, earthy, and sweet.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Regular moisture during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry at a depth of 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\nTulsa, Oklahoma, sits within zone 7 on the USDA hardiness zone map, meaning wintertime temps can drop to negative 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants are accustomed to eastern Oklahoma’s winters and will return to life each spring.
\n\n\n\nAll plants have unique sun, soil, and water requirements, so consider these needs when planting. Also, consider your plant’s mature size when spacing your specimens to avoid overcrowding.
\n\n\n\nAsk your local plant nursery about resources for native seeds and plants. You can even find landscapers who specialize in native plant gardening if you want a professional to set up your eco-friendly yard.
\n\n\n\n While digging up a plant from a nearby meadow or prairie may be tempting, transplanting a wild specimen is not a good idea. Digging up native plants disrupts local ecosystems. Plus, some native species are endangered, and transplanting them risks killing them.
Autumn and early spring are the best times to plant native plants because the cooler temperatures and increased precipitation make for a gentler introduction to the new environment.
The beauty of native plants is their low-maintenance needs. Even before planting, most native species need no special treatment. You may aerate the soil and add 0.5 to 1 inch of compost to the soil, but no preparation is necessary.
It can be difficult to find native plants at national garden warehouse retailers. Check out these local nurseries for native Tulsa species.
\n\n\n\nEven though Oklahoma’s native plants don’t need much attention, your landscape may begin to look a little too wild without partial interference. Thankfully, a local lawn care pro can tame your yard’s turf, hedges, and edging to achieve the manicured look.
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