Native Plant & Seed Solutions - Prairie Nursery

2011 Catalog & Growing Guide 

1-800-476-9453 

www.prairienursery.com 

Helping People Help Nature Since 1972 

Flowers, Grasses, Sedges & Ferns 

Seed Mixes & Plant Gardens 

Landscape Design & Installation 

“No Mow” Lawn Mix 

NEW for 2011 

Expanded Shade 

Plant Selection! 

See pages 56-68 

Native Plant & Seed Solutions

On the Cover 

Columbine, Aquilegia 

canadensis p. 56 

In response to the 

ever-growing interest 

in shade plants, we’ve 

expanded our selection 

of flowers, ferns and 

sedges, beginning 

on page 56. 

Why Plant Natives? The “Four E’s” 

1.) Esthetics - Our native prairie and woodland plants are stunningly beautiful! 

They make great gardens, as well as meadows and naturalized woodlands. 

2.) Ecology - Native plants require few if any fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides 

fungicides, fertilizers, or other garden chemicals. The deep roots of the prairie 

plants create a ‘soil sponge’ that soaks up rainwater, reduces flooding, and 

recharges our valuable ground water. Not to mention all the birds and butterflies 

that flock to native gardens and meadows! 

3.) Energy - Traditional landscapes require a surprising amount of energy 

to keep them looking good. Lawnmowers run on gasoline or electricity, while 

most pesticides and herbicides are made from petrochemicals. Even fertilizer 

production is surprisingly energy-intensive. 

4.) Economics - The average lawn requires between $500 and $3000 per acre 

every year for mowing, fertilizing, spraying, watering etc. Saves time and money 

by creating a piece of paradise on your property with native plants! 

We’ve added some new ferns and sedges to our Plants for Shade to Semi-Shade 

section (pages 65-67). As before, we offer seed mixes and pre-designed plant 

gardens for a variety of situations, plus individual plants and seeds. 

Please feel free to contact us by phone or email with your questions and 

comments. We love hearing from you! 

Ecologically yours, 

Neil Diboll 

Our Plant Guarantee 

We guarantee our plants to arrive alive and healthy and to thrive when planted in the appropriate growing 

conditions and given proper care. If a plant fails within 30 days of receipt, we can issue a refund, or a one-time 

replacement plant (if available). This guarantee does not cover loss due to neglect, animals, winter losses, severe 

weather, or plants installed in soil or sun conditions other than those recommended in our catalog. Due to the 

vagaries of winter weather, we cannot guarantee survival of fall planted transplants. 

Please check your order carefully upon receipt. If your order has been damaged or delayed in transit, call us 

immediately. All claims for credit or refunds must be received within 60 days of your order date. Please read 

the Transplanting Instructions accompanying your order. For best results, water your plants immediately, store in 

shaded location, and plant your transplants within seven (7) days, weather permitting. 

All of our species are guaranteed to be true to their botanical name. ALL PRAIRIE NURSERY PLANTS ARE NURSERY 

GROWN. Prairie Nursery, Inc. reserves the right to request the return of any plant for which a refund or replacement 

has been issued. 

Our Seed Guarantee 

We guarantee that you will receive high quality, viable seed every time you order from Prairie Nursery. All seed listed 

in our catalog is tested by an independent seed lab for purity and germination, using standard procedures of the 

Association of Official Seed Analysts. We observe State and Federal laws governing noxious weeds, as determined 

by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Due to the wide variety of planting conditions outside of our control, we 

cannot guarantee the establishment of plants using our seed. 

Seed Return Policy 

Any individually packaged species of seed, or any standard Prairie Nursery Catalog Seed Mix that has not been 

mixed together by the customer or at the customer’s request, may be returned within 30 days after the date 

received. The seed must be in good condition, in its original packaging, and not altered or damaged in any way. All 

returned seeds and catalog seed mixes will be charged a 20% re-stocking fee. All Custom Designed Seed Mixes and 

all Specially Pre-Mixed Seed Mixes of any type are Non-Returnable and Non-Refundable. 

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Table of Contents 

Plant Gardens & Seed Mixes 

Prairie & Woodland Plant Gardens ....................................................................................................2 - 14 

Prairie, Wetland & Woodland Seed Mixes ........................................................................................15 - 29 

Plant Descriptions 

“CLAY BUSTERS” & Wildflowers for Medium Soils ..........................................................................30 - 36 

Wildflowers for Medium Soils .........................................................................................................37 - 39 

Wildflowers for Dry, Sandy and Rocky Soils ....................................................................................40 - 47 

Wildflowers for Moist Soils ..............................................................................................................50 - 55 

Wildflowers for Shade to Semi-Shade ..............................................................................................56 - 64 

Ferns for Shade to Semi-Shade.........................................................................................................65 - 66 

Sedges for Shade to Semi-Shade .............................................................................................................67 

Grasses for Shade to Semi-Shade ............................................................................................................68 

Grasses and Sedges for Sun .............................................................................................................69 - 75 


Low Maintenance Lawn Seed Mixes ...............................................................................................48 - 49 

Planning Information 

Prairie Nursery Retail Store ....................................................................................................................94 

Prairie Nursery Tours ..............................................................................................................................95 

Power of the Prairie: Roots! ....................................................................................................................76 

Guide to Prairie Establishment ........................................................................................................77 - 83 

Establishing a Prairie Garden Using Plants .............................................................................................84 

Native Ground Covers ............................................................................................................................85 

Native Plant Selection Guide ...........................................................................................................86 - 88 

Consulting & Landscaping Services .......................................................................96 - Inside Back Cover 

Ordering Information 

Plant & Seed Prices..........................................................................................................................89 - 93 

Ordering Information & Order Form ................................................................................... Center Insert 

Seeds: Shipped Year Round 

Plants: Spring Shipping Begins April 18 

Spring Last Order Date June 8 

Fall Shipping Begins September 12 

Fall Last Order Date October 14 

Gift Certificates 

Give a friend a Prairie Nursery Gift Certificate! Perfect for birthdays, holidays, 

or any special event. May be redeemed for products and services only. 

Call us to arrange for a Gift Certificate for that special person: 800-476-9453 

Office Hours: 

Monday - Friday 

8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST 

Saturday Office Hours: 

April 9 - June 4, 2011 

Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm CST 

800-476-9453 


Prices effective until 

December 31, 2011 

Visit our Retail Store 

W7262 Dover Court, Westfield 

Retail Store Open: April 8 - October 7 

Monday – Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CST 

Saturday Retail Hours: April 9 - October 1 

Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm CST 

© cOPyrIGhT 2011 PraIrIe NurSery, INc. 

Catalog Design by Roden Creative, www.rodencreative.com 

Photographs by Neil Diboll, John Mund & Randall Roden unless noted 

This catalog is printed on recycled paper. 

Prairie Nursery Statement of Purpose 

Since 1972, Prairie Nursery has been dedicated to improving and rebuilding the environment by encouraging 

ecological gardening using native plants for soil, water, and habitat conservation. 

Our Mission is to preserve native plants and animals by helping people create attractive, non-polluting natural 

landscapes that can support a diversity of wildlife. 

We are dedicated to serving our customers and friends with the highest quality products and technical services. 

We believe that the people in our organization are our most valuable asset. By working together as a team, 

we are best able to respond to the needs of our customers, our employees, and our environment. 

Fax Orders Anytime 608-296-2741 Order Online www.prairienursery.com 1

Native Plant Solutions: 

Native Perennial Plant Gardens 

Brighten up an area with rapid results: Try one of our native plant gardens! 

• Seasonal interest and color spring through winter 

• Diversity and balance of native perennials 

• Detailed planting layout included 

• High quality well rooted plants 

• Create a haven for birds & butterflies 

Supplement your garden by adding favorite species to your order! 

Created predominantly by Jennifer Baker, Prairie Nursery’s Senior 

Consultant and Designer. If one of these gardens does not match 

your needs, contact Prairie Nursery regarding our custom garden 

design services. 

Prairie Sampler 

For well-drained garden soil in full sun or partial sun 

This garden contains many of our most popular flowers and grasses, all wrapped up in a neat little 

package! Perfect for small sunny spaces in front of a deck, along a fence or wall, or as a small 

island garden. An excellent value! 

Wildflowers 

3 Butterflyweed 

3 Smooth Aster 

3 Purple Prairie Clover 

32 Plant Prairie Sampler Garden 

Comes with Complete Planting Layout and Instructions. 

3 Purple Coneflower 

3 Prairie Smoke 

3 Prairie Blazingstar 

3 Orange Coneflower 

1 Ohio Goldenrod 

Grasses 

Item #50037 $119.00 Covers 50 square feet. Approx. 10' x 5' 

5 Little Bluestem 

5 Prairie Dropseed 

2 Prairie Nursery Order Toll-Free 1-800-476-9453

Songbird Gardens 

For medium loam or clay soil in full sun 

Plant a haven for your feathered friends! These gardens supply food and shelter 

throughout the year. With something blooming from spring to fall, you’ll 

provide both insects in summer and seeds in fall for wide variety of avian visitors. The 96 Plant Garden 

is designed with an area for a birdbath to attract even more birds to their own special water feature! 

Wildflowers 

2 Columbine 


1 New England Aster 

1 Blue False Indigo 


Wildflowers 

4 Columbine 




4 Pale Purple Coneflower 

Wildflowers 

6 Columbine 





32 Plant Songbird Garden 


Grasses 

2 Dense Blazingstar 

2 Bergamot 

3 Smooth Penstemon 

2 Downy Phlox 

1 Yellow Coneflower 



4 Bergamot 


4 Downy Phlox 

1 Sweet Black Eyed Susan 

1 Cupplant 

1 Stiff Goldenrod 



2 Cupplant 



4 Indiangrass 


Item #50073 $139.00 Covers 77 square feet. Approx. 12.75' x 6' 



Grasses 



6 Bergamot 


6 Downy Phlox 



2 Cupplant 



8 Indiangrass 





Grasses 


12 Indiangrass 




Butterfly Gardens 

For well-drained garden soil in full sun 

Here’s a garden collection of native nectar plants that butterflies simply find irresistible! These 

hardy perennials will bring in the butterflies with a succession of blooms that ensures there’s 

something of interest for these gossamer winged visitors throughout the season. Ornamental prairie 

grasses are also included in the garden to provide support for the flowers and for fall and winter 

interest. You’ll be amazed at how many butterflies will visit the plants in this garden. 

Wildflowers 

2 Columbine 

3 Sullivant’s Milkweed 

2 Butterflyweed for Clay 

4 Crooked Stem Aster 

Wildflowers 

4 Columbine 





2 Stiff Coreopsis 

Wildflowers 

6 Columbine 





3 Stiff Coreopsis 


32 Plant Butterfly Garden 


1 Tall Joe Pye Weed 

1 Sweet Joe Pye Weed 







2 Meadow Blazingstar 


2 Bergamot 

2 Downy Phlox 


1 Ironweed 


2 Bergamot 

4 Downy Phlox 


2 Ironweed 

Grasses 


Item #50050 $139.00 Covers 67 square feet. Approx. 12.75' x 5.25' 













2 Bergamot 

2 Marsh Phlox 

6 Downy Phlox 



3 Ironweed 

Grasses & Sedges 

4 Palm Sedge 




8 Palm Sedge 





Gardening for Monarch Butterflies 

You can create a haven for Monarch Butterflies by planting your garden or meadow 

with a “Monarch Kitchen!” Simply include their favorite nectar plants and larval food 

plants, and they will flock to your yard. The trick is to provide plants that bloom throughout 

the summer and into the late fall, so that each generation of adult butterflies has a 

food source. It is very important to plant late-blooming asters, since these are important 

nectar sources that Monarchs utilize for their long fall migration to Mexico. You can help 

the Monarchs by creating a native plant refuge in your own backyard! 

Favorite nectar plants for Monarch Butterflies 

New England Aster p. 30 

Purple Coneflower p. 32 

Pale Purple Coneflower p. 32 

Prairie Blazingstar p. 33 

Dense Blazingstar p. 33 

Bergamot p. 34 

Smooth Penstemon p. 34 

Ohio Goldenrod p. 36 

Stiff Goldenrod p. 36 

Ironweed p. 36 

Meadow Blazingstar - a favorite! p. 38 

Leadplant p. 40 

Smooth Aster p. 41 

Rough Blazingstar p. 44 

Northern Blazingstar p. 44 

Scaly Blazingstar p. 44 

Lupine p. 43 

Downy Phlox p. 45 

Showy Goldenrod p. 46 

Joe Pye Weed p. 51 

Tall Joe Pye Weed p. 51 

Queen of the Prairie p. 52 

Favorite 

larval food 

plants for 

Monarch 

Caterpillars 

Marsh Phlox p. 54 

Tall Ironweed p. 55 

Wild Blue Phlox p. 61 

Red Milkweed - one of the best! p. 50 

Sullivant’s Milkweed p. 37 

Butterflyweed p. 40 

Exclusively Flowers Garden 

For medium soils in full sun 

Popular demand for a more traditional perennial garden look inspired the creation of this 64 plant 

garden dedicated exclusively to flowers. Blue False Indigo is the cornerstone of this colorful 

collection, flanked by the pure white blooms of Smooth Penstemon and the soft clear blues of 

Jacob’s Ladder. These well-behaved perennials are perfect for planting in formal areas where good 

garden manners are essential. 

Wildflowers 




64 Plant Exclusively Flowers Garden 





6 Jacob’s Ladder 

6 Marsh Phlox 





Hummingbird Gardens 

For full sun 

Create a Hummingbird Haven by planting some of their very favorite nectar plants! The gardens 

for Dry and Medium Soils also contain New Jersey Tea, a low growing shrub that attracts small 

insects, an essential source of protein in the hummingbird diet. Each garden is designed to provide 

season-long bloom of flowers that feed the hummers! 

Wildflowers 


3 Sky Blue Aster 

1 New Jersey Tea 

Wildflowers 

3 Columbine 



1 New Jersey Tea 

Wildflowers 


3 Wild Iris 


32 Plant Hummingbird Garden For Dry Soils 


4 Scaly Blazingstar 

3 Downy Phlox 

3 Beardtongue 



1 Bergamot 

5 Cardinal Flower 

5 Great Blue Lobelia 

2 Monkeyflower 

3 Broad Leaved Penstemon 

3 Wild Petunia 

3 Hoary Vervain 


3 Marsh Phlox 

4 Royal Catchfly 


3 Marsh Phlox 

Grasses 



32 Plant Hummingbird Garden For Medium Soils 


Grasses 



32 Plant Hummingbird Garden For Moist Soils 


Sedges 

5 Palm Sedge 

Item #50056 $139.00 Covers 45 square feet. Approx. 10' x 4.5' 


Encourage your children to get outside and enjoy the beauty of their very own prairie garden! 

These gardens capture some of the prairie’s most magical plants for the young and young-at-heart. 

There is a Secret Garden Hideout in our 64 and 96 plant Children’s Gardens. These gardens come 

complete with our “No Mow” Lawn Mix for the Secret Garden hideout. 

Wildflowers 

1 Lavender Hyssop 

1 Nodding Pink Onion 





1 White False Indigo 


Wildflowers 









Children’s 

Gardens 


64 Plant Children’s Garden 


1 Rattlesnake Master 

2 Mistflower 


1 Queen of the Prairie 




2 Downy Phlox 

2 Rattlesnake Master 

3 Mistflower 


2 Queen of the Prairie 




3 Downy Phlox 



1 Compassplant 

1 Cupplant 

4 Solomon’s Plume 




1 Compassplant 

1 Cupplant 




2 Big Bluestem 

8 Palm Sedge 



Seed 

"No Mow" Lawn Mix 


96 Plant Children’s Garden 



4 Big Bluestem 

10 Palm Sedge 



Seed 




Low Growing Gardens 


Add color and interest to small spaces with our Low Growing Gardens! The flowers have been 

selected to grow only one and two feet tall, and are nestled among the highly ornamental Prairie 

Dropseed grass. Perfect for creating a burst of color in a courtyard, sunny alcove, along walkways, 

or in front of a deck or foundation. 

Wildflowers 


1 Heath Aster 


2 Cream False Indigo 

Wildflowers 


3 Heath Aster 




3 Mistflower 


“ 

“I really like the quality of the plants I purchased from you. 

The butterflies and hummingbirds were thrilled and have 

really enjoyed my prairie garden from Prairie Nursery.” 

Mary Zawis, Park Ridge, IL 

25 Plant Low Growing Garden 



2 Mistflower 


2 Downy Phlox 


2 Downy Phlox 


3 Prairie Blue Eyed Grass 

3 Showy Goldenrod 

1 Western Spiderwort 

2 Prairie Blue Eyed Grass 



50 Plant Low Growing Garden 


Item #50032 $235.00 

Covers 98 square feet. Approx. 14' x 7' 

Grasses 


Grasses 



Deer Resistant 

Gardens 

For full sun 

Bambi will find the flowers and grasses in these gardens to be most unpalatable. Only a desperately 

hungry deer will eat these plants! You can sleep at night knowing that you will not awake to a 

defoliated disaster in the morning. Control deer damage naturally by planting the flowers and grasses 

they avoid, without resorting to expensive fences, repellents, sprays or armed guards! 

Wildflowers 


1 Leadplant 


Wildflowers 



5 Prairie Onion 

32 Plant Deer Resistant Garden For Dry Soils 



5 Harebell 


2 Columbine 



3 Rough Blazingstar 






Grasses 



32 Plant Deer Resistant Garden For Medium Soils 


Grasses 




Lamp Post Garden 


Greet your visitors with this showy 32 plant native garden. Native Clematis Virgin’s Bower, 

the centerpiece of this circular garden, will use your lamp post as a trellis with white 

blooms of summer transitioning to silvery seedheads in autumn. Prairie Dropseed, Jacob’s Ladder 

and Smooth Penstemon form the base to the garden supporting Blazingstars, Asters and Coneflowers. 

Wildflowers 


1 Virgin’s Bower 






Grasses 


Lakeshore Buffer Garden 

For medium soils with two feet of shoreline 

Do you have a sunny lakeshore or stream bank that needs stabilization? Use our Lakeshore Buffer 

Garden to hold the shoreline and provide color and interest all summer long! The extensive root 

systems of these native plants embrace the soil and hold it in place. The flowers attract butterflies and 

hummingbirds, and the Red Milkweed is a favorite food of Monarch Caterpillars! 

Wildflowers 

2 Red Milkweed 


2 White Turtlehead 

32 Plant Lamp Post Garden 



32 Plant Lakeshore Buffer Garden 


2 Joe Pye Weed 

3 Bottle Gentian 

3 Wild Iris 




Sedges 

5 Fox Sedge 



Moon Garden 


Our ethereal Moon Garden combines crisp white flowers with rich foliage for a stunning evening 

effect! Embraced by the ornamental grass, Prairie Dropseed, the flowers provides a parade of 

white blooms from spring through fall. If you’re fond of sitting outside on a summer’s evening in the 

waning light as the moon rises, this garden is for you! 

Wildflowers 

6 Canada Anemone 

10 Heath Aster 


Healing Garden 


Unroll your yoga mat over the “No Mow” fescue that carpets the secret space within the interior, 

and breathe in the aromas of mint, lavender and licorice that perfume the air of this Healing 

Garden. Selected for their historical medicinal properties, the flowers of this garden arouse the 

senses through the seasons interlaced with the fine textured foliage of Prairie Dropseed. 

Wildflowers 


16 Canada Anemone 


64 Plant Moon Garden 


6 Wild Quinine 


6 Mountain Mint 

64 Plant Healing Garden 


Grasses 



4 Bergamot 


6 Culver’s Root 

4 Wild Quinine 

4 Mountain Mint 

Grasses 







The Prairie Nursery 

Woodland Semi-Shade 

Garden contains a total 

of 40 plants, with 12 

different flowers. 

Woodland Semi-Shade 

Garden Wildflowers 

For Shady Areas and Woodland Edges 

Here’s a great wildflower garden for those shady spots that get only a few hours of direct sunlight 

each day. Perfect for planting under shade trees, open woodlands and on shady woodland edges. 

Stephanie Cohen, Instructor of Floriculture at Temple University in Ambler, PA, designed this garden 

to provide year-round color and interest. The plants are used in groups and drifts for maximum 

visual effect. 

Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, they should do well in any good garden soil. Make sure that 

you plant in a reasonably fertile, well-drained soil that is free of weeds. These plants do best in light to 

moderate shade, and will benefit from a few hours of sun each day. Not recommended for extremely 

dry soils. 

Most woodland wildflowers bloom in spring, and then disappear for the summer. This woodland 

edge garden has been specifically designed to provide color throughout the season, with summer 

and fall blooming species that carry the show all the way into autumn. 

Brighten up those shady spots in your landscape with showy wildflowers. Plant the Woodland 

Semi-Shade Garden and liven up the woods! 

40 Plant Woodland Semi-Shade Garden for Medium Soils 


Wildflowers 

5 Columbine 

3 Jack in the Pulpit 

3 Sky Blue Aster 



5 Shootingstar 


5 Wild Geranium 

2 Brown Eyed Susan 


6 Foamflower 

2 Ohio Spiderwort 



Woodland Shade Gardens 

For well-drained medium soil in partial or full shade 

Woodland wildflowers are combined with ornamental grasses and sedges to give this garden 

season-long interest. We’ve included summer and fall blooming flowers to keep the show 

going all the way up to the first frosts. With the beautiful foliage and seedheads of the flowers 

and grasses, you’ll always have something of interest in the Woodland Shade Garden. 

Wildflowers 

1 Columbine 


2 White Woodland Aster 

2 Calico Aster 

Wildflowers 

2 Columbine 


3 White Woodland Aster 


3 Wild Bleeding Heart 

Wildflowers 

3 Common Bluestar 


8 Heart Leaved Aster 



25 Plant Woodland Shade Garden 




1 Maple Leaved Alum Root 

2 Virginia Bluebells 

1 Wild Blue Phlox 




3 Virginia Bluebells 

2 Wild Blue Phlox 


1 Solomon’s Seal 


Item #50034 $145.00 Covers 41 square feet. Approx. 9' x 4.5' 


3 Wild Stonecrop 

2 Early Meadowrue 


5 Palm Sedge 

2 Northern Sea Oats 










3 Wild Stonecrop 

3 Early Meadowrue 

3 Foamflower 


11 Palm Sedge 






21 Palm Sedge 



Rain Gardens 


Plant a Rain Garden to capture precious rainwater! Instead of running off into storm sewers and 

drains that can lead to flooding, your rainwater will soak into the soil to recharge the water table. 

The plants in our Rain Garden are excellent for attracting birds and butterflies, too! Plant a Rain 

Garden to “Retain the Rain” with native plants and create habitat at the same time. 

The size of the garden should be based upon the rooftop area, each garden has rooftop size listed. 

Choose the correct rooftop size for proper water infiltration. The garden should be between 10'-30' 

from the building or downspout. 

We have rain Gardens for other soil types. check out our website at 


Wildflowers 



2 Mistflower 


Wildflowers 




3 Mistflower 


Wildflowers 





2 Wild Senna 

3 Mistflower 

32 Plant Rain Garden (infiltrates 200 sq ft of rooftop) 


2 Bergamot 

2 Marsh Phlox 

4 Downy Phlox 

1 Cupplant 




3 Bergamot 

5 Marsh Phlox 

6 Downy Phlox 




1 Cupplant 


3 Ironweed 


Sedges 

6 Palm Sedge 

6 Fox Sedge 






2 Bergamot 

3 Marsh Phlox 

4 Downy Phlox 


1 Cupplant 


2 Ironweed 


Sedges 

12 Palm Sedge 

12 Fox Sedge 





14 Palm Sedge 

14 Fox Sedge 

8 Indiangrass 



Native Perennial Seed Mixes 

From 1000 square feet to 100 acres, Prairie Nursery has a seed mix for 

virtually any condition! We have used the ecological principles found in 

nature to design our mixes. Prairie Nursery provides you with: 

• Mixes for all soil types from bone dry sand to heavy wet clay 

• Professionally designed mixes for a balance of flowers & grasses 

• Color and interest throughout the year 

Supplement your mix by adding favorite species to your order! 

All Prairie Nursery seed is provided as Pure 

Live Seed (PLS) basis to ensure quality. 


Short Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50002 

Our most popular seed mix! Excellent for well-drained loam, sandy loam and silt loam soils. Plant 

adjacent to a lawn, or in large areas for an expansive prairie look. (Not recommended for heavy clay 

soils: please refer to our “CLAY BUSTERS” Tall Prairie Mixes on pages 20-21 and our Low Growing 

Prairie for Clay Soils on page 22.) 

Wildflowers 

Lavender Hyssop 

Nodding Pink Onion 

Butterflyweed for Clay 

Sky Blue Aster 

Smooth Aster 

New Jersey Tea 

Canada Milk Vetch 

Lanceleaf Coreopsis 

Short Prairie for Dry Soils Item #50001 

Perfect for creating short prairie meadows on dry sand and gravel soils. Why spend a fortune adding 

topsoil, just to plant lawn you’ll have to mow? Save your money, and plant a prairie meadow instead! 

Wildflowers 


Leadplant 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

White Aster 



Contains at least 18 wildflowers & 2 or more grasses. 

White Prairie Clover 

Purple Prairie Clover 

Pale Purple Coneflower 

Roundhead Bushclover 

Rough Blazingstar 

Lupine 

Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 

Black Eyed Susan 

Wild Petunia 

Stiff Goldenrod 

Showy Goldenrod 

Ohio Spiderwort 

Hoary Vervain 

Grasses 

Sideoats Grama 

Little Bluestem 

Junegrass 

Prairie Dropseed 

PLS 

Pure Live Seed 

Tall Prairie for Dry Soils Item #50003 

A great mix for creating tall prairie habitat for wild turkey, pheasant and other wildlife on dry, sandy or 

rocky soils. The flowers in this mix provide summer-long color, and the grasses add winter-long cover! 

