10 Easy to Grow Midwest Native Plants
So you’re looking for the best Native Midwest plants to add to your home garden? Look no further. For the past two years, I’ve focused on adding native Midwest plants into my southeast Michigan garden. The results are amazing!
In this post, I want to share my recommendation for the 10 native Midwest plants that will thrive in your garden. The reason I am moving to native plants is they require less fussing in my garden. The fact they support the native insect population is another great benefit.
Say goodbye to constant watering and fertilizing. These plants are well-adapted to thrive in the Midwest with little intervention.
these are The Native Midwest plants I picked
1. Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Description: Striking droopy pale pink petals with a prominent orange-brown central cone.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates various soil types.
Care Instructions: Drought-resistant once established; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Benefits: Attracts butterflies and bees; seeds provide food for birds in the fall.
2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Description: Bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center.
Growing Conditions: Full sun; prefers well-drained soil.
Care Instructions: Minimal watering needed; remove spent blooms to extend flowering period.
Benefits: Excellent for pollinators; adds long-lasting color to your garden.
3. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Description: Clusters of vibrant orange flowers.
Growing Conditions: Full sun; dry to medium, well-drained soil.
Care Instructions: Low water needs; avoid overwatering.
Benefits: Essential host plant for monarch butterflies; attracts a variety of pollinators.
4. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Description: Lavender to pink blooms with a unique, shaggy appearance.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to different soils.
Care Instructions: Moderate water needs; divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; fragrant leaves can be used for tea.
*What I Learned Firsthand: This plant is prone to powdery mildew and requires good air circulation. It looks pretty ratty if it is planted in a place where the air doesn’t move.
5. Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Description: Graceful ornamental grass with fine-textured leaves and airy seed heads.
Growing Conditions: Full sun; prefers dry to medium soil.
Care Instructions: Very low maintenance; cut back old foliage in early spring.
Benefits: Provides texture and movement; seeds are a food source for birds.
6. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Description: Showy purple flowers with yellow centers blooming in late summer to fall.
Growing Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil.
Care Instructions: Water during dry spells; may need staking due to height.
Benefits: Vital late-season nectar source for pollinators; adds fall color.
7. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Description: Delicate red and yellow bell-shaped flowers.
Growing Conditions: Partial shade; prefers well-drained, rocky soil.
Care Instructions: Moderate water needs; allow to self-seed for naturalization.
Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds; deer-resistant.
8. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Description: Ornamental grass with blue-green foliage turning reddish-orange in fall.
Growing Conditions: Full sun; tolerates poor, dry soils.
Care Instructions: Extremely low maintenance; cut back in late winter if desired.
Benefits: Provides habitat for butterflies; seeds feed birds.
9. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Description: Tall plant with clusters of pale pink to purple flowers.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, fertile soil.
Care Instructions: Water regularly; can tolerate wet conditions.
Benefits: Attracts butterflies and bees; adds height to garden borders.
10. Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Description: Soft pink to lavender flowers with deeply lobed leaves.
Growing Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Care Instructions: Water during dry periods; remove spent flowers to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Benefits: Early bloomer providing nectar for pollinators; good ground cover.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
By choosing native Midwest plants, you’re not just beautifying your garden—you’re making an environmentally conscious decision that supports:
Biodiversity: Providing habitat and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Soil Health: Deep root systems improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Water Conservation: Reduced need for watering saves this precious resource.
Pest Resistance: Native plants are more resistant to local pests, reducing the need for chemicals.
Start Planting Native Today!
Ready to transform your garden into a sustainable paradise? Here’s how to get started using Midwest native plants:
Visit Local Nurseries: Seek out native plant sections or specialty native plant nurseries. Here in Southeast Michigan, I recommend a visit to WildType Native Plants in Mason, Michigan.
Join Gardening Groups: Connect with other Midwest gardeners for tips and plant swaps.
Educate Yourself: Check out my YouTube channel for planting tutorials and garden tours.
I’d Love to Hear What you Think
What are your favorite native plants? Have you had success with any on our list? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below.
