Blackeyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A medium-sized biennial with cheery yellow flowers. It’s well known for its long bloom time and bounty of flowers. Blackeyed susans are tolerant of many soil conditions, but prefer medium amounts of moisture and full sun. The seeds are a favorite of many small songbirds. It’s a perfect addition to your flowerbeds or meadow. 

Swamp aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum): Swamp asters can grow to be 8 feet tall and become covered in purple-blue flowers in late summer. They are host plants for many insect and butterfly species, including many endangered bee species. These asters prefer to grow on the edges of wetlands and moist meadows.

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium): Blue-eyed grass is a darling little perennial with beautiful, blue flowers that bloom in late spring. They can spread through rhizomes and by reseeding. They are found in moist, sunny spots and will be a valuable addition to your garden. 

Partridge Pea (Chamaescrista fasciculata): Partridge Pea has bright, sunny yellow flowers and interesting, feather-like leaves that curl when touched. The plant is highly attractive to many butterflies and is a larval host to the Sleepy Orange butterfly. Partridge pea also increases soil health by increasing plant-available soil nitrogen. Partridge pea prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Tall sunflower (Helianthus giganteus): Tall sunflower is a prolific, spreading sunflower that can reach up to 8 feet tall. Its flower produces a source of seeds for small songbirds and nectar for many pollinators. This is a great plant if you need to cover large areas with minimal input. 

Biennial Gaura (Oenothera Gaura): Biennial Gaura is a sweet prairie biennial with light pink flowers. It flowers in the fall, making it an important source of nutrition for many pollinators. The thin stems allow the flowers to dance in the fall breeze. Gaura is a host plant for many long-tongued bees. 

Seed Storage

Proper storage is essential for seed longevity. Seeds should be kept in a dark, cold environment with adequate air circulation. It is important that seeds remain dry to prevent premature germination and reduce the risk of mold.

Germination and Stratification

Many native plants have adapted to survive long, cold winters. Young seedlings are especially vulnerable to frost and snow damage, so many native seeds have a built-in “timer” that prevents them from sprouting until warm spring conditions arrive.

There are two methods for germinating native seeds: artificial stratification and natural stratification.

Artificial Stratification

Some seeds require a prolonged cold period before germinating. Artificial stratification mimics winter conditions and “tricks” seeds into thinking winter has passed.

To do this, place seeds in a plastic bag with a moist medium such as soil, sand, or moss. Ensure the seeds are evenly coated and that the medium is damp but not dripping wet—excess moisture can encourage fungal growth. Store the bag in a dark, cold location for approximately 60 days. Check occasionally for early germination or signs of mold.

After 60 days, the seeds are ready to be sown. On a warm day, lightly sprinkle the contents of the bag onto prepared garden soil, then gently cover with a thin layer of soil. Water carefully so the seeds are not washed away. Germination typically occurs after several days of warm weather.

Natural Stratification

The most reliable method for germinating native seeds is to allow nature to do the work. In late fall, scatter seeds onto garden soil, lightly cover with dirt, and water gently. Over winter, natural cold conditions will stratify the seeds, and they will germinate in spring.

Please note that birds and small animals may forage for seeds during the winter months.