Native Flowers

Firefly Farm & Mercantile - Eastern Red Columbine is native to the central and eastern Untied States. It is a late spring to early summer flowering perennial. Bees and other polliantors rely on these woodland species for valuable nectar and pollen. This is very abundant at Firefly Farm & Mercantile. You would see this along our Wild Flower Trail in mid May to mid June typically.  They are 10-18” tall and will casually reseed to keep an abundance of blooms going for years to come. The flowers face downwards and have longer spurs that form the classic combine curl.  The self-sowing variety prefers even moisture and grows best in full sun to partial shade, ideally with afternoon shade in hot climates. Perennial. Botanical name: Aquilegia canadensis Perennial Full sun to partial shade is optimal Instructions: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Columbine prefers well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 3-4 weeks Plant Outdoors: 8-10” Apart Light: Full Sun

Early BFCM  Pricing Starts Today - Starts shipping 12/7 - Firefly Farm & Mercantile’s Firefly Conservation Seed and Habitat Kit will help you provide a welcoming environment to the fireflies in your garden and surrounding areas. Inside each kit will be four packets of seeds (3 native flowers or mixes and 1 native grass) perfect for your garden and area. We also include our Gardening with Fireflies cards to help implement ways you can help promote fireflies in your backyard and gardens.  The seed collection will come in an envelop with this product graphic so it does make a great gift.  We choose seeds that can be planted at the time of order or shortly after so some of our seeds enclsoed changes through the year. In fall through mid winter we choose seeds that enjoy the cold and can be winter sown on snow or bare earth. For summer we may choose a mix of specieis that can root in and be fine until winter.  As a bonus we do add an annuals flower for your zone that can be sown as well or discarded. It is really just a little extra for kids who may receive this or adults who want a little 1st year color. The annual will die back as we just choose species that do not come back even from seed too well.  Our custom made gift envelops are on the way from the printer! 

Globe Gilia - Soft blue flowers attract pollinators and butterflies. It is found from western Canada down to California. It prefers dry to slightly moist soils, Soil should be well-drained. These are used in gardens for cutflowers, pollinator plots, and wildflower plantings.  Plant this in your vegetables gardens to help bring the pollinators in.  Botanical Names: Gilia capitata 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 ~750 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Simple rake anytime of the year the soil can be worked. You will get flowers that last for a few weeks.  Sow 1/8deep (needs light to germinate) Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Glorioso Daisy is a tetraploid cultivated Black-eyed Susan. Its vibrant reds and yellows are wonderful in your garden. The origin of this species is from the 1950's and was developed from the Black-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta, hence why it has the same botanical name. These are best described as self seeding annuals or biennial.  Characteristics:  Self-seeding biennial or hardy annual Hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 2-3 feet An excellent cut flower that lasts 6-10 days in a vase 250 Seeds 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 - 4-6  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

🌸 Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) The Rugged, Pollinator-Friendly Jewel of the Eastern Wilds Introduce a touch of wild elegance and incredible resilience to your garden with the Hairy Beardtongue. This North American native is a standout in the early summer landscape, producing airy spires of tubular, lavender-to-violet flowers that seem to glow against their deep green foliage. Named for its unique, "fuzzy" stems and the delicate "beard" inside its blossoms, this Penstemon is a tough-as-nails perennial that thrives where other plants struggle, all while serving as a primary nectar station for your local bees and hummingbirds. 📜 Historical Heritage & Native Roots Hairy Beardtongue is a proud Eastern North American native, with a historical range stretching from the rocky woodlands of Quebec down to the Appalachian highlands and across the Midwestern prairies. The name Penstemon comes from the Greek penta (five) and stemon (stamen), referring to the five stamens found in each flower—one of which is sterile and covered in fine, yellow hairs, giving it the "Beardtongue" nickname. Historically, this plant has been valued as a "pioneer species." Because of its ability to grow in poor, rocky, or sandy soils where little else survives, it has played a vital role in stabilizing soil and providing early-season forage for wildlife in disturbed landscapes for millennia. ✨ Product Highlights Hummingbird & Bee Favorite: The long, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds and long-tongued bees (like the Mason bee). Unique Texture: The stems and flowers are covered in soft, fine hairs (hirsute), which catch the morning dew and provide a unique silvery shimmer in the sunlight. Rock Garden Champion: Thrives in "difficult" areas with dry, thin, or rocky soil where more delicate perennials might wither. Early Summer Color: Blooms in late spring to early summer, helping to bridge the "June Gap" when spring bulbs are fading and summer annuals haven't yet peaked. Deer & Rabbit Resistant: The slightly fuzzy texture and bitter foliage make it a low-priority snack for garden grazers. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Native Perennial (Hardy in Zones 3–9) Height 12 to 24 inches Sun Requirement Full Sun to Partial Shade Soil Preference Well-drained; thrives in dry, rocky, or sandy soil Bloom Period May through July Wildlife Value High (Specialist bees and Hummingbirds) 🌱 How to Grow Hairy Beardtongue 1. Sowing the Seeds (Cold Stratification):Like many native perennials, Hairy Beardtongue seeds benefit from a period of cold to "wake them up." Fall Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds in the fall. The natural freeze-thaw cycle of winter will break the seed's dormancy for spring sprouting. Spring Sowing: If planting in spring, mix seeds with damp sand and store in your refrigerator for 4–6 weeks before sowing. Depth: Surface sow or barely cover with 1/8 inch of soil. The seeds require some light to germinate. 2. The Best Spot:The most important factor for success is drainage. While Hairy Beardtongue is very adaptable to light (thriving in both full sun and light woodland shade), it will not survive in "heavy," waterlogged clay soil. 3. Maintenance: Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once mature, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant. Self-Sowing: If left to go to seed, the plant will slowly spread, creating a beautiful, naturalized colony. Pruning: Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished blooming if you want to keep the plant looking tidy, or leave them for the birds to enjoy the tiny seeds. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Hairy Beardtongue is the perfect choice for Rock Gardens or Xeriscaping. Its soft lavender hues look spectacular when planted alongside other dry-loving natives like Blue Grama Grass or Scarlet Sage. It also makes a wonderful "edging" plant for woodland paths. Garden Tip: Look closely at the flowers! You’ll notice dark purple nectar guides (thin lines) inside the throat of the blossom. These act like "landing strips," showing bees exactly where to go to find the nectar reward. 🐝🗺️

