This is Bluestem Goldenrod (Solidago Caesia). Goldenrods are a familiar sight in Michigan meadows. This native plant is an important food source for bees and some butterflies in late summer and into the fall. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does NOT cause allergies. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be carried by the wind.

This is Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica). This is another native plant that prefers wet soil. The tubular blue flowers of blue lobelia have been known to draw hummingbirds and butterflies. I have this growing next to another lobelia, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis). Both lobelias would do very well in a rain garden.

This is New England Aster (Aster Novae-Angliae). I have four species of asters altogether (New England, Smooth, Large-Leaved, and Heart-Shaped aster). Although I just planted New England Aster in May I expect it to reach close to six feet within two years.

This is Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata). I have these growing beside the pond. Bees and butterflies love this native plant. This is the host plant for monarch butterflies, but many species use the nectar as a food source.

This is Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata). I have several of these growing next to the pond.

This is Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis). This native plant grows in mesic soil (soil that is well-drained, but contains moisture most of the time). As a result Cardinal Flower is most often found near wetland areas. In my landscape it grows alongside the pond next to Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica). The intense red flowers of Cardinal Flower really make the plant stand out in the garden.

This is a photo of Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum Tenuifolium). Its square stems are characteristic of native plants in the mint family. I have these growing next to the pond.

This is a Sassafras leaf. The Sassafras tree has leaves of three different shapes. I moved two of these from a coworker’s property nearly two years ago and they both look very healthy.

This is Bee-Balm (Monarda Fistulosa). It’s also called Wild Bergamot. As the name suggests, bees do use this native plant as a food source, as do butterflies. I have several of these plants growing next to the pond and in the new garden bed that was finished this spring.

This is False Sunflower Heliopsis Helianthoides). I have several of these growing in a foundation border at the back of the house. Many of them are well over six feet tall. Every spring this plant gets red aphids on the stems. They don’t appear to harm the plant at all and the aphids will provide food for carnivorous insects.