Is This Plant Native or Not?
While there are nearly endless options for what we can grow in our Midwest gardens, sometimes going back to basics with native plants is the way to go. Native plants have adapted to local growing conditions, meaning they’re as tough as they are beautiful! Many pollinators have also evolved with them, meaning native plants are the best options to attract these vital garden helpers. So, how well do you know the local flora? Take this quiz to find out!
Is this plant native or not?
The rich yellow flowers of native Tickseed, or Coreopsis, bloom all summer and attract butterflies.
Native
Not
Is this plant native or not?
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a native flower with large seed heads and long petals, making beautiful additions to cutting gardens. Plus, butterflies love them!
Native
Not
Is this plant native or not?
While they’re not native to our region, the dense clusters of fuzzy, brilliant blue blooms make Flossflowers a standout in any garden. Use them in garden beds or pots to attract butterflies.
Native
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Is this plant native or not?
Helenium, sometimes called Sneezeweed, is a native plant with daisy-like flowers that add vibrant mid to late-season color.
Native
Not
Is this plant native or not?
Alyssum isn’t a native plant, but it makes a beautiful display cascading over walls or as small-scale ground cover. While butterflies are attracted to this plant, deer and rabbits stay away.
Native
Not
Is this plant native or not?
Not native, but a beautiful plant all the same! Available in white, yellow, and pink, Strawflower has large flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Try drying Strawflowers for everlasting bouquets!
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Is this plant native or not?
Milkweed is an important native plant with tiny, orange flower clusters. This popular host plant attracts many beneficial insects, including monarch butterflies, which rely on this plant to survive.
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Is this plant native or not?
Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, is a hybrid annual that comes in a range of colors, including beautiful bicolor options. The flowers bloom all summer and work great in hanging baskets and planters.
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Not
Is this plant native or not?
Lisianthus is a wonderfully versatile native plant! It blooms all summer long and is both heat- and drought-tolerant. The rose-like blooms look fantastic in cut bouquets.
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Is this plant native or not?
Mountain Bluet is an easy-to-grow (but not native) flower that makes an attractive addition to cutting gardens. The unusually-shaped blue flowers bloom from late spring to late summer.
Native
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Low Houseplant IQ
Telling native plants apart from non-native ones can be tricky, but we hope you can now identify a couple more than you could before! Help us spread the word about the world of native plants by sharing this quiz.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
You know quite a few native plants—well done! Now that you know even more, you can add them to your yard to attract more beautiful butterflies, buzzing bees, and other helpful pollinators. Share this quiz with your friends to see how you compare in your local flora knowledge!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Do you have a botany degree or something? Congratulations, your understanding of native plants is truly impressive! Make sure to share this quiz so others can become as knowledgeable as you are.