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

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

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 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 .25 gram or ~250 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 - 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

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

🌻 Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) The Majestic Perennial Powerhouse of the Autumn Garden Extend your sunflower season indefinitely with the Maximilian Sunflower. Unlike the common annual sunflower, this stunning North American native is a hardy perennial that returns year after year, getting larger and more beautiful with each season. Reaching heights of up to 10 feet and smothered in dozens of 3-inch, bright yellow blooms along its tall, graceful stalks, the Maximilian is the "grand finale" of the garden, providing a spectacular wall of color just as other summer flowers begin to fade. 📜 Historical Heritage & Royal Origins The Maximilian Sunflower carries a name rooted in the golden age of American exploration. It was named in honor of Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, a German naturalist and explorer who led a famous expedition through the American West in the early 1830s. While exploring the Great Plains, Prince Maximilian documented the incredible biodiversity of the prairie, and this towering sunflower became one of his most enduring legacies. Historically, it was a vital plant for the Indigenous peoples of the Plains; the seeds were a source of food and oil, and the thick, fibrous stalks were used for building and fuel. Today, it remains a symbol of the untamed American prairie and a staple for restoration ecology and sustainable landscaping. ✨ Why Gardeners Love Maximilian Sunflowers A True Perennial: Plant it once and enjoy it for a lifetime! Its crown and rhizomes expand each year, creating a more impressive display every autumn. The Late-Season Champion: One of the last plants to bloom in the garden (August–October), providing a critical nectar source for monarch butterflies on their southern migration. Wildlife Banquet: The heavy production of small, oil-rich seeds makes this plant a favorite for songbirds like finches, nuthatches, and grosbeaks during the winter months. Natural Living Screen: Due to its massive height and dense, lance-shaped foliage, it is the perfect choice for a "living fence" or a natural privacy screen. Exceptional Resilience: Thrives in poor soil, heavy clay, and extreme drought. Once established, it is nearly indestructible. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Helianthus maximiliani Plant Type Native Perennial (Hardy in Zones 3–9) Height 6 to 10 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Period Late August through October Water Needs Low (Exceptional Drought Tolerance) Soil Preference Adaptable; thrives in clay, loam, or sandy soil 🌱 How to Grow Maximilian Sunflowers from Seed 1. Sowing the Seeds (Cold Stratification):Like many native perennials, Maximilian seeds have a built-in dormancy that is broken by cold weather. Fall Sowing (Easiest): Direct sow in the fall. The natural winter cold will prepare the seeds for spring germination. Spring Sowing: If planting in spring, mix seeds with damp sand and store in your refrigerator for 30 days before sowing. Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. 2. Choosing the Perfect Spot:This plant is a giant! Place it at the very back of your borders or along a fence line where it has plenty of room to tower. Ensure the location gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 2 feet apart. Over time, the plant will form large, multi-stemmed clumps. Watering: Water regularly during the first season to establish the root system. Mature plants are highly drought-tolerant. Staking: In very windy areas or exceptionally rich soil, these giants may benefit from a sturdy stake or a fence to lean against. Spring Cleanup: Cut the old stalks down to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. 🎨 Garden Design Maximilian Sunflowers are the ultimate choice for Native Pollinator Meadows and Wildlife Gardens. Their height and brilliant yellow spikes create a breathtaking "vertical" element when paired with late-blooming purples like New England Aster or the feathery texture of Bronze Fennel. Garden Tip: If you find the plants are getting too tall for your space, you can "Chelsea Chop" them—cut the stalks back by half in early June. This will result in a shorter, bushier plant with even more flower spikes! ✂️🌻