Wildflowers 

Leadplant 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 



Prairie Nursery’s 

Classic Seed Mixes 




Shootingstar 


Purple Coneflower 

Rattlesnake Master 






Showy Sunflower 

Downy Sunflower 



Lupine 

Bergamot 

Classic Seed Mix Prices 

Prairie Blazingstar 

Wild Quinine 

Smooth Penstemon 

Great Solomon’s Seal 


Brown Eyed Susan 



Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 

Yellow Coneflower 





Hoary Vervain 

Grasses 




PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 


Canada Wild Rye 


Indiangrass 

PLS 


Area Covered: 1000 sq ft 1/10 acre 3/10 acre 1/2 acre 1 acre 

4,400 sq ft 13,000 sq ft 22,000 sq ft 44,000 sq ft 

Item# Seed Mix 1/4 lb 1 lb 3 lb 5 lb 10 lb 

50001 Short Prairie, Dry $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 

50002 Short Prairie, Medium $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 

50003 Tall Prairie, Dry $55.00 $145.00 $325.00 $495.00 $895.00 


Woodland Edge/Savanna Mix 

for Semi-Shade 

Purple Coneflowers (p. 32) and Brown Eyed Susans (p. 38) glow in the light of the setting sun. 

Have a spot that’s not quite sunny enough for a prairie? Try our Woodland Edge/ 

Savanna Mix! Perfect for forest edges and open woodlands that receive a few hours of direct 

light every day. The wildflowers and grasses in this mix have been selected for their ability to grow 

in semi-shade, while also tolerating some direct sunlight for a few hours each day. Excellent for oak 

savannas, open woodlands and forest edges. 

The wide variety of flowers provides blooms throughout the season, from spring into fall. This mix 

is designed for rich, medium soils, including loam, sandy loam and clay soils. Not recommended for 

planting on dry, sandy soils. 

Woodland Edge/Savanna Mix for Medium Soils Item #50015 


Wildflowers 

Red Baneberry 



Columbine 

Jack in the Pulpit 

Calico Aster 

Blue False Indigo 

White False Indigo 

Wild Hyacinth 

Pale Indian Plantain 

Tall Bellflower 

Shootingstar 


Sweet Joe Pye Weed 

Bergamot 

Glade Mallow 




Sweet Black Eyed Susan 


Solomon’s Plume 

Culver’s Root 

Golden Alexanders 

Woodland Edge/Savanna Seed Mix Prices 

Grasses 

Prairie Brome Grass 

Virginia Wild Rye 

Silky Wild Rye 

Bottlebrush Grass 

PLS 


Area Covered: 500 sq ft 1000 sq ft 1/10 acre 3/10 acre 1/2 acre 1 acre 


Item# Seed Mix 1/8 lb 1/4 lb 1 lb 3 lb 5 lb 10 lb 

50015 Woodland Edge/Savanna $55.00 $85.00 $245.00 $575.00 $895.00 $1,595.00 


Butterfly Seed Mixes 

We’ve taken all the best nectar plants for butterflies and included them in our Butterfly 

Seed Mixes. There is 20% more flower seed than our regular prairie mixes creating an 

irresistible butterfly haven. These mixes provide blooms from mid-spring all the way into late 

fall, so butterflies will have food sources throughout the growing season. This is an excellent 

mix for creating a perennial habitat for butterflies for years to come! 

Wildflowers 





Smooth Aster 

New England Aster 



Butterfly Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50019 

For well-drained sandy loam, loam and clay loam soils 




Dense Blazingstar 



Bergamot 


Orange Coneflower 

What is “PLS”? 

PLS is the abbreviation for Pure Live Seed. Our native seed is sold on a PLS basis. A PLS pound of seed is defined 

as the actual weight of seed required to equal one pound of 100% pure, germinable seed. This is calculated 

based upon each seed lot’s purity and germination tests. 

We guarantee that you will receive high quality, viable seed every time you order from Prairie Nursery. 

Our seed is tested by an independent seed lab for purity and germination, using standard 

procedures of the Association of Official Seed Analysts. 

Insist on proven quality - buy PLS seed from Prairie Nursery. 




Ohio Goldenrod 


Blue Vervain 

Ironweed 


Grasses 

PLS 







Butterfly Prairie for Dry Soils Item #50018 

For well-drained sandy, gravelly and rocky soils 


Wildflowers 

Grasses 



Junegrass 




Leadplant 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

White Aster 






Butterfly Prairie Seed Mix Prices 

Lupine 

Bergamot 

Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 



Wild Petunia 



Hoary Vervain 

PLS 





50018 Butterfly Prairie Mix, Dry $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 

50019 Butterfly Prairie Mix, Medium $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 


Does your soil turn from gumbo soup in 

spring to a brick factory in summer? If 

so, try growing our “CLAY BUSTERS” in your 

worst clay soil! These tough plants can handle 

conditions that make other plants shrivel up and 

die. Results from our test plantings have shown 

which plants will thrive on difficult clay soils. 

“CLAY BUSTERS” 

The survivors are our “CLAY BUSTERS!” Fall 

seeding on clay soils is strongly recommended. 

Seed germination and seedling survival is 

typically higher with fall plantings on clay. 

Spring plantings benefit from mulching with 

clean straw and regular watering during the 

first two months after seeding. 

Tall Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50004 

This best-selling mix contains prairie flowers and grasses that thrive on the toughest, heaviest clay 

soils! Excellent for planting on problem soils with limited topsoil, and in well-drained swales and 

ditches that may experience standing water for a day or two. Once established, these strong 

perennials develop deep roots and require no watering, even during drought. 

Wildflowers 


Smooth Aster 





Wild Senna 



Got Killer Clay Soil? Try 





Ox Eye Sunflower 


Bergamot 

Wild Quinine 






Compassplant 

Prairie Dock 



Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Indiangrass 

PLS 



Our “CLAY BUSTERS”! 

Seed Mixes 

Wildlife Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50007 

This mix contains a special formulation of sturdy prairie grasses, double the legumes of our regular 

prairie mixes, and some of the favorite food plants of birds and other wildlife. The result: Wildlife 

cover with a gourmet kitchen! 

Wildflowers 

Smooth Aster 





Wild Senna 


Canada Tick Trefoil 








Bergamot 

Wild Quinine 



“CLAY BUSTER” Seed Mix Prices 




Rosinweed 

Compassplant 

Cupplant 



Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Switchgrass 

Indiangrass 

PLS 





50004 Tall Prairie, Medium $55.00 $145.00 $325.00 $495.00 $895.00 

50007 Wildlife Prairie, Medium $55.00 $145.00 $325.00 $495.00 $895.00 


Low Growing Prairie for Clay Soils 

Many of you have asked “Is there a seed mix that will grow on clay but stays only a few feet tall?” 

Until now, most of the “CLAY BUSTERS” flower and grass mixes tended to be taller species. 

We’ve now assembled a stellar lineup of the best short prairie plants for heavy clay soils! The flowers 

grow only one to three feet high, with a few that may reach up to four or five feet under optimal 

conditions. The grasses stay at waist height or less, allowing the flowers to really show off. As with any 

seeding, your prairie will do best if you can provide two to three inches of good topsoil over the clay 

to create a good seedbed. For information on improving your soil, please see pages 78-79. 

Wildflowers 



Smooth Aster 


Cream False Indigo 

Wild Hyacinth 


Low Growing Prairie for Clay Soils Item #50006 

For clay soils in full sun 




Shootingstar 



Wild Quinine 









Low Growing Prairie for Clay Seed Mix Prices 



Prairie Brome Grass 



Fox Sedge 

PLS 





50006 Low Growing Prairie, Clay $75.00 $210.00 $495.00 $745.00 $1,350.00 


Low Growing Prairie Meadows 

Many of our customers requested a low growing prairie mix, even shorter than our classic Short 

Prairie Mixes (page 16). We listened to what you wanted, and we are pleased to offer our Low 

Growing Prairie Meadow Mixes. 

The majority of the flowers in these mixes grow no taller than two feet with a few flowers and grasses 

rising up to three feet. During summer, the grasses stay low, and play a supporting role as the flowers 

put on their colorful show. In fall, the flowers turn over center stage to the grasses, which then send 

up their delicate seedheads and turn bronze, gold and copper with the first frosts. 

These special mixes are offered exclusively by Prairie Nursery to fill the need for lower growing 

prairie meadows in a variety of landscape situations. Perfect for the urban and suburban prairie 

homesteader! 

Wildflowers 





Smooth Aster 


Wildflowers 


Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

White Aster 


A Prairie Nursery Exclusive! 

Low Growing Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50010 

For well-drained loam, sandy loam and clay loam soils 






Shootingstar 



Wild Quinine 








Low Growing Prairie for Dry Soils Item #50009 



Wild Hyacinth 




Narrow-leaf Purple 

Coneflower 



Lupine 

Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 


Low Growing Prairie Seed Mix Prices 

Wild Petunia 




Hoary Vervain 

PLS 


Grasses 




PLS 


Grasses 


Junegrass 






50009 Low Growing Prairie, Dry $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 

50010 Low Growing Prairie, Medium $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 


Moist Meadow/Rain Garden 

Prairie Seed Mix 

Wildflowers 


Red Milkweed 



Wild Senna 

Joe Pye Weed 

Boneset 

Dogtooth Daisy 


Wild Iris 

Moist Meadow/Rain Garden Mix Item #50061 

For loam, sandy loam and clay loam soils 

Blue Flag Iris 



Cardinal Flower 

Great Blue Lobelia 

Monkeyflower 

Bergamot 

Wild Quinine 




Green Headed 

Coneflower 

Sweet Black Eyed 

Susan 


Common Arrowhead 



Tall Meadowrue 

Here’s a great seed mix 

for low moist areas that 

tend to stay damp throughout 

the growing season. This is 

also an excellent choice for 

establishing native plants in 

large rain gardens where 

the use of plants may be 

cost-prohibitive. The species 

in this mix tolerate periodic 

flooding for a day or two, as 

well as dry periods between 

rainstorms. Recommended 

for medium soils such as 

loam, sandy loam and clay 

loam. Not recommended 

for dry sandy soils that drain 

rapidly and do not retain 

moisture. You’ll be amazed 

how many birds and butterflies 

will be attracted to your Moist 

Meadow/Rain Garden planting! 

Contains at least 15 wildflowers & 5 or more grasses, sedges & bulrushes. 

“ 

Blue Vervain 

Ironweed 



Grasses, Sedges 

& Bulrushes 

Blue-joint Grass 

Bebb’s Sedge 

“We have been extremely pleased with our native perennial rain garden 

from Prairie Nursery. It is not only very functional, but pleasingly 

beautiful. The rain garden truly fits with home landscaping designs.” 

“ 

PLS 


Bottlebrush Sedge 

Porcupine Sedge 

Awl Fruited Sedge 

Fox Sedge 



Common Rush 

Dark Green Bulrush 

Woolgrass 

Judith Reith-Rozelle, Asst. Superintendent 

University of Wisconsin West Madison Agricultural Research Station, Madison, WI 

Moist Meadow/Rain Garden Seed Mix Prices 




50061 Moist Meadow/Rain Garden $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 


Detention Basin Wet Prairie Mix 

Prairie Nursery pioneered the design of native seed mixes for detention basins over 20 years 

ago. The species in this mix grow naturally in medium-moist prairies, making them the perfect 

candidates for temporarily flooded areas that also dry out in summer. Designed for planting in basins 

that are flooded for 24 - 48 hours, and then drain out. This mix is particularly well adapted to loamy 

and clay soils. For detention basins in sandy soils, we recommend planting our Tall Prairie for Dry 

Soils Seed Mix (Item #50003) on page 16. 

Wildflowers 


Red Milkweed 




Wild Senna 


Joe Pye Weed 

Boneset 

Dogtooth Daisy 


Wild Iris 


Detention Basin Wet Prairie Mix Item #50062 

Contains at least 15 wildflowers & 6 or more grasses, sedges & bulrushes, 

plus Annual Rye Nurse Crop. 




Bergamot 





Rosinweed 

Cupplant 




Tall Meadowrue 

Blue Vervain 

Ironweed 



Grasses, Sedges & 

Bulrushes 

Big Bluestem 

Bebb’s Sedge 

Bottlebrush Sedge 

Detention Basin Wet Prairie Seed Mix Prices 

Porcupine Sedge 

Awl Fruited Sedge 

Fox Sedge 



Switchgrass 

Dark Green Bulrush 

Indiangrass 

Prairie Cordgrass 

Annual Rye 

PLS 





50062 Detention Basin Wet Prairie $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 


Land Restoration Prairie Seed Mixes 

An excellent value! We’ve taken some of the most popular flowers and grasses in our classic 

Prairie Mixes (page 16), and adjusted the percentages of flowers and grasses to create our 

Land Restoration Mixes. These mixes contain the same high purity seeds found in our regular mixes, 

with a slightly lower ratio of flowers to grasses. Our Land Restoration Mixes are perfect for planting 

lower visibility areas where a nice prairie is desired at a lower cost per acre. Also excellent for 

covering larger acreages on a budget. Considering that a prairie will live for 50 years or more, 

this mix costs less than $10 a year per acre of beautiful prairie! 

Wildflowers 


Smooth Aster 




Wild Senna 



Wildflowers 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 


Partridge Pea 


Land Restoration Mix for Medium Soils Item #50047 








Bergamot 






Rosinweed 

Compassplant 



Land Restoration Mix for Dry Soils Item #50046 









Lupine 

Bergamot 

Land Restoration Seed Mix Prices 

Beardtongue 







Hoary Vervain 

PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Switchgrass 


Indiangrass 

PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Switchgrass 


Indiangrass 

Area Covered: 3/10 acre 1/2 acre 1 acre 10 acres 


Item# Seed Mix 3 lb 5 lb 10 lb 100 lb 

50046 Land Restoration, Dry $195.00 $295.00 $495.00 $4,750.00 

50047 Land Restoration, Medium $195.00 $295.00 $495.00 $4,750.00 


Erosion Control 

Prairie Seed Mixes 

These mixes have been specifically designed to provide rapid vegetative cover and long-term soil 

stabilization. We added 50% more prairie grass, plus lots of fast-growing prairie flowers. Annual Rye 

nurse crop is included for rapid green-up. These mixes provide quick cover in combination with 

deep-rooted perennials to hold the soil for decades to come. Note: Always apply the appropriate 

grade of erosion mat on areas subject to water erosion. Seeded areas that are not subject to erosion 

will benefit from a cover of clean straw applied at a rate of 1.5 to 2.0 tons per acre. This helps retain 

soil moisture, increasing germination and plant survival. 

Erosion Control for Medium Soils Item #50065 


Contains at least 15 wildflowers & 5 or more grasses, plus Annual Rye Nurse Crop. 

Wildflowers 



Frost Aster 




Partridge Pea 

Wild Senna 









Bergamot 






Compassplant 


Blue Vervain 

Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Switchgrass 


Indiangrass 

Annual Rye 

Erosion Control for Dry Soils Item #50064 


Contains at least 15 wildflowers & 5 or more grasses, plus Annual Rye Nurse Crop. 

Wildflowers 

Smooth Aster 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 


Partridge Pea 







Lupine 

Bergamot 

Beardtongue 

Erosion Control Seed Mix Prices 







Hoary Vervain 

PLS 


PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Switchgrass 


Indiangrass 

Annual Rye 

Area Covered: 1/4 acre 1/2 acre 1 acre 10 acres 


Item# Seed Mix 3 lb 6 lb 12 lb 120 lb 

50064 Erosion Control, Dry $195.00 $345.00 $595.00 $5,750.00 

50065 Erosion Control, Medium $195.00 $345.00 $595.00 $5,750.00 

Annual Rye Nurse Crop Item #25950 

Lolium multiflorum 

Annual Rye is a widely used nurse crop for prairie seedings. Planted with your prairie seed 

in spring or fall, it will reduce weed growth, prevent soil erosion and provide shade for young 

prairie seedlings. 

Area Spring Fall 

Nurse Crop Prices 

Covered Acreage Seeding Rate Seeding Rate Amount Prices 

1,000 sq ft 1/40 2 oz 6 oz 

4,400 sq ft 1/10 0.5 lb 1.5 lb 

11,000 sq ft 1/4 1.25 lb 4.0 lb 

22,000 sq ft 1/2 2.5 lb 7.5 lb 

44,000 sq ft 1 5.0 lb 15 lb 

2 oz $2.00 

0.25 lb $2.25 

0.5 lb $2.50 

1-9 lbs $3.00/lb 

10+ lbs $2.00/lb 

For more information on nurse crops, please refer to pages 80 & 81. 


Wildflowers 




Smooth Aster 







Wildflowers 


Leadplant 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 


Diverse 

Prairie 


Diverse Prairie for Medium Soils Item #50012 



Wild Senna 




Shootingstar 









Bergamot 

Wild Quinine 






These Diverse Prairie 

Seed Mixes are specially 

designed to provide a wide 

variety of both short and tall 

prairie flowers and grasses. If 

your goal is to create a prairie 

with a diversity of native prairie 

plants, these mixes are for you! 

Each mix contains at least 30 

different flowers and grasses, in 

carefully balanced proportions. 

Fantastic for attracting birds 

and butterflies. 


Rosinweed 

Compassplant 





Blue Vervain 


Diverse Prairie for Dry Soils Item #50011 










False Boneset 

Diverse Prairie Seed Mix Prices 



Lupine 

Bergamot 

Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 



Wild Petunia 

Rosinweed 

Compassplant 




Hoary Vervain 

PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 




Indiangrass 


PLS 


Grasses 

Big Bluestem 



Junegrass 


Indiangrass 





50011 Diverse Prairie, Dry $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 

50012 Diverse Prairie, Medium $70.00 $195.00 $445.00 $695.00 $1,250.00 


Septic Prairie Mix for 

Sand & Gravel Backfill 

Yes, it is possible to grow flowers on the 

bare sand and gravel commonly used for 

backfilling septic fields, even without topsoil! 

How? By selecting the toughest prairie plants 

to match these demanding growing conditions. 

That’s exactly what we’ve done in our Septic 

Prairie Mix for Sand and Gravel Backfill. 

Studies have shown that the roots of prairie 

plants do not clog septic system pipes. In fact, 

these plants are recommended for planting 

over mounds and drainfields. Nutrients in the 

wastewater are taken up by the plants, instead 

of entering the groundwater. Now that’s 

ecological landscaping! 

Not recommended for septic systems that have 

received topsoil over the sand and gravel backfill. 

Use our Short Prairie for Medium Soils Mix 

on page 16 for sites with topsoil. 

Septic Prairie Mix for Sand 

& Gravel Backfill Item #50008 

Contains at least 15 wildflowers 

& 2 or more grasses. 

Wildflowers 

Butterflyweed 


Smooth Aster 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 








Lupine 

Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 


Wild Petunia 




Hoary Vervain 

Grasses 




PLS 


Deer Resistant 

Short Prairie 


Is Bambi eating you out of house, home and 

garden? Then you need to plant one of our 

Deer Resistant Short Prairie Mixes! The plants in 

these mixes have been specifically selected for 

their lack of palatability to deer. Of course, if deer 

are hungry enough, they will eat almost anything. 

The plants in these mixes are among the last on 

their list of favorite foods. 

Deer Resistant Short Prairie 

Mix for Medium Soils Item #50014 

For well-drained loam, sandy loam 

and clay loam soils 



Wildflowers 







Shootingstar 






Deer Resistant Short Prairie 

Mix for Dry Soils Item #50013 

For well-drained sandy, gravelly 

and rocky soils 



Wildflowers 


Leadplant 

Butterflyweed 

Frost Aster 

White Aster 




False Boneset 



Lupine 

Wild Quinine 






Grasses 




Dotted Mint 

Beardtongue 


Wild Petunia 



Hoary Vervain 

Grasses 




PLS 


PLS 


All of Our Native Seed is Sold 

on a “PLS” (Pure Live Seed) basis. 

See page 16 for details. 

Septic Prairie & Deer Resistant Short Prairie Seed Mix Prices 




50008 Septic Prairie Mix $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 

50013 Deer Resistant, Dry $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 

50014 Deer Resistant, Medium $65.00 $175.00 $425.00 $645.00 $1,150.00 


Clay Busters & Plants for Medium Soils 

THESE PLANTS have proven their ability to grow on tough clay soils. Their strong 

roots can break through heavy soils where lesser plants would struggle. Many of 

these species will do well in other soil types as noted in each description. 

Icon Legend A = Attracts birds B = Attracts hummingbirds C = Attracts butterflies 

E = For cut flowers D = For dried flowers F = Deer resistant 


NoddiNg PiNk oNioN EF 

Allium cernuum 

Deer Proof! 

Light: Full Sun Height: 1-2' 

Soil Moisture: Med. to Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

Bambi will turn up his nose at this lovely little 

Allium. Long-lived and super hardy, it looks great 

in short prairie gardens and meadows. Plant it in 

masses for a stunning late summer effect! Thrives 

in any moderately rich soil, from rocky hillsides 

to damp clay. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

30350-03 Price per plant $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

Item # Seed Prices 1/4 oz 1/2 oz 1 oz 1 lb 

10350 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

New eNglaNd aster CE 

Aster novae-angliae 

King of the Autumn Garden 

Light: Full to Partial Sun Height: 3-6' 


Tall and majestic, this aster’s deep blue, purple, 

and sometimes pink flowers are highlights of the 

late season landscape. This is a critical fall nectar 

source for butterflies, especially Monarchs as 

they stock up for their long migration to Mexico. 

Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11350 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

Wild Senna 

wild seNNa ADE 

Cassia hebecarpa 


Soil Moisture: Med. to Wet Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

A profusion of butter-yellow flowers appear atop 

the lush deep green foliage in mid-summer. The 

chocolate brown seedpods are a favorite of birds. 

Fond of clay, it will thrive in medium to moist 

soils, and tolerates periodic flooding. Excellent 

for attracting birds! Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Item # Seed Prices 1/4 oz 1/2 oz 1 oz 1 

12050 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 




Blue false iNdigo 

Baptisia australis 


Soil Moisture: Medium Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

Clusters of deep blue flowers surround this 

perennial favorite in late spring. Deep rooted and 

very long-lived, it forms a large “bush” at maturity. 

Makes an excellent specimen plant, planted 

individually or in groups, spaced three feet apart. 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11520 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 




white false iNdigo D 

Baptisia lactea 

Excellent Specimen Plant 



Resembling an asparagus plant when it first 

appears, this amazing plant practically jumps 

out of the ground in spring! Although slowgrowing, 

this beauty lives the longest of all prairie 

plants. Worth waiting for, it is a true showpiece 

when in bloom! Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11550 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

“ 

“Several years ago I planted your Butterflyweed 

for Clay with amazing results. I live in 

SE Wisconsin with the thickest, gooiest clay 

imaginable, and the plants look fantastic!" 

Cheryl Wagner, Germantown, WI 

” 


BCDEF 

Asclepias tuberosa, var. Clay 

Prairie Nursery Exclusive! 


Soil Moisture: Medium 

Soil Type: Loam, Clay 

This special strain of Butterflyweed originated 

on a clay prairie! Now you can grow Butterflyweed 

in heavy soils that defy cultivation of the 

common strains of the species. Recommended 

for planting only on upland sites, as it will not do 

well in poorly-drained soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # Deep Plug 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11281 $20.00 $30.00 $50.00 $750.00 



Ozark Coneflower 

ozark CoNeflower ACDE 

Echinacea paradoxa – Plants Only 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

This rare beauty looks like Pale Purple Coneflower 

draped in gold. Butterflies flock to the flowers, 

and birds love the seeds! Plant it with the other 

coneflowers for an Echinacea Extravaganza! 

Native to the prairies of Central Missouri, Ozark 

Coneflower has proven itself hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Pale PurPle CoNeflower 

Echinacea pallida ACDEF 

Pale Purple 

Coneflower 



The large showy flowers of Pale Purple Coneflower 

are a favorite summer nectar source for 

butterflies. In fall, birds love it for its delectable 

seeds. A deep taproot makes this long-lived plant 

capable of handling hot dry situations with 

aplomb. Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



12950 $5.00 $8.00 $12.00 $180.00 


rattlesNake Master CDEF 

Eryngium yuccifolium 



This unique wildflower has the leaves of a yucca, 

and unique “golf ball” flowers like no other plant. 

Makes an excellent focal point in the garden 

when planted individually or in groups. Native 

Americans brewed a tea from the root as an 

antidote to rattlesnake venom. Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



13150 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 


PurPle CoNeflower ABCDEF 

Echinacea purpurea 



Attract butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds 

to your garden with Purple Coneflower! Blooms 

profusely for up to two months in mid to late 

summer. Perfect for small gardens and large 

prairie meadows, this “classy” plant thrives in 

fertile soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



12960 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 



Prairie BlaziNgstar ABCDEF 

Liatris pycnostachya 

Loves Damp Clay! 



