Sagebrushes are iconic plants in dry western landscapes. While the large woody species are the best known, many, like the prairie sage, are herbaceous and die back in the fall. They are called sages because of the strong scent in their leaves (like true sages, which are in the mint family). It flowers from mid-summer to early fall and provides interest year-round with its fuzzy white leaves.

Smooth aster is one of the most common asters in our area. It typically grows from shady forests and streamsides over a range of elevations to open areas at higher elevations. It typically flowers late in the summer into the fall season, so it is important for late-season pollinators. It is a host for the pearl crescent butterfly.

Lewis flax often grows in dry grassy areas at lower elevations. It is generally easy to establish and can spread by seeds. Flax was historically used for fiber for clothing, ropes, and other uses. They flower in mid-spring and will flower again if you deadhead them.

Evening primroses are important for attracting insects at night, such as moths. They become fragrant in the evening or night to attract these pollinators, which is why they are called evening primroses. They are well adapted to dry habitats in local grasslands and rocky sites. The large, showy flowers add a lot of color in the springtime. This species is native to the Great Plains, just east of Colorado, in dry rocky limestone habitats.

Penstemons are important wildflowers for pollinators in Colorado. Most of the species of penstemons in the world are native to the Rocky Mountain region. Beard-lip penstemon is well-adapted to dry open sites, so it is perfectly adapted to waterwise gardens. Flowers are usually blue to purple and attract many species of native bees.

This sunflower relative is a popular flower in all gardens. The large yellow flowers with black centers can grow from mid-summer to fall, so they can provide a lot of color for your garden. It is common along streams and mid to higher elevation grassy open areas. They attract many species of bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators.

Goldenrods are considered one of the most important groups of wildflowers for attracting insect pollinators. They typically flower from mid to late summer, produce a prodigious amount of pollen, and can continue to flower late into the fall. They are a perfect complement to asters and often grow together in natural areas. They attract a wide range of pollinators from small beetles and flies to butterflies, bees, and wasps. This species is adapted to open, drier sites and can be seen in local grasslands or roadsides. In natural areas, it can be small and patchy, but it can become quite tall and robust in moist areas or with extra watering.

Grasses are an important and often overlooked group of species for native plant gardens. Giant sacaton is common over a range of habitats in the southwestern US, including deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and river floodplains. They form a compact mound and provide fall and winter color and interest. In moist sites or with supplemental watering, it can reach over 6’ tall! It is a common ornamental and is often recommended instead of high-water-using ornamental grasses.