1. Plant Attributes ‘Leggy’ Plants Foxglove (Penstemon) White Sage
Penstemon digitalis
This species requires other plants to provide stability and competition, in low light areas it will drop its leaves (such as at the base of the plant) giving it a leggy appearnce.
White Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana
This species tends to leave only in the upper 2/3 of the plant giving it a leggy appearance.
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can cast as high as 3’; use behind other species that will block the stem.
Goldenglow (Coreopsis)
Coreopsis tripteris
This species has an upright structure with little leaf structure; it makes a nice background planting.
Blazing Star (Gayfeather)
Liatris pycnostachya
This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting.
False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species and as a background planting.
General Rule: If you plant full sun plants in shade you will reduce the flower production and increase legginess as plants reach for the sun.
‘Leggy’ Plants

2. Plant Attributes ‘Floppy’ Plants Yellow Coneflower Indian Grass
Ratibida pinnata
This species has a tight basal rosette but the blossom can average about 4’ tall; use behind other species and with competitive species to encourage upright growth.
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
This species averages about 3-5’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
This species has a tight basal rosette but the inflorescence is large and can become too heavy for the stem.
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
This species averages about 5-6’ ht.; it requires other material or fencing for structural support.
False Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
The floret is often heavier than the stem can sustain.
Blazing Star (Gayfeather)
Liatris pycnostachya
This species averages about 4’ ht. it should be planted with other species to provide support.
General Rule: Tall grass species will become floppy without adequate competition and structural support.
‘Floppy’ Plants

3. Plant Attributes ‘Aggressive’ Plants New England Aster
Monarda (Bergamot)
Monarda fistulosa
In rich garden soil this species can become larger than intended and will spread easily in disturbed or open soil.
New England Aster
Aster novae-angliea
This species is a wetland species but does well in drier soils it is easily wind spread.
Red-twig Dogwood
Cornus stolonifera
This species is a wetland species but does well in drier conditions as well; it is also a large shrub (10-12’ ht). It is excellent for screening.
False Aster
Boltonia asteroides
This species does well in dry years and will spread aggressively by seed in open or disturbed soils.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbecki hirta
This species is biannual but will seed in disturbed and open soil easily; it can dominate a first year or second year planting.
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
This species makes an excellent groundcover, but in good garden soil, regular moisture, and full sun it can become a nuisance.
General Rule: Use these plants sparingly, appropriately, and where there will be suitable constraint or competition.
‘Aggressive’ Plants

4. Solomon Seal or False Solomon Seal
Native Substitutes
Solomon Seal or False Solomon Seal OR
Mayapple
FOR
Hosta
Black-Eyed Susan OR
Blue-Eyed Grass
FOR
Daylily

5. Native Substitutes Butterfly Milkweed OR Joe Pye Weed FOR Sedum
Blue-Joint Grass OR
Indian Grass
FOR
Miscanthus

6. Native Substitutes Geum OR Lupine FOR Periwinkle Prairie Dropseed OR
Fox Sedge
FOR
Miscanthus

7. Native Substitutes Bottle Gentian OR Michigan Lily FOR Asian Lily
Big Bluestem Grass OR
Indian Grass
FOR
Blood Grass

8. Native Substitutes Lead Plant OR White Sage FOR Lamb’s Ear
Pasque Flower OR
Trout Lily
FOR
Crocus

9. Native Substitutes Lead Plant OR Catnip FOR Salvia Soldier Mallow OR
Prairie Rose
FOR
Rose

10. Native Substitutes Witch Hazel Forsythia FOR St. John’s Wort FOR
Potentilla

11. Native Substitutes Arrowwood Viburnum Lilac FOR Maple Leaf Viburnum
Rhododendron

12. Thank You