Native Flowers

Hoary Vervain is a beautiful native that thrives in woodland edges, prairies with rich and loam or in most gardens. Hoary Vervain is a perennial that reseeds itself as it is short-lived and lives for four or five years. This is the host plant for the Common Buckeye Butterfly. Wildlife such as birds, butterflies and bees are attracted to it while deer do not bother it much. It is native to much of the United States. USDA Zones 4-8. grows to 2-4' Botanical name: Verbena Stricta Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 4' tall Prefersmost and rich soils Blooms in July through September Host plant for Common Buckeye Butterfly 1/2 gram, ~500 eeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats 1/4" deep, moisten the soil, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 30 days. Thereafter, provide light and 50-75°F. This moist stratification is not absolutely necessary but will help to increase germination. Alternatively sow before frosts end in late winter or early spring, or sow in late fall. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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Illinois Bundleflower - Tallgrass Prairie and Great Plains Native $3.00 $3.75

Illinois Bundleflower -This flower has many names such as Prairie Mimosa, False Sensitive Plant and is found through out restored prairies. It does have height and can grow up to 5' tall. It has feathery white blossoms that remind you of a plant from a Dr. Seuss story. The Reakirt's Blue Butterfly relies on this flower as a host plant. Botanical Names: Desmanthus illinoensis Characteristics: Perennial Plants grow to 3-5 feet tall White feathery blooms Prefers dry soils. 1 gram or ~125 Seeds per packet Instructions - Direct sow when the soil can be worked. If you can cold stratify the seed it will help increase your germination rates substantially. Sow 1/4 deep Germination 8-17 days after cold stratifcation Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Indigo Baptisa, False Indigo -U.S. Native, Nitrogen Fixing $3.00

Blue Wild Indigo, Indigo Baptista, or False Indigo is a widespread native that is found in the Midwest and Eastern US. This native grows quickly and reaches heights of 4-5' once established. They are great in borders, areas you want a summer boundary, wildlife gardens, and their elegant nature lends themselves to even formal gardens. It prefers drier soils and loves full sun. This is a host plant for many butterflies and attracts birds and pollinators, plus it is cover for beneficial insects. its seed pods are food for many songbirds. Botanical Names: Baptista Australis Characteristics: Perennial Plants grow to 4-5 feet tall Blue blooms 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - It is recommended to cold stratify this seed so sow early in pots (great for winter sowing) or directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also encourage germination if you miss the cold period but sowing into a tray of media, moisten, cover and place in fridge for 60 days. Remove and provide dequate light and non freezing conditions. Before cold stratification, you should scaricify the seeds which is just a way to nick the seed coat. To do this simply rub the seed between two sheets of sand paper to help thin its coating. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside while still cold Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-40 days after cold stratication Plant 12-24" apart Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

Large-Flowered or Shell-Leaf Penstemon (Beard Tongue)- Mid West, Central US Native $3.00 $3.75

Large-Flowered or Shell-Leaf Penstemon is a gem in the garden, wildlife plantings, forests and meadows. It's large pink flowers are showy and is a wildlife magnet. It is found in the central United States and can be growing USDA Climate Zones 3 to 8. It prefers dry well-drained soils and is commonly found in pollinator mixes. Botanical Names: Penstemon grandiflorus Characteristics: Perennial Plants grow to 2-3 feet tall Showy Pink blooms Prefers well draining dry soils 1 gram or ~800 Seeds per packet Instructions - Direct sow in fall or as soon as the ground is workable. It needs cold stratification to germinate. If you miss the window from nature to do this, simply mix the seeds with moist sand, place in a bag or container, and place in the refrigerator for 45 days. Sow on top of soil as this needs light to germinate. Germination 11-22 days after cold stratifcation Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Lavender Hyssop Flower, Native Flower from $3.00 $3.95

Lavender Hyssop - A native commonly found in the north central United States. It prefers dry woodlands and prairies and readily adapts to garden environments without standing water. The leaves are scented like licorice and it is often referred to Anise Hyssop because of this. Butterlfies and other pollinators will stay busy gathering pollen and nectar. It is used by a variety of beneficial insects as well. It is often used in boquets Botanical Name: Agastche foeniculum Characteristics: Biennial/perennial that self seeds easily Hardy to zone 4 Plants grow up to 3 feet Purple flowers and leaves that smell of licorice .75g or 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Seeds can also be directly sown outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Does best in well-drained soil. Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 30-90 days Plant 12" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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Leadplant - Entire Central U.S. Native, Nitrogen Fixing $3.00 $3.75

