By Becka Kolle
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
The terms wildflower and Native Plant are often used interchangeably. But there are a few slight differences. Wildflowers are generally herbaceous flowering plants that can be native to the area or introduced by people, while native plants are typically those found growing before European settlement. Many marketed wildflower seed mixes are not native wildflowers. Most contain non-native annuals that may offer little to no nutritional value to native pollinators. I’ve highlighted some native options to consider for your backyard.
Showy Milkweed is a common native wildflower in Nebraska, as it is a hardy perennial. It thrives in many locations as long as the soil is well-drained and receives full sun. This native wildflower is slow to emerge in spring because it thrives in heat. Showy Milkweed has a pink cluster bloom that attracts a variety of pollinators, including Monarch butterflies.
Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower, also known as Black Samson, grows wild in our dry and rocky plains. It differs from cultivated echinacea in having a shorter, hairy stem and narrow leaves. Narrow Leaf Purple Coneflower prefers full sun with well-drained soil. This Nebraska native is deer-resistant and will attract many pollinators to your garden. If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant Nebraska Native, consider the Narrowleaf Purple Coneflower.
A drought-tolerant Nebraska Native, you may commonly see growing along dry road ditches is the Shell Leaf Penstemon, also known as large beardtongue. It blooms from late spring to early summer, with pale pink to lavender blooms. Its large blooms will attract many pollinators to your garden, including bumble bees. Its roots can also be a favorite snack of pocket gophers. This native may require some attention as it is easily choked out by other plants. It’s imperative to keep its bed weed-free. The Shell Leaf Penstemon is a tall Nebraska Native to consider for a sunny, dry location.
Prairie Gentian is my favorite of all the Nebraska Natives. It produces a bell-shaped dark purple to lavender bloom and is often found in wetter soils. They can be a bit particular about growing in garden settings, but the Lisianthus cultivar is more garden-friendly. It is an annual that reseeds itself and is popular amongst the solitary bees. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one taking a nap in the bell-shaped flower.