A decorative species that provides long-season color.
indicator status FAC
habitat Moist fields.
characteristics Grows from 1’-2’ tall; blooms from July to October; large yellow to orange flowers
have dark brown centers.
Native
Herbaceous
Biennial
Rudbeckia hirta
black eyed susan
The most common, very showy native flower in our meadows; provides food and cover for
birds.
indicator status FACU
habitat Fields, woods, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed sites; pH 6.0-7.0.
characteristics A single-stemmed flowering species; grows from 1’-3’ tall; 10” minimum root depth;
full sun; moderate drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms from June to October in Region 1,
and May to July in Region 2; yellow flowers.
Native
Herbaceous Perennial
Rudbeckia
laciniata
green headed (tall) coneflower
Develops large colonies of brilliant yellow flowers; provides food and cover
for birds.
indicator status
FACW
habitat Flood plains, stream banks, and wet fields; pH
4.5-7.0.
characteristics A rhizomatous flowering species; grows to 10’ tall;
12” minimum root depth; shade tolerant; high drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms from July
to September; tall, decorative yellow flowers have green centers.
Native
Herbaceous
Perennial
Sagittaria
latifolia
duck potato (arrowhead)
The tubers provide food for waterfowl, muskrats, and beavers.
indicator status OBL
habitat Swamps, wet
shores, and shallow water of ponds and streams; pH 4.7-8.6.
characteristics An ornamental wetland species that produces large underground tubers; grows to 3’
tall; 18” minimum root depth; full sun; no drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms from July
to August; spikes of delicate white flowers.
Native
Herbaceous Perennial
Saururus cernuus
LIZARD TAIL
Wetland herb with a long, twisting white bottlebrush spike of flowers that resembles a Lizard's
tail.
INDICATOR STATUS
OBL
HABITAT
Often found in forested wetlands and shallow waters of marshes and
swamps. Prefers saturated soils and up to 12" of water. Spreads by rhizomes to form
colonies.
CHARACTERISTICS
Heart shaped, green leaves, borne on erect stems up to 4' in height. White flower spikes typically
6-
8" long bloom June through August.