Leadplant - Plants like Leadplant are amazingly beneficial in your gardens and beds. It looks great, is functional by adding nitrogen back to your soil and is a pollinatore and butterfly magent while in blooms. If you are looking for natural solutions for nitrogen fixing, then this is a great option. The silvery leaves add a contrast color to your gardens. Its roots also go deeper than 12' making it ideal for drought situations and erosion control. Botanical Names: Amorahpa canescens Characteristics: Annual, Self-seeding Plants grow to 2-3.5 feet tall Purple blooms It tolerates and grows in almost any soil except standing water. 1 gram or ~350 Seeds per packet Instructions - For increased germination, Leadplant seed should be stratified and scarified. Pour ~180 degrees F water over the seed, let it soak it overnight, and direct sowing it in the fall. If sowing in spring then mix the seed with sand sand and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 weeks, 6 is best. Soak it overnight and direct sow after the last frost. Alternatively, start the seed indoors, sow it just below the surface of a flat; keep the soil evenly moist and around 70 degrees F. Germination should take place within 20-30 days. Sow 1/12 deep (need slight to germinate) Germination 20-30 days after cold stratifcation Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Lupine - Prairie Native $4.00

Out of Stock - We will have it soon from Seed Savers as they start to produce their 2025 seed inventories. The Seed Savers Exchange - Lupine’s dense spires of bright blue flowers signal the coming of spring. Lupine is the only food plant for the larvae of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. Plants grow 2' tall on sandy loams to very dry sandy soils. Will not grow well in clay soils. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 2 feet tall Spires of bright blue flowers Prefers sandy loam to dry sandy soil 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Germination is greatly increased by a 7-day cold treatment in a slightly damp paper towel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cold-treated seeds can be directly sown in spring or early summer. Untreated seeds can be sown outdoors in fall. Sow 1/4" deep Germination 14-60 days Thin 12-15" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Narrow-leaf Coneflower - Prairie Native, Echinacea angustifolia from $3.00 $3.75

Narrow-leaf Coneflower - This coneflower is a powerhouse herb and flower used by Native Americans. Of all the echinaceas, this one was used the most extensively and had the most northern of ranges extending into the Dakotas and throughout most of the Midwest and Central Plains. They all love well drained soil but Narrow-leaf Coneflower is probably the variety that thrives in drier conditions. It is beloved by beneficials and this variety is used most medicinally. Will tolerate clay soils. Plants reach 3-4' tall. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. It is also known as Blacksamson echinacea as well. It is a host plant for the Ottoe's Skipper which is a threatened speccies. Botanical Name: Echinacea angustifolia Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Light purple flowers with very narrow petals. Tolerates clay soils 1/4 gram or ~50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Narrowleaf Coneflower requires cold and moist stratification for a really good germination rate. Simply sow the seeds 2-3 months before the last frost or you can mimic the stratification process but sowing the seeds in soil or sand, water and cover to prevent the media from drying out. It requires 3 months in the cold. Once sprouts start to grow you can then transplant outside if the harsh frosts are gone or in larger pots. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Narrowleaf Milkweed Butterfly Flower (Western Coast Only) $3.75 $4.00

The Living Seed Company - (Asclepias fascicularis) Narrowleaf Milkweed is a gorgeous California native flower that is the sole source of food for the Monarch butteries. The butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on Milkweed plants, creating an opportunity for us to plant Monarch habitat! We do not ship outside of the West Coast as we want to make sure it’s distribution is for west coast gardens. We have a wide range of milkweeds to choose from. Grows as a shrub about 2' - 4' high with stunning fragrant flowers. These wildflowers are easy to grow and propagate through rhizomes. Known for their beautiful colors ranging in greenish white to deep purple, the Milkweed brings joy and life to every garden! Exuding a delicious vanilla scent, the milkweed also attracts other pollinators while bloom from June - August. Also known as Mexican Whorled milkweed, this milkweed grows well in dry climates and will blossom from June - September. This beautiful low maintenance, drought tolerant wildflower may be slow to grow the first year, as it sets its taproot deep into the earth. In following years, it will grow more vigorous. It is very important to plant locally native milkweed species. Please learn which milkweeds are native to your region and consult this milkweed range maps from the Biota of North America Program’s (BONAP) North American Plant Atlas. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-5 feet tall Preferred food source of Monarch butterflies 30 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds at a depth of 1/2" depth ans space seeds every 4-6", thin to 3-4'. Keep seeds evenly moist until they germinate. Germination: 10-20 Days Plant Outdoors: 3-4' Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

New England Aster - Prairie Native $3.75 $3.95

New England Aster - The glorious purple blossoms on a sunny fall day is a magnificent site. Butterflies, bees and birds all rely on this flower for late season food and forage. They are very easy to grow and somply require average soil. They do well in clay or sand as well. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-6 feet tall Topped with pink-purple flowers Blooms late in the summer and early in the fall Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Direct Sow outdoors in late fall to early spring. Alternatively, sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in a flat. Enclose flat with plastic and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Remove plastic wrap and place in warm lighted area. May need staking in a garden border. Pinch back until late summer to prevent plant from falling over when heavily laden with blossoms. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost Germination 14-35 days Plant 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Ox Eye Sunflower - U.S. Native $3.00 $3.75

