Native Plant Gardens
Gallery and Growing Tips

Common Name

Latin Name (Weber)

Height (Feet)

Preferred Environment

Comments
and Tips

Aster, golden

Heterotheca villosa

1-2

Dry

An easy-to-grow aster of early summer with a flat, spreading habit. Leaves are hairy gray-green. Starts from seed and transplants easily when it is still small. Perennial. A nice addition to borders and edges.

Aster, Porter's

Aster porteri

1-2

Dry

A Front Range specialty! A hardy aster with a profusion of small white flowers, Porter's asters remain green nearly all winter with long thin leaves. They work very well in rock gardens, where they remain smallish until all the other spring flowers are done. By late summer they have become rounded mounds of flowers. Very hardy and easy to transplant. Will start easily from seed. Perennial.

Aster, smooth

Aster laevis

2-3

Dry

A lovely tall blue-purple aster of late summer, smooth asters start readily from seed and will bloom during their first year. They transplant easily, but need care and water after a move. Once established, they may spread aggressively but can be easily pulled. Deer will browse the foliage, but this seems to help the plants bush out and become less tall and spindly when they bloom.

Aster, white prairie (Heath aster)

Aster falcatus
(Virgulus falcatus)

1-2

Full sun, dry

A very hardy and showy aster of the plains. It will grow in the hottest and driest conditions and never need water. Transplants easily. Blooms from late summer well into fall. It will reseed itself and grow by underground runners, which can be broken off and replanted to help it spread.

Beebalm (Horsemint or Wild Bergamot )

Monarda fistulosa

1 - 2

Part sun, Dry/Moist

Large showy flowers and oregano-scented foliage distinguish this member of the mint family. It starts easily from seed and transplants easily too. The huge flowers attract scores of bees and butterflies.

Nurseries may stock some non-native Monardas.

Blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium montanum

.5 - 1

Part sun, Dry/Moist

Not a grass at all, but a native member of the iris family. Plants grow in grass-like clumps and produce many small but very attractive blue flowers. Hardy, transplants easily, and locally available at nurseries. Will tolerate dry conditions. Perennial. Place it along edges and borders, where taller plants won't cover it.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

1 - 2.5

Part sun, Dry/Moist

Hardy. Frequent in dry mountain meadows. Available from many nurseries but try to avoid cultivars if possible. Perennial.

Blanket flower, Gaillardia

Gaillardia aristata

1 - 2

Sun, Dry

Hardy, but may become delicate for a while after transplanting. Verify source of commercial varieties, many are hybrids; the native "wild type" has petals of a pure golden-yellow (no red). Butterflies are fond of these flowers. Perennial. The flowers are a host to the lovely Gaillardia Moth which is colored exactly like the flower.

Blue flax

Adenolinum (Linum) lewisii

.5 - 1

Sun, Dry

Watch out for the non-native European flax, which has a similar appearance. The native is generally smaller, and its stems flop open loosely near the ground; the European flax is often taller with more erect stems that flare out at the top, giving the plant a vase-like shape.

Bush sunflower

Helianthus pumilus

8" - 2.5

Sun, Dry

Butterflies love the flowers, and birds love the seeds as a winter treat. Deer may browse. Annual.

Many nurseries carry non-native sunflowers and cultivars. Shop carefully.

Curly-cup gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

1-2

Sun, Dry

A weedy-looking biennial that produces scores of beautiful golden aster-like flowers. Once established, it is hardy and spreads prolifically from seed. The flower cups have small curly protrubances that secrete a strongly-smelling gum. Can be transplated with care during its first year (rosette phase) but should not be moved its second year, when it bolts, blooms and produces seeds. Flowers from mid-summer through fall.

Cutleaf fleabane

Erigeron compositus

1

Dry

A hardy little white aster with finely divided leaves, it forms rounded mounds of foliage and early spring flowers that tuck nicely into crevices in rock gardens. Available at nurseries. Perennial.

Evening primrose, yellow

Oenothera howardii (brachycarpa)

0.5

Full Sun, Dry

Perennial, blooms in early evening, common along Front Range. The blossoms attract moths and produce a sweet fragrance. It will grow happily in the hottest, driest locations and never need water once established.
Some non-native evening primroses are sold at nurseries. Check those scientific names!

Evening primrose, white stemless

Oenothera caespitosa

0.5

Full Sun, Dry

This perennial blooms in early evening. The huge, soft white flowers produce a delicious aroma and attract moths. The leaves are a food plant for white lined sphinx moths (look for the green hornworm caterpillars in June). It will grow happily in the hottest, driest locations and never need water once established. Transplants fairly easily but may require water and TLC after a move. Deer will browse it. Available in local nurseries.

Fireweed

Epilobium angustifolium, Chamerion angustifolium

up to 6'

Partial shade, Dry to Moist

Hardy and forming patches, fireweed has show-stopping pink or fuchsia red flowers. It does well in shady areas where nothing else seems to grow. Its name comes from its tendency to appear in disturbed areas following forest fires. Deer may browse the foliage and flowers.

