Perennials and Grasses

Scientific Name: a name composed of two parts, the genus and specific epithet, which together denote the plant species. The entire scientific name is italicized, with the first letter of the genus being capitalized. The specific epithet, however, is never capitalized. Other infraspecific-rank names may also appear on labels: subspecies (subsp.), varietas (var.), and forma (f.) are the most common.

Common Name: a name used by a general community to describe the plant species, which often varies between regions. For stylistic purposes, the common name is indicated on our labels in bold with capitalized letters, although common names are not normally capitalized.

Family: the taxonomic rank above genus. All members of a plant family are genetically related, having evolved from a common ancestor. The family is shown in the bottom, left-hand corner of the label. It’s helpful to know what family a plant belongs to because they can often “share” pest problems.

Native Range: the geographical area where the plant species can be naturally found. The range is found in the bottom, right-hand corner of the label and is indicated by the following abbreviations:

Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Family: Lamiaceae
Native Range: Northern North America
Bloom Time: June to September
Wildlife Relationships: American Goldfinch, Bumblebee, European Honey Bee, Masked Bee, Mining Bee, Radcliffe's Dagger Moth, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Sweat Bee
Edible and Medicinal Applications: The aromatic leaves have a licorice-like (anise) scent and are used in herbal teas, to flavor jellies or eaten fresh in small quantities. The dried leaves can be used in potpourri and tea.
Additional Information: Mammalian herbivores normally avoid consumption of this plant as the anise scent of the foliage is repugnant to them.

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Family: Poaceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: August-November
Wildlife Relationships: Delaware Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Eastern Meadowlark
Edible and Medicinal Applications: Big Bluestem is analgesic, carminative and diuretic. A decoction of the roots can be used to treat stomach-aches and flatulence.
Additional Information: Big Bluestem's extensive root system makes it a fantastic choice for erosion control.

Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Central United States
Bloom Time: June to September
Wildlife Relationships: Silvery Checkerspot, Variegated Fritillary
Edible and Medicinal Applications:
Additional Information:

Photo Credit: Becky Stanko

Blue Flag Iris

Iris versicolor

Family: Iridaceae
Native Range: Northeastern North America
Bloom Time: May to June
Wildlife Relationships: Bumblebee, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Hobomok Skipper, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Edible and Medicinal Applications: The rhizomes and roots are considered toxic. Blue Flag Iris may cause minor skin irritation when touched and low toxicity if ingested (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature). The rhizome was used by colonists, with guidance from Native Americans, for various healing purposes. The two outermost fibers of the leaves have historically been used to spin twine. Powdered Iris root (called orris) smells like violets and has been added to perfume and potpourri.
Additional Information:

Broomsedge

Andropogon virginicus

Family: Poaceae
Native Range: Eastern United States
Bloom Time: September to November
Wildlife Relationships: American Tree Sparrow (consumes seeds), Dark-Eyed Junco (consumes seeds), Field Sparrow (consumes seeds), Zabulon Skipper (larval host)
Edible and Medicinal Applications:
Additional Information:

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca
Family: Apocynaceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: June to August

Common Rush

Juncus effusus
Family: Juncaceae
Native Range: Eurasia, North America, Australia, New Zealand
Bloom Time: June to August

Fox Sedge

Carex vulpinoidea
Family: Cyperaceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: May to July

Grass-Leaved Goldenrod

Solidago graminifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: July to August

Photo Credit: Becky Stanko

Joe Pye Weed

Eupatorium fistulosum
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: July to September

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium
Family: Poaceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: August to February

New England Aster

Aster novae-angliae
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: August to September

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: June to August

Shallow Sedge

Carex lurida
Family: Cyperaceae
Native Range: North and South America
Bloom Time: May to September

Short-Toothed Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum
Family: Lamiaceae
Native Range: United States
Bloom Time: July to September

Side Oats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula
Family: Poaceae
Native Range: North and South America
Bloom Time: July to August

Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve
Family: Astraceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: September to November

"Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)" by wackybadger is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata
Family: Asclepias incarnata
Native Range: Eastern United States
Bloom Time: July to August

Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum
Family: Poaceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: July to February

Tussock Sedge

Carex stricta
Family: Cyperaceae
Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
Bloom Time: May to June

White Wood Aster

Aster divaricatus
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Bloom Time: August to September

"aster divaricatus" by M. Martin Vicente is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa
Family: Lamiaceae
Native Range: North America
Bloom Time: July to September

Photo Credit: Becky Stanko