The grandaddy of the Blazingstars! This truly 

majestic plant sends up a spectacular spike of 

tightly bunched lavender flowers that never fail 

to elicit comment. Makes an excellent cut flower 

and holds its color well when dried. Requires a 

rich, medium or moist soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15360 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

See page 5 for a list of favorite 

nectar plants for Monarch butterf ies 

and favorite larval food 

plants for Monarch caterpillars 


ox eye suNflower E 

Heliopsis helianthoides 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

This relative of the sunflowers produces a 

profusion of bright yellow flowers in early to 

mid-summer. Excellent for problem clay soils, it 

grows in any reasonably fertile soil and thrives in 

moist, heavy soils. Does not spread by rhizomes, 

but will self-sow in open soil. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



14350 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 



deNse BlaziNgstar ABCDE 

Liatris spicata 



Bold purple flowerstalks appear late in the 

season after other blazingstars are finished. Excellent 

for attracting butterflies and Hummingbird 

Moths. Prefers slightly moist soils, hence its other 

name, Marsh Blazingstar. Makes an excellent cut 

flower and dries well, too. Hardy to Zones 4 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15370 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 



Bergamot 

BergaMot BCDE 

Monarda fistulosa 



The intricate lavender flowers attract a plethora 

of butterflies, and the strong stems are sometimes 

used by Indigo Buntings to build their nests. The 

fresh leaves can be used to brew a tasty, minty 

tea, and the seedheads are excellent in dried 

arrangements. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15940 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 


sMooth PeNsteMoN BCEF 

Penstemon digitalis 



One of the few Penstemons that thrives in clay! 

The pure white flowers bloom for a month or 

longer, and look great with the blue flowers of 

Ohio and Western Spiderworts (p. 46 & 47). 

Grows in full sun to light shade, and tolerates 

seasonally damp conditions. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



16720 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

Wild Quinine 

wild QuiNiNe EF 

Parthenium integrifolium 

Rare and Unusual! 



This garden worthy plant has everything one 

could want in a great perennial: good form, excellent 

foliage, long bloom time, and resistance to insects 

and disease. The pure white flowers make a 

fantastic combination when planted with Prairie 

Blazingstar (p. 33). Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



16550 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

Sweet Black 

Eyed Susan 

sweet BlaCk eyed susaN CE 

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 

Tough & Beautiful, It Conquers Clay! 



While other plants fold in the heat of summer, 

Sweet Black Eyed Susan retains its luxuriant deep 

green foliage and butter-yellow blooms with 

shimmering red-brown centers. Give it clay, or 

any reasonably rich soil and it will reward you 

with years of beautiful flowers! Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18060 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 



BlaCk eyed susaN CEF 

Rudbeckia hirta 



This hallmark of prairies and meadows puts on 

an extravagant floral display! A biennial, it is easy 

to grow from seed. Plants bloom the year they 

are planted, and will self-sow onto open soil. 

Butterflies are frequent visitors to this bright 

sunny wildflower! Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18040 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 

CoMPassPlaNt ACE 

Silphium laciniatum 

Clay is Its Friend! 



The thick, deeply divided leaves often orient 

themselves in a north-south direction, hence its 

name. Slow-growing and long-lived, mature plants 

can have up to 100 large yellow flowers that 

open from June through September. Birds seek 

out the very nutritious seeds. Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # Deep Plug 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18440 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 



Compassplant Cupplant 

Prairie doCk ACE 

Silphium terebinthinaceum 



With leaves like elephant ears and flowers literally 

as high as an elephant’s eye, Prairie Dock is a 

truly unique plant! Sunflower-like blooms appear 

on giant stalks for a month or longer. Very longlived, 

individual plants can flourish for decades. 

Birds love the seeds! Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # Deep Plug 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18480 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

CuPPlaNt ABD 

Silphium perfoliatum 

Ranked #1 by the Birds! 



The single best species for attracting birds! It 

provides food, water and cover. The leaves clasp 

the stems to form cups that catch rainwater. 

Songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds come 

for a drink, and in fall, Goldfinches descend upon 

the plants to devour the seeds. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18460 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 



yellow CoNeflower E 

Ratibida pinnata 

Grows in Almost Any Soil! 



This striking prairie flower produces a cornucopia 

of bright yellow flowers in the heat of 

mid-summer. Amazingly durable, it survives heat, 

drought, flooding, and winter cold. Easy to grow 

from seed or plants, this is a strong perennial 

and classic prairie flower. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



17850 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 



ohio goldeNrod ACDEF 

Solidago ohioensis 

Largest, Showiest Goldenrod Flowers! 



The compact form gives little hint that this 

stunning Goldenrod will provide an exuberant 

late-season floral display. The foliage is superb, 

with lush, lance-like leaves radiating out from 

the base. Excellent for moist clay, it also thrives 

in good garden soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 5. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18740 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 


stiff goldeNrod 

Solidago rigida ACDEF 

A Monarch Favorite! 



This widely adaptable golden beauty will thrive 

in even the most inhospitable soils, from clay 

to dry sand. The stems serve as perches for 

songbirds, and the seeds are an important lateseason 

bird food. The dried heads are lovely in 

arrangements. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18770 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Ironweed 

iroNweed CE 

Vernonia fasciculata 


Soil Moisture: Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

The flowers of Ironweed are like crimson torches 

in the late summer prairie. Named for its tough 

stem, it has excellent posture and never slouches 

in the garden. One of only a few red prairie 

flowers, it is a favorite for adding late-season 

color to the landscape. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19650 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 


MEDIUM SOILS include well-drained soils with moderate water-holding capacity and 

reasonable fertility. Medium soils may experience standing water only for short 

periods after a heavy rain. Many species in this section also fare well in other soil types 

as noted in each description. 




laveNder hyssoP BCEF 

Agastache foeniculum 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

Also known as Anise Hyssop, the crushed leaves 

have a fragrance of mint and licorice. The bright 

purple flowers and textured foliage make this 

an excellent choice for sunny prairies, open oak 

woodlands, and savannas. Biennial, it self-sows 

readily on open soil. Hardy to Zones 2 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



10220 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Cream False Indigo 

CreaM false iNdigo F 

Baptisia bracteata 



Treasured for its gorgeous clusters of lush cream 

flowers, this low growing and compact legume 

creates a stunning effect! Extremely long-lived, 

individual plants are known to live for decades! 

Plant in any well-drained soil in full sun or light 

shade. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11560 $32.00 $48.00 $80.00 $1,200.00 

Plants for Medium Soils 

sullivaNt’s Milkweed C 

Asclepias sullivantii – Plants Only 


Soil Moisture: Medium Soil Type: Loam, Clay 

This rare prairie plant is the well-behaved 

brother of the free running Common Milkweed. 

It creeps slowly by rhizomes, making it a superior 

candidate for the butterfly garden. One of the 

very best nectar plants for attracting butterflies, 

especially Monarchs. Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # Deep Plug 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Fireweed 

Sullivant's Milkweed 

fireweed B 

Epilobium angustifolium – Plants Only 

Hummingbirds Love It! 


Soil Moisture: Med. to Wet Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

One of our showiest native wildflowers, the pink 

blossoms often bloom from mid-summer up until 

the first frost. Named for its habit of appearing 

on recently burned areas, it creeps slowly by 

rhizomes to form a patch. Prefers rich, loose soil. 

Not recommended for clay. Hardy to Zones 2 - 5. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




sMall’s PeNsteMoN B 

Penstemon smallii – Plants Only 

Light: Full to Partial Sun Height: 1-2’ 


One of the showiest Penstemons of the eastern 

U.S., this native of rocky slopes of the Great 

Smoky Mountains is perfect for planting on 

well-drained soils and hillsides. As with all 

Penstemons, hummingbirds are regular visitors! 


Item # 3” Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



BrowN eyed susaN CE 

Rudbeckia triloba 

Fantastic Fall Color Show! 

Small’s Penstemon 


Soil Moisture: Med. to Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

Create some major excitement in your landscape! 

Brilliant yellow flowers with jet-black centers 

bloom from late summer all the way up to the 

first hard frost. Grows in almost any soil, in full 

sun or light shade. Although short-lived, it selfsows 

readily on open soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18070 $5.00 $8.00 $12.00 $180.00 

Favorite 

Nectar Plant for 

Monarch Butterflies 

New England Aster p. 30 

Purple Coneflower p. 32 

Pale Purple Coneflower p. 32 

Prairie Blazingstar p. 33 

Dense Blazingstar p. 33 

Bergamot p. 34 

Smooth Penstemon p. 34 

Ohio Goldenrod p. 36 

Stiff Goldenrod p. 36 

Ironweed p. 36 

Meadow Blazingstar 

- their favorite! p. 38 

Leadplant p. 40 

Smooth Aster p. 41 

Rough Blazingstar p. 44 

Meadow Blazingstar 

Northern Blazingstar p. 44 

Scaly Blazingstar p. 44 

Lupine p. 43 

Downy Phlox p. 45 

Showy Goldenrod p. 46 

Joe Pye Weed p. 51 

Tall Joe Pye Weed p. 51 

Queen of the Prairie p. 52 

Marsh Phlox p. 54 

Tall Ironweed p. 55 

Wild Blue Phlox p. 61 

Complete Butterfy 

gardens featured 

on pages 4 - 5. 

Meadow BlaziNgstar ABCDE 

Liatris ligulistylis – Plants Only 

The Ultimate Monarch Magnet! 


Soil Moisture: Med. to Moist Soil Type: Loam 

The crimson-red buds burst open to reveal brilliant 

purplish-pink flowers that are irresistible 

to Monarch Butterflies. Meadow Blazingstar’s 

widely-branched and numerous individual flowers 

bloom over an extended period of time. The 

seeds are a Goldfinch favorite. Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



oyal CatChfly BE 

Silene regia – Plants Only 

A Hummingbird Favorite! 


Soil Moisture: Medium Soil Type: Loam 

This truly regal plant boasts flowers of the deepest 

red. Plant this beauty in rich, well-drained soil, 

in full sun, for a fantastic floral display. Found in 

only a few isolated locations in the Midwest, our 

plants have been selected for the past 15 years 

for cold hardiness. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Royal Catchfly 

oraNge CoNeflower CE 

Rudbeckia fulgida 


Soil Moisture: Medium Soil Type: Loam, Clay 

Named for its orange-tinged petals, this perennial 

of the Black Eyed Susan clan is popular with the 

butterflies! The deep green foliage maintains its 

fine form all season long. Native to the eastern 

Midwest, it does best in full sun to light shade 

in a rich soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18030 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 


Labrador Violet 

laBrador violet 

Viola labradorica – Plants Only 

Light: Full to Partial Sun Height: 6" 


This fine little violet’s purple-green foliage serves 

as a perfect foil for the bright lavender blooms 

that cover the plant in late spring and summer. 

It maintains its good looks all season long! 

Perfect for planting between pavers and stepping 

stones. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Prairie Spiderwort 

Prairie sPiderwort 

Tradescantia bracteata – Plants Only 



The deep blue of this Spiderwort mixes beautifully 

with the pink of the Western Spiderwort 

(p. 47) to form a low growing spring carpet 

of color. Grows in good soil as well as in hot, 

dry spots where most other plants struggle. 

Long-lived, it forms an attractive clump. Hardy 

to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Plants for Dry, Sandy & Rocky Soils 

DRY SOILS include extremely well-drained sand, gravel and rock. These soils never 

have standing water and rainfall drains rapidly through them. A number of these 

plants will also grow in better soils, as noted in the descriptions. 



Prairie Onion 

Prairie oNioN F 

Allium stellatum – Plants Only 



This uncommon native bulb produces showy 

globes of lavender flowers in the heat of midsummer. 

It will grow in the most inhospitable 

conditions, including dry sandy soils and rocky 

cliffs. An ideal rock garden plant, it thrives in 

dry, sunny and semi-shaded situations. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Butterflyweed 

leadPlaNt CF 

Amorpha canescens 

Unique Foliage and Flowers! 



Spikes of iridescent purple flowers appear atop 

the delicate silver-gray foliage in the heat of 

mid-summer. Extremely long-lived, this is one of 

the few shrubs of the prairie. Leadplant’s deep 

taproot makes it extremely drought tolerant. 

Thrives in any well-drained soil. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



10430 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Butterflyweed 

BCDEF 

Asclepias tuberosa 

A Butterfly Favorite! 

Leadplant 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. 

Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

True to its name, Butterflyweed 

attracts legions of butterflies, and is 

an important larval food source for 

Monarchs. Look for their beautiful 

chrysalises on your plants! This rugged 

individual thrives in dry soil to 

well-drained loam. Makes a fantastic 

cut flower! Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # Deep Plug 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11280 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 


Smooth Aster 

sMooth aster CE 

Aster laevis 



This fabulous Aster produces a profusion of deep 

blue, star-like flowers in late autumn after most 

other plants are long gone. Extremely hardy, it 

defies frosts and keeps on blooming, often well 

into November. A strong perennial, it will grow 

in almost any soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11340 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Harebell 

hareBell F 

Campanula rotundifolia – Plants Only 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Sand, Gravel 

Harebell’s deep blue flowers dance on summer 

breezes and often rebloom in fall up until the 

first hard frost. Although demure in stature, this is 

one tough cookie. It excels in thin, rocky soils, as 

well as dry sand. Perfect for rock gardens and dry, 

semi-shaded slopes. Hardy to Zones 2 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




sky Blue aster CE 

Aster azureus 



This bright showy Aster is covered with brilliant 

blue blooms from late August into October. 

Combine with the Showy Goldenrod (p. 46) 

for a fabulous fall show! Thrives in almost any 

soil, from dry sand to moist loam, in full sun to 

light shade. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11310 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Heath 

Aster 

heath aster CE 

Aster ericoides – Plants Only 



Not only does Heath Aster produce a blizzard of 

bright white flowers in late summer and early 

fall, it will thrive on the driest sandy and gravelly 

soils. Creeping slowly by rhizomes to form small 

“bushes”, it is one of our longest lived Asters. 

Plant with Sky Blue Aster and Smooth Aster (this 

page) for a great fall show. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 





laNCeleaf CoreoPsis CEF 

Coreopsis lanceolata 



The golden-yellow flowers bloom for weeks on 

end, creating a fantastic early summer display. 

Butterflies are regular visitors, and songbirds feed 

on the ripe seeds in late summer. This durable 

fellow grows in any well-drained soil, and exults 

in dry sandy soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



12340 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 


New Jersey tea BCF 

Ceanothus americanus 

A Natural Hummingbird Feeder! 



The luxuriant glossy leaves and bright white 

flowers make this durable shrub a real winner. 

Plant two to three feet apart to create a low growing, 

drought tolerant native hedge. Hummingbirds 

visit this plant regularly to eat the tiny insects that 

pollinate the flowers. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



12150 $24.00 $36.00 $60.00 $900.00 


PurPle Prairie Clover ACE 

Dalea purpurea 

Adds Nitrogen to the Soil Naturally 



This “classy” little legume has it all: gorgeous 

purple and gold flowers, elegant foliage, plus it 

fertilizes your prairie naturally with Nitrogen that 

it takes from the air. Deeply taprooted, this longlived 

beauty is virtually impervious to heat and 

drought. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



16860 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 

Stiff Coreopsis 

stiff CoreoPsis C 

Coreopsis palmata – Plants Only 



This popular plant sports bright yellow flowers 

during the dog days of mid-summer. Spreads by 

underground rhizomes to form a dense mat. A 

perfect match for the most difficult dry soils, it 

is excellent for stabilizing dry, sunny slopes and 

even sand dunes! Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



luPiNe CF 

Lupinus perennis 

Host plant for Karner Blue Butterfly 


Soil Moisture: Dry Soil Type: Sand 

Lupine’s unmistakable spires of blue flowers are 

a spring favorite! This is the only known food 

plant for caterpillars of the endangered Karner 

Blue Butterfly. Grows in dry sandy soils where 

most other plants would perish. Will not grow 

in loam or clay. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15750 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

westerN suNflower AC 

Helianthus occidentalis – Plants Only 



Elegant star-like flowers are held aloft on leafless 

stalks two to three feet tall. The shortest of our 

native Sunflowers, this plant is perfect for small 

prairie gardens and meadows in dry soils. Blooms 

for an extended period in late summer. Birds love 

the seeds! Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Lupine 

Western 

Sunflower 

Downy 

Sunflower 

dowNy suNflower ACE 

Helianthus mollis 


Soil Moisture: Dry Soil Type: Sand 

Beautiful butter-yellow flowers are borne on soft, 

grey-green leaves. The firm stems serve as perches 

for songbirds, and Goldfinches love the seeds. 

Creeps slowly by rhizomes to form a clump. 

Prefers dry, sandy conditions but does well on 

any well-drained soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



14260 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

Prairie Smoke 

Prairie sMoke F 

Geum triflorum – Plants Only 

A Rock and Sand Garden Favorite 

Light: Full Sun Height: 6" 


One of the most distinctive and best loved prairie 

plants! The unique feathery pink seedheads make 

this a star of the spring prairie garden. Spreads 

slowly by rootstocks to make a low growing 

groundcover. Excellent for hot, dry spots, it 

thrives in any well-drained soil. Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




Northern Blazingstar 

NortherN BlaziNgstar ABCDE 

Liatris borealis – Plants Only 

Rare New England Native 



Brilliant red buds surround the hot pink center 

of the Northern Blazingstar, attracting butterflies 

to its delectable nectar. Widely-branched, it 

produces a profusion of showy flowers in late 

summer. This rare northeastern U.S. native 

requires a well-drained soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 5. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



rough BlaziNgstar ABCDEF 

Liatris aspera 

Birds Love the Seeds! 



This seemingly modest plant provides a late 

summer surprise when it erupts into blazing 

wands of lavender. Prized for its luxuriant flower 

stalks, it grows in super-dry sandy soils to welldrained 

loams. Makes an excellent dried flower, 

and Goldfinches love the seeds! Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15310 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

sCaly BlaziNgstar ABCDE 

Liatris squarrosa – Plants Only 



This unique Blazingstar produces a mound of 

brilliant purple-pink flowers in late summer. 

Excellent for hot, dry sites. Plant with other 

low growing prairie flowers such as Prairie 

Spiderwort (p. 39), Wild Petunia (p. 45), and 

Showy Goldenrod (p. 46) for a great show! 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Dotted Mint 

Scaly Blazingstar 

dotted MiNt CF 

Monarda punctata 

Karner Blue Butterfly Nectar Plant! 


Soil Moisture: Dry Soil Type: Sand, Gravel 

The bright lavender “flowers” of the Dotted Mint 

are actually leafy bracts that surround the true 

flower. A multitude of butterflies visit the flowers. 

It is a top nectar plant for the rare Karner Blue 

Butterfly. A biennial, it self-sows readily on open 

sandy soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15980 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 


BeardtoNgue BF 

Penstemon grandiflorus 

Heavenly for Hummingbirds! 



One of the showiest of all our North American 

Penstemons! Beardtongue produces a profusion 

of lavender trumpets that are a favorite nectar 

source for hummingbirds. Requires excellent 

drainage, preferring dry sandy and rocky soils. 

Will not grow in clay. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



16740 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

Downy Phlox 

dowNy Phlox BC 

Phlox pilosa – Plants Only 



Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

The bright pink flowers of Downy Phlox really 

light up the spring wildflower garden! A favorite 

nectar source of hummingbirds, it makes a great 

addition to hummingbird gardens. Grows in welldrained 

sand to slightly damp loam. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Beardtongue 

wild PetuNia BF 

Ruellia humilis 



Wild Petunia’s claim to fame is its lovely violet 

flower trumpets, a hummingbird favorite! Seldom 

growing more than a foot tall, this rare plant 

is perfect for dry, hot locations such as rock 

gardens and dry sandy or rocky soils. Also 

thrives in well-drained loam. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18150 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

Broad Leaved 

Penstemon 

Wild 

Petunia 

Broad leaved PeNsteMoN B 

Penstemon ovatus – Plants Only 



Deep blue flowers appear above the shiny, deep 

green leaves of this perfectly proportioned plant. 

Native to the western Cascade Mountains, it does 

beautifully in temperate climates in rich, loose 

soil. Hummingbirds are regular visitors! Hardy to 

Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




Blue Sage 

Blue sage C 

Salvia azurea – Plants Only 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Gravel 

The bright blue flowers of Blue Sage bloom for 

an extended period in late summer. Native to 

southern and western prairie states, it makes its 

home in rocky prairies, shaded limestone glades, 

and open woodlands. Tough as nails, this is an excellent 

choice for dry sites. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


New! New! 

Prairie Blue Eyed Grass 

Prairie Blue eyed grass AF 

Sisyrinchium campestre – Plants Only 

Light: Full to Partial Sun Height: 6"-1' 


This diminutive grass-like member of the Iris 

family is perfect for rock gardens, dry sandy soils, 

and any well-drained garden soil. The dainty blue 

to white flowers literally dance on the spring 

breezes! Plant with Prairie Smoke (p.43) and 

Harebell (p.41) for a lovely combination. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



showy goldeNrod ACDEF 

Solidago speciosa 



The splendid sculpted flower spikes of Showy 

Goldenrod create a spectacular show. The foot 

long golden wands add a distinctive flourish to 

the autumnal prairie landscape. This is an important 

late season nectar source for butterflies and 

other pollinators. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18780 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 


ohio sPiderwort 

Tradescantia ohiensis 



The delightful deep blue flowers bloom for an 

extended period in late spring and early summer. 

Plant with Smooth Penstemon (p. 34) for a fantastic 

color combination. Spiderworts go dormant in 

summer, so plant them with other later-blooming 

prairie flowers and grasses. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19350 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 


westerN sPiderwort 

Tradescantia occidentalis – Plants Only 

Excellent Groundcover for Poor Soils 

Light: Full Sun Height: 1' 


The hot pink flowers of Western Spiderwort add 

flash to the prairie garden or meadow. Spreads 

by rhizomes to form colonies that squeeze out 

weeds and explode in a riot of “can’t miss it” 

color in early summer. Grows in any well-drained 

soil in full sun or light shade. Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


hoary vervaiN CEF 

Verbena stricta 



The robin’s egg blue spires are a real standout 

in the late summer prairie. An essential nectar 

source for butterflies, it serves as an important 

component of butterfly gardens. Very drought 

resistant, it thrives on dry soils and well-drained 

loamy soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19560 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

Beneficial Pollinators 

“The Prairie is My ‘Pesticide!”: Native plants for Pest Control and Pollinators 

“I used to have tomato hornworms, aphids, and stinkbugs in my vegetable 

garden. Since I planted my ¼ acre prairie meadow from Prairie Nursery, 

I haven’t had any insect damage to my vegetables. I have an organic 

garden, and don’t use any pesticides. The prairie is my ‘pesticide!’” 

Todd Springer, Bloomington, IL 

You can use native plantings near your vegetable 

gardens or agricultural fields to improve pollination 

and yields, as well as provide natural pest control. Prairies 

not only attract butterflies, honeybees and a wide variety 

of other pollinators, they also create habitat for beneficial predatory 

insects that help keep pests in control without chemicals! 

Agastache p. 37 

Asclepias p. 31, 37, 40 & 50 

Aster p. 30, 41, 57 & 58 

Baptisia p. 31 & 37 

Ceanothus p. 42 

Coreopsis p. 42 

Echinacea p. 32 


Western 

Spiderwort 

These plant groups are some of the best for attracting beneficial insects 

Eryngium p. 32 

Eupatorium p. 51, 52 & 59 

Gentiana p. 52 

Helianthus p. 43 & 59 

Liatris p. 33, 38 & 44 

Lobelia p. 53 & 54 

Lupinus p. 43 

Hoary Vervain 

Monarda p. 34 & 44 

Penstemon p. 34, 38 & 45 

Silphium p. 35 

Solidago p. 36, 46, & 62 

Tradescantia p. 39, 46 & 47 

Vernonia p. 36 & 55 

Veronicastrum p. 55 

Please refer to our Native Plant Selection Guide on pages 86-88 for cultural information on each species. 


This lawn is mowed every 4-6 weeks instead of every 1-2 weeks. 


Serves as an Alternative to Chemical-Addicted Manicured Lawn 

Proven Successful Since 1994! 

Prairie Nursery’s “No Mow” Lawn 

Mix is a specially designed blend 

of six slow-growing fine fescue 

turf grasses, which will: 

3 Save Time and Money! 

3 Grow to form a dense turf. 

3 Thrive in full sun or partial shade. 

3 Require little, if any, watering or 

fertilizing. 

3 Require limited mowing, once or twice 

a year... or never! 

Our “No Mow” lawn mix is composed of six 

slow-growing fine fescue varieties, which 

are more drought resistant than a bluegrass 

lawn because of their deeper root systems. 

This turf mix grows well in sun or partial shade. 

It does best on sandy or loamy soil, and on welldrained 

clay soils with at least four inches of good, 

loose topsoil. It is not recommended for wet 

soils, deep shade, compacted soils, or poorlydrained 

heavy clay. (See “Understanding Your 

Soil” on pages 78-79.) 

Preparation 

As with any seeding, proper soil preparation is 

critical to success. The area to be planted must be 

completely free of weeds prior to seeding. If not 

removed, the existing weeds will compete with 

the fescue for nutrients, moisture and sunlight. 

Please refer to the Site Preparation guidelines on 

pages 79-80 for proper soil preparation. 

Late Summer / Early Fall Seeding 

It is strongly recommended that you plant your 

“No Mow” between late August and late September. 

In more southerly areas, seeding can be extended 

into late October. Cool evening temperatures and 

gentle autumn rains create ideal conditions for germination 

and growth of these cool-season grasses. 

Very few weeds germinate in the fall. 

Early Spring Seeding 

Seeding in March through mid-May is a good 

second choice to early fall seeding. However, most 

weeds germinate in spring and early summer, 

and can compete with your “No Mow” seedlings. 

Remember that the reason you don’t have to mow 

this grass very often is because it grows slowly. 

Weeds will grow much faster, and can out-compete 

spring-planted turf seedings. 

Watering 

Water new seedings daily for fifteen to thirty 

minutes, unless the soil is damp. Water in the 

early morning, to prevent fungal diseases that can 

result with late afternoon and evening watering. 