Ox-Eye Sunflower - Bright yellow-orange flowers bloom endlessly from June to September. It grows pretty much on its own. Birds love the seeds. Great cut flower with long lasting blooms. Grows 2-5' tall. Self-sows; does not spread by rhizomes. It is hardy to zone 4. Characteristics: Hardy to zone 4, self seeds 2-5 feet tall Long-lasting yellow-orange flowers June through September blooms 1/2 gram, ~300 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just under the surface of the soil in late winter or early spring. Also germinates readily when sewn into a weed-free seedbed in fall, spring, or early summer. Prefers a moderately rich loam, clay, or slightly damp sandy soil. Will tolerate very light shade. Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before planting out Germination: 10-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Pale Purple Coneflower - Prairie Native, Echinacea pallida from $3.00 $3.75

Pale Purple Coneflower - This is the most widespread of all the purple coneflowers with a range as far south as Georgia and Alabama, extending to the east, across the Midwest and to the Central Plains. It readily adapts to almost any soil as long as it is well drained. You can find it in clay, limerock, sand or loam. It is beloved by butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Plants reach 3-4' tall. Perennial. Hardy to zones 3-9 It is also known as Blacksamson echinacea as well. Botanical Name: Echinacea pallida Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4, most southern range of the purple coneflowers One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 2-4 feet tall Light purple flowers 1/2 gram or ~95 Seeds per packet Instructions - Pale Purple Coneflower requires cold and moist stratification for a really good germination rate. Simply sow the seeds 2-3 months before the last frost or you can mimic the stratification process but sowing the seeds in soil or sand, water and cover to prevent the media from drying out. It requires 1-2 months in the cold. Once sprouts start to grow you can then transplant outside if the harsh frosts are gone or in larger pots. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Partridge Pea - Central, Eastern US Native, Nitrogen Fixing $3.00 $3.75

Back in Stock! Partridge Pea is a widespread native that is found in the Midwest and Eastern US. It prefers dry soils and loves full sun. This is a host plant for many butterflies and attracts birds and pollinators, plus it is cover for beneficial insects. its seed pods are food for mnay songbirds. It is a workhorse and can help improve soil with each year you allow it to grow and seed out for the next year. If you are looking for natural solutions for nitrogen fixing, then this is a great option. Botanical Names: Chamaecrista fasciculata Characteristics: Annual, Self-seeding Plants grow to 1-3.5 feet tall Yellow blooms Prefers mosit and well draining dry soils, can be growin in clay if not in standing water. 1 gram or ~75-110 Seeds per packet Instructions - Direct sow when the soil can be worked. If you can cold stratify the seed it will help increase your germination rates substantially. Sow 1/4 deep Germination 8-17 days after cold stratifcation Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Plains Coreopsis Flower - Prairie Native $4.25 $4.50

We are waiting for our 2025 Seedstock to arrive. We do have Dwarf Plains Coreopsis available. - Click Here for Dwarf Plains Plains Coreopsis -This is a native annual that keeps reseeding itself until your perennials fill in. They provide endless beauty for you and food for nature. It is drough tolerant and does well in most soil types. They attract birds, butterflies and bees all while not being attractive to deer. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Excellent for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4' feet tall Produces flowers from mid summer until frost. 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained rich soil. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-25 days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Prairie Blazingstar, Liatris pycnostachya $3.00 $3.75

Perhaps the most wondrous sight in any prairie is a mass planting of Prairie Blazingstar. They are resilient, pollinator magnets, provide cover for birds, insects of all types and grow deep roots. They can reach 4’ tall and are hardy to USDA Zone 4. These perennials are a crowd please in a natural setting or a garden border. They are excellent cut flowers and excel in dried arrangements. There are several different Liatris and all can play an important part in any ecosystem. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Spikes of purple-magenta flowers Excellent for dried and cut flower arrangements 150 seeds per packet Instructions: Germination is increased by a 30- day cold treatment in slightly damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Seed can also be directly sown into a prepared seedbed in fall, or in early- to mid-spring. Requires a rich loam, clay, or slightly moist sandy soil. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before planting out or direct sow after treating the seeds or in early spring or late fall Germination: 20-25 Days Plant Outdoors: 2-3' Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Prairie Coneflower - Prairie Native, Ratibida columnifera seeds

