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Plant Wild We help gardeners grow thriving, ecologically friendly gardens.

Plant Wild encourages homeowners and landscapers to create beautiful, healthy outdoor spaces by using locally appropriate plants and water-wise designs.

Euphorbia marginata, commonly known as Snow-on-the-Mountain, is an annual herb native to the prairies of North America. ...
11/17/2024

Euphorbia marginata, commonly known as Snow-on-the-Mountain, is an annual herb native to the prairies of North America. Renowned for its striking white-margined bracts and variegated foliage, this plant adds a unique visual appeal to native gardens. Gardeners can benefit from its ability to provide contrast and brightness in garden beds and borders. Its drought tolerance and preference for full sun make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens. Additionally, its long-lasting cut stems are ideal for fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Euphorbia marginata supports native pollinators by providing nectar and pollen. It attracts a variety of insects, including native bees like sweat bees from the Halictidae family and butterflies such as the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). Certain specialized insects, like the Spurge Hawkmoth (Hyles euphorbiae), whose larvae feed on Euphorbia species, may also interact with this plant, though they primarily target other spurge varieties. (photo by peganum)

Native to southern Florida, Senna mexicana, commonly known as the Bahama senna, is a versatile addition to native plant ...
11/03/2024

Native to southern Florida, Senna mexicana, commonly known as the Bahama senna, is a versatile addition to native plant gardens, especially for gardeners aiming to enhance biodiversity in dry, sunny landscapes.

Senna mexicana is an attractive flowering shrub that also doubles as a natural hedge or low screen in garden settings. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to sandy, well-drained soils make it particularly suited to low-water, xeriscaped gardens. Additionally, Senna mexicana’s extended bloom period and vivid flowers add a continuous pop of color, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.

Senna mexicana plays a unique role in supporting specialist pollinators, particularly the Senna-dependent Sulphur butterflies (genus Phoebis), including the Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) and the Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea). As a nitrogen-fixing species, Senna mexicana enhances soil quality by introducing nitrogen to surrounding plants, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. (photo by Judy Gallagher)

Liatris scariosa, commonly known as Northern Blazing Star or Devil's Bite, is a striking perennial wildflower native to ...
10/26/2024

Liatris scariosa, commonly known as Northern Blazing Star or Devil's Bite, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States. Noted for its tall, slender spikes adorned with dense clusters of vibrant purple flower heads, it adds bold color and architectural interest to native plant gardens from late summer into early fall.

It's an excellent choice for sunny borders, meadows, and prairie gardens, and is particularly suited for drought-tolerant and low-maintenance settings. Reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet, it adds vertical interest and can serve as a focal point or be planted en masse for dramatic effect. The plant's late-season blooms provide essential nectar and pollen when many other flowers have faded.

Northern Blazing Star plays a significant role in supporting specialist invertebrates. It serves as a host plant for the Blazing Star Borer Moth (Papaipema beeriana), whose larvae feed exclusively on Liatris species, including L. scariosa. The plant attracts specialized native bees like the Liatris Miner Bee (Andrena placata), which collects pollen primarily from Liatris flowers. Butterflies such as the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), and various swallowtail species frequent the blooms.(photo by Katie L. Miller)

Dicentra eximia, commonly known as Wild Bleeding Heart or Fringed Bleeding Heart, is a delicate perennial native to the ...
10/24/2024

Dicentra eximia, commonly known as Wild Bleeding Heart or Fringed Bleeding Heart, is a delicate perennial native to the rich woodlands of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America.

Thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, it is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and rock gardens. Its compact stature, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet in height, makes it suitable for underplanting beneath trees or adding texture and color to shady spots. The plant's extended blooming period and low maintenance needs enhance the garden's aesthetic appeal while requiring minimal care. Additionally, its resistance to deer and rabbits due to unpalatable alkaloids makes it a reliable choice for areas with these browsing animals.

Bleeding heart's nectar-rich, spurred flowers are specially adapted to attract long-tongued pollinators like bumblebees, which use their extended proboscises to access deep nectar, ensuring effective pollination while feeding. Additionally, its seeds have lipid- and protein-rich elaiosomes that attract ants, leading to myrmecochory—a mutualistic relationship where ants transport the seeds to their nests, aiding in seed dispersal and providing food for the ants. (photo by Evan M. Raskin)

An evergreen shrub with large, bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely from spring to early summer, Fremontodendron c...
10/19/2024

An evergreen shrub with large, bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely from spring to early summer, Fremontodendron californicum, commonly known as California Flannelbush, brings dramatic color and texture to dry gardens. The leaves are covered with velvety hairs resembling flannel, adding unique tactile interest but requiring careful handling due to potential skin irritation.

Ideal for xeriscaping and dry gardens, it thrives in well-drained, rocky soils and full sun. Its rapid growth and sizable stature, reaching heights of up to 20 feet, make it suitable as a focal point or for providing privacy screens.

While not known for specific specialist relationships, it attracts a variety of native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its abundant nectar and pollen. (photo by Melanie Davis)

A perennial wildflower with large, showy pink to white flowers featuring dark red centers, Hibiscus laevis, commonly kno...
10/16/2024

A perennial wildflower with large, showy pink to white flowers featuring dark red centers, Hibiscus laevis, commonly known as Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow, brings tropical flair to moist gardens and wetland areas. Thriving in wet soils and tolerating occasional flooding, it's ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and stream banks.

Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow is particularly important for the Rose-mallow Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis), a specialist bee that relies almost exclusively on hibiscus species for pollen. These bees are adapted to collect the large, sticky pollen grains of Hibiscus flowers and are key pollinators for the plant. The blooms also attract hummingbirds, which are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers and aid in pollination. Additionally, the plant serves as a host for the caterpillars of certain moths and butterflies, such as the Common Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis). (photo by botanygirl)

Rhexia virginica, commonly known as Virginia Meadow Beauty or Handsome Harry, is a perennial wildflower native to the we...
10/14/2024

Rhexia virginica, commonly known as Virginia Meadow Beauty or Handsome Harry, is a perennial wildflower native to the wetlands and moist meadows of eastern North America. This plant thrives in moist to wet, acidic soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and damp meadow-like settings. Its modest height, usually ranging from 1 to 2 feet, makes it suitable for the front of borders or as a ground cover in wet areas. The long blooming period ensures continuous color and attracts a variety of pollinators.

Virginia Meadow Beauty is particularly important for bumblebees like the Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) and the Brown-belted Bumblebee (Bombus griseocollis), which are capable of buzz pollination required by the plant. These bees vibrate at specific frequencies to release pollen from the anthers, showcasing a specialized mutualistic relationship. The plant also attracts other native bees, such as Sweat Bees (Halictidae family), and specialist bees like the Macropis steironematis. (photo by geosesarma)

A graceful perennial with tall, slender stems and drooping white flowers, Prenanthes alba, commonly known as White Lettu...
10/13/2024

A graceful perennial with tall, slender stems and drooping white flowers, Prenanthes alba, commonly known as White Lettuce or White-flowered Rattlesnake-root, adds subtle elegance to shaded gardens in late summer and early fall. Thriving in partial to full shade and moist soils, it enhances woodland borders and underplantings. Its ability to thrive in partial to full shade and in moist, well-drained soils makes it a valuable addition for underplanting beneath trees or along shaded borders. The late-season blooms provide aesthetic appeal at a time when many other plants have finished flowering.

Pale-veined Sphinx moth (Sphinx luscitiosa) caterpillars feed on the foliage of Prenanthes species, including P. alba. The flowers attract a variety of native bees and wasps, such as the specialist bee Melissodes druriellus, which collects pollen primarily from plants in the Asteraceae family, to which Prenanthes belongs. (photo by Paul Dreeszen)

A tall perennial with bright yellow flowers, Verbesina alternifolia, commonly known as Wingstem, brings vibrant late-sum...
10/12/2024

A tall perennial with bright yellow flowers, Verbesina alternifolia, commonly known as Wingstem, brings vibrant late-summer color and impressive height to gardens. Growing up to 8 feet, it features unique wing-like ridges along its stems, adding visual interest. Thriving in moist soils, it's ideal for rain gardens, stream banks, and woodland edges. The plant supports specialized wildlife, serving as a host for the Summer Azure butterfly caterpillars (Celastrina neglecta) and attracting long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.) that rely on its pollen. Its seeds provide food for birds like goldfinches.

Historically used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, it contributes to ecosystem health by offering late-season nectar and stabilizing soil with its deep roots. Incorporating this species enhances garden biodiversity, supports specialized pollinators, and adds striking height and beauty to the landscape. (photo by Bob)

Vernonia gigantea, commonly known as Giant Ironweed, is a stately perennial wildflower native to the eastern United Stat...
10/11/2024

Vernonia gigantea, commonly known as Giant Ironweed, is a stately perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States. Renowned for its clusters of vibrant purple flowers that bloom from late summer into early fall, it adds dramatic height and a bold splash of color to native plant gardens.

Giant ironweed's impressive stature, reaching up to 10 feet, makes it ideal for adding vertical interest or creating natural screens. It thrives in moist to wet soils, tolerating clay conditions, and is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, and stream banks. The plant's late-season blooms provide essential nectar when many other flowers have faded.

Vernonia gigantea serves as a primary pollen and nectar source for the long-horned bee Melissodes vernoniae, a specialist that relies predominantly on Ironweed species. The vibrant flowers also attract a variety of butterflies, including Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) and Swallowtails, providing vital nectar during their migratory periods. (Amy Schnebelin photo)

Symphyotrichum ericoides, commonly known as Heath Aster or White Heath Aster, is a native perennial known for its profus...
10/08/2024

Symphyotrichum ericoides, commonly known as Heath Aster or White Heath Aster, is a native perennial known for its profusion of small white flowers with yellow centers. Blooming from late summer into fall, it brings a burst of brightness to gardens when many other plants have finished flowering.

Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy, or rocky soils make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. The plant's bushy growth habit makes it suitable for borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas, where it can also serve as an effective ground cover due to its spreading habit.

Heath Aster serves as a larval host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos), supplying essential nourishment for its caterpillars. The plant is also a crucial source of nectar and pollen for native bees, including specialist bees like the Aster Mining Bee (Andrena asteroides), which relies exclusively on asters for pollen. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings are attracted to Heath Aster, aiding in natural pest control by preying on aphids and other garden pests. (photo by Thomas Koffel)

Liatris punctata, commonly known as dotted blazing star or gayfeather, is a drought-tolerant, perennial plant that thriv...
10/06/2024

Liatris punctata, commonly known as dotted blazing star or gayfeather, is a drought-tolerant, perennial plant that thrives in dry, open spaces such as prairies and grasslands. Its tall, slender stalks are adorned with vibrant purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall, adding bold color and architectural interest to any garden.

Gardeners benefit from Liatris punctata’s resilience, as it requires little water and thrives in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance garden designs. This species is particularly useful in meadow plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.

Liatris punctata has a highly specialized relationship with native pollinators. It is particularly attractive to native bees such as Melissodes spp., as well as butterfly species like the regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia) and the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), both of which rely on the plant as a nectar source during their migrations. The dotted blazing star also supports specialist moths like Schinia sanguinea, whose larvae feed exclusively on Liatris species. Birds such as goldfinches (Spinus tristis) use the seeds as a food source, while the plant’s dense growth provides shelter for small invertebrates. (photo by Mary Krieger)

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