Recent Posts

Most Used Categories

Native Plants

Native Plant List for Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado

Last updated: September 4, 2026

Bunchberry1 Icon

Bhgb 50

Twinberry Icon
This is a "starter" list of native plants for Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

See Also:

Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado Trees

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Black maple Acer nigrum F-P A 60-80 ft Like Sugar Maple but tolerates alkaline, clay soils
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum F-P W-A 5–100 ft Lace-like leaves with white bloom on the underside
Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra F-P A 50–75 ft Greenish-yellow flowers (spring); yellow to orange (fall)
Pecan Carya illinoinensis F A-W 70-100 ft Large bottomland tree; needs 2nd tree to pollinate well
Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata F-P A 75–100 ft Yellow to golden-brown fall color; squirrels eat nuts
Hackberry Celtis occidentalis F A 60–100 ft Mild yellow fall color; warty trunk is interesting in winter
Redbud Cercis canadensis S-P A-D 15–30 ft In April, clusters of rosy-pink flowers line branches, trunk
Downy Hawthorn Crataegus mollis F-P A-D 35–50 ft White spring flowers become red fruit; yellow fall color
Fleshy Hawthorn Crataegus succulenta F-P A-W 13-26 ft Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit
White Ash Fraxinus americana F-P A 75–120 ft Yellow, maroon-purple fall color; butterfly larval plant
Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica F A 50–75 ft Grows rapidly; yellow fall color
Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioica F A 75–100 ft Pinnate compound leaves; male, female separate plants
Black Walnut Juglans nigra F A 99–125 ft Edible nuts in fall; beautiful, wildlife-friendly tree
One-seed Juniper Juniperus monosperma F A-D 7-20 ft Deer-resistant evergreen; winter berries feed birds
Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana F A-D 30–80 ft Good for screening; attracts birds
Sweet Crabapple Malus coronaria F-P A 15-30 ft Fragrant pink spring blooms; sour fruit feeds birds; forms thickets
Prairie Crabapple Malus ioensis F A-D 20–30 ft Fragrant pink flowers become very tart fruit; suckering
Ironwood Ostrya virginiana S-P A 30–50 ft Cream-colored fruit looks like hops; yellow fall color
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata F D 15-50 ft Extremely slow-growing high-elevation conifer; rocky, lean, dry sites
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis F-P W-A 75–100 ft Leaves drop all summer; mottled white bark
Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides F W-A 100 ft Modest fall color; can be messy
Wild Plum Prunus americana F-P A-D 20–35 ft White, fragrant flowers (spring); red, yellow fruit (sum.)
Chickasaw Plum Prunus angustifolia F-P A-D 6–25 ft Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Mexican Plum Prunus mexicana F-P A-D 15-25 ft Fragrant early white bloom; exfoliating bark; plums feed wildlife
Black Cherry Prunus serotina F-P A 50–60 ft Messy tree; small edible berries in summer attract birds
White Oak Quercus alba F A-D 80–100 ft Brown, red, wine fall color; acorns eaten by wildlife
Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria F A-W 50-65 ft Willow-like unlobed leaves; tolerates clay/wet soil; avoid spring cuts
Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa F A-D 80–100 ft Mild yellow-brown fall color
Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica F A-D 20–50 ft Tolerates poor, dry, rocky soil; very slow-growing
Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii F-P A-D 40-60 ft Limestone-loving shade tree; sweet low-tannin acorns feed wildlife
Red Oak Quercus rubra S-P A 75–100 ft Russet to bright red fall color; grows rapidly
Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii F-P A 60-100 ft Fast-growing large shade tree, tolerant of alkaline soil
Scouler's willow Salix scouleriana F-P A-D 15-30 ft Early silvery catkins; unusually drought-tolerant for a willow
Western Soapberry Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii F-P A-D 20–50 ft Deciduous tree; toxic saponin fruit; thrives on caliche, alkaline soil
Basswood Tilia americana P A 60–125 ft Wood for carving; nectar makes honey; birds like seeds
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra F-P A 40-60 ft Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk

Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado Shrubs

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Downy Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea S-F A 15–30 ft Yellow, orange, red fall color; white flowers in April
Leadplant Amorpha canescens F A-D 12–36 in Iridescent purple flowers on silvery foliage; fixes nitrogen
Fragrant False Indigo Amorpha nana F A-D 12–36 in Dense tufts of fragrant purple flowers in late spring
New Jersey Tea Ceonanthus americanus F-P A-D 24–36 in Short spikes of tiny white flowers in June
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis F-P W-A 10–15 ft Hanging golf ball-like clusters attract butterflies
Swamp Dogwood Cornus obliqua F-P W-A 8–10 ft Fruits different colors at different stages for pleasing effect
American Hazelnut Corylus americana P A-D 6–12 ft Edible yummy nuts; suckering
Mountain Ninebark Physocarpus monogynus P A-D 2–4 ft Rocky-slope shrub with shreddy bark; part sun to part shade
Sand Cherry Prunus besseyi F-P D 4–6 ft White spring flowers; tart edible cherries; purple fall color
Chokecherry Prunus virginiana F-S A 30–50 ft White flowers become barely edible fruit loved by birds
Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra F D 10–20 ft Velvety red fruit on female plants persist into winter
Wax currant Ribes cereum F-P A-D 2–6 ft Spineless, very drought-tolerant; pink flowers, orange-red berries
Buffalo Currant Ribes odoratum P A-D 10–12 ft Yellow flowers in spring emit clove scent; birds eat berries
Early Wild Rose Rosa blanda F D 2–5 ft 2-3" pink to white flowers; practically thornless!
White Prairie Rose Rosa foliolosa F-P A-D 1-3 ft Low, nearly thornless suckering rose; dry prairies/limestone hills
Illinois Rose Rosa setigera F A-D 2–6 ft Soft pink flowers with yellow centers bloom in July
Northern Dewberry Rubus flagellaris F-P D-A 6-12 in (trails 3-8 ft) Trailing bramble, roots at tips; prickly stems; spreads readily
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis F-P A 3-6 ft Fast-spreading edge bramble; cut spent canes after fruiting
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis S-F A 10–12 ft Showy white flowers (July); edible fruit in September
Silver Buffaloberry Sheperdia argentea F A-D 6–20 ft Slivery leaves; thorns; edible berries that birds like
Coralberry Symphoricarp. orbiculatus F A-D 4–6 ft Large purple-pink berries ripen in fall, persist thru Spring
New Mexico Yucca Yucca harrimaniae var. neomexicana F A-D 1-2 ft (to 5 ft in bloom) Tiny cold-hardy yucca; maroon-streaked flowers; CO/NM/OK mesas only

Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado Flowering Perennials

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Prairie Sand Verbena Abronia fragrans F D 8–40 in Fragrant evening white blooms; deep taproot, sandy soil
Red Baneberry Actea rubra P-S A 12–24 in .5" puffy white flowers become red poisonous berries
Lavender Hyssop / Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum F-P D-A 2-4 ft Fragrant, long-blooming prairie native; superb bee and butterfly plant
White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima P-S A-W 1-4 ft Toxic woodland perennial; part shade, moist soil; spreads by rhizome
Trailing Four O'Clock Allionia incarnata F D 3-6 in (spreads 1-3 ft) Prostrate desert mat, magenta flowers open mornings; drought tough
Wild Garlic Allium canadense F A 8–18 in Upright and topped with white or pink flowers
Nodding Wild Onion Allium cernuum F-P A-D 8–20 in Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant
Drummond's Wild Onion Allium drummondii F A-D 4–12 in Spring-ephemeral prairie bulb; dormant by early summer
Prairie Onion Allium stellatum F-P A 12–24 in Single cluster of lavender flowers on a single stalk
Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis F-P A 12–24 in Green foliage with white flowers late spring-early summer
Field Pussytoes Antennaria neglecta F-P D-A 2–12 in Drought-tolerant mat-forming groundcover; host plant for American lady
Mountain Death Camas Anticlea elegans F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft HIGHLY TOXIC bulb/foliage; do not confuse with edible Camassia
Columbine Aquilegia canadensis P-S A-D 12–24 in Unique red, white flowers attract hummingbirds in spring
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum P A 12–24 in Spathe appears Mar-May; red berries late summer and fall
Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata F-P W-A 2–4 ft Pink to white flowers in the spring
Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa F-P A-D 2-4 ft Monarch host plant; toxic sap; spreads by rhizome
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa F A-D 12–24 in Brilliant orange flowers atttract butterflies June-August
Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata F A-D 12–36 in Fine textured foliage; white flower clusters; deer resistant
Heath Aster Aster ericoides F A-D 12–36 in Profusion of tiny white flowers in fall
New England Aster Aster novi-angliae F-P W-A 6 ft Lavender flowers with yellow centers late summer into fall
Silky Aster Aster sericeus F-P A-D 12–24 in Distinct curved pale pinkish-purple flowers, pointed petals
White False Indigo Baptisia alba F-P A-D 2–5 ft Spikes of creamy white flowers above sea-green foliage
Cream False Indigo Baptisia leucophaea F-P A-D 12–36 in Cone-shaped cream colored flowers
Bush's Poppy Mallow Callirhoe bushii F-P D 1-2 ft Rare Ozark wildflower; sprawling, magenta blooms, needs rocky drainage
Purple Poppy Mallow Callirhoe involucrata F A-D 6–12 in Striking! Deep magenta flowers cover plant thru summer
Sego lily Calochortus nuttallii F D 6–18 in Utah's state flower; bulb goes dormant through dry summers
American Bellflower Campanulastrum americanum P-F A 2–6 ft Spikes of 1" blue flowers on upright branching stems
Downy Paintbrush Castilleja sessiliflora F D 4–16 in Pale pink/cream bracts; hemiparasitic, needs a host grass/shrub nearby
Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculata F-P A-D 12–36 in 1-1.5" flowers with 5 bright yellow petals bloom sum-fall
Water Hemlock Cicuta maculata F-P W 3-6 ft Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens
Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana F-P D 1–2 ft Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers
Large-flowered Coreopsis Coreopsis grandiflora F-P A-D 1-2 ft Short-lived perennial, self-seeds readily; lean sandy soil
Carolina Larkspur Delphinium carolinianum F-P A-D 1-3 ft Toxic to livestock & pets; blue flowers; dry, sharp drainage
Prairie Larkspur Delphinium virescens F A-D 1–4 ft Interesting white flowers June-July
Tick-trefoil Desmodium canadense F-P A 2–6 ft Branches covered with pink-purple pea-like flowers (sum)
Hoary Tansyaster Dieteria canescens F D 0.5-2 ft Bushy gray-hairy wildflower; purple fall rays, very drought tolerant
Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia S-P A 6–20 in White-pink petals shoot back from red and yellow center
N.L. Purp. Coneflower Echinacea angustifolia F A-D 18–36 in Purple flowers with brown centers attract butterflies
Engelmann Daisy Engelmannia peristenia F-P A-D 1-3 ft Long-blooming yellow daisy; tough on caliche/clay; deer-resistant
Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium F A 4–6 ft Yucca-like foliage; flowers in spherical thistle-like heads
White Trout Lily Erythronium albidum P-S A 4–10 in Spring ephemeral; slow to establish, never dig from the wild
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum F-S W-A 3–6 ft Flat-top clusters of small white flowers in the fall
Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata F A 12–36 in Small white flowers with green, yellow centers (Jun-Sept)
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed Eutrochium purpureum (syn. Eupatorium purpureum) F-P A 5–7 ft Large pink flowers attract butterflies in dorves (Aug-Sept)
