Nodding Wild Onion
Allium cernuum
Eye-catching and under-used in the home garden, white-pink globose umbels nod gracefully from arch at the top of the stem. Nectar and pollen primarily attract bees. Grown from KY source seed.
Light: Full to Part Sun
Soil: Moist to Dry
Height: 1.5 feet
Blooms: June-August
Flower Color: White to Pink
Attracts: Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Scarlet Beebalm
Monarda didyma
Brilliant red flowers are a hit with hummingbirds. Foliage emits spicy odor when crushed. Striking as a cut flower. Not native to Kentucky but to neighboring states, both Ohio and Tennesse.
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Average to Wet
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Blooms: July-August
Flowers: Red
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Elderberry is a good choice for use in a hedge row, border or when planted for wildlife. It has fragrant clusters of white flowers and later, loads of purple berries that draw birds in late summer & fall. Grown from Kentucky-source seed.
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Average to Wet
Height: 5 to 12 feet
Blooms: June-July
Flowers: White
Citronella Horse Balm
Collinsonia canadensis
Intriguing lemony-fragrant light yellow flowers up to 1/2 inch long in loose-terminal arrangements are an excellent source of late-season nectar for pollinators. Leaves emit a citronella-like odor when crushed. Herbal uses are reported. Spreads easily by rhizomes. Grown from Kentucky-source seed.
Light: Intermediate
Soil: Average
Height: usually 2-3', up to 4'
Blooms: August to September
Flowers: Light Yellow
Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia humifusa
A native cactus found in glades and open woods. Semi-prostrate succulent pads form colonies when grown in well drained soil. Take care to avoid spines and tufts of bristles which easily attach to skin and cause discomfort. Flowers are yellow with a reddish inner ring. Kentucky source.
Light: Full Sun
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Soil: Dry, well-drained
Blooms: June to July
Common Hops
Humulus lupulus
This native plant is host to butterflies: Commas, Question Marks & Red Admirals. It is an herbaceous, perennial vine with interesting & attractive fruit. Male & female on separate plants. Grown from Kentucky-source seed.
Light: Full sun to Part Shade
Soil: Medium to Moist
Height: 10 to 20 feet
Blooms: September to October
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa
Interesting and elegant structural plant with striking habit, especially in a grouping. Foliage with good texture and lofty cream colored flowers on tall slender fragrant spires. Prefers rich, moist soil. Grown from KY source seed.
Light: Full to Part Shade
Soil: Medium
Height: flower to 4-6 feet
Blooms: June to July
Jerusalem Artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Often found along streams in nature, this is a tall and attractive plant that produces edible tubers. Can spread by rhizomes & seed. Cut back to control height. Kentucky source seed.
Light: Full sun to Part Shade
Soil: Medium
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Blooms: August to September