New England Aster is a beautiful native found in dry prairies in the southwestern part of Minnesota, where it grows 3-6’ tall and produces finely textured 1.5” purple colored flowers with yellow centers in late August into October. Use this native in mixed borders, prairies, and large rock gardens in the landscape. New England Aster prefer consistently moist soil in full sun and partial shade and may need pinching of the stems in late spring to promote fuller plants. This lat

When Stiff Goldenrod and other Goldenrods are in bloom, it’s a reminder that Fall is just around the corner. This common native can be found throughout the state of Minnesota in prairies and open woodlands and blooms in mid-August and lasts through September, with large plumes of yellow-golden flowers rising above the 3-5’ foliage. Use Stiff Goldenrod in sunny perennial gardens and border areas in the landscape. These natives attract butterflies and bees, including monarchs.

This unique little native plant is found in moist, open woodlands, marshes and wet prairies through most of the state. Use Bottle Gentian in full sun to part shade raingardens and moist gardens, where it will stand out against other late blooming natives that tend to have yellow and orange flowers. Bottle Gentian flowers in mid-August to late September with large pod-like blue flower clumps that have an interesting shape to them. Bumble bees are the main pollinator for this p