IN THE WILD (Part 2)

Sage (Scarlet)

A native of southern Brazil, this flowering plant grows bright red flowers and is easily recognized by how loose the flowers grow from the stalk. To encourage more growth, dead flowers should be pinched off the stalk.

Clover

As a fodder plant, clover is perfect for livestock as it continues to grow even after being eaten or mowed down. This does, however, make it a problem for those homeowners trying to maintain a weed-free yard.

Purple Prairie Clover

This low maintenance wildflower is a member of the legume family. With its large cone-like center and fluffy purple petals with golden tips, the purple prairie clover has the ability to attract pollinators of all kinds to your garden.

Crimson Clover

Also a member of the legume family, crimson clover has deep red blossoms. This winter-hardy wildflower is primarily used as a cover crop, the most-often planted for wild deer in the continental United States.

Sweet William

Symbolizing gallantry, this ornamental flower is thought to have been given its name in honor of William Shakespeare (or William the Conqueror, depending on who you ask). It is a beautiful sight in garden beds and hanging planters.

Wine Cup

A member of the mallow family, this colorful drought-tolerant flower closes its petals at night and reopens them in the morning. Its petals can be ground up and inhaled to help with head colds, while the roots can be boiled for pain prevention.

Cattail

This wetland plant is a common sight in marshes and ponds, thriving in flooded areas. Requiring wet roots, this plant can overgrow without care and prevention, and will take over the area in which it is growing, causing restricted water flow.

Indian Paintbrush

Used by Native Americans as a love charm, this red wildflower is a semi-parasitic plant that is a favorite for pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Also known as prairie fire, the Indian paintbrush is the official flower of Wyoming.

Breadseed Poppy

Grown for its many culinary and medicinal uses, the breadseed poppy has been cultivated since before the written word. Its pods are crammed full of tiny, delicious tasting seeds, which are used in breadmaking and baking.

Prairie Coneflower

Also known as a Mexican hat or thimble flower due to its unique form, this wildflower can be ground up into different types of tea to treat a range of illnesses from stomachaches to headaches.