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Nebraska Native Plants: 9 Selections for your Home Garden

Written by: Wyatt Shell
Posted: September 23, 2024
common yellowthroat singing in a tree

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Nebraska is home to great plains, prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and savannas, which host a wide variety of native plant species. Native plants not only add beauty and interest to our landscapes but also play an essential role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most attractive and beneficial native plants found in Nebraska, along with information on their growing habits and the specific conditions they thrive in. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a first-time planter, this article will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge you need to incorporate native plants into your garden and help support Iowa's unique natural heritage. But first...

What are Native Species?

bumblebee on a purple coneflower

We consider plants to be "native" if they have existed and evolved in the same region for thousands of years. This means that the native species of plants with which we interact in Nebraska today - including species of Nebraska's state flower the goldenrod - are the descendants of species that were supporting Nebraska's ecosystems long before any of us were thinking about what to do with our yards. Over many centuries, these species have become especially well-adapted to thrive in Nebraska's climate and soils, while providing essential habitat for wildlife. They also happen to be amazing additions to your garden or home landscape: they are generally resistant to local pests and suffer few disease problems, are generally drought tolerant (meaning less watering), require no fertilizer and are low maintenance. Finding the right native plants for your landscape will improve the look and ecological value of your property while providing you with the satisfaction of knowing you're doing something powerfully positive for the planet.

Why are Native Plants Important?

an expanse of felled trees

There has been an ongoing and incredible loss of animal life worldwide over the past 150 years, threatening species health on every continent and reducing the beauty and integrity of our ecosystems. This is a tragedy that has affected almost every major group of organisms, including the many native bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial creatures that allow our natural world to function. A leading driver of this crash is land mismanagement: as humans, we've spent decades removing the kinds of plants our local wildlife and ecosystems need, and replacing them with non native plants that do very little or occasionally even nothing to support our environment in any meaningful way. In the worst cases, these non native plants may show themselves to be invasive species - escaping management and badly damaging our local wildlife and ecosystems.

a monarch butterfly on a purple aster

Native plants, by contrast, are adapted to all weather conditions and provide food and shelter for many bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. With deeper root systems on average, these species also often sequester more carbon, cycle more nutrients into the soil, and provide more erosion control than turf grass and other ornamentals. Many species of native plants can survive in poor soils and are drought tolerant and deer resistant once established. Simply by adding a native garden bed or including some natives in your other landscapes you can directly help to reduce atmospheric CO2, create fertile soil, and reestablish a thriving environment. Read on below to see our starter list of perennial native plants for landscaping in Iowa.

Selected Nebraska Native Plants

Below we present just a handful of Nebraska native flowers which we've split up into two major categories of sun exposure for convenience. Any one of these species would be a great choice for your landscape, as they will bring beauty, be well-adapted to your local climate, and support many native pollinators and other insects; and most can be found in My Home Park's pre-designed gardens for Nebraska.

Full Sun

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

bright orange butterfly weed in full bloom

Butterfly Weed, also known as Butterfly Milkweed, stands out as a vibrant native species that is a magnet for various pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, thanks to its vivid orange blossoms gathered in dense clusters. This plant usually reaches a height of 1-2 feet and, as with many other plants that thrive in full sunlight mentioned in this list, is remarkably tolerant of dry conditions once it has taken root in soil that drains well.

Beyond its decorative appeal, this summer perennial plays a crucial role in the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), an iconic species currently facing extinction. Monarchs lay their eggs solely on plants within the Milkweed family (genus Asclepias), making Butterfly Weed an especially good excellent pick for a conservation-minded landscape.

Purple Poppy-Mallow

Callirhoe involucrata

close up of two purple poppy mallow flowers

Also called Wincup Mallow, this perennial forms a lush carpet of deeply lobed, green foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In early summer, it bursts into a profusion of stunning, cup-shaped magenta-purple flowers, each with a contrasting white eye, creating a breathtaking display. Its drought tolerance, combined with its ability to thrive in full sun, makes it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for water-wise landscapes. Beyond its visual appeal, Purple Poppy Mallow serves as an important nectar source for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and its extremely deep root system helps control erosion. Whether cascading over rock gardens, edging borders, or enhancing wildflower meadows, Purple Poppy Mallow brings beauty, functionality, and ecological value to any yard.

Rough Blazing Star

Liatris aspera

rough blazing star in a meadow

Rough Blazing Star is a standout in any garden, prized for its unique appearance and ecological value. This native perennial boasts tall, slender stems adorned with striking spikes of vibrant, deep pink to purple flowers that resemble bottlebrushes. Blooming from late summer into early fall, it provides a much-needed nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators during the late-season dearth of flowers. Its upright growth habit and vertical structure make it an excellent addition to the back of borders or wildflower meadows, adding height and drama to the landscape. Furthermore, Rough Blazing Star is well-adapted to a variety of soil types and is known for its drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for water-efficient gardens.

