Natives

Echinacea (Coneflower)

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Glade ConeflowerFull sun · 1.3–4 ft. tall
• 
  Narrow-leaf ConeflowerFull sun – part shade · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  Pale Purple ConeflowerFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  Purple ConeflowerFull sun – part shade · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Yellow ConeflowerFull sun – part shade · 2–3 ft. tall

Milkweeds

8 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Butterfly WeedFull sun · 1.5–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  Common MilkweedFull sun · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Green AntelopehornFull sun · 1.5–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  Whorled MilkweedFull sun – part shade · 1–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  Purple MilkweedFull sun – part shade · 2–3 ft. tall

Baptisia

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Blue False IndigoFull sun – part shade · 3–4 ft. tall
• 
  Blue Wild IndigoFull sun · 1.5–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  White Wild IndigoFull sun · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Yellow Wild IndigoFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  BaptisiaFull sun – part shade · 3–4 ft. tall

Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms June–August
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Full sun, 3–5 ft tall; blooms June–August. A pollinator favorite.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Drought tolerant once established; water during establishment and prolonged drought.

Goldenrod

8 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Blue-Stemmed GoldenrodPart sun – part shade · 1–3 ft. tall
• 
  Ohio GoldenrodFull sun · 3–4 ft. tall
• 
  Showy GoldenrodFull sun · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Stiff GoldenrodFull sun · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Zigzag GoldenrodPart shade – shade · 2–3 ft. tall

Liatris

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Dense Blazing StarFull sun · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Prairie Blazing StarFull sun · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Rough Blazing StarFull sun – part shade · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  Meadow Blazing StarFull sun · 1–3 ft. tall
• 
  Scaly Blazing StarFull sun · 1–2.5 ft. tall

Phlox

9 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Annual PhloxFull sun – part sun · 6–18 in. tall
• 
  Garden PhloxFull sun – part shade · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Moss PhloxFull sun · 0.25–0.5 ft. tall
• 
  Prairie PhloxFull sun – part shade · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  Woodland PhloxPart shade · 1–1.5 ft. tall

Native Sedums

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Orange StonecropFull sun · 3–7 in. tall
• 
  Woodland StonecropPart shade – shade · 3–6 in. tall
• 
  Dragon's Blood StonecropPart shade · 2–6 in. tall
• 
  Goldmoss StonecropFull sun – part shade · 1–4 in. tall
• 
  Sedum Angelina4–6 in. tall

Coreopsis

8 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Lanceleaf CoreopsisFull sun · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  Plains CoreopsisFull sun · 18–36 in. tall
• 
  Prairie CoreopsisFull sun · 1–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  Threadleaf CoreopsisFull sun · 1.5–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  TickseedFull sun · 1–2 ft. tall

Meadowsweet

2 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Meadowsweet SpireaFull sun – part shade · 3–4 ft. tall
• 
  MeadowsweetFull sun – part shade · 3–6 ft. tall

Primrose

5 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Missouri Evening PrimroseFull sun · 0.5–1 ft. tall
• 
  SundropsFull sun · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  GauraFull sun – part shade · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Showy Evening PrimroseFull sun – part shade · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  Common Evening PrimroseFull sun – part shade · 3–5 ft. tall

• Golden RagwortFull sun – part shade · 0.5–2.5 ft. tall
• 
  Roundleaf GroundselPart shade – shade · 1–2 ft. in flower tall

Spiderwort

3 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Ohio SpiderwortFull sun – shade · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  Virginia SpiderwortFull sun – shade · 1.5–3 ft. tall

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 2–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms June–September
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Long-blooming native perennial with sunflower-like flowers that tolerates heat and average soils.

• Pruning: Cut back late winter; deadhead for rebloom
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–3 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms No flowers (fern)
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Delicate fan-shaped fronds on dark stems for rich, moist shade.

• Pruning: Remove dead fronds in early spring
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 2–4 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms No flowers (fern)
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Bold, vase-shaped fern for moist shade and wet spots.

• Pruning: Remove old fronds in early spring
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 2–3 ft. tall × 1–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms No flowers (fern)
• 🗺️ Zones 3–7

Kansas City: Lacy, bright green fronds for moist shade; one of the easiest ferns to grow.

• Pruning: Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 1–3 ft. tall × 1–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms No flowers (fern)
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Evergreen native fern for dry to average shade; green through winter.

