Six native plants with documented traditional uses for teas, seasonings, and culinary applications, chosen for their flavour profiles and ease of cultivation.
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis)
Late-season golden plumes bloom in late summer and fall, while the young leaves and flowers can be used to make a mild, slightly sweet tea rich in antioxidants. This prairie native provides critical late-season nectar for pollinators and has been traditionally used for herbal tea blends and as a natural dye plant.
Height: Up to 2-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms August-October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 300 seeds per pack, covers 20 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 2-9
*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 depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistulosa)
Lavender-pink tubular flowers form shaggy pompom-like clusters in mid-summer, while the aromatic minty-oregano scented leaves make a delicious tea that's been used traditionally for digestive support and colds. This versatile native attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while providing flavorful leaves for fresh or dried tea with a distinctive Earl Grey-like flavour.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 150 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at depth specified on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
Bold pink-purple flowers bloom from mid-summer through fall, while the roots, leaves, and flowers have been traditionally used to make immune-supporting teas and tinctures. This iconic prairie native is one of the most well-known medicinal plants, valued for centuries by Indigenous peoples and modern herbalists.
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.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum)
Fragrant purple-blue flower spikes bloom from mid-summer through fall with distinctive licorice-mint scented leaves that make exceptional tea, either fresh or dried. This aromatic native is beloved by pollinators and herbalists alike, offering sweet, calming tea with a flavor reminiscent of anise and mint.
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 100 seeds per pack, covers 50 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-6
*No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
Nodding Wild Onion (Allium Cernuum)
Delicate pink nodding flower clusters bloom in mid-summer on graceful stems, while the mild onion-flavoured bulbs and leaves add subtle allium flavour to salads and cooking. This elegant native attracts pollinators while offering culinary versatility from a plant that naturalizes beautifully in herb gardens.
Height: 1-1.5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 40 seeds per pack, covers 6.5 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*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.
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia Laciniata)
Large yellow flowers bloom on tall stems in mid-to-late summer, while young spring shoots have been traditionally used as cooked greens with a mild flavour. This moisture-loving native provides both ornamental beauty and edible potential when harvested sustainably from organically grown plants.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 seeds per pack, covers 40 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 depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