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

  Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)**This California native perennial is essential for western Monarch butterflies, as it's the only plant they use for laying eggs. Planting it supports their conservation. We ship exclusively to the West Coast to ensure it's used in suitable regional gardens. Explore our full selection of milkweed varieties. This shrubby plant reaches 2–4 feet tall, featuring fragrant, eye-catching flowers in shades from greenish-white to deep purple. Easy to grow and spread via rhizomes, it emits a sweet vanilla scent, draws in pollinators, and blooms June through August—adding vibrancy to any garden. Also called Mexican Whorled Milkweed, it thrives in dry conditions and flowers from June to September. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it establishes slowly in year one as it develops a deep taproot, then grows vigorously thereafter. Always choose locally native milkweed species. Check varieties native to your area using the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) North American Plant Atlas range maps. 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 - 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 (Heliopsis helianthoides) The Ultimate Long-Blooming Native Perennial for Pollinator Gardens Looking for a resilient, vibrant, and long-blooming yellow flower to anchor your landscape? The Ox-eye Sunflower, also known as the False Sunflower or Early Sunflower, is a powerhouse of the North American prairie. Unlike traditional sunflowers that bloom briefly and fade, this native perennial provides a non-stop explosion of golden-yellow color from mid-summer all the way into autumn. It is a "must-have" for anyone seeking drought-tolerant native seeds that support honeybees, butterflies, and songbirds. 📜 Historical Heritage & Botanical Mystery The Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is a proud North American native, historically found across the central and eastern United States and Canada. Its name Heliopsis translates to "resembling the sun," and for centuries, it has been a staple of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The Ox-eye Sunflower is the perfect "mid-to-back" border plant. Its golden-yellow petals create a stunning color contrast when paired with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Blue Grama Grass, or Hairy Beardtongue. Because it is a native wildflower, it is a key component for Restoration Ecology projects and Certified Wildlife Habitats. Why is it called the "False Sunflower"?While it looks remarkably like a true sunflower (Helianthus), it has a fascinating botanical secret. In a true sunflower, only the center disk florets are fertile and produce seeds. In the Ox-eye Sunflower, both the center disk and the outer ray florets (the petals) are fertile. This unique trait makes it an incredibly prolific seed producer, ensuring its legacy in the wild and providing an abundant winter feast for local songbirds like goldfinches. ✨ Why Gardeners Love Ox-eye Sunflowers Extended Bloom Time: One of the longest-blooming native perennials available, often flowering for 2–3 months straight. Pollinator Powerhouse: A top-tier nectar source for Monarch butterflies, native bees, and beneficial predatory insects. Drought & Heat Tolerant: Once established, its deep root system allows it to thrive in hot, dry conditions where other flowers wither. Superior Cut Flower: Unlike many wildflowers, the Ox-eye Sunflower has stiff, upright stems and a long vase life, making it a favorite for "wild" summer bouquets. Soil Adaptability: It isn't picky! It thrives in everything from rich garden loam to heavy clay or rocky slopes. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Heliopsis helianthoides Plant Type Native Perennial (Hardy in Zones 3–9) Height 3 to 5 feet Sun Requirement Full Sun (6-8+ hours) Bloom Period July through September Water Needs Low to Moderate (Drought Tolerant) Soil Type Adaptable (Clay, Loam, Sandy, Rocky) 🌱 How to Grow Ox-eye Sunflower from Seed 1. Sowing the Seeds:Ox-eye Sunflower seeds are easy to germinate. For the best results, they benefit from a short period of cold stratification. Fall Sowing: Direct sow in the autumn to let nature do the work. The seeds will sprout naturally as the soil warms in spring. Spring Sowing: If planting in spring, sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. You can boost germination rates by keeping the seeds in a damp paper bag in your refrigerator for 30 days before planting. 2. Choosing a Spot:Select a location with full sun. While it can handle light shade, the stems will be sturdier and the blooms more numerous in the brightest spot of your garden. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart. These plants grow into impressive, bushy clumps. Staking: Generally, the stems are very strong, but in extremely rich soil, they may grow tall enough to require a bit of support or nearby plants to lean on. Deadheading: Removing faded flowers will encourage even more blooms to form and prevent excessive self-seeding. 🎨 Garden Design The Ox-eye Sunflower is the perfect "mid-to-back" border plant. Its golden-yellow petals create a stunning color contrast when paired with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Blue Grama Grass, or Hairy Beardtongue. Because it is a native wildflower, it is a key component for Restoration Ecology projects and Certified Wildlife Habitats. Garden Tip: In late autumn, don't cut the plants back! Leave the dried seed heads standing. They provide essential winter interest in the garden and a vital "natural bird feeder" for overwintering songbirds. 🐦🌻

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

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

Perennial Lupine loves sandy soils and soils that are well draining. Perennial Lupine is the only food plant for the Karner Blue Butterrfly. Once you establish a few plants they will continue to flourish for years to come  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 Lovely 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

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