Continue watering for the first six weeks after 

seeding, especially if planted in late spring, or in 

dry soils. Once the planted area begins to green 

up, watering can be cut back to every two to five 

days, depending upon your soil type and weather 

conditions. 

Once established, water only during dry 

periods. Occasional, thorough soakings are better 

than frequent light sprinklings. This encourages 

deep root growth, and makes your turf more 

drought resistant. 

Fertilizer & Weed Control 

Fertilizer is not recommended for “No Mow” 

fescue turf, and should be applied sparingly, if 

at all. If you must, fertilize in early spring or late 

summer only. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer 

with equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus 

and potassium. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that 

stimulate excessive top growth, which requires 

mowing. 

Your “No Mow” lawn can be treated with the same 

weed control and lawn care products used on traditional 

lawns. Always follow the directions when 

using herbicides and other lawn care products. 

These chemicals should be used sparingly, if at all. 

With minimal fertilizing and watering, you’ll reap 

the benefits of reduced maintenance, lower costs 

and a healthier environment! 


This lawn is mowed once a year in early to mid-June when grass seedheads appear. No further mowing 

is required. 

Mowing and Turf Care 

To maintain a more “lawn-like” look, mow at a 

height of 4 to 5 inches when the seedheads appear, 

usually in June. If you require a more “cropped” 

or manicured look, you can mow your turf every 

month or so at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches. Do not 

mow closer than 3 inches, and never remove 

more than one third of the top growth, as 

this will damage the turf. 

If you notice a build-up of dead brown grass 

in your “No Mow” turf, the lawn should 

be “de-thatched” to encourage new spring 

growth. De-thatching should be done in early 

spring, before the grass begins actively growing. 

This can be accomplished by hand using a dethatching 

rake, or with a mechanical de-thatching 

machine. 

Your “No Mow” lawn will form a soft, 4 to 6 inch 

tall flowing carpet of grass. In fall, leaves should be 

removed. Mowing with a mulching mower is the 

easiest method. The nutrients from the mulched 

leaves are all the fertilizer your “No Mow” lawn 

should ever need! 

The only other thing you need to do... is decide 

what to do during the time you would have 

normally spent mowing your lawn! 

“No Mow” Seed Prices & Seeding Rates 

Plant “No Mow” at rates of 5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft., and 220 lbs per acre. 

Amount (lbs.) “No Mow” “No Mow” with 

Annual Rye 

for erosion control 

Item #50091 Item #50092 

5 to 19 $5.95 per lb. $5.95 per lb. 

20 to 49 $4.95 per lb. $4.95 per lb. 

50 to 199 $4.25 per lb. $4.25 per lb. 

200 to 499 $3.95 per lb. $3.95 per lb. 

500 to 1,000 $3.75 per lb. $3.75 per lb. 

Minimum Order 5 lbs. 

“No Mow” is POSTPAID in the U.S. 

“NO MOW” LAWN MIX PLANTING ZONES 

Recommended Zone for “No Mow” is dark green, in the northernmost portion of the map. This region is 

best suited to cool season turf grasses such as the fine fescues in the "No Mow" turf blend. 

The Transition Zone is the light green area between the two zones listed above, is suitable for either cool 

season or warm season turf grasses. The "No Mow" Lawn Mix will typically perform well in this area, except 

when planted in hot, drought prone locations such as south-facing hillsides, very dry rocky or sandy soils. 

Not Recommended Zone is in yellow, in the southern portion of the map. These hotter climates are best 

suited to warm season grasses that can tolerate long, warm summers. 

“No Mow" with Annual Rye for Erosion Control 

On erosion-prone sites and steep slopes, we recommend seeding “No Mow" grass seed with an Annual Rye nurse crop* for rapid soil 

stabilization. When planting on slopes in the fall, be sure to plant your seed no later than September 15th, to ensure sufficient growth of 

the nurse crop to hold the soil. 

In Zone 4 and colder Annual Rye will usually winter kill (except in milder winters). In Zone 5 and warmer Annual Rye will typically 

survive the winter and will require mowing in the following spring and summer. If using an erosion blanket, Annual Rye is not required. 

*We provide this premixed option for your convenience. 


Plants for Moist Soils 

M OIST SOILS are found in low areas and around seeps. They typically are wet in 

spring and may experience standing water for a few days after a hard rain in 

summer. The surface soil may dry out in summer, but the subsoil will usually remain 

moist, except during severe drought. Some of these plants will also do well in drier 

soils as noted in the descriptions. 



Common 

Bluestar 

COMMON BLUESTAR 

Amsonia tabernaemontana – Plants Only 



This spring blooming beauty is treasured for its 

charming sky blue flowers. Long-lived and adaptable, 

it grows in medium to moist soil, in full sun 

to partial sun. Native to moist woods from Illinois 

to New Jersey and south to Texas and Florida, it 

has proven itself hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Canada Anemone 

CANADA ANEMONE 

Anemone canadensis – Plants Only 

Excellent Groundcover for Damp Soils 



Attractive foliage and bright white flowers make 

this an excellent groundcover for hard-to-mow 

damp areas. Spreads rapidly by underground rhizomes 

to form a solid groundcover. Install plants 

one foot on center to create a carpet of color in 

one to two growing seasons. Hardy to Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Red Milkweed 

RED MILKWEED CE 

Asclepias incarnata 

A Favorite of Monarch Caterpillars! 


Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

The leaves of Red Milkweed are a preferred food 

source of Monarch Caterpillars. Plant some and 

start your own butterfly farm! Thrives along 

ponds and streams, in detention basins and any 

moist soil. No moist soil garden is complete 

without Red Milkweed! Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



11230 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

50 Prairie Nursery Order Toll-Free 1-800-476-9453 

“ 

“We planted 2/3 of an acre with seed from 

Prairie Nursery and 1/3 acre with seed 

from others. The Prairie Nursery seed has 

proven far superior in both the variety 

of species and the individual number of 

plants. We have received many favorable 

comments on our meadow planted with 

Prairie Nursery seed.” 

Dave and LaVonne Middleton 

Roberts, WI 

”

WhITE TURTLEhEAD C 

Chelone glabra – Plants Only 



This unique flower actually resembles a turtle’s 

head. Caterpillars of the beautiful Baltimore 

Checkerspot Butterfly rely exclusively on this 

rare wetland plant as a food source. Create some 

butterfly habitat and enjoy the distinctive flowers 

by planting White Turtlehead! Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Joe Pye Weed 

JOE PyE WEED C 

Eupatorium maculatum 

A Butterfly Magnet! 

White Turtlehead 



The extravagant Joe Pye Weed is crowned with 

clusters of bright pink flowers in late summer. 

Butterflies find it irresistible. Perfect for planting 

in damp soil in marshy areas, along streambanks, 

and on pond edges. Will also thrive in rich garden 

soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



13240 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

TALL JOE PyE WEED C 

Eupatorium fistulosum – Plants Only 

King of the Joe Pye Realm! 



Plant this statuesque beauty and watch the 

butterflies flock to your garden! The flowers are 

the largest of the Eupatoriums, and the whorls of 

textured leaves look great all season long. Native 

to wet meadows in the eastern U.S. and Midwest, 

it requires a rich, moist soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Sweet Flag 


SWEET FLAg 

Acorus calamus – Plants Only 

Tall Joe Pye Weed 

New! New! 


Soil Moisture: Wet Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

Glossy, sweet-scented leaves give this plant its 

name. This plant makes a great wetland foliage 

plant for pond edges, stream banks and in soggy 

soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




VIRgIN’S BOWER D 

Clematis virginiana – Plants Only 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 6-9' 


This native Clematis lights up the fall landscape 

with its silky, feather-like silvery seedheads. The 

small white flowers appear in mid-summer. Plant 

next to other tall sturdy flowers or shrubs, and it 

will use them as a natural trellis. Requires a rich 

moist soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Bottle Gentian 

Virgin's Bower 

BOTTLE gENTIAN 

Gentiana andrewsii – Plants Only 



The deep blue flowers never actually open, 

giving them their bottle-like appearance. They 

are pollinated exclusively by Bumblebees, which 

open the flowers to gain entry into the inner 

sanctum. Blooming late into the fall, it seems 

impervious to the effects of Jack Frost. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Boneset 

BONESET C 

Eupatorium perfoliatum 



The pure white flowers of Boneset really stand 

out in the late summer landscape. Looks great 

when mixed with the pink wands of Dense 

Blazingstar (p. 33). The highly textured leaves 

clasp the stem, and were once believed to 

facilitate the setting and healing of bones. 

Requires a rich moist soil in full sun to light 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



13260 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

Queen Of The Prairie 

QUEEN OF ThE PRAIRIE CE 

Filipendula rubra – Plants Only 

Best Seller! 



The “cotton candy” pink plumes of this regal 

plant are a real show-stopper. “The Queen” is a 

highlight of the summer prairie garden! Easy 

to grow, plants spread by rhizomes to form a 

splendid clump. Prefers moist soil, and performs 

brilliantly in rich garden soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Wild Iris 

WILD IRIS B 

Iris shrevei 



Irises are excellent for naturalizing in moist soils 

along pond edges, streambanks and any damp 

or wet soil. Will grow in water up to a foot 

deep. Individual plants spread to form attractive 

clumps, which can be easily divided in fall or 

early spring. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



14950 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

CARDINAL FLOWER BCE 

Lobelia cardinalis 


Cardinal Flower 


Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet Soil Type: Sand, Loam 

The flaming red wands of the Cardinal Flower 

can bloom for a month or longer. Occurring 

naturally in wetlands, it requires a moist, rich soil 

and responds magnificently to cultivation. Shortlived, 

it may require replanting every few years, 

but is well worth the effort. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15640 $32.00 $48.00 $80.00 $1,200.00 


BLUE FLAg IRIS B 

Iris versicolor 



Like Wild Iris, Blue Flag Iris grows to form nice 

patches of deep blue flowers. Excellent for naturalizing 

around ponds, lakeshores, and low, wet 

areas. Both species attract hummingbirds, and 

look great when potted and sunk into wetland 

ponds and water gardens. Hardy to Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



14960 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

Rose Mallow 


photo by E. Saulys 

ROSE MALLOW C 

Hibiscus palustris – Plants Only 



This native relative of the Hollyhock boasts 

huge pink flowers up to half a foot in diameter. 

A real show off, it prefers a rich, moist soil, but 

does beautifully in fertile garden soil. Native 

to wetlands from the east coast to Ohio and 

Indiana, it is fully hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Visit our Retail website 




Monkeyflower 

MONKEyFLOWER B 

Mimulus ringens 



Hummingbirds are regular visitors to the bright 

blue flowers of Monkeyflower. This fast-growing 

wetland plant is easy to grow from plants or 

seeds. Combine with other low growing wetland 

plants such as Irises and Lobelias for a low profile 

rain garden. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



65760 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

Obedient Plant 

OBEDIENT PLANT BC 

Physostegia virginiana – Plants Only 

Great Groundcover for Damp Soils! 



This showy member of the Mint Family thrives in 

moist soil and creeps rapidly by rhizomes to keep 

weeds at bay. An excellent groundcover for wet 

areas that are difficult to mow. Plant with Great 

Blue Lobelia (this page) for a great late summer 

color combination. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Marsh Phlox 

MARSh PhLOx BC 

Phlox glaberrima – Plants Only 



This native of wet prairies and open woodlands 

blooms for weeks on end. Hummingbirds love 

the deep red-purple flowers! A great garden 

plant, it thrives in any medium to moist rich 

soil. Excellent for damp clay! Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



gREAT BLUE LOBELIA BE 

Lobelia siphilitica 



This “Denizen of Dampness” is covered in deep 

blue flowers in late summer and early fall. Longer 

lived than the Cardinal Flower (p. 53), it also 

attracts hummingbirds. Planted together, the two 

Lobelias make a stunning combination. Excellent 

for damp clay soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



15660 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 


Blue Vervain 

BLUE VERVAIN CE 

Verbena hastata 



The deep blue, almost iridescent flower spikes 

make this biennial flower the center of attention! 

Fast-growing, it can be planted with other 

moisture-loving plants along streamsides, at pond 

edges and in other damp areas for rapid soil 

stabilization and a burst of color. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19540 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

Tall Ironweed 

TALL IRONWEED CE 

Vernonia altissima – Plants Only 

Showiest of the Ironweeds! 



The brilliant red-pink flowers are held like 

torches atop the tall flower stalks. Butterflies 

can’t resist the flowers, so expect some of your 

favorites to visit. Makes a great back border plant, 

as well as a focal point in the wet meadow. Native 

to the eastern U.S., it is hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Steeplebush 


STEEPLEBUSh C 

Spiraea tomentosa – Plants Only 



Known for its spires of showy pink flowers, 

Steeplebush also has excellent foliage that turns 

bright gold and auburn in fall. Similar in appearance 

to cultivated Spiraeas, this native makes 

a fantastic hedge when planted three feet on 

center. Requires a rich, moist soil. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Culver's Root 

CULVER’S ROOT E 

Veronicastrum virginicum 

Light: Full Sun to Shade Height: 3-6' 


This stately specimen is prized for its welldefined, 

clean lines. Elegant spires of white 

flowers crown the whorls of deep green leaves. 

It creates a unique vertical accent, and can be 

planted with other white flowers to create a 

“Moon Garden” (p.11). Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19770 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 


Plants for Shade to Semi-Shade 

S elect from these popular shade-loving natives for season-long interest in your 

woodland setting. Mix flowers, ferns, grasses and sedges to create a tranquil 

sanctuary. Some of these plants will also grow in full sun provided sufficient moisture. 

Excellent for planting on north and east sides of buildings in shade or light sun. 

Be sure to check out our Woodland Seed Mix page 28 and Gardens on pages 12 and 13. 



Wild Ginger 

Wild GinGer 

Asarum canadense – Plants Only 

Groundcover Repels Garlic Mustard! 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 1' 


Wild Ginger’s sturdy rootstocks and soft green 

leaves creep to cover woodland slopes, rocky 

soils, and any shady area. Once established, it 

fends off Garlic Mustard, Buckthorn, and other 

invasives. Plant one foot apart to form a solid 

cover in two to three years. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


JaCk in The PulPiT 

Arisaema triphyllum 

A Best Seller of the Woodland 



No woodland garden is complete without the 

“Jack”. The pulpit-like flower yields bright red 

berries in late summer when most other 

woodland plants have already gone by. Highly 

adaptable, Jack in the Pulpit grows in almost any 

rich woodland soil, even in wet, swampy areas. 


Item # Bare Root 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



61170 $24.00 $36.00 $60.00 $900.00 

Columbine 

Columbine BCEF 

Aquilegia canadensis – Plants Only 




Hummingbirds flock to the intricate red and 

yellow flowers in early spring when few other 

nectar flowers are available. Prefers well-drained 

sites in light to medium shade. Plant a patch of 

Columbine and create a Hummingbird haven! 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Jack In The Pulpit 


White 

Woodland 

Aster 

WhiTe Woodland asTer E 

Aster divaricatus – Plants Only 



The showiest of the shade-loving Asters! Clusters 

of bright white flowers appear in late summer, 

brightening up the late season woodland scene. 

The glossy, deep green foliage looks great all 

season. Plant with early blooming woodland 

flowers for season-long interest. Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Calico Aster 

CaliCo asTer CE 

Aster lateriflorus – Plants Only 



White blooms with striking maroon and yellow 

centers cover sturdy stems of this fine aster in 

autumn. Flowers for an extended period, often 

right up to the first frost. Add Calico Aster to 

woodland edges and open woodlands for a burst 

of late season color! Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Heart Leaved 

Aster 

hearT leaved asTer CE 

Aster cordifolius – Plants Only 



Bright blue flowers are borne above distinctive 

heart-shaped leaves in late summer. Plant with 

spring blooming flowers to provide extended 

color and interest in the woodland well into 

autumn. Creeps slowly by rootstocks to form a 

nice patch. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Big Leaf 

Aster 

biG leaf asTer CDE 

Aster macrophyllus – Plants Only 



Here’s the perfect plant for shady areas with less 

than perfect soil. Drought tolerant, it thrives in 

both dry sand and heavy clay soils that possess a 

modicum of organic matter. Spreads by rhizomes 

to form a groundcover. Great for stabilizing 

shaded hillsides and slopes. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




Tall blue larksPur BDE 

Delphinium exaltatum – Plants Only 


Light: Partial Sun Height: 3-5' 


This rare larkspur thrives in shade! Give it rich 

well-drained soil in light to medium shade and 

it will reward you with many years of brilliant 

blue flowers. Native to the woodlands of Ohio 

and Pennsylvania, it is an important mid-summer 

nectar source for Hummingbirds. Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Crooked Stem Aster 

Tall Blue 

Larkspur 

Crooked sTem asTer C 

Aster prenanthoides – Plants Only 



This inhabitant of woodlands, streambanks, and 

moist meadows provides great fall color! The 

beautiful blue-purple flowers grow on stems 

one to three feet tall. Mix with ferns and spring 

blooming flowers for season-long interest. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Wild Bleeding Heart 

Wild bleedinG hearT 

Dicentra eximia – Plants Only 



This woodland favorite sports delicate heart 

shaped flowers atop lacy blue-green foliage. 

Blooms from mid-summer into fall, filling a midseason 

color gap in the woodland. Native to the 

Appalachian Mountains, Wild Bleeding Heart 

thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Tall Bellflower 

Tall bellfloWer B 

Campanula americana – Plants Only 



Here’s a real showpiece of the woodland! Spikes 

of bright blue flowers rise from deep green 

basal leaves in mid-summer, much to the delight 

of visiting Hummingbirds. Easy to grow, this 

self-sowing biennial does best in partial to full 

shade in medium to moist soil. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Mistflower 

misTfloWer CDE 

Eupatorium coelestinum – Plants Only 



Similar to Ageratum, this eastern U.S. native is 

covered with blue-violet flowers from late summer 

until frost. Low growing, it creeps rapidly 

by rhizomes and makes a fine groundcover for 

shade. Also grows luxuriantly in full sun when 

provided with adequate moisture. Zones 5 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


shooTinGsTar F 

Dodecatheon meadia 

A Spring-Blooming Favorite 

Shootingstar 



Delicate white to pink petals surround yellow 

and red centers to resemble a shooting star! The 

lush foliage makes a perfect background for the 

flowers. A spring bloomer, it goes dormant by late 

August. Fall transplanting is best, but early spring 

planting is also fine. Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



12850 $40.00 $60.00 $100.00 $1,500.00 


Woodland Sunflower 

Woodland sunfloWer ACE 

Helianthus strumosus – Plants Only 



For adding mid-summer color to partly shaded 

areas, Woodland Sunflower is unrivaled! The large, 

yellow flowers brighten up woodland edges, 

forest openings, and areas with dappled shade. 

Does best with a few hours of direct sunlight 

each day. Birds love the seeds! Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Sweet Joe Pye Weed 

sWeeT Joe Pye Weed C 

Eupatorium purpureum 

Perfect for Shady Butterfly Gardens! 



The large pink flowers are much sought after 

by Monarchs, Swallowtails and many other butterflies. 

The highly textured leaves look great all 

summer long. Thrives in semi-shaded woodlands, 

woodland edges, and in full sun. This is an excellent 

garden and border plant! Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



13270 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 



American Alum Root 

ameriCan alum rooT 

Heuchera americana, var. Interior – Plants Only 

Fantastic Foliage Plant 



The ruffled leaves are streaked with silver and 

red-purple highlights for year-round interest. 

The seed for this strain was collected from plants 

on a shaded cliff in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Despite their southern heritage, these plants 

have proven themselves hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

34510-03 Price per plant $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Maple Leaved Alum Root 

maPle leaved alum rooT 

Heuchera villosa, var. Atropurpurea – Plants Only 



Striking burgundy foliage and a plethora of starry 

white flowers make this a focal point of the 

shade garden. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, 

this natural variety of the species is one of 

the showiest of the Alum Roots. Very durable, it 

looks great all season long! Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Bishop’s Cap 

bishoP’s CaP 

Mitella diphylla – Plants Only 



This demure plant’s distinctive white flowers 

resemble a tiny bishop’s cap. Grows in medium 

to deep shade in a soil rich in humus. Tolerant 

of dry conditions, it will actually grow on top 

of limestone rocks covered with only a few 

inches of rich soil! Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Wild Geranium 

Wild Geranium 

Geranium maculatum – Plants Only 



Wild Geranium’s lovely lavender blooms are 

a spring favorite! Unlike most other spring 

bloomers, it retains its attractive foliage all season 

long. Long-lived, it expands slowly to form a nice 

clump. Prefers shade, but will grow in full sun in 

a rich, slightly damp soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



virGinia bluebells 

Mertensia virginica – Plants Only 



This woodland favorite is a true harbinger of 

spring! The distinctive blue-pink flowers appear 

soon after the snows of winter are gone. Longlived, 

it expands slowly to form beautiful clumps 

that return year after year. Does best in rich, 

moist soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

75680-04 Price per plant $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

Jacob’s Ladder 

Virginia Bluebells 

JaCob’s ladder 

Polemonium reptans – Plants Only 

A Shade Garden Favorite 



Excellent foliage+lovely flowers = Jacob’s Ladder! 

Reaching one to two feet tall it typically grows 

in light to moderate shade, but thrives in full sun 

in rich garden soil. Perfect for planting in shady 

spots that receive indirect light, such as the north 

side of the house. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



mayaPPle 

Podophyllum peltatum – Plants Only 



Often referred to as “Umbrella Plant” because of 

its large, widely-spreading leaves. Creeps slowly 

by rhizomes to form a miniature “forest” when 

planted two feet on center. The showy white 

flowers are fragrant and support a wide variety of 

spring pollinators. Grows in any well-drained soil 

in shade, and in full sun in rich, heavy soil. Hardy 


Item # Bare Root 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Wild Blue Phlox 

Mayapple 

Wild blue Phlox B AC 

Phlox divaricata – Plants Only 



The bright blue-pink flowers attract Hummingbirds 

that come for a springtime drink of nectar. 

Widely adaptable, it mixes well with ferns and 

other spring flowers. Does best in light to medium 

shade, but will grow in full sun if moisture 

is maintained during dry periods. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 




Solomon’s Seal 

solomon’s seal 

Polygonatum biflorum – Plants Only 



Prized for its deep blue berries in late summer 

and fall, Solomon’s Seal also adds structural 

interest to the woodland garden. The three foot 

tall arching stems look great all summer long, and 

the leaves turn a bright gold in autumn. Looks 

great when planted with ferns! Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Zigzag Goldenrod 

ZiGZaG Goldenrod CDE 

Solidago flexicaulis – Plants Only 



Notable for its brilliant yellow flowers, this 

shade-loving Goldenrod also sports attractive, 

finely-serrated oval leaves. Named for the way 

the flowers zig and zag their way up the stem, 

this is a great plant for adding color and interest 

to the late fall woodland. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Anise Scented Goldenrod 

anise sCenTed Goldenrod 

Solidago odora – Plants Only ACE 

Excellent for Dry Shade! 



Named for the licorice fragrance given off by the 

leaves when crushed, this beautiful Goldenrod 

thrives in dry shade. The dense spires of goldenyellow 

flowers provide a burst of late season 

color. Native to dry open woods of the eastern 

U.S. and central Midwest. Hardy to Zones 4 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Wild Stonecrop 

Wild sToneCroP 

Sedum ternatum – Plants Only 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 6"-1' 


The succulent light-green leaves are covered with 

star-like white flowers in late spring and early 

summer. Less than a foot tall, it creeps rapidly to 

form a splendid groundcover in damp, rocky soils 

in light to medium shade. Native to the eastern 

and east-central U.S. Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Starry Solomon’s Plume 

sTarry solomon’s Plume 

Smilacina stellata – Plants Only 

Thrives in Dry Shade! 



This tough guy can grow in dry, sandy soil in 

shade where few other plants can survive. One of 

its favorite habitats is oak woodlands at the edge 

of sand dunes. Creeping slowly by underground 

rhizomes, it is excellent for stabilizing sandy soils 

under oaks and pines. Hardy to Zones 2 - 6. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Early Meadowrue 

early meadoWrue 

Thalictrum dioicum – Plants Only 



Dainty white and gold flowers are suspended 

above lacy blue-green foliage in early spring. 

Growing two to four feet tall, it serves as a strong 

focal point in the woodland garden. Plant low 

growing wildflowers around the base of this 

specimen plant for maximum effect. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



fire Pink B 

Silene virginica – Plants Only 

Fire Pink 



A real woodland showoff! The bright crimson to 

pink flowers can bloom for a month or longer. 

Native to rich woodlands and rocky slopes of the 

eastern and SE U.S., it requires a well-drained soil 

in light to medium shade. Short-lived, it will often 

self-sow in open soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Solomon’s Plume 

solomon’s Plume E 

Smilacina racemosa 



Plumes of white flowers grace the arching stems 

in spring, and the bright red berries provide interest 

in the fall. The seeds are a favorite of Ruffed 

Grouse. Spreads slowly by underground rhizomes 

to form attractive clumps. Grows in acid soils 

under oaks and pines. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



18670 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 



Bellwort 

bellWorT E 

Uvularia grandiflora – Plants Only 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 1–2' 


This classic spring wildflower makes a great 

focal center in the woodland garden. The 

distinctive, deep yellow flowers really stand 

out when planted with lower growing spring 

wildflowers and woodland sedges. Spreads 

slowly by rhizomes to form attractive clumps. 

