Verbena hastata Open pollinated. Perennial. 5-6' plant grows naturally in moist thickets and meadows does well in similar garden conditions, sending up many terminal spikes of bristly blue-violet flower clusters the entire season.
Gaillardia aristata (90 days) Open pollinated. Sun-loving native wildflower of the American Southwest is a favorite of butterflies and of gardeners who make bouquets. Perennial.
Saponaria officinalis Open pollinated. Not a dye plant; saponin-rich roots and leaves used to gently wash wool. Sweetly clove-scented pink perennial attracts pollinators. 3' plant.
Rubia tinctorum Open pollinated. Ancient and excellent source of red dye. Harvest roots after three years and grind to yield a wash- and light-fast red dye par excellence. 4' plants.
Lobelia cardinalis Open pollinated. This gorgeous wetland native wildflower and hummingbird magnet can be grown in moist garden soils or meadows. 2–4' tall
Asclepias syriaca Open pollinated. Perennial to Zone 4. These 5' tall showy native wildflowers are an important member of the wild habitat. Buds open to large balls of sweetly fragrant pink flowers.
Ageratina altissima Open pollinated. Flat-topped fuzzy clusters of small pure white disk flowers bloom August through October, attracting multiple species of bees, moths and butterflies.
Agastache foeniculum Open pollinated. Perennial can grow 3' tall, 2' wide. Vigorous self-sower. Anise-scented foliage and purple flowers delightful as a tea or culinary seasoning, or filler in mixed bouquets.
Agastache foeniculum Open pollinated. Perennial can grow 3' tall, 2' wide. Vigorous self-sower. Anise-scented foliage and purple flowers are delightful as a tea or culinary seasoning, or filler in mixed bouquets.
Alchemilla mollis Open pollinated. Perennial. 12-18" Bears large loose sprays of tiny greenish-yellow flowers from early summer onward. Makes a good border and ground cover in shady locations.
Scutellaria lateriflora Open pollinated. Native spreading 1–2' perennial with numerous small blue flowers. Also known as Virginia Skullcap. Herbalists use it for headaches and insomnia.
Hablitzia tamnoides (45 days) Open pollinated. Perennial spinach-like green. Hardy vine from the Caucasus grows 6-9' long for 2-3 months beginning very early spring. Heart-shaped attractive leaves.
Bunias orientalis Open pollinated. Perennial, Zones 4-8. Tender spicy mustard greens and florets for stir-frying. Drought-tolerant with a deep taproot.
Rumex acetosa (60 days) Open pollinated. Thick sword-shaped lemony-flavored leaves picked when young and tender. A special treat in early spring. Perennial hardy to Z3.