13 Terrific Midwest Native Plants

Purple coneflower boasts striking blooms with reflexed purple petals that surround a spiky orange-gold cone. This drought-tolerant perennial is hardy in zones 4 to 8 and native to the Central Midwest. Blossoms beckon butterflies and bees.

Cardinal flower is a hummingbird favorite and ideal for moist spots that receive sun to part shade. Although plants are hardy in zones 4 to 8, they’re not true perennials in that plants die once they set seed. Look for offset or young plants at the point where lower leaves join the stem. These offsets quickly produce roots and establish themselves.

This fine-textured grass creates beautiful clumps that are perfect for edging planting beds. Include drought-tolerant prairie dropseed in wildlife gardens. It provides cover for foraging birds, nesting material and abundant seed. Plants are perennial in zones 3 to 7.

Resistant to deer, drought and powdery mildew, wild bergamot thrives in full sun in zones 3 to 9. Lavender blooms open for many weeks in summer, attracting all kinds of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds. Blooms make a nice addition to bouquets.