Gooseberries are thorny deciduous shrubs that produce tart, edible berries in shades of green, red, or purple. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, they grow well in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The berries are used in jams, pies, and preserves and are rich in vitamin C. Gooseberries are also host plants for some butterfly larvae but may spread powdery mildew if not properly ventilated.

Wild Fleabane is a hardy perennial or biennial with daisy-like flowers in white, lavender, or pink, blooming from spring through summer. It grows in full sun to light shade and tolerates dry or rocky soils. Often found in meadows and roadsides, it supports pollinators and has been used in folk medicine for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The name “fleabane” comes from the belief it repelled insects.

Gentians are a group of alpine and woodland perennials known for their intensely blue, trumpet-shaped flowers. They prefer cool climates, acidic, well-drained soil, and partial shade. Found in high-altitude meadows or woodlands, gentians are used ornamentally in rock gardens and have a long history in herbal medicine—particularly their bitter roots, which aid digestion. 

Prairie Sunflowers are annual wildflowers native to North American grasslands, featuring bright yellow petals and dark central disks. They thrive in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil and bloom from summer into fall. These sunflowers support pollinators and birds and are used in prairie restoration projects. Like other sunflowers, seeds are edible and nutritious. 

Corydalis is a delicate perennial with fern-like foliage and tubular flowers in yellow, purple, or blue, blooming in spring or early summer. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Some species have sedative and pain-relieving properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, though care is needed as alkaloids can be toxic in high doses. 

Old Man’s Whiskers, also called Prairie Smoke, is a native perennial with nodding pink flowers that turn into feathery, smoke-like seed heads. It grows best in full sun and dry, well-drained soil and is used in rock gardens, meadows, and prairie restorations. Its unique seed heads give it ornamental appeal, and it is drought-tolerant and supports pollinators. 

Wild Pea Vine is a twining, vining legume found in open woods and prairies, bearing pink to purple pea-like flowers in early summer. It grows in sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and enriches soil through nitrogen fixation. While closely related to sweet peas, some wild species are toxic if consumed in quantity. The vines provide forage for wildlife and cover for the soil. 

Queen Anne’s Lace is a biennial wildflower with lacy white umbels resembling delicate lace, blooming in mid to late summer. It prefers full sun and dry, disturbed soils. A wild ancestor of the cultivated carrot, its roots are edible when young but become woody and bitter with age. It attracts beneficial insects, including predatory wasps and bees.

Beardtongue is a hardy North American native perennial with tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, or white. It blooms in late spring to summer and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Beardtongue is used in rock gardens, borders, and prairie plantings and attracts hummingbirds and bees. Some species were used traditionally for medicinal teas and poultices.

Sweet Rocket is a fragrant biennial or short-lived perennial with tall clusters of four-petaled pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in late spring. It grows well in sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Though non-native, it naturalizes easily and is often found along roadsides and in cottage gardens. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, and leaves are edible when young. 

Wild Licorice is a native legume with compound leaves, small purple flowers, and fuzzy seed pods. Found in prairies and open woods, it grows in full sun and well-drained soil. Its roots have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and were used by Indigenous peoples for flavoring, tea, and medicinal purposes. The plant improves soil fertility and provides forage for wildlife.