Southside Native Seed Project

White colic-root is commonly found in open, sandy grasslands throughout the eastern United States. The petals and sepals of its flowers are notably rough to the touch, which is why the species is named farinosa—meaning “mealy” in Latin. This attractive wildflower has been widely used by Native Americans to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders and lung disease.  

Mistflower is a striking native wildflower that thrives in fertile, humus-rich soils with consistent moisture. Its bluish-purple flowers closely resemble those of the common garden plant Ageratum. Mistflower is an important food source for pollinators and also serves as a host plant for three species of moths native to Virginia.

Price/lb estimate: $480 – $800

This showy perennial provides a beautiful burst of color starting in late summer and lasting well into fall. It thrives in well-draining sandy soils, but can tolerate a range of soil moisture conditions. It is very drought-tolerant once established, and is resistant to browsing by animals. It is an important late-season nectar source for a number of native bees and butterflies.

Trailing bush clover is one of our lovely native Lespedezas. It features both a woody taproot and a spreading lateral root system, allowing it to thrive in dry, rocky soils, open woodlands, and areas with partial shade. It will spread slowly in a garden setting, but will not take over like some of the other Lespedezas. It is an important source of food for wildlife.

Slender bushclover is another of our native Lespedeza. It’s known for its showy blooms and adaptability to both mesic and dry soils. It is highly drought tolerant once established and it attracts a wide variety of pollinators. In the fall, its seeds provide an important food source for wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, and wild turkeys. It is a wonderful food alternative to non-native bushclover species.

Scaly blazing star is one of our showiest grassland species. It prefers nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and once established, it is remarkably drought tolerant. The beautiful flowers attract butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.  This beautiful and conservative grassland species should not be confused with the invasive knapweed species (Centaurea spp.).

Price/lb estimate: $145 – $625 

Sundrops is an attractive member of the primrose family. This upright biennial thrives in dry, open soils and is found throughout much of the eastern United States. The common name “Sundrops” refers to the plant’s habit of opening its bright yellow blooms during hot, sunny days, while the flowers close at night or on overcast days. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this species also produces distinctive seed pods that add visual interest later in the season.

Wild quinine is another pollinator favorite. It typically blooms from May to September and produces many white flowers that attract a variety of native insects. This drought-tolerant species does best in well-draining loams, but is also adapted to sandy, rocky, and clayey soils. The rough texture of the leaves deters herbivores.

Price/lb estimate: $192 – $375

Glade wild quinine looks almost identical to its congener, wild quinine, but prefers shallower, rockier calcareous soils (i.e. glades). It can be distinguished from wild quinine by the dense, coarse stem hairs, the toothing on the leaf margins, its slightly shorter stature, and its slightly larger fruits that mature later.

Eastern Smooth Beardtongue, is an herbaceous perennial native to the Piedmont region, where it grows in a variety of soil conditions. This upright plant features oppositely arranged leaves and striking purple flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Slender mountain mint is slightly less aromatic than its cousin, Virginia mountain mint, but is equally loved by pollinators. Its tiny white blooms are highly attractive to insects from July through September. This durable species tolerates a range of site conditions. In fertile, evenly moist soils, it can become quite prolific, forming extensive colonies—yet it remains easy to manage and control if needed.

This fragrant mint is an adaptable species that can successfully establish in many different soils. It prefers moist loams, and can be very prolific in these conditions. However, it can also be quite drought-tolerant once established. The strong aroma of the leaves deters herbivory from mammals, while the showy white flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators

Price/lb estimate: $300 – $625

This member of the sunflower family is found in dry woodlands and grasslands in Virginia. It prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun. It thrives in well-drained soils and is very drought tolerant. The white, daisy-like flowers typically bloom from May to July and attract a variety of pollinators and other insects. 

Gray goldenrod is remarkably tolerant of harsh soil conditions. It thrives in full sun and can grow in dry, rocky soils with minimal organic matter. One of the shortest species in the goldenrod genus, it typically blooms later than most other goldenrods, providing valuable nectar and pollen for insects when few other resources are available.

Price/lb estimate: $225 – $480

Appalachian ironweed is an attractive, upright perennial known for its striking purple blooms in autumn. Its nectar is highly nutritious, making it a favorite among butterflies. Unlike many other Vernonia species, Appalachian ironweed prefers upland environments and thrives in dry grasslands and open woodlands. The species name glauca comes from the glaucous coat found on the underside of the leaves.

Elliott’s bluestem is an attractive warm-season grass found in unplowed sandy soils in the Piedmont. It should not be confused with broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), the weedy fallow field species. Elliott’s bluestem flowers in late summer and keeps its flowering stalks through winter. It provides habitat for quail and other grassland birds, mammals, and insects. It is also palatable to cattle. 

Price/lb estimate: $18 – $150

Bent panicgrass is a common, widely-ranging warm-season perennial grass. It grows well in sandy or loamy soils, and can tolerate a range of moisture and light conditions. This hardy and adaptable grass is used for a range of restoration projects. The seeds of bent panicgrass are a food source for a number of bird species, and the leaves are palatable to cattle.

Purple lovegrass is a warm-season grass native to sandy soils across the eastern and central United States. This species can show up in old fields and pastures, but it is non-aggressive and its beautiful purple blooms give it both ornamental and restoration value. It thrives in well-drained upland soils and its provides habitat and food for a variety of insects.

Price/lb estimate: $192 – $450