Wild Strawberry Fragaria virginiana F-P A-D 3–6 in Spring flowers become tasty fruit in early summer
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata F A-D 2–4 ft 3-4" flowers are red with yellow accents at petal edges
Red Dome Blanketflower Gaillardia pinnatifida F D 8-22 in Long-blooming SW native; thin rocky/gypsum soils; low water
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella F D 10-24 in TX/plains native, red-yellow flowers, poor dry soil, self-seeds
Sweet-scented Bedstraw Galium triflorum P-S A 6-24 in trailing groundcover Fragrant shade groundcover for rich, consistently moist soil
Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum S-P A 12–36 in 1" lavender-purple flowers in spring and summer
Indian Physic Gillenia stipulata P-S D-A 2-3 ft Airy white flowers; dry shade perennial; root historically emetic
Dakota Mock Vervain Glandularia bipinnatifida F-P D-A 6–12 in Great Plains native; long-blooming; pink-purple mat
Common Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale F W-A 2–5 ft Daisy-like flowers with red, yellow petals in late summer
Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis F-P A-D 2–4 ft Naked flower stalk above basal rosette; dry sun, not aggressive
Ox-eye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides F A 3–4 ft Clump forming; gold flowers (sum); birds, butterflies like
Cow parsnip Heracleum maximum F-P A-W 4-8 ft Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun
hairy golden aster Heterotheca villosa F D 6 in–2 ft Long-blooming yellow native; very drought tolerant
Virginia Waterleaf Hydrophyllum virginianum S-P A 12 in White or dark violet blooms May-August
Great St. John's Wort Hypericum pyramidatum P-S A 2–6 ft Large bright flowers give contrast with dark green foliage
Zigzag Iris Iris brevicaulis F-P A-W 8-20 in Shade-tolerant wild iris; violet-blue blooms; rhizomes toxic
Western Blue Flag Iris missouriensis F-P W-A 10-28 in Blue-violet wet-meadow iris; toxic, deer-resistant, alkaline-tolerant
Blue Flag Iris Iris shrevei F-P W-A 12–36 in Deep blue markings with yellow flowers June-July
Trailing Ratany Krameria lanceolata F D 2-6 in Trailing root-hemiparasite; magenta flowers for specialist oil bees
Wood Nettle Laportea canadensis P-S A-W 1-5 ft Stinging hairs; moist shade; red admiral butterfly host
R.H. Bush Clover Lespedeza capitata F A-D 2–4 ft Bronze seedheads attract and feed birds
Rough Blazing Star Liatris aspera F A-D 1–4 ft Pinkish-purple stalks of interesting flowers Aug-Sept.
Cusp Blazing Star Liatris mucronata F A-D 1–3 ft Rocky-soil fall bloomer on a deep corm; key late nectar for monarchs
Prairie Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachya F W-A 2–5 ft Rounded fluffy rose-purple flowerheads on long spikes
Turk's Cap Lily Lilium michiganese F-S W-A 2–5 ft Large flowers with yellow-orange spotted, curved petals
Stiffstem Flax Linum rigidum F D 6–20 in Sparse dryland annual, red-eyed yellow flowers, self-seeds
Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica P W-A 24–36 in Elongated clusters of pale-dark blue flowers late sum-fall
Lacy Tansyaster Machaeranthera pinnatifida F D 6-18 in Spiny lacy leaves; long-blooming yellow daisies; poor rocky soil
Starry False Lily Maianthemum stellatum P-S A-D 8-18 in Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible
American Wild Mint Mentha arvensis F-P W-A 6in-2ft Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints
Winged Monkeyflower Mimulus alatus P-S W-A 1-3 ft Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade
White Four O'Clock Mirabilis albida F-P D 1-2.5 ft Prairie taproot perennial, evening pink blooms; very drought tolerant
Lemon Beebalm Monarda citriodora F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft Aromatic annual wildflower; reseeds freely; magnet for native bees
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa F-P A-D 2–5 ft Intricate lavender flowers attract butterflies July-Sept.
Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata F D 1-3 ft Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees
Indian Pipe Monotropa uniflora S A-W 3-10 in Non-photosynthetic; parasitizes fungi; never dig or transplant
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis F A-D 2–4 ft Lemon-scented yellow flowers open at dusk, close by noon
Scarlet Beeblossom Oenothera suffrutescens F D 1–3 ft Full sun, dry soil; moths pollinate; spreads by rhizomes
Eastern Prickly-pear Opuntia humifusa F D 4–12 in (spreads 2–6 ft) Native cactus, yellow flowers, sharp glochids, sandy/rocky soil
Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis stricta F-S W-A 4-12 in Weedy native groundcover; oxalate leaves, not for eating
Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium F-P A-D 2-4 ft Long-blooming white prairie forb; handle foliage with gloves
Elephant's Head Pedicularis groenlandica F-P W 6–24 in Wet meadow specialist; needs saturated soil, often near sedges
Beardtongue Penstemon digitalis F-P A 2–5 ft Long-blooming pure white flowers June into midsummer
Large-flo. Penstemon Penstemon grandiflorus F A-D 24–36 in Resembles lavender foxglove; attracts hummingbirds