• Pruning: Remove old fronds in early spring
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

• ☀️ Part sun – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–2 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–June
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Part sun – shade, 1–2 ft tall; blooms April–June. A pollinator favorite and usually skipped by rabbits.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Provide even moisture during establishment; after establishment, water according to the species moisture preference and weather.

Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

• ☀️ Part sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1.5–2.5 ft. tall × 1–1.5 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–June
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Native spring perennial for woodland edges that supports hummingbirds and early pollinators.

• Pruning: Allow some seed; cut back tired foliage
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 2–4 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms August–October
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Part shade – shade, 2–4 ft tall; blooms August–October. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Provide even moisture during establishment; after establishment, water according to the species moisture preference and weather.

Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

• ☀️ Shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 4–8 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 4–8

Kansas City: Shade, 4–8 in tall; blooms April–May. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Trim or thin as needed to control spread
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.

Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium reptans

• ☀️ Part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–1.5 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Part shade, 1–1.5 ft tall; blooms April–May. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Provide even moisture during establishment; after establishment, water according to the species moisture preference and weather.

Dwarf Crested Iris

Iris cristata

• ☀️ Part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 4–9 in. tall × 0.5–1 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Small native iris that spreads into a spring carpet in light shade.

• Pruning: None needed
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–1.5 ft. tall × 0.75–1 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Umbrella-like leaves form a spring carpet in woodland shade.

• Pruning: None needed
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Lobelia

4 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Cardinal FlowerFull sun – part shade · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Great Blue LobeliaFull sun – part shade · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  LobeliaPart sun – part shade · 4–10 in. tall
• 
  Blue Cardinal FlowerFull sun – part shade · 2–3 ft. tall

Southern Blue Flag

Iris virginica

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 High water
• 📏 1–2.5 ft. tall × 1–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Blue native iris for rain gardens, pond edges and wet spots.

• Pruning: Cut back old foliage in fall
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)

7 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Black-Eyed SusanFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  Black-eyed Susan (Annual)Full sun – part shade · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Brown-Eyed SusanFull sun – part shade · 2–5 ft. tall
• 
  Sweet ConeflowerFull sun – part shade · 3–5 ft. tall
• 
  Black-eyed Susan American Gold RushFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall

Sedges

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Pennsylvania SedgePart shade – shade · 8–12 in. tall
• 
  Cherokee SedgeFull sun – part shade · 1–2 ft. tall
• 
  Japanese Sedge EvergoldFull sun to part sun · 1–1.5 ft. tall
• 
  Plantainleaf SedgePart shade – shade · 6 in.–1 ft. tall
• 
  Sedge Ice DancePart shade – shade · 1–1.5 ft. tall

Aster

11 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Aromatic AsterFull sun · 1–3 ft. tall
• 
  Blue Wood AsterFull sun – part shade · 1–4 ft. tall
• 
  Calico AsterPart sun – part shade · 2–4 ft. tall
• 
  Heath AsterFull sun · 1.5–3 ft. tall
• 
  New England AsterFull sun · 3–6 ft. tall

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 2–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Summer–fall
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 3–5 ft tall; blooms summer–fall. Native to the Kansas City region, a pollinator favorite, and deer resistant.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then match irrigation to soil moisture, weather, and the plant’s species-specific needs.

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate during establishment water
• 📏 1–3 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Summer–fall
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 1–3 ft tall; blooms summer–fall.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring if needed; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to soil moisture, weather, and species-specific needs.

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 2–3 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms July–September
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 2–3 ft tall; blooms July–September.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Drought tolerant once established; water during establishment and prolonged drought.

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1.5–3 ft. tall × 2–4 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–June
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 1.5–3 ft tall; blooms April–June. Native to the Kansas City region and a pollinator favorite.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Provide even moisture during establishment; after establishment, water according to the species moisture preference and weather.

Grama

3 kinds in My Garden

• 
  BuffalograssFull sun · 4–8 in. tall
• 
  Blue GramaFull sun · 12–24 in. tall
• 
  Sideoats GramaFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall

Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 2–3 ft. tall × 2–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms August–September
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Full sun, 2–3 ft tall; blooms August–September.

• Pruning: Cut back late winter before new growth
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.
• Watering: Water regularly while establishing, then allow some drying between deep waterings once established.

