Coreopsis tripteris – Tall Coreopsis
The tall coreopsis is large, spindly perennial with bright, cheerful yellow flowers. This long-bloomer sports an abundance of daisy-like flowers from July into September. An extremely successful self-seeding perennial that can become aggressive so it is often best used in naturalized settings. Can tolerate rocky, dry soil.
Height : 3-8 feet (60-240cm) Spread : 2-8 feet (60-240 cm)
Bloom Period : July to September
Light : Full Sun
Water : Dry to Medium
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 3-8
Native Ontario Habitat : Dry open woods, corridors and prairies
Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows and naturalized areas
Cimicifuga racemosa – Black Cohosh
A native woodland species with tall, white flower spires. Very large specimen that thrives in shady, moist areas.
Height : 4-6 feet (120-180 cm) Spread : 2-5 feet (60-150 cm)
Bloom Period : June to August
Light : Partial to Full Shade
Water : Medium to Moist
Soil : Sand, Loam, Clay
Zone : 3-8
Native Ontario Habitat : Woodlands, forest edges
Landscape Uses : Shade gardens, woodland naturalization
Silphium terebinthinceum – Prairie Dock
Height : 4-9 feet (120-270cm) Spread : 2-5 feet (60-150cm)
Bloom Period : July-September
Light : Full to Partial Sun
Water : Dry to Moist
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 4-8
Native Ontario Habitat : Tall grass prairie
Silphium perfoliatum – Cup-plant
Garners it’s name because the leaves, opposite each other on the stem, join to form a “cup” that holds water allowing birds to have a little drink. A tall specimen that sports many bright, yellow blossoms. Later in the growing season they will turn to seed which attracts birds such as goldfinches.
May not be suitable for all garden situations as it is rather vigorous and tall. Ensure it has room to spread out and avoid overwhelming lower growing species.
Height : 5-7 feet (150-210cm) Spread : 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Bloom Period : July to September
Light : Full sun
Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 3-9
Native Ontario Habitat : Meadows, wetland areas
Landscape Uses : Naturalized area, rain garden, pollinator garden
Thalictrum pubescens – Tall Meadow Rue
Tall perennial that enjoys shady, cool garden environments. Displays small, white blooms that protrude from delicate, slender stems.
Height : 3-6 feet (90-180cm) Spread : 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Blooming Period : June to August
Light : Partial to full shade
Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Loam
Zone : 3-8
Native Ontario Habitat : Woodlands, thickets, marshes, wet meadows
Landscape Uses : Shade gardens, wet meadows, woodlands, naturalization
Bonus
Veronicastrum virginicum – Culver’s Root
This large, erect perennial boasts of long white flowers. The flowers are portrayed in graceful, elegant spikes which are comprised of tiny, tube-like flowers. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.
Height : 4-7 feet (120-210cm)
Spread : 2-4 feet (60-120cm)
Blooming Period : June to August
Light : Full to Partial Sun
Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Sand, loam, clay
Zone : 3-8
Native Ontario Habitat : Open woods, thickets, and moist meadows