White Prairie Clover Petalostemum candidum F A 12–24 in Dense white 1-3" cylindrical flower spikes on 1-3' stalks
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemum purpureum F A-D 12–24 in Dense bright purple cylindrical flower spikes on 1-3' stalks
Fameflower Phemeranthus calycinus F D 4-10 in Rock-garden succulent; afternoon magenta blooms; needs sharp drainage
Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata P-S A 6–12 in Covered with 1.5" rosy lavender to pink flowers in spring
Prairie Phlox Phlox polosa F A-D 12–24 in Bright pink spring flowers make strong visual impact
Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana F-P A 2–4 ft Resembles pink foxglove; flowers can be moved, stay put
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana F-P A 4-10 ft Poisonous perennial; exceptional fall bird food; self-sows
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum S A 1–5 ft .5" bell-shaped greenish-white flowers hang from leaf axils
Common Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex F-P A-D 4-10 in Mat-forming groundcover; tolerates mowing, poor soil; deer resistant
Rabbit Tobacco Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium F-P A-D 1-3 ft Annual/biennial; dry poor soils; cream everlasting flowers fall
Mountain Mint Pycnanthemu. virginianum F-P W-A 24–36 in Mint aroma; clusters of white flowers attract butterflies
Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnifera F A-D 18–36 in Black cone-shaped head, drooping red or yellow petals
Gray-headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata F-P A-D 3-5 ft Long-blooming prairie perennial with drooping yellow rays, anise scent
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta F-P A-D 12–24 in 2-4" flower heads with 10-20 bright yellow petals, sum-fall
Sweet Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa F-P A-W 3-6 ft Fragrant foliage, long bloom; prefers consistently moist soil
Wild Petunia Ruellia humilis F-P D-A 6-18 in Low bushy prairie/glade native; drought-tolerant, butterfly host plant
Lyreleaf Sage Salvia lyrata F-P A-D 0.5-2 ft Flat lobed rosette; lavender spikes; tolerates mowing, self-seeds
Blue Sage Salvia pitcheri F D 2–4 ft Tall, lanky; blooms in fall; butterflies, hummingbirds like
Rosinweed Silphium integrifolium F A 2–6 ft Bright, yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer
Compass Plant Silphium laciniatum F A 3–12 ft Sunflower-like flowers; basal leaves orient North-South
Cup Plant Silphium perfoliatum F A 3–6 ft Sunflower-like flowers; pairs of cup-forming leaves
White-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium campestre F A-D 8–15 in Iris-like foliage topped with delightful 5" light blue flowers
Tall Goldenrod Solidago altissima F-P A-D 3–7 ft Spreads by rhizome; vital late-season pollinator nectar source
Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis F-P A 2-5 ft Fast-spreading fall bloomer, superb for pollinators; needs room
Gray Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis F A-D 6–24 in Arching stalks of golden yellow flowers bloom in fall
Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida F A-D 1–5 ft Bright yellow flat-topped flowers loved by birds, butterflies
Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa F-P A-D 1–5 ft Foot-long wands of blazing yellow in early autumn
Wright's Goldenrod Solidago wrightii P A 1–3 ft Montane woodland goldenrod, late-season bloom, part shade
Aromatic Aster Symphyotrichum oblongifolium F D-A 1-2.5 ft Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold
Sky Blue Aster Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (syn. Aster oolentangiensis) F A 18–36 in Spreading branches with 1" blue flowers bloom sum-fall
Four-nerve Daisy Tetraneuris scaposa F A-D 4–10 in Evergreen; long spring–fall bloom; needs rocky, sharp drainage
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum dasycarpum S-P A 3–5 ft Branched sprays of tiny purplish-white flowers (May-July)
Greenthread Thelesperma filifolium F A-D 1-2.5 ft Fast-reseeding gold prairie annual; thrives on poor rocky soil
Meadow Death Camas Toxicoscordion venenosum F-P A-D 8–28 in HIGHLY TOXIC if eaten; toxic native wildflower, not for food gardens
Bracted Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata F-P A-D 10–18 in Blue 3-petal flowers close by midday; blooms June-July
American Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis P-S A-W 3–7 ft Stings on contact, wear gloves; native butterfly host plant
California Corn Lily Veratrum californicum F-P W-A 3–7 ft Extremely poisonous wet-meadow perennial; keep from livestock/pets
Blue Verbena Verbena gastata F-P A 2–5 ft Small blue flowers crowded into terminal spikes (Jun-Oct)
Wingstem Verbesina alternifolia F-P A-W 3-8 ft Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms
Western Ironweed Vernonia baldwinii F-P A-D 2–5 ft Magenta prairie bloomer, avoided by livestock; great for monarchs
Ironweed Vernonia fasciculata F A 3–6 ft Blast of crimson color in fall; plant has good posture
Common Blue Violet Viola papilionacea S-P A 4–8 in Excellent groundcover with purple flowers in the spring
Golden Alexanders Zizea aurea F-S A 12–36 in Bright yellow color can brighten up a shady spot

