Creates natural sediment traps; provides food for ducks and a habitat for invertebrates, which are
food for waterfowl.
indicator status OBL
habitat Marshes, bogs, or wet meadows; pH 5.1-8.8.
characteristics A rhizomatous warm season species; grows to 3’ tall; 14” minimum root depth; full
sun; low drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms from June to October.
Native
Herbaceous
Perennial
Liatris spicata
marsh (dense) blazing star (spiked gayfeather)
The flowers have a feathery appearance; supports pollinators and butterflies.
indicator status FAC
habitat Moist fields, fencerows, and roadsides. pH 5.6-7.5.
characteristics A corm-forming species; grows from 1’-5’ tall; 14” minimum root depth; moderate shade
tolerance; low drought tolerance; low salt tolerance; blooms from July to September; beautiful
spikes of purple flowers.
Native
Herbaceous Perennial
Lobelia
cardinalis
cardinal flower
The nectar provides food for hummingbirds and butterflies.
indicator status
FACW
habitat Wet meadows, swamps, ditches, stream banks, and lake
shores; pH 5.8-7.8.
characteristics A single-stemmed flowering species; grows from 2’-6’
tall; 12” minimum root depth; shade tolerant; moderate drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms
from July to October; crimson red flowers.
Native
Herbaceous Perennial
Lobelia
siphilitica
great blue lobelia
Indeterminate blooms attract pollinators to wetlands.
indicator status
FACW
habitat Swamps
, moist meadows, stream banks, and ditches.
characteristicsGrows from 1’-5’ tall; blooms from August to
September; decorative blue flowers have white markings.