A study in KC showed that Symphyotrichum is one of the plant genera in our area that attracts the largest number of different bee species.

Annual, so allow to reseed. May cause skin irritation. Not preferred by deer or rabbits.

Great plant for your water garden. Does best in full sun, in consistently moist, organic soils. Slowly spreads by rhizomes; can divide when plant gets over crowded.

Very tolerant of dry conditions. Tracy’s favorite milkweed. May bloom again in fall if you cut it back after the first bloom.

One of the earliest spring ephemerals (meaning it will disappear and go dormant after setting seed). Prefers rich, organic, moist but well-drained soil. Corms eaten by Native Americans and some rodents. Early source of food for several bee species.

Grows well in poor soil as long as it drains well - likes it dry. Can tolerate more shade than other coreopsis. Best if divided every 2-3 years.

Plant in well drained soil. Mostly pollinated by moths. Flowers open fully at nighttime and usually close at midday. Not preferred by most mammals.

Great for pollinators. One of the biggest flowers among the goldenrods. Tolerates most soil conditions. Remove seed heads to keep from spreading aggressively.

Spreads aggressively through rhizomes. But is a beautiful sunflower, great for bees, birds, and butterflies so would be a good addition to a larger, wild garden.

Great wildlife plant for the back of your planting. May reseed aggressively, but seeds are good for wildlife. Large and interesting form. Host plant for some butterfly species, and provides nectar for hummingbirds.

This milkweed is for your rain garden; can take wet and average conditions. Also attracts hummingbirds. Fragrant.

A taller, perennial black-eyed Susan that will persist longer than the R. hirta, under ideal growing conditions. Has a sweet smell, hints the common name.

Annual. A wonderful smelling plant (we think it smells like maple syrup). Beautiful in all stages and seasons (late fall/early winter is Tracy's favorite form). Also called rabbit tobacco.

Annual/biennial, so allow to reseed. Best in a part shade, moist area. Can deadhead for additional blooms. Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators.

Tall and aggressive so not suited for small gardens, but has wonderful wildlife benefits if you have the space for it.