Does well in any well-drained soil in medium 

to full shade. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # Bare Root 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Large Flowered Trillium 

larGe floWered Trillium 

Trillium grandiflorum – Plants Only 



No woodland garden is complete without this 

beloved spring wildflower! A strong perennial, it 

is easy to grow and returns year after year. It can 

spread slowly by seed if it finds your site to its 

liking. limited availability, so please order 

early. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # Bare Root 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

39430-03 Price per plant $15.79 $12.49 NA NA 

Foamflower 

foamfloWer 

Tiarella cordifolia – Plants Only 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 1' 


This woodland favorite is one of the showiest 

of all spring-blooming wildflowers! The large 

white flower spikes are often accented with a 

tinge of pink. The handsome “mapleleaf” foliage is 

attractive all summer, and turns a beautiful red in 

autumn. Requires a rich soil. Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Golden alexanders C 

Zizia aurea 

A Food Source for Swallowtail Larvae 



Brilliant golden flowers decorate this late-spring 

bloomer. Growing only one to two feet tall, this is 

an excellent choice for heavy clay soils in semishade 

to full sun. The leaves serve as an important 

food source for Eastern Black Swallowtail 

Butterfly Caterpillars. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



19930 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 


photo by Bill Bless 

Lady Fern Maidenhair Fern 

lady fern E 

Athyrium filix-femina – Plants Only 

Light: Shade Height: 1-2' 


This classic beauty is widely adaptable and fast 

growing. Creeping by rootstocks, it is perfect for 

planting on wooded slopes to help stabilize the 

soil and prevent erosion. Plant in masses by itself, 

or mix with other woodland wildflowers and 

sedges. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Oak Fern 

New! New! 

oak fern F 

Gymnocarpium dryopteris – Plants Only 



This little gem never grows more than a foot tall, 

spreading slowly to from a beautiful clump of 

airy greenish-gold leaves. Ideal for mixing with 

low growing spring woodland wildflowers such 

as Trillium (p. 64), Jack in the Pulpit (p. 56), 

Jacob’s Ladder (p. 61) and Virginia Bluebells 

(p. 61). Requires a well-drained soil in light to 

full shade. Hardy to Zones 3 - 6. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Ferns for Shade to Semi-Shade 

Ferns serve as the vegetative “bones” of the woodland garden. As reliable as they are 

showy, these strong perennials provide structural accents for a variety of flowers. 

From the delicate Maidenhair to the stately Royal Fern, there’s a fern to complement 

your favorite woodland wildflowers! 



photo by Bill Bless 

maidenhair fern E 

Adiantum pedatum – Plants Only 

Light: Shade Height: 1' 


The gorgeous foliage of this fern makes a perfect 

foil for other plants in the woodland garden. 

Thrives in well-drained to slightly damp soil. 

Excellent for naturalizing on shaded hillsides, 

or in any protected shady location. Needs protection 

from wind to look its best. Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


New! New! 

Marginal Wood Fern 

marGinal Wood fern EF 

Dryopteris marginalis – Plants Only 



This lovely fern thrives on dry rocky sites and 

seems nearly impervious to drought. The thick, 

leathery leaves stay green over winter, providing 

year round interest. Preferring neutral to acid 

soils in full to light shade, it also grows in welldrained 

acid clay and in full sun. Excellent for 

stabilizing dry shaded slopes. Hardy to Zones 3-7. 

Item # 1 Gallon 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

00935-GL Price per plant $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 


Ferns for Shade to Semi-Shade 

ChrisTmas fern EF 

Polystichum acrostichoides – Plants Only 



The firm deep green leaves of this classic fern 

makes it a great companion for woodland 

wildflowers. Strongly evergreen, the fronds were 

used by early New England settlers for Christmas 

decorations. Grows best on well-drained 

slopes with low to moderate fertility, in neutral 

to strongly acid soils. Not recommended for rich 

soils or moist areas. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 4" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


New! New! 

New! New! 

Christmas Fern 

Cinnamon Fern 

Cinnamon fern DF 

Osmunda cinnamomea – Plants Only 



The cinnamon-brown fruiting stalks give this fern 

its name. One of the largest and most dramatic of 

our native ferns, it looks best when placed in the 

back of the woodland garden. Unlike some large 

ferns, Cinnamon Fern does not spread rapidly by 

rhizomes. Prefers moist, neutral to acid soil, in 

sun or shade. Hardy from Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 1 Gallon 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Interrupted Fern 

inTerruPTed fern F 

Osmunda claytoniana – Plants Only 



Fruiting bodies are produced on the lower portion 

of the fronds in between the pinnae (leaf 

blades), giving this distinctive fern its name. In 

spring, the newly emerging silvery-white “fiddleheads” 

are striking in appearance. Does best in 

moderately damp acid soils, but adapts well to 

almost any good garden soil in part to full shade. 


Item # 1 Gallon 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Royal Fern 

New! New! 

royal fern EF 

Osmunda regalis – Plants Only 



This is one of the largest ferns in non-tropical 

North America. The spore-producing inflorescence 

at the top of the plant resembles groups of 

flowers, hence one of its other common names, 

Flowering Fern. Creeps slowly by rhizomes, making 

it one of the slowest spreading ferns. Does 

best in acid soils, and grows slowly when planted 

in neutral or alkaline soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # 1 Gallon 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Oval Headed Sedge 

Photo courtesy of Dr. John Hilty 

oval headed sedGe F 

Carex cephalophora – Plants Only 



This attractive woodland sedge looks great when 

mixed with woodland wildflowers. The lush 

green foliage provides a backdrop to show off 

the blossoms. Sedges stay green all season long, 

providing texture in the woodland garden long 

after spring flowers have gone by. Does best in 

rich, well-drained soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


New! New! 

Plantain Leaved Sedge 

PlanTain leaved sedGe F 

Carex plantaginea – Plants Only 



Arguably the showiest of all our woodland sedges. 

The unusually wide, chartreuse leaves really stand 

out! Makes a great border alongside woodland 

trails and on the edge of woodland gardens. 

Requires a rich, well-drained soil in light to medium 

shade. Thrives in alkaline soils, even in rocky 

limestone and dolomite. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Sedges for Shade to Semi-Shade 

Sedges are one of the most diverse plant groups in North America. Some grow in 

woodlands, others in swamps and marshes, and some even thrive in dry sand! 

The delicate woodland sedges sport fabulous foliage, and make great companions for 

wildflowers. The unique seedheads are an added bonus! 



ivory sedGe 

Carex eburnea – Plants Only 

Light: Partial Sun to Shade Height: 4-11" 

Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Gravel 

This truly unique sedge forms dense clumps of 

fine green leaves that reach eleven inches tall. 

Perfect for planting between stone pavers and in 

dry or rocky soils in semi-shade. This distinctive 

plant grows naturally in limestone rocks with 

partial shade, and is extremely drought tolerant. 

Our plants are grown from seed originating 

from Door County, Wisconsin. Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Pennsylvania sedGe F 

Carex pensylvanica – Plants Only 

Ivory Sedge 

New! New! 

Pennsylvania Sedge 



Fine textured leaves and a creeping habit make 

this a great lawn alternative for dry soils in shade. 

Planted one foot on center, it will fill in to form 

a dense low growing turf that never needs mowing. 

Requires a well-drained soil, in light to full 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



Grasses for Shade to Semi-Shade 

Some of our most ornamental native grasses grow in shaded woodlands. We are 

pleased to offer four of the best and most reliable grasses for shady situations. 

These grasses mingle beautifully with native wildflowers, and their 

seed stalks provide landscape interest well into winter. 

Silky Wild Rye 

silky Wild rye ADF 

Elymus villosus – Plants only 

Light: Shade Height: 4-6' 


Similar to Virginia Wild Rye, Silky Wild Rye has 

showier seedheads and grows in dry to medium 

soils in shaded woods and thickets. Easy to grow 

from seed or plants, this is an excellent grass for 

planting in upland forests and woodlands. Hardy 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Virginia 

Wild Rye 

virGinia Wild rye 

Elymus virginicus AD 



Similar to Canada Wild Rye, this graceful grass 

grows in full sun or moderate shade. Fast-growing, 

it is excellent for stabilizing wooded hillsides 

and ravines. Tolerant of moisture, it is an ideal 

choice for planting along woodland streams and 

floodplains. Reseeds readily. Hardy to Zones 2 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Item # Seed Prices 1 oz 1/4 lb 1/2 lb 1 lb 

23528 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

Northern 

Sea Oats 

norThern sea oaTs D 

Chasmanthium latifolium – Plants only 

Showiest of the Woodland Grasses! 


Soil Moisture: Dry to Med. Soil Type: Loam 

The gorgeous seedheads look as good in dried 

arrangements as they do in the garden. This 

woodland grass occurs in shaded areas with 

fertile soils from Missouri to New Jersey and 

southwards. Excellent for planting under the 

light shade of oaks and hickories, and along 

semi-shaded woodland edges. When planted 

in a protected location. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Bottlebrush Grass 

boTTlebrush Grass 

Hystrix patula 



The exquisite seedheads actually resemble a 

bottlebrush. Perfect for planting under oaks 

and other deciduous trees that allow some light 

to penetrate to the forest floor. Also does well 

on forest edges that receive less than half a day 

of direct light. Grows in any reasonably fertile 

well-drained soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



24760 $50.00 $150.00 $270.00 $450.00 


Native grasses form the foundation of the North American Prairie. Though there are 

many more species of prairie wildflowers, the plant community as a whole is dominated 

by a few robust and adaptive native grasses. These covered the greater part 

of the once vast Midwestern grasslands. 



Big Bluestem after the first frost 

Grasses & Sedges for Sun 

Big Bluestem 

biG bluesTem AD 

Andropogon gerardi 

The Monarch of the Prairie! 



The most widely distributed of all the prairie 

grasses, it was largely responsible for the formation 

of the famous prairie sod. The distinctive 

three-parted seedheads resemble a turkey foot. 

Lush green leaves and stems change with the 

first frost to an attractive red-bronze color that 

provides landscape interest well into the winter. 

Grows in almost any soil, from wet clay to dry 

sand. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



20530 $3.50 $8.00 $11.00 $16.00 




sideoaTs Grama ADF 

Bouteloua curtipendula 



The bright purple and orange flowers of this 

short grass make it among the most attractive 

of all grasses. Equally appealing when in seed, 

the small oat-like seeds are suspended on one 

side of the stalk. Very effective when planted 

with other short prairie grasses and flowers 

in a meadow landscape. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



21520 $4.00 $9.00 $12.00 $19.00 

What is “PLS”? 

Canada Wild Rye w/Purple Coneflower (p. 32) 

Canada Wild rye AD 

Elymus canadensis 



Fastest growing of the prairie grasses, this makes 

an excellent native nurse crop for prairie seedings. 

Seeded at a rate of two to three pounds per 

acre with a prairie seed mix, it matures in the first 

or second year while other prairie grasses and 

flowers are still developing. The beautiful curving 

seedheads resemble cultivated rye. Grows on 

practically any soil, including bare sand, gravel, 

and raw clay subsoil. Hardy to Zones 2 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



23520 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

PLS is the abbreviation for Pure live seed. A PLS Pound of seed is defined as the 

actual weight of seed required to equal one pound of 100% pure, germinable seed. This 

is calculated based upon each seed lot’s purity and germination tests. Our native seed is 

sold on a PLS basis. You will not be paying for chaff and non-germinable seed when you 

order from Prairie Nursery. Insist on proven quality – buy PLS seed from Prairie Nursery. 


Vanilla Sweet Grass 

vanilla sWeeT Grass 

Hierochloe odorata - Plants Only 



This grass is considered sacred and used in 

Native American ceremonies; braided and burned 

as a “smudge” to purify body and soul. The glossy 

leaves have a pleasant vanilla fragrance. Requires 

a moist rich soil in full sun. Creeps slowly by 

rhizomes to form a patch. Hardy to Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Prairie Grass Seeding Rates 

The seeding rates listed to the right are for 

seeding a solid stand of a single species. 

When seeding two or more grasses together, 

divide the seeding rate for each species by 

the number of species to be planted. This 

will yield the seeding rate for each grass in 

the mix. 

When seeding grasses and flowers together, 

use one-half to two-thirds of the recommended 

grass seeding rate, depending upon your 

desired balance of flowers to grasses. 


Junegrass 

JuneGrass 

Koeleria macrantha 



This early flowering gem produces lustrous 

silver-green seedheads in early summer. Makes an 

excellent companion for shorter prairie flowers, 

such as Prairie Smoke (p. 43) and Lupine (p. 43). 

Plant seed in fall or early spring for best results. 

Will not grow in clay. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



25520 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 

Prairie Grass Seeding Rates For Solid Stand 

Species Per 1000 Sq Ft Per Acre 

Big Bluestem 1/4 lb 10 lb 

Sideoats Grama 1/4 lb 10 lb 

Junegrass 1 oz 3 lb 

Switchgrass 2 oz 5 lb 

Little Bluestem 5 oz 12 lb 

Indiangrass 1/4 lb 10 lb 

Prairie Cordgrass 5 oz 12 lb 

Prairie Dropseed 1/4 lb 10 lb 

All rates listed above in terms of Pure Live Seed (PLS) 



sWiTChGrass AD 

Panicum virgatum 

Excellent for Winter Wildlife Cover 



The best native grass for creating dense cover 

for wildlife habitat! Its stiff stems stand up over 

winter better than all other grasses. At home on 

almost any soil, it will grow three to six feet tall 

in your driest sand or most horrendous clay! 

Hardy to Zones 3 -10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



27570 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

Dry Soil 

(Sand, Gravel, etc.) 

Short Grasses (1-3 ft) 


Junegrass 



Tall Grasses (5-8 ft) 

Big Bluestem 


Switchgrass 

Indiangrass 

indianGrass AD 

Sorghastrum nutans 



The silky soft, golden seedheads of Indiangrass 

impart a special beauty and drama to the prairie 

in autumn. Plant with Little Bluestem (p. 73) for 

a fabulous fall combination. A clumping grass, 

it makes a great companion for a wide range of 

prairie flowers. Grows on any well-drained soil, 

from dry sand to heavy clay. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



28550 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

Prairie Grasses For Various Soil Types 

Medium Soil 

(Loam, Sandy Loam) 






Big Bluestem 


Switchgrass 

Indiangrass 

Switchgrass Indiangrass w/Prairie Blazingstar (p. 33) 

Clay Soil 




Big Bluestem 


Switchgrass 

Indiangrass 

Damp Soil 


Vanilla Sweet Grass 


Big Bluestem 


Switchgrass 





liTTle bluesTem DF 

Schizachyrium scoparium 

Incomparable Fall Color! 



The blue-green foliage provides a great backdrop 

for prairie flowers in summer, and then turns a 

striking crimson in fall. A patch of Little Bluestem 

waving in the wind is truly a wondrous sight, 

resembling ocean waves. A clump former, it 

combines nicely with prairie flowers. Excels in 

dry sandy soils. Not recommended for heavy clay 

or damp soils. Hardy to Zones 3 - 10. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



20560 $4.00 $9.00 $12.00 $19.00 

Fax Orders Anytime 608-296-2741 Order Online www.prairienursery.com 73 

“ 

“Our prairie looks great! We are so 

happy with it. We especially like 

the design that Prairie Nursery put 

together for us, and all the help you 

provided us to get it established.” 

Bob and Martha Degner 

Cooksville, WI 

”


Prairie CordGrass 

Spartina pectinata 

Stabilizes Pond Edges & Streambanks 



The gracefully arching foliage cuts a fine figure in 

summer and then turns a bright gold in autumn. 

Spreads rapidly by rhizomes, making it excellent 

for stabilizing fresh soil around newly excavated 

ponds, streambanks, and wet areas. Install plants 

two feet on center, and apply mulch or fabric 

between plants to prevent erosion during establishment. 

In two years the area will be a solid mat 

of Cordgrass rhizomes that defy erosion. Seed is 

best planted in fall. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



28880 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 

Prairie Dropseed with Pale Purple Coneflower (p.32) 

Prairie Dropseed in full fall glory 


Prairie droPseed AF 

Sporobolus heterolepis 

Showiest Prairie Grass for Gardens! 



Prairie Dropseed’s magnificent fountain of fine 

textured, emerald-green leaves adds a touch of 

elegance to any planting. Considered by many 

to be the most handsome of the prairie grasses, 

it makes a well-defined and distinctive border 

when planted 18 to 24 inches apart. Plains 

Indians ground the seed to make a tasty flour. 

Plant seed in fall or early spring for best results. 


Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



29050 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 


Palm Sedge 

Palm sedGe 

Carex muskingumensis – Plants Only 



The glossy green leaves branch out from the 

main stem similar to a palm tree. Native to 

wooded lowlands, it does best in slightly damp 

soil in shade. Makes an excellent groundcover, 

and thrives in clay! Plant one foot on center as 

a groundcover or use individually as a foliage 

accent plant. Hardy to Zones 4 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Copper Shouldered Oval Sedge 

Sedges for Sun 

Fox Sedge 

fox sedGe 

Carex vulpinoidea 


Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet Soil Type: Wet Sand, Loam, Clay 

This lovely wetland sedge grows to form clumps 

two feet in diameter. In mid-summer seedheads 

spray out from the center of the plant for an 

excellent effect. Grows in a wide variety of moist 

to very wet soils, making it an excellent choice 

for rain gardens. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 



23197 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

CoPPer shouldered 

oval sedGe F 

Carex bicknellii – Plants only 


Soil Moisture: Med. To Moist Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay 

Most sedges grow in moist soils and woodlands, 

but this is one of the few that grows in the 

prairie. It greens up early in spring before the 

warm season grasses begin to grow. The copperybrown 

seedheads appear in June and July. Thrives 

in medium dry to medium moist soils. Hardy to 

Zones 3 - 7. 

Item # 3" Pot 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 


Pennsylvania Sedge (p. 67) carpets the ground of this oak savanna, creating a park like landscape. 


8' 

6' 

4' 

2' 

0' 

2' 

4' 

6' 

8' 

10' 

1 

Power of the Prairie: Roots! 

2 

3 

4 5 6 

Prairie plants have to survive in an environment that is among the most extreme in the 

world: the American Midwest. These ruggedly attractive plants can survive heat, 

drought and sub-zero temperatures because of their incredible root systems. 

About 70% of the average prairie plant is the roots, anchoring it to the ground and extracting 

precious moisture deep below the soil’s surface. Some prairie plants have roots that 

exceed twenty feet deep, allowing them to find moisture and nutrients during even the 

worst droughts. 

Incredible roots let prairie flowers and grasses store nutrients and moisture for long 

periods of time, and absorb rainwater voraciously. They filter water before it goes into 

the ground-water aquifer, and hold soil firmly, thus reducing erosion. 

Prairie species replace up to 1/3 of their roots each year, improving the soil with organic 

enrichment and water-holding ability. This is how prairie flowers and grasses can regenerate 

depleted farmland and abused soils. Their ability to store food and water allows many of 

these native perennials to live for decades. You never have to replant a prairie that has been 

properly installed and maintained. 

Hardiness Zone Map 

This map indicates the average minimum winter temperatures 

experienced in your zone. Determine your hardiness 

zone from the map, then select plants that are hardy in your 

area. Most of Prairie Nursery’s plants are hardy to Zone 4, 

and many are hardy to Zone 3. Our super-tough prairie 

plants handle extreme summer heat and humidity, as well 

as extended drought. 

7 

8 

9 

10 

Key To Plants 

Zone 1 Below -50˚F 

Zone 2 -50˚ to -40˚F 

Zone 3 -40˚ to -30˚F 

Zone 4 -30˚ to -20˚F 

Zone 5 -20˚ to -10˚F 

Zone 6 -10˚ to 0˚F 

Zone 7 0˚ to 10˚F 

Zone 8 10˚ to 20˚F 

Zone 9 20˚ to 30˚F 

Zone 10 30˚ to 40˚F 

1. Prairie Dropseed 

2. Prairie Dock 

3. Big Bluestem 

4. Pale Purple 

Coneflower 

5. Little Bluestem 

6. Black Eyed Susan 

7. Indiangrass 

8. Showy Sunflower 

9. White False Indigo 

10. Prairie Cordgrass 


Guide to Prairie Establishment 

You can heal the earth, create habitat 

for wildlife, and make a beautiful 

long-lived natural flower garden using 

North American native species. 

Wildflower restoration represents a long-term 

investment in your landscape. With attention to 

planning, installing and maintaining your prairie, 

you can create a natural landscape that will 

return to delight you year after year. Fertilizers 

and pesticides are not needed to maintain your 

prairie, so it’s an investment that improves the 

environment while you save time and money! 

Site Selection 

Prairies and meadows require sunny, open 

sites with good air circulation. Most prairies 

need a minimum half day of full sun to thrive 

and bloom. Prairie flowers and grasses do well 

in full sun on the west, south and east sides of 

a building. The north side is better suited to 

ferns and woodland wildflowers. 

Sand and gravel on septic fields and 

mound systems support tough native 

species (see page 29). The roots of herbaceous 

natives have been shown not to affect the 

function of drainage systems. An added benefit 

is that the deep-rooted prairie plants can utilize 

the wastewater and the nutrients contained in it, 

preventing them from entering the ground water. 

Control aggressive, weedy plants adjacent 

to your site. Some creep into your meadow 

via underground rhizomes, others have seeds 

that blow in. If there is an old field next to your 

prairie, maintain a mowed strip 5-10 feet wide 

between prairie and field. Mow the field every 

summer before the weeds go to seed. 

Sites that have a long history of weedy 

vegetation require extra preparation. One 

to two full years of site preparation is needed, 

using herbicide, smothering, cultivation, or a combination 

of these methods, to kill off entrenched 

weeds and to reduce the seeds harbored in the 

soil. (See Site Preparation, pages 79-80.) 

Prairie Management Using 

Mowing & Controlled Burns 

The North American Prairie evolved under the 

influence of fire. Started by lightning or by Native 

Americans, these fires kept out trees, recycled 

nutrients into the soil and stimulated growth of 

the wildflowers and grasses. Controlled burning 

on a two or three year rotation remains the best 

method for managing prairie plantings. Properly 

conducted, a controlled burn is safe. 

Design firebreaks into your landscape 

plan when using fire as a management 

tool. A mowed grass strip 10 feet wide or 

more can serve this purpose. Driveways, 

sidewalks, lawns, ponds and streams also make 

excellent firebreaks. 

Do not plant your prairie next to conifers 

or other trees that are easily damaged by 

fire. Fire-resistant native trees include burr oak, 

white oak and shagbark hickory. Do not allow 

more than 1-2 trees per acre in a prairie, as 

most prairie plants grow best in full sun. 

Protect desirable but less fire-tolerant trees 

in your prairie by mowing the perimeter and 

removing flammable material before burning. 

Mowing is an effective substitute when 

fire is not an option. Mow everything down 

to the soil level in mid-spring, and rake off the 

cut material to mimic the effects of burning. This 

exposes the soil to the sun and promotes prairie 

plant growth. 

Divide your meadow into two or three 

“management units" to encourage ecological 

diversity and landscape interest. Mowed 

grass trails provide access into your prairie, 

and double as firebreaks between management 

units. Burn or mow each unit alternating years. 

Undisturbed plots help preserve over-wintering 

butterfly chrysalises, and provide spring nesting 

cover for birds. Each unit responds differently to 

the management cycle, creating various patterns 

of wildflowers and prairie grasses within the 

same planting. 

Tall & Short Prairies 

The Eastern Tallgrass Prairie once covered the 

mid-section of North America, from central 

Kansas east to Ohio, and Texas north to Manitoba. 

Taller plants grew on the richer, moister soils. 

Shorter plants predominated on poor, dry soils. 

Today, combinations of these plants create the 

landscape effects we desire. Short prairies are 

a good choice around homes and buildings. Tall 

prairies are best when planted on larger acreages, 

or in background situations. 

You may create two different habitat types and 

landscape effects by planting areas of both tall 

and short prairie. Place the tall prairie to the back 

and short prairie in the front to create a layered 

effect. Avoid planting tall prairie to the west or 

north of short prairie. 

For a prominent display, plant wildflowers with 

the shorter bunchgrasses, such as Little Bluestem, 

Prairie Dropseed and Sideoats Grama. For tall 

prairies, an excellent combination is Indiangrass 

and Little Bluestem mixed with flowers selected 

to bloom throughout the growing season. These 

two clump-forming grasses leave plenty of room 

for the flowers (See the prairie grasses on pages 

69-75). Large, robust flowers should be planted 

with the tall prairie grasses, such as Big Bluestem, 

Indiangrass and Switchgrass. (Please refer to our 

Prairie Seed Mixes on pages 15-29 for details.) 



Beware of planting only one type of 

flower. The root systems of prairie flowers 

and grasses complement each other to create 

a tight-knit plant community. Taprooted flowers 

seem to grow better and produce more flowers 

when growing with clump-forming grasses. 

Grasses provide support for the wildflowers, as 

well as cover for birds. The grasses’ warm autumn 

colors extend the meadow’s interest into winter. 

(See pages 69-75 for more information on the 

prairie grasses.) 

You can get the plants to do most of the 

work. By understanding plant behavior and 

working with nature you’ll create low-maintenance 

gardens. The secret is combining a variety 

of species. 

1. Planning & Designing 

Your Prairie 

Meadow 

Establishing a prairie 

involves: a) thoroughly 

preparing the site, 

b) selecting species 

suited to your soil 

and c) determining 

the best method and 

time of installation. 

Seeds are more economical 

than plants, but take 

longer to mature. For 

Establishing a Prairie 

Garden Using 

Plants, please see 

page 84. 

Prairie Nursery’s seed 

mixes are excellent 

values, ranging in cost 

from less than 3 cents to 

9 cents per square foot. 

Please see our Prairie 

Seed Mixes on pages 

15-29 for the seeds best 

suited to your conditions. 

Seeding in late spring, early summer or 

fall typically produces excellent results. 

