Six native plants chosen for their seed production, insect-attracting qualities, and structural value for nesting and shelter.
Thimbleweed (Anemone Virginiana)
Delicate white flowers bloom in early summer followed by unique thimble-shaped seed heads, while fuzzy foliage and bitter compounds make this native unpalatable to deer. This woodland native thrives in partial shade and provides nectar for small bees and beneficial insects without attracting browsers.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms May to July
Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 20 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
Bold pink-purple petals surround prominent bronze cones from mid-summer through fall, attracting butterflies and bees while deer avoid the prickly texture and bitter taste. This iconic prairie native is consistently passed over by deer in favor of more palatable plants, making it a reliable choice for deer-prone gardens.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 30 seeds per pack, covers 15 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis Lanceolata)
Bright yellow daisy-like flowers bloom prolifically from late spring through summer, providing abundant nectar for pollinators while deer find the foliage unappetizing. This low-maintenance native self-seeds gently and offers long-lasting cut flowers without the worry of deer browsing.
Height: 1-2 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms June to August
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 30 seeds per package, covers 10 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Oxeye Sunflower (Heliopsis Helianthoides)
Cheerful yellow sunflower-like blooms appear from mid-summer through fall, beloved by butterflies and bees but typically avoided by deer due to the coarse, rough-textured foliage. This tough prairie native tolerates drought and poor soil while providing reliable color in deer country.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms June to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 40 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae)
Vibrant purple daisy-like flowers create spectacular fall displays that attract migrating monarchs and native bees, while the slightly fuzzy, aromatic foliage deters deer browsing. This robust native is one of the most deer-resistant asters and provides essential late-season nectar when other food sources are scarce.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms September to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Common Evening Primrose (Onenothera Biennis)
Bright yellow four-petaled flowers open at dusk to attract moths and evening-active bees, while deer typically avoid the slightly fuzzy leaves and evening-blooming habit. This biennial self-seeds readily and naturalizes in sunny spots without deer pressure, creating expanding pollinator habitat.
Height: 3-6' tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms June to October
Site Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 120 seeds per pack, covers 40 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