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 4–7 ft. tall × 2–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms August–October
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Full sun, 4–7 ft tall; blooms August–October. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Cut back late winter before new growth
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.
• Watering: Water regularly while establishing, then allow some drying between deep waterings once established.

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 2–4 ft. tall × 1.5–2 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms August–September
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Native prairie grass with blue-green summer foliage and copper-red fall color.

• Pruning: Cut to 4–6 inches in late winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 3–6 ft. tall × 2–4 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms July–September
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Native warm-season grass with strong upright form, fall color, and winter structure.

• Pruning: Cut to 4–8 inches in late winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Northern Sea Oats / River Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

• ☀️ Part sun – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 2–4 ft. tall × 2–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms July–winter
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Part sun – shade, 2–4 ft tall; blooms July–winter. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Cut back late winter before new growth
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.

Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 30–50 ft. tall × 6–9 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Orange-red spring trumpets for hummingbirds; a better-behaved alternative to trumpet creeper.

• Pruning: After flowering
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Clematis virginiana

Clematis virginiana

• ☀️ Full sun – shade
• 💧 Moderate during establishment water
• 📏 15–20 ft. tall × 3–6 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Fall
• 🗺️ Zones 6–8

Kansas City: Full sun – shade, 15–20 ft tall; blooms fall.

• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to soil moisture, weather, and species-specific needs.

Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

• ☀️ Full sun – shade
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 30–50 ft. tall × 5–10 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Foliage; berries fall
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Full sun – shade, 30–50 ft tall; blooms Foliage.

• Pruning: Train and prune according to bloom habit
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Usually during active spring growth; repeat only when the plant’s needs justify it.
• Watering: Water regularly while establishing, then allow some drying between deep waterings once established.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 1–2.5 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Spring
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Hooded spring flowers followed by bright red berry clusters in fall; for moist, shady woodland beds.

• Pruning: No pruning; leave foliage until it yellows
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 6–9 in. tall × Leaf to 8 in. across; slowly forms patches wide
• 🌸 Blooms Early spring (March–April)
• 🗺️ Zones Missouri native (hardy here)

Kansas City: One of the first wildflowers of spring: a single white flower held in a curled, scalloped leaf, for shade and woodland gardens.

• Pruning: None; let the leaves die back on their own
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Celandine Poppy

Stylophorum diphyllum

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 12–14 in. tall × 9–12 in. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Spring–summer
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Missouri-native woodland poppy with bright yellow flowers in spring and handsome lobed leaves.

• Pruning: Shear back if foliage declines in summer
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica

• ☀️ Part shade – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–2 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms March–April
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Part shade – shade, 1–2 ft tall; blooms March–April. Deer resistant and usually skipped by rabbits.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Provide even moisture during establishment; after establishment, water according to the species moisture preference and weather.

Shooting Star

Primula meadia

• ☀️ Part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 1–2 ft. tall × 0.6–1 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 4–8

Kansas City: Swept-back pink or white flowers for a spring woodland or prairie edge.

• Pruning: None needed; foliage goes dormant by midsummer
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Rushes

Juncus effusus

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 High water
• 📏 1–3 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms July–September
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Upright green stems for rain gardens, pond edges and soggy spots.

• Pruning: Remove brown stems in spring
• Feeding: Light. Only if growth is weak, in late spring.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment.

Witch Hazel

4 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Ozark WitchhazelFull sun – part shade · 6–16 ft. tall
• 
  Chinese WitchhazelFull sun – part shade · 10–15 ft. tall
• 
  Common Witch HazelFull sun – part shade · 10–20 ft. tall
• 
  Hybrid WitchhazelFull sun – part shade · 15–20 ft. tall

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 5–8 ft. tall × 5–8 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 2–8

Kansas City: Tough native shrub with flowers, exfoliating bark, and colorful-leaved cultivars.

• Pruning: Prune after flowering or rejuvenate in late winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

• ☀️ Part sun – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 6–12 ft. tall × 6–12 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms March–April
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Part sun – shade, 6–12 ft tall; blooms March–April. A pollinator favorite and deer resistant.

• Pruning: Prune according to bloom time and flowering wood
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 6–10 ft. tall × 6–10 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Native holly valued for heavy winter berry display and wet-soil tolerance.

• Pruning: Prune late winter lightly
• Feeding: Moderate. Early spring as active growth begins; repeat only if plant performance and soil conditions justify it.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 High water
• 📏 5–12 ft. tall × 4–8 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms June–August
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 5–12 ft tall; blooms June–August. Native to the Kansas City region and a pollinator favorite.