Plant seed when soil is warm, but not during the 

heat of summer. 

Fall plantings are dormant seedings. The native 

seeds will over-winter in the soil and germinate 

the following spring. This is particularly successful 

in dry, rocky or clay soil, because moisture is 

most abundant in early spring, allowing seedlings 

to become established before the soil dries out. 

Fall seeding on erosion-prone sites 

requires a nurse crop for soil stabilization. 

Annual rye or oats must be planted by late 

September to grow sufficiently to form a protective 

cover for the soil. The nurse crop is usually 

winter killed, but the dead roots continue to 

hold the soil until spring when the prairie 

seeds germinate. Steep slopes should be 

covered with a light duty erosion control 

blanket, containing either straw or a light layer 

of excelsior, and staked in place. 

2. Understanding Your Soil 

It is essential to select seeds and plants to 

match your soil type. We have included the 

soil conditions best suited for each species in our 

Native Plant Selection Guide. Refer to pages 86- 

88 and on our website at 

www.prairienursery.com. 

Soil Types 

Determining Your Soil Type 

Feel Test: Take just enough moist soil to rub 

between thumb and fingers. Rub it back and 

forth several times, feeling carefully. A clay soil 

will be slick and smooth, with little or no grittiness. 

A predominantly sandy soil will be gritty 

and will not stick together well. A loamy soil 

will stick together easily, but not stubbornly, 

like clay. Loams will feel moderately gritty. As 

the soil dries between your fingers, rub it into 

a dust and feel it carefully. A loamy soil will 

have a component that feels like flour. This is 

silt, a soil particle size between sand and clay. 

Clays may also have a floury feeling to them, 

indicating silt content, but clay soil lacks the 

gritty sand component found in loams. 

Shovel Test: Dig into dry soil. Sandy soil rarely 

breaks into clods, and those that do form will 

crumble easily. Loamy soil has clods that are 

sliced cleanly with a shovel. Clay soil tends to 

form hard, sticky clods. A shovel will get stuck 

or will shatter the clod into brick-like clumps. 

Professional analysis is available at local 

county extension offices or soil labs. 

Soils can be divided into three classifications: 

sand, loam and clay. Great variation occurs 

within the basic groups, 

but these categories 

suffice to describe 

where a given plant 

will grow. 

Sandy soils, referred 

to as “light" soils, contain 

large soil particles 

that are loose and easy 

to work. They allow 

water to drain readily 

and typically are low in 

nutrients. Sandy soils 

tend to be more acidic 

than more fertile loams 

and clays. If your soil 

has a pH lower than 5, 

consider adding lime 

or wood ash to bring it 

closer to a desired pH 

of 6 or 7. 

Clay soils, known as 

“heavy" soils, consist 

of very small, tightly 

packed soil particles, 

and tend to be hard to 

work. They are generally rich in nutrients, have 

a high water-holding capacity and can be very 

productive. 

Loamy soils are “intermediate" between sand 

and clay. Composed of many different sized soil 

particles, they combine fertility, moisture-holding 

capacity and good drainage. Easier to work than 

clay and better consolidated than sand, loamy 

soils make an excellent medium for growing 

most plants. 

Improving Your Soil 

Add large quantities of organic matter to 

improve sand or clay soil. Avoid un-composted 

manure. It contains weed seeds and can “burn" 

plants. Compost and dead leaves are excellent. 



Do not use sawdust, wood chips, or similar 

materials, as these require a long time to break 

down and rob the soil of nitrogen. Organic 

matter holds more water and nutrients than any 

other soil constituent. It breaks up heavy soils, 

improving water intake and air exchange to plant 

roots, and firms light soil, enhancing nutrients 

and drought resistance. Organic matter modifies 

any soil, making it behave more like loam. 

For an ecologically sound way to build soil 

organic matter, plant “green manure." Buckwheat 

or winter wheat, for example, improves top soil 

by bringing nutrients from the lower soil and 

incorporating them via organic matter. The 

crop is plowed under while actively growing 

to incorporate the roots and leaves into the soil. 

Tips for Working with Clay Soil 

Augment clay soil with organic matter 

regularly to make it easier to work. Many prairie 

plants can grow in clay soils (see “Clay Busters" 

pages 30-36). With good initial care, these wildflowers 

and grasses will flourish even on difficult 

sites. Their roots will gradually work their way 

down into the clay, opening and improving it, just 

as these plants have done for thousands of years. 

After seeding, apply 1-2 inches of weedfree 

straw mulch to maintain soil moisture 

and improve germination. 

Be careful not to over-water! Clay soils drain 

slowly. Check the soil surface regularly for the 

first two months after seeding. When dry, water 

lightly in the morning. 

Soil Moisture Affects 

Planting Decisions 

Moist soil has a generous amount of water in the 

subsoil throughout the growing season. There 

may be standing water in the spring or fall. 

Dry soil can include sand and/or gravel that 

drains readily and never has standing water, 

even after a heavy rain. 

Medium, or “mesic" soil includes well-drained 

loam and clay. These soils may have standing 

water for short periods after a hard rain. 

See our Native Plant Selection Guide on pages 

86-88 or visit our website at www.prairienursery.com 

to choose plants for your soil type and 

moisture conditions. 

3. Site Preparation 

The first step in site preparation is to eliminate 

the existing vegetation. All weeds and 

grasses on the site must be killed by smothering, 

cultivating, herbiciding or a combination of these 

techniques. Smothering weeds on small areas is 

simple, effective and requires no chemicals or 

special equipment. Cover the soil surface with 

black plastic, pieces of old rugs, plywood, or a 

thick layer of newspapers covered with leaves or 

grass clippings. Leave in place for a full growing 

season to kill the plants underneath. Weed-free 

lawns can usually be killed in two months 

using smothering. If perennial weeds are 

present, a full year may be required. 

If you prefer not to use herbicides, use 

smothering, smother cropping, or cultivation. 

A sod cutter, rototiller, a tractor-mounted 

rototiller, rotovator, or farm implements such as 

a plow, disk or harrow may be used. 

If using herbicides, we recommend a broad 

spectrum, non-persistent glyphosate-based herbicide, 

such as “Roundup". If pernicious perennial 

weeds such as Canada Thistle, Canada Goldenrod, 

Horsenettle, or woody shrubs and vines are present, 

it may be necessary to add a broadleaf herbicide 

and a surfactant to the “Roundup" mixture. 

ALWAYS READ THE HERBICIDE LABEL, and 

follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Lawns: Two simple ways to remove a lawn 

are 1) to treat it with a broad spectrum, 

non-persistent glyphosate-based herbicide 

in early fall or mid-spring, when it is actively 

growing, or 2) smother it for 2-3 months during 

the growing season. 

In autumn, after the lawn is dead, prairie seed 

can be machine-planted using a no-till seed drill 

or hand-broadcast on top of the dead sod (not 

dormant sod). Broadcast seed will work its way 

down into the soil over winter and germinate the 

following spring. 

For spring seeding: 1) till the dead sod 

thoroughly to break up the thatch, 2) burn the 

dead lawn to reduce thatch, making tilling easier, 

or 3) after herbiciding, remove dead sod using a 

sod cutter. 

To create an instant seedbed without 

herbicides, remove the upper 2-3 inches of sod 

using a sod cutter. Perennial weeds are not likely 

to be removed by the sod cutting procedure, so 

they may pose a threat to your planting. 

To remove an existing lawn using cultivation, 

till the area weekly 2-3 times. If rhizomatious 

perennial grasses, such as Quackgrass, are 

present we recommend year-long tilling. 

Old agricultural fields that have been left 

fallow for a year or longer, and have grown 

up to weeds. An old field usually requires 

one to two full growing seasons to prepare 

it properly. Patience at this stage is essential for 

a successful planting. 

Using cultivation only: Cultivate every 2-3 

weeks at a depth of 4-5 inches using a harrow, 

springtooth, or rototiller. Waiting longer than 2-3 

weeks will allow weeds to recover. For rhizomatious 

perennial grasses, cultivating in intervals 

greater than 2-3 weeks may actually increase 

their density. Continue for a second year if weeds 

are not completely eliminated after one year of 



this treatment. This is a labor-intensive process. 

Every cultivation cycle brings new weed seeds 

to the soil surface where they can germinate. 

Repeated cultivation is not recommended 

for slopes or other erosion prone areas. 

To herbicide an old field, mow everything 

down in mid-summer. Allow vegetation to 

re-grow to a height of about one foot. Apply 

herbicide in early to mid-September. 

The following year, spray herbicide in mid-spring, 

early to mid-summer, late summer to early fall, 

and (possibly) mid-autumn. The area must be 

completely free of perennial weeds prior 

to seeding. If not, a further spraying will be 

required the following spring, and the seed can 

be planted one week after spraying. 

Corn, Soybean and Small Grain Fields 

typically have fewer weeds, requiring less 

preparation. Fields with few weeds can be 

sprayed with herbicide once in late spring and 

seeded a week later. If small grains have been harvested 

in summer, spray 

the field once or twice 

to kill weeds, and seed 

that fall or the following 

spring. If perennial 

weeds are present, proceed 

as for old fields. 

If you are planting many 

acres of prairie in an 

agricultural area, you may 

rent the land to a farmer 

and have it planted 

to corn the first year, 

followed by soybeans 

the second year. If the 

farmer uses herbicides, 

this cropping sequence 

will eliminate almost all 

perennial weeds. 

CAUTION: Do NOT plant wildflowers in 

fields treated with “Atrazine" within 2 

years. While some prairie grasses can tolerate 

low levels of “Atrazine", flowers cannot tolerate 

any. “Atrazine" breaks down in 1-3 years, 

depending upon the soil type, precipitation and 

the amount applied. If you have a field that you 

suspect has “Atrazine" carry-over, you may plant 

a smother crop of corn or sorghum for a year 

to hold the soil and control unwanted weeds 

while the “Atrazine" breaks down. Or, spray with 

“Roundup" three times during the growing 

season to control weeds. Warm season grasses 

can tolerate up to two pounds per acre of 

“Atrazine". Cool season grasses and prairie 

wildflowers are killed or severely damaged 

by this highly toxic herbicide. 

Without herbicides, cultivate repeatedly 

for a full growing season. After existing 

vegetation is eliminated, the final seedbed should 

be leveled using a drag or disc, or the area can be 

seeded using a no-till prairie seed drill. 

Warning! Never use winter rye or perennial 

rye as a nurse crop. Studies have shown 

that rye produces chemicals in the roots that 

can suppress germination of other plants. 

Perennial rye is a fast growing cool season 

rye that can out-compete your prairie 

seedlings, and should never be used as 

a nurse crop. 

Storing Seed: If you wish to store seeds, place 

them in air-tight, waterproof containers in a 

refrigerator. Seeds left at room temperature 

and ambient humidity can lose viability 

rapidly. Most native seeds can be successfully 

stored for one to two years when kept dry and 

refrigerated. 

Hilly Sites: Maintain vegetation and avoid 

cultivation. Repeated cultivation may create 

erosion problems. Slopes should be planted 

immediately following soil preparation. Plant 

a nurse crop of oats or annual rye with your 

prairie seeds (please see page 27 for information 

on ordering annual rye nurse crop). For best 

results, stake a light erosion blanket containing 

straw or light excelsior over the seeded area. 

Or, apply 1-2 inches of weed-free straw mulch. 

If you are unable to plant your slope immediately, 

stabilize the soil by planting a cover crop of 

oats or annual rye. About a week before planting 

prairie seeds, till or spray with herbicide. In a 

week you may plant using a no-till seed drill, or, 

in the fall after herbiciding, scatter seed directly 

into the dead cover crop for spring germination. 

Newly Disturbed Soils: Areas of bare soil 

resulting from recent construction may be 

essentially weed-free, or they may contain 

various weedy plants and seeds. If the status of 

recently disturbed soil 

is unknown, it is best to 

4. Prairie Seeding 

Procedures 

Seeding Methods 

level the area, plant with 

a cover crop of annual 

rye or oats to hold 

the soil, and observe 

whether weeds come 

up. If so, proceed as 

described above. 

A well prepared 

site is half the battle 

when establishing 

a prairie planting. 

Once established, your 

prairie will bring you 

years of enjoyment 

with a minimum of 

maintenance! 

PLEASE NOTE: Many traditional seeders are not 

appropriate for seeding prairies. Flower seed will 

flow through too rapidly and many “large light" 

native grass seeds will cause clogging. 

Hand Broadcasting: Seed can be sown by 

hand broadcasting on small areas. Broadcast 

seeding a prairie is very similar to planting a 

lawn. Prairie seed should be mixed into a larger 

volume of a lightweight, inert material such as 

sawdust, peat moss, or vermiculite. This inert 

matter should be slightly damp, so that the seed 

will stick to it. Use one to two bushel baskets 

of inert material per 1,000 square foot planting, 

for a tenth acre planting (4,400 square feet), use 

four to eight bushel baskets of inert material. The 

more seed is diluted, the better the seed will be 

distributed. 



Mix the seed evenly into the inert material. Take 

one-half of the total mix and spread it across the 

whole area to be seeded. In the event that you 

run out before covering the entire area, you still 

have the other half of the seed mix. Once you 

covered the area with the first half of the seed 

mix, spread the second half evenly across the 

same area, walking perpendicular to your first 

pass. Rake or drag the seed into the soil so that it 

is lightly covered, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Roll the 

site with a roller, or drive across it with a truck or 

tractor tires to firm the seed into the soil. Do not 

roll the site if the soil is wet. Wait until the 

soil is dry to avoid soil compaction. 

Mechanical Seeders 

For larger areas, mechanical planters can be used. 

No-till drills that can successfully plant prairie 

grasses and flowers include the Truax drill, Tye 

drill and John Deere Rangeland drill, which plant 

the seed in rows by opening slits in the soil into 

which the seed falls. These no-till drills cause 

minimal soil disturbance, and do not require that 

the soil be worked up for planting. This typically 

results in less weed seed germination. 

If you are working up the soil prior to seeding, 

you can use a properly outfitted “double seed 

box" Brillion seeder. This has two separate seed 

boxes, one for grasses and one for flowers. The 

Brillion seeder broadcasts seed rather than drilling 

it, creating a more natural effect. The Brillion 

seeder requires a worked-up seedbed with loose 

surface soil. The heavy cast iron rollers firm the 

seed into the soil, so that additional rolling is not 

necessary. Make two or three passes with the 

Brillion when seeding light sandy soils. This firms 

the soil and favors increased germination. Never 

mix prairie seed with inert materials when 

using mechanical seeders. 

Most wildflower and prairie grass seeds require 

firm seed-to-soil contact to promote 

good germination and survival. Rolling 

the seeded area after planting is very important 

to success, especially on light, sandy soils. This 

procedure firms the soil around the seed and 

reduces moisture loss during the germination 

period. Hydro-seeding is not recommended for 

wildflower and prairie grass seedings. 

Special Fall Planting Tip: This technique 

works only on sites that have had all weeds eliminated 

by spraying, smothering, or cultivating. If all 

of the vegetation is completely dead by autumn, 

prairie seed can be hand broadcast or machine 

planted on top of the soil in late fall with no soil 

tillage. The seed will work its way down into the 

soil as the soil freezes and thaws throughout the 

winter. 

Most native wildflower seed germinates better 

after exposure to a period of cold temperature, 

called stratification. This is a natural protective 

mechanism that prevents the seed from 

germinating at the wrong time of year. For more 

information on seed propagation order the 

Prairie Propagation Handbook online at: 


Mulching: A covering of 1-2 inches of weedfree 

straw or marsh hay after seeding helps hold 

moisture and increases germination. This is 

particularly important on dry sandy soils and 

heavy clay soils. Straw should completely cover 

the soil surface. Chopping and blowing the straw 

onto the area is best, as it is less susceptible to 

being blown away. On steep slopes and windy 

sites, hold the straw in place by staking down 

a jute or plastic mesh netting over it, or apply 

a light erosion blanket instead of straw. Never 

use field hay, as it invariably contains innumerable 

weed seeds. In swales and ditches, a “high 

velocity" erosion blanket may be required. Use 

erosion blankets that contain weed-free straw, or 

excelsior mulch material. (Mulches or erosion 

blankets do not need to be removed). 

Watering: Water spring and summer seedings 

regularly during the first 6-8 weeks after planting 

for higher germination and seedling survival. 

Water just enough to keep the soil moist, 

every other day for 15 minutes to half an hour. 

Over-watering can drown seedlings, especially 

on heavy clay soils. Water in the early 

morning, as watering during the day can be 

ineffective and wasteful. 

After eight weeks, water only if it does not 

rain for one week. Afternoon and evening watering 

encourages seedling loss by fungal attack. 

Nurse Crops: Nurse crops, such as annual rye 

and oats, can be planted with the prairie seed to 

stabilize the soil and reduce weed growth. When 

planted at the recommended rates, these annuals 

grow rapidly without competing with the 

wildflowers and grasses. Nurse crops occupy the 

ecological niche that would otherwise be taken 

by annual weeds, thus reducing weed growth. 

Nurse crops generally do not reseed themselves. 

Nurse crops are also important for achieving 

rapid soil stabilization of fall dormant seedings 

on erosion-prone sites, such as on slopes and in 

waterways. The annual nurse crop germinates 

and grows rapidly to help hold the soil and seed 

in place. Fall seedings on erodible sites should 

ideally be installed by early October in order to 

allow sufficient time for growth and development 

of the nurse crop. 

Select Nurse Crops & 

Seeding Rates 

Spring Plantings Fall Plantings 

Oats: 64 lbs./acre 128 lbs./acre 

(2 bushels/acre) 

Annual Rye: 5 lbs./acre 15 lbs./acre 

See Page 27 For Prices of Annual Rye Nurse Crop 



5. Post Planting Prairie 

Management 

Weed Control - Very Important 

First Year: Perennial wildflowers and grasses 

grow slowly, and annual and biennial weeds will 

grow much faster in the first two years. Weeds 

can be controlled by keeping them mowed 

back to a height of 6 inches the first year. 

Most native wildflower and grass seedlings will 

not grow taller than six inches in their first growing 

season, and are seldom damaged by mowing. 

Keeping weeds cut back in the first year also 

prevents production of more weed seeds that 

could cause problems in the second year. Mowing 

weeds on a regular basis in the first year of 

establishment is one of the most critical steps in 

the success of your prairie planting. 

A flail-type mower works best, as it chops up the 

weeds and prevents the clippings from smothering 

the small prairie seedlings. Rotary mowers 

and sickle bar mowers are OK, but they do not 

chop up the weeds, and can smother seedlings. 

String trimmers or “Weed-Eaters" are excellent 

for cutting back weeds on smaller plantings of 

an acre or less. These devices gently lay the cut 

material down on top of the cut stems where it 

will dry out rapidly. 

Weeds should be cut 

back to 6 inches in the 

first year when they 

reach a height of 12 

inches. Taller weeds 

shade out seedlings, and 

cutting large quantities 

of weedy material can 

smother seedlings. Expect to mow weeds 

about once a month in the first year. The 

actual mowing frequency will depend upon 

rainfall in any given year, actual weed density and 

weed height. 

If a nurse crop such as annual rye was planted 

with the prairie seed, it should also be cut back 

during the first growing season. This will not 

jeopardize the effectiveness of the nurse crop. 

Its purpose is to rapidly stabilize the soil, prevent 

erosion and provide cover for the newly-germinated 

prairie seedlings. Once weeds reach 12 

inches tall and need to be mowed, the nurse 

crop will have done its job. 

At the end of the first season, do not mow 

down the year’s growth. Leave it to help 

protect the young plants over the winter. 

The plant litter and the snow that it catches 

will insulate the soil, reducing the risk of plant 

losses due to frost heaving. 

Pulling Weeds: We discourage pulling weeds 

in a first-year seeded prairie. Wildflower seedlings 

remain very small the first year, and are easily 

pulled up along with the weeds. If you have large, 

well-established weeds, cut them off at the base 

when in bloom, as roots are weakest then. Pulling 

NEVER SPRAY HERBICIDES IN YOUR PRAIRIE! 

The drift from the spray will kill 

desirable native plants in a wide 

swath, leaving large dead patches 

that will grow up to weeds. 

weeds creates soil disturbance, exposing new 

weed seeds and encouraging their germination. 

Remove any seed-bearing weeds from the site 

immediately after cutting. Spotted Knapweed 

should be bagged on-site to prevent seeds from 

dropping. 

If you can identify weeds when they are young 

and only a few inches tall, you may pull them, 

making sure not to disturb adjacent desirable 

seedlings. If you must pull a large weed, hold 

your feet closely together on either side of the 

stem at ground level, and pull straight up. This 

will hold the surrounding soil and any nearby 

prairie seedlings in place as you extract the weed. 

Firm any disturbed soil and seedlings by tamping 

with your feet. Water dry soil to settle dislodged 

seedlings. 

Second Year: In mid-spring of the second year, 

mow the planting right down to the ground, and 

rake off the cuttings. At this stage, the prairie 

plants are still small and have not yet gained full 

control of the soil environment. Weeds will often 

dominate again in the second season. Since many 

prairie seeds germinate over a two-year period 

(or longer), burning in spring of the second 

year is not recommended, as it could kill new 

seedlings. Spring mowing 

exposes the soil and 

stimulates germination 

of dormant prairie seeds, 

as well as growth of the 

prairie plants that germinated 

in the first year. 

If weeds are a problem 

in the second year, mow 

in mid to late June at 

a height of one foot. Biennial weeds, such as 

Burdock, Wild Parsnip, Bull Thistle, Curly Dock 

and Queen Anne’s Lace can be competitive in the 

second year. Mowing them to a height of one foot 

when they are in full bloom (usually June) will 

kill them, or set them back severely. The prairie 

plants are seldom more than a foot tall then, and 

will experience minimal damage, if any. 

Sweet Clover (Melilotus spp) is a biennial 

weed of concern and must be controlled 

because its seeds are stimulated to germinate 

by fire. In prairies that are managed 

with burning, this weed can become a long-term 

management problem if not handled early on. 

Mowing in mid-summer of the second year, when 

in full bloom, usually kills Sweet Clover and 

prevents it from making seeds. If it reappears in 

the third year, it will likely be limited and can be 

hand-pulled. Do not let Sweet Clover make seeds. 

Third Year & Beyond: Burning 

& Mowing Management 

Burning or mowing your prairie meadow 

on a regular basis helps ensure its continued 

success. Burning or mowing is usually, but 

not always, conducted in mid-spring. The best 



time to burn most prairies is generally when the 

buds of the Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum) 

are just opening in spring, or when you mow 

your lawn for the first time. A mid-spring prairie 

fire sets back undesirable “cool season" weeds, 

which come up earlier than prairie plants. 

By waiting until these undesirable plants have 

initiated spring growth before burning, the fire 

will destroy their new growth and set them 

back, favoring the warm season prairie plants, 

most of which are dormant under the soil. 

Burning also removes plant litter from 

the previous year’s growth and exposes 

the soil surface to the warming rays of the 

sun. Most prairie plants are warm season species. 

Burning encourages earlier soil warming and 

typically increases growth, flowering and seed 

production of the native flowers and grasses. 

Timing is critical to success with burning. 

It is generally recommended to burn in midspring 

rather than early spring. However, this 

does not apply to dry prairies with an abundance 

of early-blooming wildflowers that would be 

harmed by a mid-spring fire. Dry prairies should 

be burned in the late fall after most of the native 

plants have gone dormant, but the non-native 

cool season grasses are still active. Burning in 

very early spring also can be done successfully 

on dry prairies. 

Spring Mowing as an Alternative to 

Burning: In the event that burning your 

prairie meadow is not an option, mowing can 

be substituted. Although not quite as effective as 

burning, mowing and raking off the cut material 

is a good substitute. Mow right down to the 

soil surface, or at least within one inch of the 

ground. Rake off all the cuttings to expose the 

soil to the sun. Mowing in mid-spring simulates 

the effect of fire by removing the previous year’s 

vegetation, and by cutting back cool season 

grasses and weeds that have already begun 

active growth. Do not mow or burn after 

new plant growth has reached one foot or 

taller, as this could damage your prairie plants. 

Many ground-nesting birds also build their nests 

in late spring and mowing or burning at this time 

could destroy some nests. Mid-spring burning or 

mowing maintenance leaves sufficient time for 

birds to re-nest and successfully raise their young. 

Regular spring burning should be 

instituted at the beginning of the third 

growing season. Sufficient combustible plant 

matter is usually available from the previous 

year’s growth to carry a fire. If there is 

insufficient fuel to support a burn, mowing 

and raking should be substituted. 

Frequency of Mowing or Burning: Most 

prairies and meadows respond positively to 

periodic burning or mowing. A study conducted 

by Prairie Nursery indicates that annual spring 

burning tends to favor the prairie grasses and 

legumes over most of the other flowers. In fall, 

the burned half was dominated by prairie grasses, 

while the unburned half exhibited fewer grasses, 

but more asters and goldenrods. 

Rotational burning or mowing half 

the meadow every other year is recommended, 

for several reasons. First, the burned 

or mowed portions will have a different appearance 

from the unburned or unmowed portions, 

increasing the landscape interest and diversity of 

habitat for wildlife. Second, leaving unburned sections 

preserves overwintering butterfly, moth and 

other invertebrate pupae and eggs that would 

otherwise be destroyed by burning. Third, variation 

in management prevents any given species 

from gaining overall dominance in the planting, 

thus maximizing species diversity. Burning every 

other year prevents the invasion of most woody 

plants into the prairie. Waiting three years or longer 

between burns tends to allow the establishment 

of trees and shrubs in the prairie. This can 

result in increased maintenance removing woody 

plants that become established in the prairie. If 

mowing is used instead of burning, rotational 

mowing is recommended for the same reasons. 