Small Soapweed

Yucca glauca

a great plains yucca in full bloom

Also known as Great Plains Yucca, Small Soapweed features a compact and architectural form showcasing narrow, bluish-green leaves that cluster in rosettes, creating an eye-catching focal point. In early summer, it sends up tall flower spikes adorned with creamy-white, bell-shaped blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape. This yucca is well-suited to sunny and well-drained locations, making it an ideal choice for xeriscapes and rock gardens. Beyond its aesthetics, Small Soapweed serves as a host plant for the Yucca Moth, which relies on this plant to feed its caterpillars.

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

close up of big bluestem stems

Big Bluestem is one of the quintessential native grass species and prairie plants, celebrated for its striking appearance and ecological significance. Standing tall with its sturdy, upright stems, Big Bluestem reaches heights of up to 6-8 feet, making it a dramatic presence in tallgrass prairies and meadows. Its name refers to the distinct blue-green color of its stems, which transform into a stunning russet-red hue in the autumn. This grass is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts as it provides vital habitat and food for many creatures, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Additionally, Big Bluestem has deep-reaching roots that enhance soil structure and help mitigate erosion. Whether used as a focal point in a native garden or as part of a restoration project, Big Bluestem showcases the beauty of native grasses while contributing to the health of local ecosystems.

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

light pink common milkweed flowers

Much like Butterfly Weed, with which it shares its genus (Asclepias), Common Milkweed is a beloved native wildflower cherished for its critical role in supporting pollinators. This plant gets its common name from its sticky, milky white sap which is toxic if ingested by most creatures (but don't worry, this plant is not preferred browsing material by any animals, including pets). Its elegant, dome-shaped clusters of pinkish-purple blossoms create a visually enchanting display during the summer months. Common Milkweed's nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds, enriching your garden's biodiversity. Its tall, sturdy stems and large, velvety leaves provide excellent vertical structure and shelter for wildlife. Furthermore, it thrives in sunny locations and can adapt to a range of soil types, making it a versatile addition to both formal gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

Part Shade

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

clustered white flowers of virginia mountain mint

Mountain Mint is an awesome native perennial that's a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden. With its compact, bushy growth habit, this plant adds texture and aromatic charm to your landscape. Clusters of petite, pale lavender to white flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, creating a buzzing hub of activity for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. What makes Mountain Mint truly exceptional is its refreshing minty fragrance, which permeates the air as you brush against its aromatic leaves. This native beauty thrives in sunny to partly shaded spots with well-draining soil, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.

Nannyberry Viburnum

Viburnum lentago

white nannyberry viburnum flowers in full bloom

Nannyberry Viburnum thrives in a range of soil conditions and can be adapted to various light levels. This makes it a versatile and appealing native shrub that adds year-round interest to your landscape. In spring, it graces your garden with clusters of delicate white flowers that attract pollinators, setting the stage for the emergence of lush green leaves. As summer turns to fall, these leaves transition to stunning shades of red and purple, offering a dazzling display of autumnal color. Beyond its aesthetic attributes, Nannyberry Viburnum produces small, dark blue berries that serve as a valuable food source for birds and wildlife throughout the winter. With a mature height of 12 to 15 feet, this shrub strikes an impressive but manageable visual impact alongside its great ecological impact in your garden.

Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

prairie coneflower blooming in a sunny clearing

Prairie Coneflower stands out as a charming addition to any landscape; blooming in mid to late summer with distinctive, drooping petals in shades of vibrant yellow or rust-red, surrounding a prominent, cone-like center. This unique structure is not only visually captivating but also serves as a landing pad for pollinators, especially butterflies and bees. As a drought-tolerant plant, it thrives in sunny, well-draining locations and sandy soils, making it an ideal choice for xeriscapes and native gardens.

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

blue tubular great blue lobelia flowers

Great Blue Lobelia is a captivating native wildflower that thrives in moist, partially shaded areas, adding a splash of rich, cool violet-blue flowers/ to your garden. Its tall spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers bloom from mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your landscape. With its elegant, upright growth habit, Great Blue Lobelia creates a vertical accent and complements the surrounding greenery. This plant's name might hint at its historical medicinal uses, but in your garden, its primary role is to provide a beautiful and functional habitat for wildlife. Perfect for rain gardens and areas with consistently damp soil, this native gem showcases the beauty of local flora while supporting biodiversity in your outdoor space.

What You Can Do Today

a collection of trowels hanging from a wall in a backyard

My Home Park has pre-designed gardens that bring together diverse sets of Nebraska native plants produced by expert, organic growers in the upper Midwest. These gardens are designed to bloom from early spring to fall, beautifying your landscape while supporting your environment. Check out details in our catalog for Nebraska or explore our offerings for other states in the Great Plains Region and beyond to get started today!

Let's Get Growing!

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