Porterbrook Native Plants

Favorite Natives for the Garden

Liatris scariosa nieuwlandii

(Savanna Blazing Star).

This is an exceptional Liatris species. In early Spring, two-inch wide basal leaves appear. The stem can reach between 3' to 5'. The blooms do not appear until early Fall, long after the other species are finished flowering. The flower bud initially appears reddish-pink, but then opens into a large purple flower.

Liatris microcephala

(Dwarf Blazing Star)

 An exceptional plant from the Southern Appalachians. Fine, shiny, deep green, grassy leaves send up numerous spikes with rosy purple flowers. It is tolerant of clay and drought and looks great as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Manfreda virginica

(False Aloe).

A relative of the Century Plant, it has thick, succulent, sharp-pointed leaves in a basal rosette. In early summer, there is a loosely flowered spike up to six feet tall. The flowers are greenish yellow, tubular at the base, toothed at the apex, and about one inch long. It is found on prairie glades in southwestern Ohio. 

Scutellaria ovata

(Shale Barren Skullcap).

This particular plant is a shale barren endemic and was found growing in Virginia. The leaves appear purplish/silver, and the flowers are bright blue with a white lip. This is one of the more strikingly beautiful plants for a dry and sunny spot.

Liatris Scariosa Nieuwlandii

(Savanna Blazing Star) 

Liatris Microcephala

(Dwarf Blazing Star)

Manfreda virginica

(False Aloe).

Scutellaria ovata

(Shale Barren Skullcap).