Controlling Perennial Weeds: Certain 

invasive perennial weeds may get into your 

prairie and become evident the second or third 

year. Although burning and mowing will control 

most weeds, a few perennials may require 

spot treatment or removal. Canada Thistle 

and Horsenettle are taprooted weeds, and resprout 

relentlessly. Non-taprooted weeds can be 

carefully pulled from a mature prairie. Spotted 

Knapweed can be readily pulled. Rhizomatous 

Goldenrods can be pulled when the soil is damp 

after a rain, but will require repeated pulling for 

complete removal. 

An effective way to control problem weeds 

with herbicide is “The Glove of Death." Wear 

rubber “herbicide gloves" under a large absorbent 

cotton glove. Mix a strong solution of “Roundup" 

or other appropriate herbicide in a small spray 

bottle or other non-spill container. Carefully 

saturate the cotton glove with the herbicide 

solution, and grab the leaves and stem of the 

weed. Do not touch adjacent desirable plants. 

Use this method only on cool windless days. 

Herbicides volatilize on warm days, and the 

wind can blow the mist into adjacent plants. 

Once established, your prairie 

will return year after 

year with just a 

minimum 

of maintenance. 


Establishing a Prairie Garden 

Using Plants 

Installing plants has several 

advantages over seeding: 

Many plants will flower the year they are planted, 

while seeds typically require three years or more 

to bloom. 

Plants can be placed according to a design to create 

a desired effect. 

Weeds can be readily distinguished from garden 

plants, whereas slow-growing native seedlings can 

be difficult to differentiate from weeds. 

Prairie gardens are a great 

choice for residential 

landscapes. Plants are generally 

preferable to seeds for smaller 

gardens. With a little care, plants 

can bloom the first year. When 

seeded, wildflowers and grasses 

typically do not bloom until the 

third year or later. 

The area to be planted must 

be completely free of weeds 

and grasses. Heavy clay soils 

should be cultivated or dug to 

a depth of one foot to break 

up layers of compacted soil. 

Organic matter such as compost, 

peat moss, well-rotted manure 

and shredded leaves can be 

tilled into poor clay soils to 

improve aeration and water 

infiltration. Do not use sawdust, 

bark chips, or other organic 

materials derived from wood, 

as these will rob the soil of 

nitrogen and retard the growth 

of your plants. Dry sandy soil 

can also be improved by the 

addition of organic matter to 

increase nutrient and waterholding 

capacity. 

Select plants that will flourish 

in your soil. (Please refer to 

pg. 78) for determining your soil 

type. Then choose the flowers 

and grasses that match your 

soils, color preferences, bloom 

times and heights using our 

Native Plant Selection Guide on 

pages 86-88 or on our website at 


Plants do best when installed 

in spring or early fall. Early 

spring flowers often do better 

when planted in autumn. Space 

your plants according to the 

guidelines in our Native Plant 

Selection Guide (pg. 86-88) 

or our website 


Mark each plant to identify it 

during weeding. Mulch with 2-3 

inches of weed-free straw (clean 

winter wheat, oat, or marsh hay) 

to reduce weeds and retain soil 

moisture. Leave openings in the 

mulch for the emerging leaves. 

Fall plants should be 

covered with 4-6 inches of 

clean straw after they go 

dormant in late autumn to 

protect them from winter 

loss. Remove excess mulch in 

early spring to encourage new 

growth, leaving 1-2 inches of 

mulch in place to reduce 

weed growth. 

Weeding may be required in the 

first growing season, especially 

when gardening organically. 

Once established, little further 

weeding should be necessary. 

If you wish to use herbicides 

for weed control, pre-emergents 

such as “Preen" can be applied 

AFTER installing plants and 

before mulching. 

A Quick Guide 

to Converting Your Lawn 

to a Prairie Garden 

Lawns are easy to convert into a 

prairie wildflower garden. You can 

establish a beautiful, fully developed 

prairie garden in two years by following 

the simple steps below: 

1) Smother the lawn using 10 or more 

layers of newspaper, a single layer of 

cardboard, black plastic, or a tarp for 

2 months or longer, until the grass is 

completely dead. Lawn can be killed by 

spraying with a glyphosate herbicide, 

such as “Roundup" in mid-spring or 

early fall when lawn grasses are actively 

growing. Wait one week after spraying 

before installing your plants. 

2) If the soil is poor and requires 

amendment with organic matter, 

till or dig up the dead sod in fall, 

add the desired organic material, 

and till it into the soil. Allowing it 

to rot over winter will help it break up 

before tilling in spring. 

3) If no soil amendment is required, 

the plants can be installed 

directly into dead sod. By not 

disturbing the surrounding soil, 

weed seeds are not exposed, reducing 

weed growth in the new garden. 

If smothering with newspaper, cut 

a small hole in the paper and install 

your plant through the hole. Leave the 

paper in place and cover it with the 

desired mulch to help prevent weed 

germination. When planting into tilled 

soil or dead lawn turf, cover the soil 

around each new plant with layers of 

newspaper, water the paper down, 

and cover with mulch. 

4) Mulch immediately after 

planting with 3-4 inches of clean, 

weed-free straw (winter wheat straw 

is best). Shredded bark can be used 

sparingly as a substitute for straw. Cocoa 

bean hulls are easy to work with, but 

can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. 

Bark chips are not recommended. 

If desired, a pre-emergent herbicide 

such as “Preen" can be applied after 

the plants have been installed, and 

prior to application of a newspaper 

cover and mulch. 

5) Water your garden regularly in 

the first two months after planting 

whenever the soil under the mulch 

begins to dry out. Expect to water once a 

week in the absence of rainfall. A single 

deep soaking is better than numerous 

light sprinklings. Once the plants are 

well-established watering should not 

be necessary, except during periods of 

extended drought. 


Wild Ginger (p. 56) used as groundcover 

around the base of a shade tree 

Native 

Groundcover 

Recommendations 

If you are seeking a uniform 

look along the foundation of 

your home or deck, or to highlight 

the base of a shade tree, 

consider native groundcovers. 

Chosen for their beautiful foliage, 

these durable groundcovers 

will carpet the ground with 

greenery. Ranging in height 

from a soil-hugging six inches 

to ferns exceeding three feet. 

These native groundcovers will 

help hold soil, reduce weed 

growth and provide season-long 

interest. 

Wildflowers 

Common Name Latin Name Page Height Color Bloom Time Moisture Soil Sun Spacing 

Canada Anemone * Anemone canadensis 50 1' - 2' white MAY - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Wild Ginger * Asarum canadense 56 1' red MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Big Leaf Aster * Aster macrophyllus 57 1' - 2' white AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Stiff Coreopsis* Coreopsis palmata 42 2' - 3' yellow JUN - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

Mistflower* Eupatorium coelestinum 59 1' - 3' blue/violet JUL - OCT M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Prairie Smoke * 


Geum triflorum 43 6" pink MAY - JUN D,M S,L F 6" 

Heuchera americana, var. Interior 


60 1' - 3' red/green JUN - JUL D,M S,L F,P 1' 

Heuchera villosa, var. Atropurpurea 60 1' - 2' white AUG - OCT M,Mo S,L P,S 2' 

Obedient Plant * Physotegia virginiana 54 1' - 2' pink AUG - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Mayapple * Podophyllum peltatum 61 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C F,P,S 1' - 2' 

Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans 61 1' - 2' blue MAY - JUN M L F,P,S 1' 

Wild Stonecrop * Sedum ternatum 62 6" - 1' white MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L P,S 1' 

Solomon's Plume * Smilacina racemosa 63 1' - 3' white MAY - JUN M S,L,C F,P 1' - 2' 

Starry Solomon's Plume * Smilacina stellata 63 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L F,P 2' 

Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia 64 1' white MAY - JUN M L P,S 1' 

Prairie Spiderwort * Tradescantia bracteata 39 1' - 2' blue JUN - JUL D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Western Spiderwort * Tradescantia occidentalis 47 1' pink JUN - JUL D,M S,L F 1' 

Labrador Violet Viola labradorica 39 6" lavender JUN - AUG D,M S,L F,P 6" 



Oval Headed Sedge Carex cephalophora 67 1' - 2' green MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Ivory Sedge Carex eburnea 75 4" - 11" green/white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,G P,S 1' 

Palm Sedge * Carex muskingumensis 67 2' - 3' golden-brown MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica 67 6" - 1' yellow ARR - JUN D,M S,L P,S 6" - 1' 

Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea 75 1' - 3' golden-brown MAY - JUN Mo,W Wet,S,L,C F 18" 

Vanilla Sweet Grass * Hierochloe odorata 71 1' - 2' straw JUL - AUG M, Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis 74 2' - 4' gold AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 2' 

Ferns 


Maidenhair Fern* Adiantum pedatum 65 1' green JUN - AUG M,Mo S,L,C S 1' 

Lady Fern* Athyrium filix-femina 65 1'- 2' green JUN - AUG M,Mo S,L,C S 1' 

Marginal Wood Fern* Dryopteris marginalis 65 1' - 3' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' - 2' 

Oak Fern* Gymnocarpium dryopteris 65 6" - 1' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Cinnamon Fern* Osmunda cinnamomea 66 3' - 5' green JUN - AUG M, Mo, W S,L,C F,P,S 2' - 3' 

Interrupted Fern* Osmunda claytoniana 66 3' - 4' green JUN - AUG M, Mo S,L,C P,S 2' - 3' 

Royal Fern* Osmunda regalis 66 3' - 6' green JUN - AUG Mo,W S,L,C P,S 18" 

Christmas Fern* Polystichum acrostichoides 66 1' - 2' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Full sun defined as a minimum of five hours of sun per day. 

Partial sun defined as three to four hours of sun per day. 

Full shade defined as less than three hours of sun per day. 

*Spreads by roots. 

Moisture D = Dry 

M = Medium 

Mo = Moist 

W = Wet 

Soil S = Sand 

L = Loam 

C = Clay 

G = Gravel 

Sun F = Full Sun 

P = Partial Sun 

S = Shade 


Wildflowers 

Native Plant Selection Guide 


Sweet Flag Acorus calamus 51 2' - 3' yellow/brown MAY - JUN W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Red Baneberry Actaea rubra - 1' - 2' white JUN M S,L,C P,S 1' - 2' 

Lavender Hyssop Agastache foeniculum 37 1' - 3' purple JUL - SEP D,M S,L F,P 1' 

Nodding Pink Onion Allium cernuum 30 1' - 2' white/pink JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F 6" - 1' 

Prairie Onion Allium stellatum 40 1' - 2' lavender JUL - AUG D,M S,L F,P 6" 

Leadplant Amorpha canescens 40 2' - 3' purple JUN - JUL D,M S,L F 2' 

Common Bluestar Amsonia tabernaemontana 50 2' - 3' blue MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' - 2' 

Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis 50 1' - 2' white MAY - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Columbine Aquilegia canadensis 56 1' - 3' red/yellow MAY - JUN D,M S,L F,P,S 1' 

Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum 56 1' - 2' green APR - MAY M,Mo,W S,L,C P,S 6" - 1' 

Wild Ginger Asarum canadense 56 1' red MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Red Milkweed Asclepias incarnata 50 3' - 5' red/pink JUN - JUL Mo,W S,L,C F 1' - 18" 

Sullivant's Milkweed Asclepias sullivantii 37 3' - 5' pink/yellow JUN - AUG M L,C F 1' 

Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca - 2' - 4' lavender JUN - AUG D,M S,L,C F,P 1' 

Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa 40 2' - 3' orange JUN - AUG D,M S,L F 1' - 18" 

Butterflyweed for Clay Asclepias tuberosa, var. Clay 31 2' - 3' orange JUN - AUG M L,C F 1' 

Sky Blue Aster Aster azureus 41 2' - 3' blue AUG - OCT D,M S,L F,P 1' 

Heart Leaved Aster Aster cordifolius 57 2' - 3' blue AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

White Woodland Aster Aster divaricatus 57 2' - 4' white AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Heath Aster Aster ericoides 41 1' - 3' white AUG - OCT D,M S,L F 1' 

Smooth Aster Aster laevis 41 2' - 4' blue AUG - OCT D,M S,L F 1' 

Calico Aster Aster lateriflorus 57 2' - 3' white SEP - OCT D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Big Leaf Aster Aster macrophyllus 57 1' - 2' white AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

New England Aster Aster novae-angliae 30 3' - 6' pink/purple/blue AUG - OCT M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' - 18" 

Frost Aster Aster pilosus - 2' - 4' white AUG - SEP D S,G F 1' 

Crooked Stem Aster Aster prenanthoides 58 1' - 3' blue/purple AUG - OCT M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

White Aster Aster ptarmicoides - 1' - 2' white AUG - SEP D S,G F 1' 

Canada Milk Vetch Astragalus canadensis - 2' - 3' yellow JUL - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

Blue False Indigo Baptisia australis 31 3' - 5' blue JUN - JUL M S,L,C F,P 2' - 3' 

Cream False Indigo Baptisia bracteata 37 1' - 2' cream MAY - JUN D,M S,L F,P 2' 

White False Indigo Baptisia lactea 31 3' - 5' white JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 3' 

Pale Indian Plantain Cacalia atriplicifolia - 5' - 10' white JUL - SEP M,Mo S,L F,P 1' - 2' 

Poppy Mallow Callirhoe triangulata - 1' - 2' magenta JUL - AUG D S F 1' - 2' 

Wild Hyacinth Camassia scilloides - 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 6" 

Tall Bellflower Campanula americana 58 2' - 5' blue JUL - SEP M,Mo S,L,C P,S 1' 

Harebell Campanula rotundifolia 41 1' - 2' blue JUN - SEP D,M S,G F,P 6" 

Partridge Pea Cassia fasciculata - 1' - 2' yellow JUL - AUG D S,L F 1' 

Wild Senna Cassia hebecarpa 30 4' - 6' yellow JUL - AUG M,Mo,W S,L,C F 2' 

New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus 42 2' - 3' white JUL - AUG D,M S,L F,P 3' 

White Turtlehead Chelone glabra 51 2' - 4' white AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Virgin's Bower Clematis virginiana 52 6' - 9' white JUL - SEP Mo,W S,L,C P,S 1' 

Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 42 1' - 2' yellow JUN - JUL D,M S,L F 1' 

Stiff Coreopsis Coreopsis palmata 42 2' - 3' yellow JUN - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

White Prairie Clover Dalea candida - 1' - 2' white JUL - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea 42 1' - 2' purple/yellow JUL - AUG D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Tall Blue Larkspur Delphinium exaltatum 58 3' - 5' blue JUL - AUG D,M S,L P 1' 

Canada Tick Trefoil Desmodium canadense - 3' - 5' purple JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Wild Bleeding Heart Dicentra eximia 58 1' - 2' pink JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C P,S 1' 

Shootingstar Dodecatheon meadia 59 1' - 2' white/pink MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida 32 3' - 5' purple JUN - JUL D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Ozark Coneflower Echinacea paradoxa 32 3' - 5' yellow JUN - JUL D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 32 3' - 4' purple JUL - SEP D,M S,L,C F,P 1' 

Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium 37 2' - 6' pink JUL - SEP M,Mo,W S,L F 2' 

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium 32 3' - 5' white JUN - AUG D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Mistflower Eupatorium coelestinum 59 1' - 3' blue/violet JUL - OCT M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Tall Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium fistulosum 51 5' - 8' purple/pink AUG - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' - 2' 

Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum 51 4' - 6' pink AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F 18" 

Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum 52 3' - 4' white AUG - SEP M,Mo,W S,L,C F 1' 

Sweet Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum 59 4' - 6' pink AUG - SEP M S,L,C F,P,S 18" 

Queen of the Prairie Filipendula rubra 52 4' - 5' pink JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F 2' 

Bottle Gentian Gentiana andrewsii 52 1' - 2' blue AUG - OCT Mo,W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum 60 1' - 2' lavender MAY - JUN D,M S,L F,P,S 1' 

Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum 43 6" pink MAY - JUN D,M S,L F 6" 

Dogtooth Daisy Helenium autumnale - 4' - 5' yellow AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F 1' 


Wildflowers 


Showy Sunflower Helianthus laetiflorus - 3' - 6' yellow AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C,G F 1' 

Downy Sunflower Helianthus mollis 43 4' - 6' yellow AUG - SEP D S F 2' 

Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis 43 2' - 3' yellow JUL - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

Woodland Sunflower Helianthus strumosus 59 3' - 5' yellow AUG - OCT D,M S,L F,P 2' 

Ox Eye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides 33 3' - 6' yellow JUN - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 


Heuchera americana, var. Interior 60 1' - 3' red/green JUN - JUL D,M S,L F,P 1' 


Heuchera villosa, var. Atropurpurea 60 1' - 2' white AUG - OCT M,Mo S,L P,S 2' 

Rose Mallow Hibiscus palustris 53 3' - 6' pink JUL - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F 2' 

Wild Iris Iris shrevei 53 2' - 3' blue JUN - JUL W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 53 2' - 3' blue JUN - JUL W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Roundhead Bushclover Lespedeza capitata - 3' - 5' white AUG - SEP D,M S,L,G F,P 1' 

Rough Blazingstar Liatris aspera 44 2' - 5' purple/pink AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 6" - 1' 

Northern Blazingstar Liatris borealis 44 2' - 3' pink AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 6" - 1' 

Meadow Blazingstar Liatris ligulistylis 38 3' - 5' purple/pink AUG - SEP M,Mo L F 6" - 1' 

Prairie Blazingstar Liatris pycnostachya 33 3' - 5' purple/pink JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F 6" - 1' 

Dense Blazingstar Liatris spicata 33 3' - 6' purple/pink AUG - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 6" - 1' 

Scaly Blazingstar Liatris squarrosa 44 1' - 2' purple/pink AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 6" - 1' 

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis 53 2' - 5' red JUL - SEP Mo,W S,L F,P 6" - 1' 

Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica 54 1' - 4' blue JUL - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Lupine Lupinus perennis 43 1' - 2' blue MAY - JUN D S F,P 1' 

Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica 61 1' - 2' blue/pink APR - MAY M,Mo S,L,C P,S 1' 

Monkeyflower Mimulus ringens 54 1' - 3' blue JUN - AUG Mo,W S,L,C F 1' 

Bishop's Cap Mitella diphylla 60 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 34 2' - 5' lavender JUL - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F,P 2' 

Dotted Mint Monarda punctata 44 1' - 2' lavender JUL - SEP D S,G F 1' 

Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium 34 3' - 5' white JUN - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 18" 

Smooth Penstemon Penstemon digitalis 34 2' - 3' white JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Beardtongue Penstemon grandiflorus 45 2' - 4' lavender MAY - JUN D S,G F 1' 

Broad Leaved Penstemon Penstemon ovatus 45 1' - 3' blue MAY - JUL D,M S,L F 1' 

Small's Penstemon Penstemon smallii 38 1' - 2' rose/white MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Wild Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata 61 1' - 2' blue MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C P,S 1' 

Marsh Phlox Phlox glaberrima 54 2' - 4' red/purple JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Downy Phlox Phlox pilosa 45 1' - 2' pink MAY - JUN D,M,Mo S,L F 1' 

Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana 54 1' - 2' pink AUG - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum 61 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C F,P,S 1' - 2' 

Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans 61 1' - 2' blue MAY - JUN M L F,P,S 1' 

Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum 62 1' - 3' white MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C P,S 1' - 2' 

Great Solomon's Seal Polygonatum canaliculatum - 2' - 4' cream MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C F,P 1' - 2' 

Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum virginianum - 1' - 3' white JUL - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Yellow Coneflower Ratibida pinnata 36 3' - 6' yellow JUL - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F 18" 

Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida 39 2' - 4' yellow JUL - SEP M L,C F,P 1' 

Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 35 1' - 3' yellow JUN - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Green Headed Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata - 5' - 8' yellow AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Sweet Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa 34 4' - 6' yellow AUG - OCT M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Brown Eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba 38 2' - 5' yellow JUL - OCT M,Mo S,L F,P 18" 

Wild Petunia Ruellia humilis 45 1' - 2' violet JUN - AUG D,M S,L F 1' 

Blue Sage Salvia azurea 46 3' - 5' blue JUN - AUG D,M S,L,G F,P 1' 

Wild Stonecrop Sedum ternatum 62 6" - 1' white MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L P,S 1' 

Royal Catchfly Silene regia 39 2' - 4' red JUL - AUG M L F 1' 

Fire Pink Silene virginica 63 1' - 2' red/pink APR - JUN D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Rosinweed Silphium integrifolium - 2' - 6' yellow JUL - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 2' 

Compassplant Silphium laciniatum 35 3' - 10' yellow JUN - SEP D,M S,L,C F 2' 

Cupplant Silphium perfoliatum 35 3' - 10' yellow JUL - SEP M,Mo,W S,L,C F,P 2' 

Prairie Dock Silphium terebinthinaceum 35 3' - 10' yellow JUL - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 2' 

Prairie Blue Eyed Grass Sisyrinchium campestre 46 6" - 1' blue/white APR -JUN D,M S,L F,P 6" - 1' 

Solomon's Plume Smilacina racemosa 63 1' - 3' white MAY - JUN M S,L,C F,P 1' - 2' 

Starry Solomon's Plume Smilacina stellata 63 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L F,P 2' 

Zigzag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis 62 2' - 4' yellow AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C F,P 1' 

Plant Selection 

Guide Legend 


Moisture D = Dry 

M = Medium 

Mo = Moist 

W = Wet 

Soil S = Sand 

L = Loam 

C = Clay 

G = Gravel 

Sun F = Full Sun 

P = Partial Sun 

S = Shade 


Wildflowers 



Anise Scented Goldenrod Solidago odora 62 1' - 2' yellow AUG - SEP D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Ohio Goldenrod Solidago ohioensis 36 3' - 4' yellow AUG - SEP M,Mo S,L,C F 18" 

Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida 36 3' - 5' yellow AUG - SEP D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa 46 1' - 3' yellow AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 1' 

Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa 55 2' - 3' pink AUG - SEP W S,L,C F,P 2' 

Tall Meadowrue Thalictrum dasycarpum - 3' -6' white JUN - JUL Mo,W S,L,C F,P 1' 

Early Meadowrue Thalictrum dioicum 63 2' - 4' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 2' 

Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia 64 1' white MAY - JUN M L P,S 1' 

Prairie Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata 39 1' - 2' blue JUN - JUL D,M S,L,C F 1' 

Western Spiderwort Tradescantia occidentalis 47 1' pink JUN - JUL D,M S,L F 1' 

Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis 46 2' - 4' blue JUN - JUL D,M S,L F,P 1' 

Large Flowered Trillium Trillium grandiflorum 64 1' - 2' white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Bellwort Uvularia grandiflora 64 1' - 2' yellow MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Blue Vervain Verbena hastata 55 3' - 6' blue JUL - SEP M,Mo,W S,L,C F 1' 

Hoary Vervain Verbena stricta 47 2' - 4' blue JUL - SEP D,M S,L F 1' 

Tall Ironweed Vernonia altissima 55 5' - 8' red/pink AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F,P 2' 

Ironweed Vernonia fasciculata 36 4' - 6' red/pink JUL - SEP Mo S,L,C F 18" 

Culver's Root Veronicastrum virginicum 55 3' - 6' white JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F,P,S 18" 

Labrador Violet Viola labradorica 39 6" lavender JUN - AUG D,M S,L F,P 6" 

Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea 64 1' - 2' yellow MAY - JUL M,Mo,W S,L,C F,P,S 1' 

Ferns 


Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum 65 1' green JUN - AUG M,Mo S,L,C S 1' 

Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina 65 1 ‘- 2' green JUN - AUG M,Mo S,L,C S 1' 

Marginal Wood Fern Dryopteris marginalis 65 1' - 3' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' - 2' 

Oak Fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris 65 6" - 1' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea 66 3' - 5' green JUN - AUG M, Mo, W S,L,C F,P,S 2' - 3' 

Interrupted Fern Osmunda claytoniana 66 3' - 4' green JUN - AUG M, Mo S,L,C P,S 2' - 3' 

Royal Fern Osmunda regalis 66 3' - 6' green JUN - AUG Mo,W S,L,C P,S 18" 

Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides 66 1' - 2' green JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Grasses 


Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardi 69 5' - 8' bronze/red AUG - OCT D,M,Mo S,L,C F 2' 

Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula 70 2' - 3' straw AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 1' 

Northern Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium 68 3' - 4' straw AUG - OCT D,M L F,P,S 1' 

Blue-Joint Grass Calamagrostis Canadensis - 4' - 6' straw JUN - JUL Mo,W S,L,C F 1' 

Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis 70 4' - 5' straw JUL - AUG D,M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Silky Wild Rye Elymus villosus 68 4' - 6' straw JUL - AUG D,M,Mo S,L,C S 1' 

Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus 68 4' - 5' straw JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F,P,S 1' 

Vanilla Sweet Grass Hierochloe odorata 71 1' - 2' straw JUL - AUG M,Mo S,L,C F 1' 

Bottlebrush Grass Hystrix patula 68 2' - 5' straw JUN - AUG D,M S,L P,S 1' 

Junegrass Koeleria macrantha 71 2' - 3' gold MAY - JUN D S,G F 1' 

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 72 3' - 6' gold AUG - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F 2' 

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium 73 2' - 3' crimson-red AUG - OCT D,M S,L F 1' 

Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans 72 5' - 7' gold AUG - SEP D,M,Mo S,L,C F 1' - 2' 

Prairie Cordgrass Spartina pectinata 74 6' - 9' gold AUG - SEP Mo,W S,L,C F 2' 

Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis 74 2' - 4' gold AUG - SEP D,M S,L F 2' 

Sedges, Rushes & Bulrushes 


Copper Shouldered Oval Sedge Carex bicknellii 75 1' - 3' golden-brown JUN - JUL M,Mo S,L,C F,P 18" 

Oval Headed Sedge Carex cephalophora 67 1' - 2' green MAY - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Bottlebrush Sedge Carex comosa - 2' - 4' green MAY - JUN Mo,W S,L,C F 2' 

Ivory Sedge Carex eburnea 75 4" - 11" green/white MAY - JUN D,M S,L,G P,S 1' 

Porcupine Sedge Carex hystericina - 1' - 3' green MAY - JUN Mo, W S,L,C F 2' 

Palm Sedge Carex muskingumensis 67 2' - 3' golden-brown MAY - JUN M,Mo S,L,C F,P 1' 

Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica 67 6" - 1' yellow APR - JUN D,M S,L P,S 6" - 1' 

Plantain Leaved Sedge Carex plantaginea 67 1' - 2' yellow APR - JUN D,M S,L,C P,S 1' 

Awl Fruited Sedge Carex stipata - 3' - 6' golden-brown MAY - JUN W Wet S,L,C F,P 1' 

Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea 75 1' - 3' golden-brown MAY - JUN Mo,W Wet S,L,C F 18" 

Dark Green Bulrush Scirpus atrovirens - 3' - 6' greenish/brown JUN - AUG W S,C,Peat,Muck F 1' 

Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus - 3' - 6' reddish/brown JUN - AUG W Peat, Muck F 1' 


All plants are 

1 year old pots (2.5" x 2.5" square x 3.5" deep) 

or deep plugs (2.25" diameter x 4" deep) 

unless otherwise noted. 

