Native Species Recommendations
Agonize no longer over what species you should plant! We've listed the top sellers, best performers and most popular species to fit special habitats and requirements. Choose the best species for your unique site conditions, plant plugs 12-24” apart, and in no time, you will have a beautiful, low-maintenance, wildlife-nurturing habitat.
Not sure what your soil conditions are or how to tell if the spot has full or part sun? Check out our guide on Determining Habitat.
Check out our lists below for each light category, Raingardens and Pollinator Gardens. These are not complete lists - just our suggestions to get you started with some popular and multi-purpose species. There are many other native plants that are great to have too. Check out the full native catalog for more information, reach out to us with questions or stop in to browse!
Still need an easy button? We can offer you curated Collections that fit specific and unique planting locations. Or just pick one as a way to try some new species!
Questions? Or ready to place an order?
Contact: natives@dragonflygardens.net or 715-268-7660 (press #2 to leave a message for native department)
Full Sun
8 or more hours of Sun
Full sun areas are usually open spaces that can grow a variety of species. Full sun areas are often thought to be hot and dry, but a variety of soil types are possible.
Part Sun, Part Shade
4 to 8 Hours of Sun
Areas with 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight are considered part sun to part shade. Sites with closer to 8 hours of light can also pick species from the full sun list. Shadier areas can also uses species from the shade list of corresponding soil moisture.
Shade
Less Than 4 Hours of Sun
Areas that see less than 4 hours of direct sunlight are considered full shade. This might be understory areas or north sides of structures. Moisture is a very important factor to consider in these areas so make sure to check out your soil conditions!
Raingardens
If you have water issues around your house or somewhere on your property, a rain garden is the answer. Channel runoff into a properly constructed depression and allow these plants to help attenuate and clean this water rather than sending it into the gutter!
Sandy, Very Well Drained Soil
See Dry or Medium - Dry Lists under appropriate Light category
Wet to Periodically Standing Water
See Wet Lists under appropriate Light category
Pollinator Gardens
Plants for the bees, butterflies and other pollinators. A selection of food, nectar and host species. Include some of these species in any native planting!
Full Sun
Dry, Sandy to Loam Soil
Short Heights
Shade
Medium Soil
Short Heights
Full Sun
Medium Soil
Medium to Tall Heights
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Medium Soil
Short to Medium Height
Full to Part Sun
Moist Soil, Wet Meadow
Medium to Tall Height
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moist Soil, Woodland Edge
Medium to Tall Height
For the Birds!
Birds are important pollinators and a part of our ecosystem. Native plants can provide food sources, landing spots, nesting material and even cups for drinking. Many of these things are important in all the seasons so consider leaving seed heads and dried foliage around all fall and winter.
Collections
These collections include creative and unique plant ideas for specific situations. They are curated for a quick way to get some native species into your landscape. Collections can also be used as a nice introduction into native plants. Let us do the work of picking plants and get you started on your journey into the wonderful world of native plants! Available only by request.