Gayfeather, Dotted (Blazing star)

Liatris punctata

.5 - 2

Sun, Dry

Perennial, starts easily from seed (a seedling takes several years to mature and bloom.) The plant appears late in spring and grows unobtrusively throughout the summer, then puts forth a spectacular stalk of lavender flowers in late summer. Very hardy and drought tolerant.

Non-native Liatris are available at local nurseries; check scientific names!

Geranium, wild (Pineywoods geranium)

Geranium caespitosum

1 - 2

Part sun, Moist

A perennial that starts easily from seeds and may develop a rounded growth habit that fills in rock gardens. Difficult to transplant adult plants, but it can be moved when still a small seedling. Deer may browse.

Golden banner

Thermopsis divaricarpa

1 - 2

Part or full sun, Dry to Moist

This perennial starts easily from seeds, which may germinate better if they have been scratched and soaked. Young plants may not bloom for several years but are worth the wait. Because of its deep and delicate root system, it is very difficult to transplant except as a seedling. It spreads via seeds (look for the tiny pea-like pods) and through underground roots of rhizomes. It may become aggressive.

Goldenrod species

Solidago spp.

Variable

Sun, Dry/Moist

Many and varied species. Once established, goldenrods are hardy and aggressive (they may spread by seeds and underground roots) but require much watering and care after they have been moved. Their flowers make beautiful dry arrangements. Perennial.

Contrary to popular belief, goldenrods do not cause allergies.

Harebells

Campanula rotundifolia

.5 - 1

Part sun, Moist

This lovely perennial plant is a wonderful addition to rock gardens: it spreads to fill around the stones. Scores of flowers appear in June and last into the fall. When small, its leaves are roundish but become long and thin as the plant matures. Trivia: Also known as Bluebells of Scotland, this plant is circumpolar in distribution. It is often sold in nurseries.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS the non-native relative Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)! Although similar in looks, this aggressive plant will take over your garden and prove very hard to get rid of.

Leafy cinquefoil

Drymocallis fissa

1

Dry

A small leafy plant with pale green leaves and smallish yellow flowers, it is well behaved and fits nicely into crevices in rock gardens. Deer may browse it. Perennial.

Mouse ear chickweed, Field mouse ear

Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum

.5

Dry

Small white flowers appear in spring. As the plant spreads from year to year, it takes on the appearance of a carpet of little white blooms. Transplant hardy perennial. Watch out for Cerastium tomentosa, a non-native commonly stocked by nurseries in the xeriscape section. The non-native's leaves are larger, hairy and have a blue green color.

Pasque Flower

Pulsatilla patens

Part sun, Dry/Moist

Huge, delicate purple flowers distinguish the Pasque flower, which blooms around Easter. Often found under ponderosa pines. Perennial. Most nurseries carry the European Pasque flower so ask carefully.

 Penstemon, blue mist  (Low penstemon)

Penstemon virens

.5 - 1

Part sun, Dry

Forms dense clumps and may produce many volunteer seedlings. This perennial is available by seed and in Boulder area nurseries. Transplants easily. Perennial. Plant it along boders and edges so it is not overwhelmed by larger plants.

Many non-native penstemons are sold at nurseries. Check those scientific names!

Penstemon, one-sided

Penstemon secundiflorus

.5 - 1.5

Part sun, Dry

A mid-sized penstemon with attractive light blue-green leaves and stunning stalks of lavender flowers. It starts easily from seed and transplants easily too. It attracts honey bees and occasionally hummingbirds. Available in some Boulder-area nurseries. Deer may browse off the flower stalks. Perennial.

Many non-native penstemons are sold at nurseries. Check those scientific names!

Penstemon, Rocky Mountain

Penstemon strictus

1 - 2

Part sun, Dry/Moist

This penstemon is common west of Continental Divide. When planted in clumps, it produces show-stopping clusters of tall indigo and lavender flowers, much loved by insects. Transplant hardy. Perennial.

Many non-native penstemons are sold at nurseries. Check those scientific names!

Penstemon, tall

Penstemon virgatus

2

Part sun, Dry/Moist

Flowers numerous. Perennial.

Many non-native penstemons are sold at nurseries. Check those scientific names!

Prairie coneflower (Mexican hat )

Ratibida columnifera

1 - 2.5

Sun, Dry

This perennial blooms from June into the fall. It is hardy and easily reseeds itself. Flowers come in both yellowish and reddish morphs. Requires much watering and care when transplanted. Purple coneflowers, often sold at local nurseries, are not actually native to Colorado but occur naturally on eastern prairies and need supplemental water.

Prairie Smoke

Geum trifolium

.5

Dry

Delicate reddish blooms in spring give way to fluffy smoke-like seeds in summer. Available in nurseries, but watch out for non-native Geums. Perennial, deer may browse it.