Plant Prices 2011 

Prices Effective Until December 31st, 2011 

Spring Shipping Begins April 18 




Wildflowers Species are listed alphabetically by their botanical name. Price Per Plant 

ITEM # SPECIES Container Page No. 1-3 4-12 13-31 32+ 

40230-03 Sweet Flag Acorus calamus 3" Pot 51 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

30220-03 Lavender Hyssop Agastache foeniculum 3" Pot 37 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

30350-03 Nodding Pink Onion Allium cernuum 3" Pot 30 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

30360-03 Prairie Onion Allium stellatum 3" Pot 40 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

30430-03 Leadplant Amorpha canescens 3" Pot 40 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

70370-03 Common Bluestar Amsonia tabernaemontana 3" Pot 50 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

30620-03 Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis 3" Pot 50 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

31030-03 Columbine Aquilegia canadensis 3" Pot 56 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31170-03 Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Bare Root 56 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

71230-03 Wild Ginger Asarum canadense 3" Pot 56 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

31230-03 Red Milkweed Asclepias incarnata 3" Pot 50 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31260-03 Sullivant’s Milkweed Asclepias sullivantii Deep Plug 37 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31280-03 Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa Deep Plug 40 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31281-03 Butterflyweed for Clay Asclepias tuberosa, var. Clay Deep Plug 31 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

31310-03 Sky Blue Aster Aster azureus 3" Pot 41 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31314-03 Heart Leaved Aster Aster cordifolius 3" Pot 57 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31316-03 White Woodland Aster Aster divaricatus 3" Pot 57 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31320-03 Heath Aster Aster ericoides 3" Pot 41 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31340-03 Smooth Aster Aster laevis 3" Pot 41 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31342-03 Calico Aster Aster lateriflorus 3" Pot 57 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31347-03 Big Leaf Aster Aster macrophyllus 3" Pot 57 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31350-03 New England Aster Aster novae-angliae 3" Pot 30 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31369-03 Crooked Stem Aster Aster prenanthoides 3" Pot 58 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31520-03 Blue False Indigo Baptisia australis 3" Pot 31 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31560-03 Cream False Indigo Baptisia bracteata 3" Pot 37 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

31550-03 White False Indigo Baptisia lactea 3" Pot 31 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

31910-03 Tall Bellflower Campanula americana 3" Pot 58 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

31950-03 Harebell Campanula rotundifolia 3" Pot 41 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32050-03 Wild Senna Cassia hebecarpa 3" Pot 30 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32150-03 New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus 3" Pot 42 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

32250-03 White Turtlehead Chelone glabra 3" Pot 51 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

92490-04 Virgin’s Bower Clematis virginiana 4" Pot 52 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

32340-03 Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 3" Pot 42 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32350-03 Stiff Coreopsis Coreopsis palmata 3" Pot 42 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36860-03 Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea 3" Pot 42 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32530-03 Tall Blue Larkspur Delphinium exaltatum 3" Pot 58 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

73140-03 Wild Bleeding Heart Dicentra eximia 3" Pot 58 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

32850-04 Shootingstar Dodecatheon meadia 4" Pot 59 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

32950-03 Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida 3" Pot 32 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32955-03 Ozark Coneflower Echinacea paradoxa 3" Pot 32 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

32960-03 Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 3" Pot 32 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33050-03 Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium 3" Pot 37 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33150-03 Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium 3" Pot 32 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33220-03 Mistflower Eupatorium coelestinum 3" Pot 59 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33230-03 Tall Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium fistulosum 3" Pot 51 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33240-03 Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum 3" Pot 51 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33260-03 Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum 3" Pot 52 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33270-03 Sweet Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum 3" Pot 59 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

33450-04 Queen of the Prairie Filipendula rubra 4" Pot 52 $8.49 $6.29 $5.79 $5.49 

33720-03 Bottle Gentian Gentiana andrewsii 3" Pot 52 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

33850-03 Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum 3" Pot 60 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

33950-03 Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum 3" Pot 43 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

34260-03 Downy Sunflower Helianthus mollis 3" Pot 43 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

34270-03 Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis 3" Pot 43 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

34280-03 Woodland Sunflower Helianthus strumosus 3" Pot 59 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

34350-03 Ox Eye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides 3" Pot 33 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

34510-03 American Alum Root Heuchera americana, var. Interior 3" Pot 60 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

34590-03 Maple Leaved Alum Root Heuchera villosa, var. Atropurpurea 3" Pot 60 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

94270-04 Rose Mallow Hibiscus palustris 4" Pot 53 $8.49 $6.29 $5.79 $5.49 

34950-03 Wild Iris Iris shrevei 3" Pot 53 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

34960-03 Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 3" Pot 53 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35310-03 Rough Blazingstar Liatris aspera 3" Pot 44 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 












Wildflowers Species are listed alphabetically by their botanical name. Price Per Plant 


35315-03 Northern Blazingstar Liatris borealis 3" Pot 44 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35340-03 Meadow Blazingstar Liatris ligulistylis 3" Pot 38 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35360-03 Prairie Blazingstar Liatris pycnostachya 3" Pot 33 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35370-03 Dense Blazingstar Liatris spicata 3" Pot 33 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35380-03 Scaly Blazingstar Liatris squarrosa 3" Pot 44 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35640-03 Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis 3" Pot 53 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35660-03 Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica 3" Pot 54 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35750-03 Lupine Lupinus perennis 3" Pot 43 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

75680-04 Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica 4" Pot 61 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

75760-03 Monkeyflower Mimulus ringens 3" Pot 54 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

75930-03 Bishop’s Cap Mitella diphylla 3" Pot 60 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35940-03 Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 3" Pot 34 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

35980-03 Dotted Mint Monarda punctata 3" Pot 44 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36550-03 Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium 3" Pot 34 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36720-03 Smooth Penstemon Penstemon digitalis 3" Pot 34 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36740-03 Beardtongue Penstemon grandiflorus 3" Pot 45 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36760-03 Broad Leaved Penstemon Penstemon ovatus 3" Pot 45 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36770-03 Small’s Penstemon Penstemon smallii 3" Pot 38 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

36920-03 Wild Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata 3" Pot 61 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

36930-03 Marsh Phlox Phlox glaberrima 3" Pot 54 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

36950-03 Downy Phlox Phlox pilosa 3" Pot 45 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

37080-03 Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana 3" Pot 54 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

76960-03 Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum Bare Root 61 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

77050-03 Jacob’s Ladder Polemonium reptans 3" Pot 61 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

37210-04 Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum biflorum 4" Pot 62 $8.49 $6.29 $5.79 $5.49 

37850-03 Yellow Coneflower Ratibida pinnata 3" Pot 36 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38030-03 Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida 3" Pot 39 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38040-03 Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 3" Pot 35 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38060-03 Sweet Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa 3" Pot 34 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38070-03 Brown Eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba 3" Pot 38 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38150-03 Wild Petunia Ruellia humilis 3" Pot 45 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

77810-04 Blue Sage Salvia azurea 4" Pot 46 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

78680-04 Wild Stonecrop Sedum ternatum 4" Pot 62 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

38360-03 Royal Catchfly Silene regia 3" Pot 39 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

38380-03 Fire Pink Silene virginica 3" Pot 63 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38440-03 Compassplant Silphium laciniatum Deep Plug 35 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

38460-03 Cupplant Silphium perfoliatum 3" Pot 35 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38480-03 Prairie Dock Silphium terebinthinaceum Deep Plug 35 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

38530-03 Prairie Blue Eyed Grass Sisyrinchium campestre 3" Pot 46 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

38670-04 Solomon’s Plume Smilacina racemosa 4" Pot 63 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

38680-04 Starry Solomon’s Plume Smilacina stellata 4" Pot 63 $7.29 $5.29 $4.99 $4.49 

38720-03 Zigzag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis 3" Pot 62 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38751-03 Anise Scented Goldenrod Solidago odora 3" Pot 62 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38740-03 Ohio Goldenrod Solidago ohioensis 3" Pot 36 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38770-03 Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida 3" Pot 36 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

38780-03 Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa 3" Pot 46 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

78570-04 Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa 4" Pot 55 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

39260-03 Early Meadowrue Thalictrum dioicum 3" Pot 63 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

79320-03 Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia 3" Pot 64 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39320-03 Prairie Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata 3" Pot 39 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39340-03 Western Spiderwort Tradescantia occidentalis 3" Pot 47 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

39350-03 Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis 3" Pot 46 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39430-03 Large Flowered Trillium Trillium grandiflorum Bare Root 64 $15.79 $12.49 NA NA 

79640-03 Bellwort Uvularia grandiflora Bare Root 64 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

39540-03 Blue Vervain Verbena hastata 3" Pot 55 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39560-03 Hoary Vervain Verbena stricta 3" Pot 47 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39610-03 Tall Ironweed Vernonia altissima 3" Pot 55 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39650-03 Ironweed Vernonia fasciculata 3" Pot 36 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39770-03 Culver’s Root Veronicastrum virginicum 3" Pot 55 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39830-03 Labrador Violet Viola labradorica 3" Pot 39 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

39930-03 Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea 3" Pot 64 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 






Ferns 


00903-04 Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum 4" Pot 65 $7.49 $5.49 $4.99 NA 

00912-04 Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina 4" Pot 65 $7.49 $5.49 $4.99 NA 

00935-GL Marginal Wood Fern Dryopteris marginalis Gallon 65 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

00950-04 Oak Fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris 4" Pot 65 $7.49 $5.49 $4.99 NA 

00968-GL Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea Gallon 66 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

00969-GL Interrupted Fern Osmunda claytoniana Gallon 66 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

00970-GL Royal Fern Osmunda regalis Gallon 66 $10.49 $8.49 $7.49 NA 

00975-04 Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides 4" Pot 66 $7.49 $5.49 $4.99 NA 

Sedges 


43020-03 Copper Shouldered Oval Sedge Carex bicknellii 3" Pot 75 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43037-03 Oval Headed Sedge Carex cephalophora 3" Pot 67 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43066-03 Ivory Sedge Carex eburnea 3" Pot 75 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43128-03 Palm Sedge Carex muskingumensis 3" Pot 67 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43142-03 Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica 3" Pot 67 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

43145-03 Plantain Leaved Sedge Carex plantaginea 3" Pot 67 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

43197-03 Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea 3" Pot 75 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

Grasses 








40530-03 Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardi 3" Pot 69 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

41520-03 Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula 3" Pot 70 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43350-03 Northern Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium 3" Pot 68 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

43520-03 Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis 3" Pot 70 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43527-03 Silky Wild Rye Elymus villosus 3" Pot 68 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

43528-03 Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus 3" Pot 68 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

44460-03 Vanilla Sweet Grass Hierochloe odorata 3" Pot 71 $6.29 $4.49 $4.29 $3.79 

44760-03 Bottlebrush Grass Hystrix patula 3" Pot 68 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

45520-03 Junegrass Koeleria macrantha 3" Pot 71 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

47570-03 Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 3" Pot 72 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

40560-03 Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium 3" Pot 73 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

48550-03 Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans 3" Pot 72 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

48880-03 Prairie Cordgrass Spartina pectinata 3" Pot 74 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

49050-03 Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis 3" Pot 74 $5.29 $3.49 $3.29 $2.99 

Bring your camera and visit our beautiful Display Gardens at W7262 Dover Court, Westfield WI 53964 

(refer to map on back cover or download pdf map at: www.prairienursery.com/retailmap). 


All Prairie Nursery Seed is Sold on a Pure Live Seed (PLS) basis. 

Seeds are shipped year round. Species are listed alphabetically by their botanical name. 

Wildflowers 

Seed Prices 2011 


ITEM # SPECIES Page No. Seeds/oz 1/4 oz 1/2 oz 1 oz 1 lb 

10220 Lavender Hyssop Agastache foeniculum 37 65,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

10350 Nodding Pink Onion Allium cernuum 30 7,700 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

10430 Leadplant Amorpha canescens 40 17,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

61170 Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum 56 440 $24.00 $36.00 $60.00 $900.00 

11230 Red Milkweed Asclepias incarnata 50 4,500 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

11270 Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca - 4,000 $5.00 $8.00 $12.00 $180.00 

11280 Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa 40 3,500 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 


Asclepias tuberosa, var. Clay 31 3,500 $20.00 $30.00 $50.00 $750.00 

11310 Sky Blue Aster Aster azureus 41 82,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

11340 Smooth Aster Aster laevis 41 48,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

11350 New England Aster Aster novae-angliae 30 70,000 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

11365 Frost Aster Aster pilosus - 190,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

11370 White Aster Aster ptarmicoides - 70,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

11450 Canada Milk Vetch Astragalus canadensis - 16,000 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

11520 Blue False Indigo Baptisia australis 31 1,600 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

11560 Cream False Indigo Baptisia bracteata 37 1,700 $32.00 $48.00 $80.00 $1,200.00 

11550 White False Indigo Baptisia lactea 31 1,600 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

11610 Pale Indian Plantain Cacalia atriplicifolia - 6,500 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

11750 Poppy Mallow Callirhoe triangulata - 6,000 $32.00 $48.00 $80.00 $1,200.00 

12070 Wild Hyacinth Camassia scilloides - 5,000 $40.00 $60.00 $100.00 $1,500.00 

12040 Partridge Pea Cassia fasciculata - 3,800 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 

12050 Wild Senna Cassia hebecarpa 30 1,400 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

12150 New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus 42 7,000 $24.00 $36.00 $60.00 $900.00 

12340 Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 42 12,500 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 

16820 White Prairie Clover Dalea candida - 15,000 $3.00 $4.00 $6.00 $90.00 

16860 Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea 42 20,000 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 

12750 Canada Tick Trefoil Desmodium canadense - 4,500 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

12850 Shootingstar Dodecatheon meadia 59 75,000 $40.00 $60.00 $100.00 $1,500.00 

12950 Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida 32 5,000 $5.00 $8.00 $12.00 $180.00 

12960 Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 32 6,600 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 

13150 Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium 32 8,000 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

13240 Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum 51 85,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

13260 Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum 52 200,000 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

13270 Sweet Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum 59 48,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

14110 Dogtooth Daisy Helenium autumnale - 100,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

14250 Showy Sunflower Helianthus laetiflorus - 4,600 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

14260 Downy Sunflower Helianthus mollis 43 7,700 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

14350 Ox Eye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides 33 6,500 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 

14950 Wild Iris Iris shrevei 53 800 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

14960 Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 53 800 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

15240 Roundhead Bushclover Lespedeza capitata - 10,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

15310 Rough Blazingstar Liatris aspera 44 13,500 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

15360 Prairie Blazingstar Liatris pycnostachya 33 12,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

15370 Dense Blazingstar Liatris spicata 33 12,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

15640 Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis 53 300,000 $32.00 $48.00 $80.00 $1,200.00 

15660 Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica 54 470,000 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

15750 Lupine Lupinus perennis 43 1,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

65760 Monkeyflower Mimulus ringens 54 2,500,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

15940 Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 34 78,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

15980 Dotted Mint Monarda punctata 44 94,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

16550 Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium 34 6,800 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

16720 Smooth Penstemon Penstemon digitalis 34 100,000 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

16740 Beardtongue Penstemon grandiflorus 45 11,000 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

17220 Great Solomon's Seal 

Polygonatum canaliculatum - 1,200 $12.00 $18.00 $30.00 $450.00 

17850 Yellow Coneflower Ratibida pinnata 36 27,000 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $75.00 

18030 Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida 39 25,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

18040 Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 35 100,000 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $45.00 


All Prairie Nursery Seed is Sold on a Pure Live Seed (PLS) basis. 

Seeds are shipped year round. Species are listed alphabetically by their botanical name. 

Wildflowers 

18050 Green Headed Coneflower 

Rudbeckia laciniata - 15,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 


Rudbeckia subtomentosa 34 46,000 $4.00 $6.00 $10.00 $150.00 

18070 Brown Eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba 38 33,000 $5.00 $8.00 $12.00 $180.00 

18150 Wild Petunia Ruellia humilis 45 4,000 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

18420 Rosinweed Silphium integrifolium - 4,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

18440 Compassplant Silphium laciniatum 35 650 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

18460 Cupplant Silphium perfoliatum 35 1,400 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

18480 Prairie Dock Silphium terebinthinaceum 35 1,100 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

18670 Solomon's Plume Smilacina racemosa 63 900 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

18740 Ohio Goldenrod Solidago ohioensis 36 90,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

18770 Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida 36 46,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

18780 Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa 46 105,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

19250 Tall Meadowrue Thalictrum dasycarpum - 13,000 $10.00 $15.00 $25.00 $375.00 

19350 Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis 46 8,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

19540 Blue Vervain Verbena hastata 55 100,000 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

19560 Hoary Vervain Verbena stricta 47 32,000 $3.50 $5.00 $8.00 $120.00 

19650 Ironweed Vernonia fasciculata 36 20,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

19770 Culver's Root Veronicastrum virginicum 55 750,000 $16.00 $24.00 $40.00 $600.00 

19930 Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea 64 12,000 $6.00 $9.00 $15.00 $225.00 

Grasses 

ITEM # SPECIES Page No. Seeds/oz 1 oz 1/4 lb 1/2 lb 1 lb 

20530 Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardi 69 8,200 $3.50 $8.00 $11.00 $16.00 

21520 Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula 70 8,000 $4.00 $9.00 $12.00 $19.00 

23520 Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis 70 4,200 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

23528 Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus 68 3,900 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

24760 Bottlebrush Grass Hystrix patula 68 4,700 $50.00 $150.00 $270.00 $450.00 

25520 Junegrass Koeleria macrantha 71 150,000 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 

27570 Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 72 18,000 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

20560 Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium 73 8,800 $4.00 $9.00 $12.00 $19.00 

28550 Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans 72 8,300 $3.00 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 

28880 Prairie Cordgrass Spartina pectinata 74 9,000 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 

29050 Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis 74 14,000 $25.00 $75.00 $135.00 $225.00 

Sedges, Rushes & Bulrushes 

Seed Prices 2011 




23042 Bottlebrush Sedge Carex comosa - 24,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

23094 Porcupine Sedge Carex hystericina - 36,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

23172 Awl Fruited Sedge Carex stipata - 40,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

23197 Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea 75 90,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

28030 Dark Green Bulrush Scirpus atrovirens - 140,000 $3.00 $4.00 $6.00 $90.00 

28035 Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus - 180,000 $8.00 $12.00 $20.00 $300.00 

What is “PLS"? 

PLS is the abbreviation for Pure Live Seed. A PLS Pound of seed is defined as the 

actual weight of seed required to equal one pound of 100% pure, germinable seed. This 

is calculated based upon each seed lot’s purity and germination tests. Our native seed is 

sold on a PLS basis. You will not be paying for chaff and non-germinable seed when you 

order from Prairie Nursery. 

Insist on proven quality - buy PLS seed from Prairie Nursery. 


Prairie Nursery’s 

Retail Store 

Many of our customers prefer to visit our retail store and select 

their own plants. Our two large retail greenhouses and display 

gardens show our extensive array of native perennial plants 

and grasses. 

Prairie Nursery offers live plants and seeds for prairies, woodlands, or wetlands. 

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with your planting questions. 

Retail Store Hours 

Open: April 8th - October 7th 

Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CST 

Open Saturdays: April 9th - October 1st 

Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm CST 

Retail Store Location 

W7262 Dover Court, Westfield, WI 53964 

Refer to map on back cover or 

Download pdf map at: 

www.prairienursery.com/retailmap 

1-608-296-2914 

Select Your Plants & Seeds 

at Our Retail Store 

• Hardy native plants 

• Our original “No Mow" turf grass seed 

• Seed Packets & Select Mixes 

• Garden accessories 

• New book titles 


Free Prairie Nursery Tours! 

Visit our beautiful Display Gardens, containing thousands of native perennials 

in a variety of settings featuring numerous arrangements. We offer FREE guided tours two 

Saturdays during the peak summer color season. 

You are also welcome to take a self-guided tour at any time! The show changes every week 

from the late spring through early fall. Come often and see new blooms each month. You 

can get gardening ideas for your own property as you walk along the pathways. So bring 

your camera, and capture our ever-changing prairie gardens. 

2011 Guided Tours 

Saturday, June 18 

Saturday, August 20 

10:00 AM and 1:00 PM 

Above: Our three year old Display Garden 

in full summer bloom. 

For private tours with groups of 20 or 

more, please call for appointment. 

1-800-476-9453 


Consulting & Landscaping Services 

The majestic Prairie Dropseed waves over the hillside that buffers this contemporary home. 

Prairie Nursery practices sustainable design. 

We implement functional landscape choices that focus on maintaining the 

balance of an attractive landscape with its local environment and people; 

nurturing instead of draining natural resources. 

We can help you realize your 

outdoor living dreams, 

contact us at (800) 476-9453 

or at cs@prairienursery.com. 


“I wanted to see an increase in animals and plants and do my part to help the environment. 

It’s not just the job of governments. Each of us can do something. Don’t just have a lawnhave 

birds and wildlife. I didn’t know how to do this on my own, that’s why I went to Prairie 

Nursery. It’s about water and plants-the whole natural complex-and it’s something you 

can do, even with a very small yard." 

Jennifer Baker 

Senior Consultant & Designer 

-Marco Dotti, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 

Mother Nature 

is our role model 

Prairie Nursery’s design philosophy involves pulling 

elements from native communities to match the soil, 

moisture and light levels specific to your planting area. 

Creating this perfect match with nature’s very best, 

results in a landscape which will be uniquely your own. 


39 

7th Ct. 

51 

County Rd. CH 

Dover Ct. 

Dover Ct. 

5th Ave. 5th Ave. 

Free Nursery Tours 

Office Hours 

Monday – Friday 

8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST 

Saturday Office Hours: 

April 9– June 4 

9:00 am – 3:00 pm CST 

Tours & Retail Store 

No Exit 

N 

 

CH 

Duck Creek Ave. 

7th Ct. 

P.O. Box 306 

Westfield, WI 53964 

39 

Dyke Ave. 

County Rd. CH 

51 

Catalog Order 

Pick-up 

County Rd. M 

Country Rd. E 

High School 

M 

OR CURRENT RESIDENT 

Retail Store 

Open: April 8 – October 7 

Monday – Friday 

9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST 

Saturday Hours: April 9 – October 1 

9:00 am – 4:00 pm CST 

E 

N. Main St. 

Walnut Dr. 

Westfield 

North 

Pioneer 

Park Rd. 

J 

J 

Exit 113 

E 4th St. 

Directions Fr o m ex i t #113 

For Catalog Plant & 

Seed Order Pick-up 

For Nursery Tours 

and the Retail Store 

Visit our New Display Gardens 

and Retail Store! 

We Accept 

Our Display Gardens and 

Retail Store are open from 

April 8 through October 7. 

Head east away from 

town on CTY J for .3 

miles. Turn left at CTY E 

and go north for 

1 mile. At the stop sign 

continue straight ahead 

on 7th Ct for another .6 

miles. Turn right 

at Dyke Ave and head 

east for 1.2 miles. Turn 

right at the sign into 

Prairie Nursery. 

(W5875 Dyke Ave) 

Go west towards town 

and turn right at the first 

intersection at North 

Pioneer Park Rd. 

Travel .75 miles on 

Pioneer Park Rd until it 

intersects with CTY 

Rd CH (Main St). 

Turn right on CH and 

head north 3.2 miles to 

Dover Ct Turn left at 

Dover Ct and go 1.2 

miles to Prairie Nursery 

(W7262 Dover Ct) 

Our two tour Saturdays are enhanced with 

activities, exhibits and projects for all ages. 

Check our website or call for details. 

PRESORTED 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

PRAIRIE 

NURSERY INC 

Customer Service & Phone Orders 

1-800-476-9453 

FAX Orders Anytime 

608-296-2741 

Order Online Email 

www.prairienursery.com cs@prairienursery.com 

2011 Saturday Nursery Tour Dates: 

June 18 August 20 

Tours are at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm 

W7262 Dover Court, Westfield, WI 

Select plants, seeds and books are 

available during tour dates.

Native Plant & Seed Solutions - Prairie Nursery

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