Andropogon gerardii Red October (Big Bluestem)

Bright orange-yellow flowers bloom on top of tall hairy stems, and give way to seed pods. Leaves are speared and narrow. Despite it’s common name, this particular species of milkweed has no milky sap. Moderate growth rate.

Blooms mid summer to early fall
1-3 ft tall x 1-3 ft wide
HARDY to -40°F (-40°C)
Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
Moderate salt tolerance
Drought resistant
Deer resistant

Dark violet, thin daisy-like flowers grow thickly on green foliage. Moderate growth rate.

Blooms late summer to late fall
1.5-2 ft tall x 2-3 ft wide
HARDY to -40°F (-40°C)
Deer and rabbit resistant
Moderate salt tolerance
Attracts butterflies
Tolerant to juglone
Drought tolerant

This tall, slender perennial features widely branched inflorescence bearing fluffy blooms of purple, red, or white flowers that are a magnet for Monarch butterflies. The bright green, narrow grass-like foliage turns a shade of rich bronze in fall. Slow growth rate.

Blooms late-summer
2-4 ft tall x 1-2 ft spread
HARDY to -40°F (-40°C)
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Deer and rabbit resistant
Drought tolerant

Masses of bright yellow ray flowers with dark brown centres bloom on bright green, hairy foliage in a compact habit. Moderate growth rate.

Blooms early to late summer
2-3 ft tall x 2-3 ft spread
HARDY to -30°F (-34.4°C)
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Deer and rabbit resistant
Drought tolerant

This graceful, fine-textured perennial grass features slender blue-green stems that become mahogany in the fall and sprout shiny white tufts. Fast growth rate.

Blooms late summer
HARDY to -40°F (-40°C)
3 ft tall x 1.5-2 ft wide
Attracts birds and butterflies
Deer and rabbit resistant
Drought tolerant