Follow the Flutter: Dive Deeper into Our Sources!

Milkweed: more than just a plant, it's a lifeline. This once-widespread native is now fragmented, but you can help rebuild its presence. It's the sole host for Monarch butterflies, providing caterpillars with the nutrients and natural defenses they need to thrive.

Beyond Monarchs, milkweed is a summer feast for a diverse array of pollinators. Its fragrant flowers and nutrient-rich leaves attract aphids, beetles, moths, and a multitude of butterflies, creating a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem. And once established, it's incredibly resilient, returning from its rootstock annually and spreading its seeds on the wind.

While farmers historically targeted milkweed to protect livestock in hayfields, our parks, yards, natural areas, and even patio pots offer perfect sanctuaries. Let's reclaim these spaces and restore milkweed's vital role in our landscapes, ensuring a future where Monarchs flourish and our gardens teem with life.

Walk through a Rocky Mountain meadow in summer, and you'll likely encounter the stunning Red Paintbrush. Its fiery blooms aren't just a feast for the eyes; they're essential for pollinators and the endangered Checkerspot butterfly.

This resilient wildflower has a secret weapon: it's semi-parasitic. By tapping into the resources of surrounding plants, it ensures its survival and prolongs its blooming period, even in dry conditions. This adaptability has allowed it to persist in changing landscapes.

Growing Red Paintbrush requires a bit of finesse. While it can be challenging on its own, it thrives when planted alongside other wildflowers and tall grasses. Creating a diverse, naturalized setting is key to success. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be rewarded with a vibrant, long-lasting display that supports pollinators and enhances your local ecosystem.

Looking to transform your garden into a pollinator paradise? Lanceleaf Coreopsis is your answer! This resilient wildflower, beloved by bees, butterflies, and a host of other beneficial insects, is a true North American gem. Its vibrant blooms attract a diverse array of pollinators, making it an essential addition to any habitat restoration effort.

Coreopsis boasts a stunning variety of colors, and all are remarkably easy to grow from seed. Once established, it's a gift that keeps on giving: it returns faithfully each year from its rootstock and self-seeds in the fall, ensuring a persistent and colorful presence across meadows and gardens.

This adaptable wildflower thrives in a range of conditions, especially in full sun and high heat. Its cheerful blooms will brighten even the hottest summer days, making it a reliable and beautiful addition to any landscape. Embrace the easy beauty of Lanceleaf Coreopsis and watch your garden come alive with pollinators!