Prickly pear cactus

Opuntia macrorhiza (compressa)

4 - 8"

Sun, Dry

Sparse spines, perennial.

Prickly pear cactus

Opuntia polyacantha

4 - 8"

Sun, Dry

Very spiny, with both large spines and very fine, hairlike spines. It is a lovely, hardy addition to a garden, but a hazard to be aware of while weeding. The huge yellow flowers appear in June, followed by reddish fruits in the fall. Transplant hardy.

Pussytoes

Antennaria parvifolia

2 - 6"

Dry

Perennial, forms large low-growing mats with delicate gray-greenish foliage. We have seen it at some Boulder-area nurseries. Transplant hardy.

Rocky Mountain columbine

Aquilegia caerulea

1.5 - 2

Sun/shade, Moist

The only native columbine in the Boulder area. Red, yellow and cultivar columbines are not native to Boulder. Will hybridize readily with any non-native columbines planted nearby. Available from many local nurseries. Deer may occasionally browse on it. Perennial.

Rocky Mountain beeplant

Cleome serrulata

1 - 3

Sun, Dry

Abundant, midsummer along roadsides

Rocky Mountain wild iris

Iris missouriensis

.5 - 1

Part sun, moist

Wild irises are more delicate and require more moisture than their non-native tall bearded counterparts. They are well worth the extra trouble! They often do well under downspouts where they receive a lot of sun. After they bloom, they are very hardy to drying out. Perennial.

Sage, prairie (Sagewort)

Artemisia ludoviciana

1 - 2.5

Dry

A lovely perennial with fragrant silvery-white greenish foliage. It establishes easily and spreads aggressively, but may be controlled simply by uprooting periodically. Transplants from root stocks.Trivia: scientific name for Merriweather Lewis of Lewis and Clark.

Sage, Silver (Fringed sage)

Artemisia frigida

4 - 8"

Dry

This lovely foliage plant is gorgeous in rock gardens. It is very transplant hardy and will start from fragments of root stock. It is a woody perennial with fragrant, silver-gray foliage. Available at local nurseries.

Scarlet globe mallow or Cowboy's Delight

Sphaeralcea coccinea

.5 - 1

Sun, Dry

Perennial with a deep tap root, this native prairie plant is very drought tolerant. Clusters of reddish-orange flowers appear in June. Very transplant hardy, but will often appear to die after you move it. Don't be fooled - it will come back next year. 

Showy milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

1.5 - 5

Sun, Moist

Common on roadsides, fields and along ditches. Milkweed starts very easily from seed and transplants easily when small. The flowers attract a remarkable assortment of butterflies, moths and other insects and the leaves are the foodplant for Monarch butterflies. It may require several seasons to reach mature blooming size.

Shooting Star

Dodecatheon pulchellum

.5

Shade, Moist

Shooting stars produce small, delicate pink flowers in late May to early June. Once the blooms are finished, the leaves wither away until next spring. NOT XERISCAPE! - This plant needs very moist conditions which simulate its home along creeks and in wet, shady canyons. Perennial. We have seen it occasionally in Boulder area nurseries. 

Silvery Lupine

Lupinus argenteus

1 - 2.5

Sun, Dry/Moist

Lupines start easily from seeds, especially if they are scratched and soaked. Young plants may not bloom for several years but are worth the wait. Seedlings seem to survive better if they are not transplanted until their second year - many transplanted youngsters die during the heat of July. Be sure to get the entire deep root when you move them!

Nearly all lupines for sale at nurseries are non-natives! Check scientific names.

Spiderwort

Tradescantia occidentalis

.5 - 2

Sun, Dry/Moist

Perennial with deep purple or lavender three-petaled flowers. This prairie native transplants easily. Deer may browse it.

Sulfur flower

Eriogonum umbellatum

4" - 1

Sun, Dry

A hardy rock garden plant which fills in around stones and boulders. Balls of yellow flowers appear in June. Deer may browse occasionally. Perennial.

Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza depauperata

1 - 2

Dry or moist / Shade

An attactive foliage plant with delicate, wispy leaves that thrives in dry shade. In late spring, tiny white flowers give way to clusters of long, thin seeds. The leaves and seeds have an odor of anise when crushed. The plant may become a little aggressive, and re-seeds itself, requiring some attention to keep it from taking over its corner of the yard.

Western wallflower

Erysimum asperum

.5 - 2

Sun, Dry

A biennial that flowers in late spring to early summer. Deer may browse off the flower stalks.

Yarrow (white or woolly yarrow)

Achillea lanulosa

.5 - 2

Part sun, Dry/Moist

This very hardy perennial spreads by seed and underground roots (rhizomes). It is often found in disturbed areas. It is very transplant hardy and attracts butterflies.

Watch out for colored non-native cultivars in yellow, red and pink.