• Pruning: Prune according to bloom time and flowering wood
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist without prolonged stagnant water; containers may require frequent checks in Kansas City heat.

Sumac

5 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Fragrant SumacFull sun – part shade · 2–6 ft. tall
• 
  Shining SumacFull sun · 7–15 ft. tall
• 
  Skunkbush SumacFull sun · 2–3 ft. tall
• 
  Smooth SumacFull sun – part shade · 9–15 ft. tall
• 
  Staghorn SumacFull sun · 8–25 ft. tall

Coralberry

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 2–4 ft. tall × 3–6 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Summer
• 🗺️ Zones Kansas native (K-State)

Kansas City: A tough native that holds clusters of coral-pink berries all winter; holds slopes and handles heat, drought and dry shade.

• Pruning: Cut a few of the oldest stems to the ground in late winter; remove suckers where unwanted
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Elderberry

2 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Elderberry AdamsFull sun · 5–12 ft. tall
• 
  European ElderberryFull sun – part shade · 10–20 ft. tall

AdamsJohnsNovaYork

Gooseberries & Currants

4 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Alpine CurrantFull sun – shade · 4–6 ft. tall
• 
  Golden CurrantFull sun – part shade · 4–6 ft. tall
• 
  GooseberryFull sun
• 
  Red CurrantFull sun

Raspberry & Blackberries

5 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Black RaspberryPart shade – full sun · 3–6 ft. tall
• 
  BlackberryFull sun
• 
  Creeping RaspberryFull sun – part shade
• 
  RaspberryFull sun
• 
  Flowering RaspberryPart shade · 3–6 ft. tall

Wild Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

• ☀️ Part sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 3–5 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms June–August
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Native hydrangea that performs well in bright shade and can flower reliably after winter pruning.

• Pruning: Prune late winter; blooms on new wood
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Buckeye

6 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Bottlebrush BuckeyePart sun – part shade · 8–12 ft. tall
• 
  Ohio BuckeyePart shade · 20–40 ft. tall
• 
  Red BuckeyePart shade · 15–25 ft. tall
• 
  Red HorsechestnutFull sun – part shade · 30–40 ft. tall
• 
  Common HorsechestnutFull sun – part shade · 50–75 ft. tall

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Low water
• 📏 2–3 ft. tall × 1.5–3 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–July
• 🗺️ Zones 4–8

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 2–3 ft tall; blooms May–July.

• Pruning: Cut back dormant stems in late winter or early spring; deadhead if desired.
• Feeding: Light to moderate. Early spring as growth resumes; repeat only for active feeders or repeat bloomers.
• Watering: Drought tolerant once established; water during establishment and prolonged drought.

Dogwood

11 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Cornelian Cherry DogwoodFull sun – part shade · 15–25 ft. tall
• 
  Gray DogwoodFull sun – shade · 4–15 ft. tall
• 
  Roughleaf DogwoodFull sun – shade · 6–16 ft. tall
• 
  Silky DogwoodFull sun – shade · 6–12 ft. tall
• 
  Flowering DogwoodPart sun – part shade · 15–30 ft. tall

Viburnum

17 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Arrowwood ViburnumFull sun – part shade · 6–10 ft. tall
• 
  Burkwood ViburnumFull sun – part shade · 8–10 ft. tall
• 
  Rusty BlackhawFull sun – part shade · 10–20 ft. tall
• 
  American Cranberrybush ViburnumFull sun – part shade · 8–12 ft. tall
• 
  Blackhaw ViburnumFull sun – part shade · 10–15 ft. tall

Sweetspire (Itea)

Itea virginica

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 3–5 ft. tall × 3–5 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 3–5 ft tall; blooms May–June. Deer resistant.

• Pruning: Prune according to bloom time and flowering wood
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 20–30 ft. tall × 18–25 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 2–6

Kansas City: White flower spikes and dark fruit for birds; host for tiger swallowtails.

• Pruning: Remove suckers as needed
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Redbud

Cercis canadensis

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 20–30 ft. tall × 25–35 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms March–April
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: A signature native spring-flowering tree well suited to many Kansas City landscapes.

• Pruning: Prune after bloom or while dormant
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 70–100 ft. tall × 40–75 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Large native nut tree; plant several cultivars for good pollination.

