Native plant garden
Create a Stunning Native Plant Garden
There are so many native plants to choose from when it comes to creating a balance of color, height and textures. Backyard Habitats has a database of native annuals and perennials to help get you on your way to that beautiful wildlife oasis throughout your yard.
Goldenrod
The genus Solidago (goldenrod) is vital to our ecosystem. The many varieties of goldenrod’s host over 120 species of lepidoptera (butterflies, moths and skippers). More then any other genus of the herbaceous type. Providing both nectar and pollen in the fall, making it a crucial food source for pollinators.
Echinacea
This beautiful, low-maintenance native perennial attracts many pollinators like bees and butterflies. Also used as a medicinal herb for its ability to boost the immune system. This wildflower is drought tolerant, and provides attractive blooms throughout the summer.
Milkweed
The species of the Asclepias genus are not only host to the Monarch butterfly but many other species of butterflies and moths. A native perennial adapted to any terrain type, providing beautiful orange, pink, purple, white and yellow flowers throughout the summer.
Cardinal Flower
Not only is this unique beauty a joy to look at but it also helps add biodiversity to any ecosystem. Lobelia cardinalis is a 2-4ft tall perennial that blooms in late summer and is a favorite of hummingbirds.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium is a blue-green grass with leaves that turn reddish-brown in the fall. This clump-forming grass is drought-resistant and easy to care for not to mention a host plant for numerous skippers. Also providing nesting sites for birds, helping to stabilize soil with its deep roots and much more.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta a favorite in the garden that grows up to 3ft tall thriving in full sun and well-drained, dry to moist soils. Host to over 20 species of moths, butterflies and skippers while supporting pollinators, stabilizing soil, while providing food for many birds.
*Please note: The native plants listed here are for the Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan area. We have done extensive research to create a group of keystone plants that are highly beneficial to this specific region. All of these plant species are native to the United States but not necessarily to your specific region. Contact us through our contact form and we may be able to help you with a few native species specific to your exact location.
Help bring them back, by bringing back the native plants they evolved with for centuries!
Sunflower
The Helianthus genus (perennial or annual) are yet another critical plant to our ecosystem. They provide food for wildlife, pollen and nectar to pollinators and many other benefits. They are host to over 75 species of lepidoptera, behind only Solidago in the amount of species it hosts.
Tall Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea a giant beauty with purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Ironweed attracts pollinators while supporting biodiversity. Reaching up to 10ft tall Tall Ironweed can be the perfect native perennial to add some depth into any garden.
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus is a compact, rounded shrub growing between 2-3′ tall with showy white flowers. New Jersey Tea plays a large part in the ecosystem as a source of early pollen and nectar for bees, supporting wildlife, and fixing nitrogen back into the soil. While hosting over 35 species of moths, butterflies and skippers.
Aster
Asters are another keystone or crucial member of the native plants in our region. These little daisy like flowers add a burst of different colors to the garden while giving much to wildlife. Providing pollen and nectar in the fall months to pollinators, food/shelter to wildlife and hosting over 10 species of lepidoptera. Asters also improve soil quality and help prevent erosion.
Blazing Star
Liatris spicata is a tall, perennial wildflower with purple flowers that bloom like fireworks in late summer. Blazing star provides pollinator support, food for songbirds and hosting at least 5 species of lepidoptera. While adding height, color, movement the leaves and seedheads provide color and texture throughout the winter in your garden space.
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria Virginiana is a small ground covering native perennial with small edible strawberries. Wild strawberries provide food, support for pollinators, and helps reduce erosion. Also serves as an active mulch protecting the soil from water evaporation. The Fragaria genus is host over 70 species of moths, butterflies and skippers.
Benefits of a Native plant garden:
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