Nebraska, Kansas, and Eastern Colorado Perennial Ferns

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Lady Ferns Athyrium filix-femina P-S A 24–36 in Light green, lacy leaves.
Woolly Lip Fern Cheilanthes tomentosa F-P D 6-15 in Rock-crevice fern; curls in drought, regreens with rain; no rich soil
Scouring Rush Equisetum hyemale F-P W-A 2-5 ft Evergreen, jointed stems; spreads by rhizome; toxic to livestock
Purple Cliffbrake Pellaea atropurpurea F-P D 4-12 in Evergreen rock fern; needs limestone crevices, not garden soil
Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis michauxiana P-S D 2-10 in fronds Epiphytic fern on bark; shrivels when dry, greens up after rain
Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris F-P W 1-2.5 ft Spreads by rhizome; wetland fern, tolerates more sun than most ferns
Sun Exposure Soil Moisture Drought Tolerance
F = Full Sun W = Wet E = Excellent
P = Part Sun A = Average G = Good
S = Shade D = Dry M = Moderate
P = Poor

Plant Native
Looking for a nursery that carries native Nebraska & Kansas plants?

Browse our native plant nursery directory: Nebraska · Kansas

ExploreFarmingGardeningHow-ToNative PlantsNurseriesReviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Minnesota is in the Central Time Zone. The scene could include a clock showing the current time in Minnesota, with the zone clearly labeled

What Zone is Minnesota? A Guide to Minnesota’s Plant Hardiness Zones

October 14, 2026
Lush green forest with towering pine, oak, and magnolia trees in South Carolina. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor

Types of Trees in South Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

October 14, 2026