• Pruning: Prune in winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Basswood

Tilia americana

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 60–80 ft. tall × 30–60 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–July
• 🗺️ Zones 3–8

Kansas City: Large native shade tree with fragrant early-summer flowers loved by bees.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Oaks

22 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Bur OakFull sun · 70–80 ft. tall
• 
  Dwarf Chinkapin OakFull sun – part shade · 12–25 ft. tall
• 
  Northern Red OakFull sun · 60–75 ft. tall
• 
  Post OakFull sun · 35–50 ft. tall
• 
  Shumard OakFull sun – part shade · 50–70 ft. tall

Hickory

5 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Shagbark HickoryFull sun – part shade · 70–90 ft. tall
• 
  Shellbark HickoryFull sun – part shade · 60–80 ft. tall
• 
  Bitternut HickoryFull sun – part shade · 50–100 ft. tall
• 
  Mockernut HickoryFull sun – part shade · 60–80 ft. tall
• 
  PecanFull sun – part shade · 70–100 ft. tall

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate during establishment water
• 📏 30–60 ft. tall × 25–40 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Spring
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 30–60 ft tall; blooms spring. Deer resistant.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth; avoid unnecessary late-season nitrogen.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to soil moisture, weather, and species-specific needs.

Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 30–50 ft. tall × 20–30 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April–May
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 30–50 ft tall; blooms April–May.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Maples

17 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Black MapleFull sun – part shade · 60–80 ft. tall
• 
  Miyabe MapleFull sun · 30–40 ft. tall
• 
  Shantung MapleFull sun – part shade · 20–25 ft. tall
• 
  Trident MapleFull sun · 25–35 ft. tall
• 
  Freeman MapleFull sun – part shade · 45–70 ft. tall

Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Low – moderate water
• 📏 40–70 ft. tall × 20–40 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 4–8

Kansas City: Showy white orchid-like flowers and long bean pods; tolerates wet, dry and poor soils.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 50–70 ft. tall × 20–30 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Insignificant
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Adaptable native conifer that tolerates both wet sites and ordinary landscape soils once established.

• Pruning: Prune dormant season only as needed
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

River Birch

Betula nigra

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate – high water
• 📏 40–70 ft. tall × 40–60 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms March–April
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Heat-tolerant birch with attractive exfoliating bark, particularly useful near moist but drained areas.

• Pruning: Prune in summer after sap flow
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Moderate; consistent during establishment and fruit development water
• 📏 15–30 ft. tall × 15–30 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Spring
• 🗺️ Zones 5–9

Kansas City: Full sun, 15–30 ft tall; blooms spring. A pollinator favorite and deer resistant.

• Feeding: Moderate. Early spring if needed; avoid pushing tender late-season growth.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to soil moisture, weather, and species-specific needs.

Tulip Poplar

Liriodendron tulipifera

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 70–90 ft. tall × 35–50 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 4–9

Kansas City: Fast-growing native shade tree with distinctive leaves and flowers, best where roots have room and moisture is reliable.

• Pruning: Prune dormant season when young
• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.
• Watering: Water deeply and less often while establishing; once established, water during extended dry periods rather than on a fixed shallow schedule.

Fringe Tree

2 kinds in My Garden

• 
  Chinese FringetreeFull sun – part shade · 10–30 ft. tall
• 
  White FringetreeFull sun – part shade · 12–20 ft. tall

Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea

• ☀️ Full sun
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 30–50 ft. tall × 30–40 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms May–June
• 🗺️ Zones 4–8

Kansas City: Full sun, 30–50 ft tall; blooms May–June.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

• ☀️ Part sun – shade
• 💧 Moderate water
• 📏 20–35 ft. tall × 20–35 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms April
• 🗺️ Zones 3–9

Kansas City: Part sun – shade, 20–35 ft tall; blooms April.

• Feeding: Light to moderate. If needed, feed during spring growth.

Eastern Red Cedar / Juniper

Juniperus virginiana

• ☀️ Full sun – part shade
• 💧 Moderate during establishment water
• 📏 30–40 ft. tall × 10–20 ft. wide
• 🌸 Blooms Not showy; blue berry-like cones on female trees
• 🗺️ Zones 2–9

Kansas City: Full sun – part shade, 30–40 ft tall; blooms Not showy. A pollinator favorite and deer resistant.

• Feeding: Light. Spring: late March–April, before new growth starts.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during establishment, then adjust to soil moisture, weather, and species-specific needs.