Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
With clusters of small vibrant orange flower clusters and narrow long leaves, this perennial herb is a showstopper from late spring-summer! Typically growing 1–3’ tall in clumps. Unlike many other milkweeds, it does not exude milky sap.
Native to much of North America and is commonly found in prairies, open fields, and dry slopes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and especially in sandy or rocky conditions; it’s highly drought-tolerant once established.
This plant is a critical host for monarch butterfly larvae and attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It plays an essential role in supporting pollinator populations.
Plant can be invasive, so plant in areas where it can spread without presenting problems to other plants. Roots have been used for medical purposes.
Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)
We love this delicate perennial favorite, not only because of its pretty periwinkle color, but also because it blooms twice a year here! It typically grows 1–2 feet tall, has slender stems and narrow leaves, producing sky-blue, five-petaled flowers that bloom profusely from late spring into summer and then again in fall! Individual flowers last only a day or so, but the plant blooms continuously over several weeks. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, often in dry to moderately moist conditions.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is drought-tolerant once established and can reseed itself under favorable conditions. Minimal maintenance is required, and it performs well in naturalized plantings.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (the purple flower pictured above with yarrow) (Penstemon Strictus)
The Rocky Mountain Penstemon is one of the most striking native wildflowers of the western United States. Known for its tall spikes of vivid blue to violet flowers, this perennial plant is a favorite among gardeners, pollinators, and native plant enthusiasts. It naturally grows throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including the Tetons!
Rocky Mountain Penstemon has got a nickname; “beardtongue” because it belongs to the beardtongue family. The nickname comes from the fuzzy, sterile stamen inside the flower that resembles a tiny beard. This flower is the definition of a bee magnet! Pollinators love it! It also happens to be fairly drought tolerant with a long bloom season lasting from late spring all the way through the middle of summer.
Longleaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia)
Longleaf Phlox is a perennial wildflower with a light fragrance and adds soft color to native plant communities. Generally grows around 1 foot tall with narrow, linear leaves and clusters of 1 inch pale pink to lavender flowers. The flowers are tubular with five spreading lobes and bloom in late spring to early summer. It’s slow growing and long lived.
It’s native to western North America and is commonly found in dry plains, sagebrush communities, and open slopes. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, thriving in dry to moderately moist conditions. It’s drought tolerant and deer resistant. It can be propagated by seed and requires minimal maintenance. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers drier conditions.
Longleaf Phlox attracts pollinators such as butterflies, moths, and bees, which feed on its nectar. It contributes to plant diversity and provides seasonal resources for native insects.