Bee-Friendly Plants

Flat-topped Aster was formerly known as Aster umbellatus, a reminder of its changing botanical classification. Native to North American wet meadows and moist prairies, it flowers earlier than many asters with broad clusters of pale rays. Bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and butterflies visit the blooms; turkey and swamp sparrows also use the plant. Give it sun to partial shade and moist soil, with room for rhizomes.

Illinois Bundle Flower is a native legume of central North American prairies, named for the tight bundles of seed pods that follow its fuzzy summer flowers. Small bees visit the blooms, while quail, pheasants, and Prairie Chickens feed on the nutritious seeds. Rabbits and deer may browse its fern-like foliage. Plant in full sun on medium to dry soil.

Prairie Coreopsis, also called Stiff Tickseed, has long brightened the dry prairies of central North America. Some Indigenous communities historically used boiled Coreopsis seeds in topical remedies. Yellow flowers feed native pollinators and honeybees, while birds can forage for seed later in the season. Its rhizomes spread in sunny, lean, well-drained soil; give it room.

Nodding Bur Marigold is a native annual of North American wet meadows and marsh edges. Its old names Beggar's Tick and Sticktight recall the hooked seeds that cling to passing animals. Golden, sunflower-like flowers feed bees, butterflies, skippers, and moths; later, ducks and songbirds eat the seeds. Plant in full sun and wet to moist ground, where it can reseed naturally.

Thimbleweed is a native of open North American grasslands and dry clearings, where its pale flowers give way to long, thimble-shaped seed heads. The Anemone name reaches back to Greek mythology, and this species is also called Long-Fruited Thimbleweed. Its slowly spreading clumps add shelter for small insects, while the persistent seed heads extend garden interest. Grow it in sun or partial shade on sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil.

White Wild Indigo is a long-lived native legume of eastern and central North American prairies, once listed under the names Baptisia leucantha and Baptisia lactea. White pea-like flowers on dark stems attract bumblebees, while sulphur and blue butterfly caterpillars use its foliage. Its deep roots and association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria help it persist in prairie plantings. Give it sun to partial shade and room for its broad, shrub-like form.

Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is a distinctive North American native plant. Fine, heath-like foliage is covered with many small white flowers late in the season, supporting pollinators when fewer plants remain in bloom. It matures at approximately 24 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to medium conditions, with loamy soil, sandy soil or dry soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Drummond's Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii) is a distinctive North American native plant. Clouds of small pale flowers open late in the season, extending forage for bees and adding a soft texture to naturalized plantings. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium to medium conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Elm-leaved Goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) is a distinctive North American native plant. Arching sprays of yellow flowers appear from midsummer into fall above elm-like leaves, bringing late nectar to woodland edges. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium to medium conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Bog Goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa) is a distinctive North American native plant. Sturdy stems and yellow flower clusters suit boggy ground, rain gardens, and other consistently moist native landscapes. It matures at approximately 48 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium through wet conditions, with loamy soil or wet soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Hairy Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum) is a distinctive North American native plant. Hairy stems and aromatic foliage frame pale flower clusters that become busy feeding stations for summer pollinators. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium to medium conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Hoary Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum) is a distinctive North American native plant. Silvery upper foliage surrounds small white flowers, creating a striking landing platform for bees, wasps, and butterflies. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium to medium conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Bearsfoot (Polymnia uvedalia) is a distinctive North American native plant. Bold, lobed leaves and tall yellow-flowered stems lend a lush, naturalized look to woodland edges and moist open ground. It matures at approximately 84 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium through medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil or clay soil. Space plants 24–36 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Wild Kidney Bean (Phaseolus polystachios) is a distinctive North American native plant. Pink flowers develop on climbing vines that benefit from nearby stems, fencing, or another support structure. It matures at approximately 96 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium to medium conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Pale Beardtongue (Penstemon pallidus) is a distinctive North American native plant. Pale tubular blooms appear above a compact base, making this beardtongue especially useful in sandy or rocky native plantings. It matures at approximately 12 inches tall and flowers from mid to late spring through late spring to early summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to dry-medium conditions, with sandy soil, dry soil or poor soil. Space plants 10–12 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a distinctive North American native plant. Lavender tubular flowers and softly hairy stems give this adaptable beardtongue a delicate look in dry borders and open woods. It matures at approximately 18 inches tall and flowers from mid to late spring through late spring to early summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry through medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil, sandy soil or dry soil. Space plants 12–18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Calico Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus) is a distinctive North American native plant. Pink tubular flowers with contrasting interiors rise above glossy foliage and invite bees into early-summer gardens. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from late spring to early summer through early to mid summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium to medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil or clay soil. Space plants 12–18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Riddell's Goldenrod (Oligoneuron riddellii) is a distinctive North American native plant. Dense golden flower clusters brighten damp soils late in the season and provide seed for songbirds after bloom. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun, in medium through wet conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil, wet soil or alkaline soil. Space plants 24–36 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Upland White Goldenrod (Oligoneuron album) is a distinctive North American native plant. Compact plants carry uncommon white goldenrod flowers and thrive in dry, open ground where taller species may struggle. It matures at approximately 12 inches tall and flowers from late spring to early summer through early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun, in dry to dry-medium conditions, with sandy soil, dry soil or poor soil. Space plants 12–18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Wild Four O'Clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea) is a distinctive North American native plant. Magenta-purple flowers open later in the day on branching plants, offering nectar to evening-active pollinators. It matures at approximately 48 inches tall and flowers from late spring to early summer through early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun, in dry to medium conditions, with loamy soil, sandy soil or dry soil. Space plants 24–36 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata) is a distinctive North American native plant. Rounded greenish flower clusters mature into seed valued by wild turkey, while deep roots help this native legume handle drought. It matures at approximately 48 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to medium conditions, with loamy soil, sandy soil or dry soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Great St. John's Wort (Hypericum pyramidatum) is a distinctive North American native plant. Large yellow flowers top tall stems in midsummer, and spreading rhizomes help establish substantial colonies in moist sites. It matures at approximately 72 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium to medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil or clay soil. Space plants 24–36 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum) is a distinctive North American native plant. Broad leaves and large white umbels give this imposing biennial a strong presence in moist meadows and woodland edges. It matures at approximately 96 inches tall and flowers from late spring to early summer through early to mid summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium to medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil or wet soil. Space plants 24–36 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Saw-tooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus) is a distinctive North American native plant. Tall reddish-purple stems and sharply toothed leaves support clusters of yellow blooms that feed insects and seed-eating birds. It matures at approximately 96 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium through medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil or clay soil. Space plants 36–48 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Tall Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus) is a distinctive North American native plant. Clusters of yellow flowers crown tall purplish stems, creating late-season color and abundant food for pollinators and birds. It matures at approximately 96 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium to medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil or sandy soil. Space plants 36–48 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a distinctive North American native plant. Purple flower heads bloom from the bottom upward above fine foliage, supplying nectar and pollen to a wide range of native bees. It matures at approximately 24 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to medium conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil or sandy soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Great Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea) is a distinctive North American native plant. Large greenish umbels rise on burgundy-tinged stems, giving moist borders and streamside plantings dramatic height. It matures at approximately 84 inches tall and flowers from mid to late spring through late spring to early summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in medium through wet conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil, wet soil or alkaline soil. Space plants 36–48 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) is a distinctive North American native plant. Silvery foliage and purple flower spikes make this deep-rooted prairie legume a durable choice for dry gardens and pollinator plantings. It matures at approximately 36 inches tall and flowers from late spring to early summer through early to mid summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to medium conditions, with loamy soil, sandy soil or poor soil. Space plants 12–24 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis subsp. perennis) is a distinctive North American native plant. Purple-blue flower spikes rise above palmate foliage, and its deep taproot suits sandy, nutrient-poor sites. It matures at approximately 24 inches tall and flowers from mid to late spring through late spring to early summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry to dry-medium conditions, with sandy soil, dry soil or poor soil. Space plants 10–18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Shrubby St. John's Wort (Hypericum prolificum) is a distinctive North American native plant. This well-behaved native shrub forms a rounded habit and covers itself with bright yellow flowers that are especially attractive to bumblebees. It matures at approximately 48 inches tall and flowers from early to mid summer through mid to late summer. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium through medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil, clay soil, sandy soil or poor soil. Space plants 36–48 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.

Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) is a distinctive North American native plant. Branched stems carry an abundance of small yellow flowers with dark centers, and the short-lived plants readily reseed where conditions suit them. It matures at approximately 60 inches tall and flowers from mid to late summer through early to mid fall. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, in dry-medium through medium-wet conditions, with loamy soil or sandy soil.