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Find the Right Native Plant

If you have a spot in your yard that gets sunshine for at least half the day, you have a prime location for a native prairie garden that can draw a parade of pollinators and birds.

Whether you favor bright flowers or the textures of prairie grasses, there are hundreds of choices to fit every region of the country. With the National Audubon Society’s native plant directory, you can even get recommendations based on your zip code.

Here are our 10 top picks for native prairie gardens. Plant hardiness ratings can vary from the listing depending on the variety you grow.

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Prairie Smoke

In spring, prairie smoke blooms with delicate, drooping flowers. They’re a pretty, rosy pink color. This wildflower is native to North America. Once its flowers fade, distinctively wispy, smoke-like seed heads (pictured) emerge. These are just as decorative as the flowers, and they inspired the plant’s name.

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