Prairie Coneflower - Prairie Native from $3.00 $3.95

We offer this fabulous U.S. Native in various ways. It is a joy on our farm as it pops up in various places and is a buzz of activity with native bees, butterflies and praying mantises too! It has a wide native range, from Alberta to Arkansasa and across much of the central United States. It excels in xeriscapes, dry prairies, along roadsides and in general problem areas. It can create beautiful backdrops for you gardens as well as being the spotlight if you choose. It blooms continously all summer! We also offer this in bulk quantities or with packets that are a bit more modest in nature. Botanical Name: Ratibida columnifera Characteristics: Short-lived perennial that reseeds easily, sometimes biennial in nature Hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 2-4 feet Coverage: 1 Packet will cover 50 sq ft densely 1 oz will cover 1,000 sq ft when planted by itself, 2,500 sq ft when planted in existing beds. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Plant in poor soil as rich soil will weaken stems. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Prairie Ironweed - Native from $3.00

Prairie Ironweed really doesn't deserve weed in its name. It is a stalwart of planting in tough places like clay, loves moist and damp soils and will do well even in gardens with great loam. It is beautiful for mass plantings and can be used for cut flowers. It develops really deep roots that help erosion and filter water. Despite the number of seeds it produces, it doesn't spread agressively and typically you need to be a bit more intentional with planting. This is a must for any butterfly, pollinator or wildlife garden as it attracts numerous amounts of butterflies and is the host plant for the American Painted Lady. It's native range is the Midwest, but due to its non-aggressive nature ithas been introduced in gardens and restoration projects across much of the eastern half of the United States. Most gardeners will divide this to increase its numbers or collect seed to moist stratify. Botanical Names: Veronia fasciculata USDA Zones 3-7, some success to zones 9 Mid-Summer flowering 6' stalks, you can cut in late spring for shorter plants Bloom Duration: All Summer Cold Hardy Full Sun (some partial sun is ok) 1 packet will cover 25 sq ft, 1 oz covers 1,000 ft Bloom Color: Purple Key Planting Tips Instructions: Germination is increased by a 30- day cold treatment in slightly damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Seed can also be directly sown into a prepared seedbed in fall, or in early- to mid-spring. Requires a rich loam, clay, or slightly moist sandy soil. Alternatively Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before planting out or direct sow after treating the seeds or in early spring or late fall Germination: 20-25 Days Plant Outdoors: 2-3' Apart Light: Full Sun

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Purple Coneflower - Prairie Native from $3.00

Purple Coneflower - The purple mid summer blooms never seem to end. This is a priairie plant that is probably the most widely known since it is used in many types of garden applications. It attracts butterflies, birds and insects that are all part of a healthy ecosystem. Will tolerate clay soils. Plants reach 3-4' tall. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Heavy yields of purple-magenta flowers from July through September Tolerates clay soils 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained rich soil. Purple Coneflower does not like to be transplanted as it develops a taproot that allows it to be very drought tolerant. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Purple Prairie Clover from $3.00 $3.75

Purple Prairie Clover - An important short prairie species as it helps feed the soil, provide food for polliantors and cover for wildlife. It is adapatable to many soil types and is commonly used in prairie restoration and wildlife plantings. it blooms non stop from mid summer to fall. Botanical Name: Dalea purpurea Characteristics: Perennial Hardy to zone 4 Plant heigh is 1-3' tall Purple blossoms mid-summer through fall Nitrogen Fixing Plant to improve soil health 250 seeds per packet Instructions - Easy to grow when direct-seeded into a weed-free seedbed in mid-spring to early summer. Very drought tolerant once established. Alternative is to grow indoors. Start Indoors: In Early Spring Germination: 10-20 Days Plant Outdoors: 12” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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Red Milkweed, Rose Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed - Native from $3.25 $3.95

Red Milkweed or Ascelpsis incarta is a jewel in the gardens. It prefers moist soils or rich garden soils. It is reliably easy and will naturalize in areas that are often hard for such wodnerful flowers to thrive. As with all milkweed in North America, it is an essential host plant for Monarchs. We often find 1 cat per plant of red milkweed in our native start areas. We are quick to rescue them on young plants and move them to more established settings where they can have hundrends of milkweeds to choose from. Red Milkweed has many names, Rose Milkweed or Swamp Milkweed but I assure you there is nothing swampy about this flower. You won't regret having this in your formal, informal or natural gardens. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 5 feet tall Pink and red flowers, Vanilla-scented flowers Blooms in June and July Preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars 75 Seeds per packet Instructions - It is recommended to cold stratify this seed so sow early in pots (great for winter sowing) or directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also encourage germination if you miss the cold period but sowing into a tray of media, moisten, cover and place in fridge for 21 days. Remove and provide dequate light and non freezing conditions. It is easy to transplant and makes tubers that are easy to put anywhere you'd like. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside while still cold Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-40 days Plant 12-24" apart Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

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