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Shop native plant sales for high-quality, regionally adapted plants from local vendors. Perfect for starting a garden or adding native species to your yard. Vouchers from native plant trainings can be redeemed at the sale!
Why Native Plant Gardens?
A native plant is a species that has evolved naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat over hundreds or thousands of years. These plants are essential to pollinators, butterflies, and birds; without them, wildlife would struggle to survive. But their value extends well beyond wildlife support.
With more than 80% of the US population living in urban areas, it’s increasingly important for cities to incorporate long-term sustainability solutions into development plans to mitigate the impact of climate change on infrastructure and public health. Native plant gardens and trees are a practical way to do that.
Because they are uniquely adapted to their region, they can better withstand heat, drought, and heavy rainfall. They also:
- Clean pollution from the air, soil, and water around us
- Slow excess stormwater runoff, which prevents flooding
- Cool our homes during summer and support life year-round
In Kansas City, we understand that planting native gardens is an immediate action we can all take to heal our changing planet. Join us in building a healthier, greener, and more resilient city.
Top 10 Kansas City Native Plants
The below native plants:
- Are generally easy to find at local native plant nurseries
- Tolerate a wider range of soil types, sun, and moisture
- Are suitable for habitat gardening on small or large scales in Kansas City
- Have broad wildlife and pollinator appeal
- Feature lengthy bloom times and seasonal interest
Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana)
A tidy, clump-forming plant with light pink blooms in spring. Always popular with pollinators and people. Great for formal native gardens.
Dittany (Cunila origanoides)
Also known as "wild oregano." Dainty purple blooms appear in fall. The blooms, foliage, and seed heads make this plant attractive to people and wildlife.
Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
A multi-stemmed shrub with sculptural catkins in spring, followed by brilliant fall foliage. This shrub supports hundreds of caterpillar species, which in turn feed our native birds.
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
A short and cheery yellow bloom appearing in early summer. This plant packs a punch as a keystone species, meaning many other plants and animals depend on it for survival.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
A "perennial" favorite among gardeners. Light pink blooms appear in early summer. Keep vegetation standing in winter to see birds feasting on the seed heads.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
Stunning white flowers in spring, followed by edible berries and brilliant fall foliage. This tree will bring all the birds and butterflies to your yard!
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
Light purple blooms with yellow centers appear in fall. This plant is a keystone species, offering the most bang for your buck toward wildlife support.
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Shorter than other milkweed species. This underappreciated plant features cream blooms and slender foliage. Watch for Monarch caterpillars that feed on this plant.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Feathery foliage and clusters of cream blooms are attractive to spring pollinators. This resilient plant is great for a cottage-style flower garden.
Zig-Zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
A sunny fall bloomer that is clay and deer tolerant. Bright yellow blooms support numerous pollinators with rich nectar and pollen.
Top 5 Invasive Species to Watch for
An invasive species is a non-native species that, once introduced to a new ecosystem, spreads aggressively and causes, or is likely to cause, environmental or economic harm.
A large shrub with leaves emerging in early spring. White fragrant flowers appear in early summer, followed by bright red fruit — neither of which are nutritious for our wildlife. This plant outcompetes our native plants by shading them out and releasing a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plants.
Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
A vining plant that envelopes large areas, including fence lines, trees, and shrubs. Flowers bloom in late summer, followed by prolific seeds that spread easily in the wind.
A tree growing up to 30'–50' tall with white blooms. These trees emit a sickening aroma and are structurally insecure, often breaking in storm events. Sprouts have large, painful thorns.
A non-native, invasive grass with a feathery seed head. It spreads aggressively throughout landscapes via prolific seed spread and underground rhizomes.
A semi-evergreen vine that will take over large areas, including fence lines, trees, and shrubs. Once this plant grows vertical, it produces seed that is spread by wildlife. The woody vine of this plant can be difficult to remove once established.