A rich variety of plants grows in Cincinnati.
Located in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 6, Cincinnati, Ohio is home to several varieties of native plants -- those indigenous to the area and acclimated to growing conditions found in the state. The Cincinnati Zoo runs a native plant program educating residents on the importance of native plants in the hope of protecting native plants and inhibiting the transport and planting of varieties that could become invasive to the area. Does this Spark an idea?
Wild Blue Indigo
Wild blue indigo flowers turn black when cut from the stem.
An Ohio native, wild blue indigo (Baptisia australis) is a wild flower with stalks of deep blue, almost purple flowers. The flowers bloom in early summer and mature into black seed pods in the fall. Wild blue indigo grows to 48 inches tall. This perennial prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. This native wildflower is endangered in Ohio, according the United States Department of Agriculture. Do not pick or remove this flower from the wild. Wild blue indigo is a member of the legume family and adds nitrogen to the soil. Local Native Americans uses this plant for medicinal purposes and to make a blue dye.
Moonbeam Coreopsis
Moonbeam coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is an herbaceous perennial that grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Yellow or yellow-orange flowers bloom on slender stems from early to late summer. Cut off the spent flowers to encourage the plants to rebloom, according to Ohio State University. Moonbeam coreopsis, also known as Threadleaf coreopsis or whorled tickseed, spreads by thick roots called rhizomes. It also self-seeds and can quickly spread unless spent flowers are removed before seeds develop. This Ohio native grows to 2 feet tall and wide in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
Wild Ginger
The heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger (Asarum candense) form a dense carpet in partial to full shade. The leaves grow to 6 inches tall and are herbaceous. Bell-shaped red flowers bloom under the leaves in the early spring according to the University of Illinois. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
American Holly
Birds feast on Holly's red berries.
The bright green leaves and red berries of the American Holly (Ilex opaca) have become a familiar Christmas decoration. A Cincinnati native, birds and mammals feed on the berries in the fall and winter and the evergreen foliage of the American Holly provides shelter for wildlife. A large shrub or small tree, the American holly reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The American holly prefers partial shade but benefits from periods of full sun.
Tags: blue indigo, Department Agriculture, flowers bloom, moist well-drained, native plants, States Department, States Department Agriculture
