Common Boneset (Eupatorium Perfoliatum)
Common Boneset is found throughout most of the state of Minnesota in wet prairies and swamp edges, where it grows 2-4’ tall and produces clumps of white flowers in late July through September that have a similar appearance to Joe-Pye Weed. Use this native in raingardens and wet gardens in full sun to partial shade. Common boneset was once used by Native Americans to treat the flu, colds and other infectious ailments and was regarded as a cure-all by doctors in the 19th centur
Showy Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium Canadense)
This prairie plant can be found in the southwestern part of the state in tall grass prairies and open woodlands, where it grows in a variety of well drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Showy Tick-Trefoil grows 2-4’ with a nice bushy habit and blooms with pinkish purple flowers in July through September. A wide variety of birds eat the seeds as well as other wildlife, making this plant a great bird attractant. Use this plant in a naturalized area of the garden or lands
Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia Fasciculata)
This showy late season bloomer is found in the wild landscapes of the southern half of Minnesota in lowlands and prairies, where is blooms from July through September. Clumps of pinkish purple flowers give way to dry seeds with light brown hairs on the top to help it spread with the winds. Use Prairie Ironweed on the backside of full sun perennial gardens because it grows 3-6’ high and may need staking to help keep it erect, although pinching stems in late spring/ early summe
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
The Cardinal Flower is a moisture-loving native that can be found in the wild in moist to wet soils in open woods, swamps and sandbars on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. This 2-4’ plant likes partial sun or full sun as long as the roots are kept moist at all times. Deep red flowers emerge from the tops of the stalks in July and last into September, making this a great late flowering native to add to moist areas in the landscape and especially in the bottom of a raingard
Great Blazing Star (Liatris Pycnostachya)
Great Blazing Star is a spectacular plant for adding vertical architecture to the garden. This taller native is found in moist black-soil prairies and savannas across the southern two-thirds of the state and likes moist, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Great Blazing Star is somewhat drought tolerant once established. I would suggest planting sturdy plants surrounding these so that they don’t flop over, such as short grasses. The large pink-purple flower stalks are ext
The Scoop on Versa-Lok and Willow Creek Products
When you think of retaining wall blocks, you probably picture a block with a hollowed core and a tab at the back of the bottom side. This is the most popular design of manufactured wall systems. However, it is not the best. Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems introduced their solid segmental retaining wall block in 1987, using glass-reinforced nylon pins to interlock versus a tab on the back. Due to the solid construction of the block, it is extremely versatile when constructing
Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium Purpureum)
This 5' tall native perennial is often found in wet slopes, low prairies and edges of woodlands along the eastern edge of the state. Joe-Pye Weed has large plumes of sweet-scented rose-colored flower clusters that start in July and last until mid-September, when they give way to seed heads that can be left on there for winter interest. These plants are easy to grow once established and prefer moist average to rich soils in full sun to light shade but will tolerate drier condi
Boltonia (Boltonia asteroids var. recognita)
This moisture loving native perennial can be found in marshes and wet prairies throughout the southern half of the state. This long bloomer will grow white daisy-like flowers from July to October, adding fall interest to the perennial and cottage gardens and grows 3-5’ tall with fine textured foliage. These hardy natives tolerate wet to dry soils, as long as they have full sun. Plant Boltonia surrounded by slightly shorter, sturdy plants to prevent the plants from flopping ov
Culvers Root (Veronicastrum Virginicum)
This native has a unique growth habit, with whorled leaves and upright flower stalks. It is a tall perennial reaching up to 6’ at maturity, with long white flower stalks raising above the green foliage beneath from June through August. It can be found in prairies, floodplains and woodland edges throughout the state except the far reaches of the Arrowhead. Using this durable plant in the back of a perennial bed or prairie setting can add vertical interest. It prefers full sun
Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistula)
These classic natives can be found in prairies, clearings and savannas throughout much of Minnesota, where they enjoy full sun or part sun and a rich, well-draining soil. Wild Bergamot grows 2-4’ tall, producing clusters of pale purple flowers from June through August. The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees during this time. Use this plant in naturalized areas or the back of perennial borders and divide every couple of years to keep them vigorous. This native
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