The Ark Native Plants

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflowers)

Cardinal flower, with its upright tubes of nectar, is a favourite of hummingbirds. The source of its name is obvious; the flowers of deep red, the same colour as the robes worn by the Cardinals of the Catholic church, stand out from the crowd in late summer. These flowers like to keep their roots moist, and can grow in full sun but prefer dappled sun and shade.

Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ECPU

Family: Compositae (Asters & Composites)

While not a plant for wetlands (it will not tolerate water logging), purple coneflower also has a low tolerance for drought. Its large purple flowers attract butterflies while in bloom, and are a favourite seed of goldfinches in the late fall. It flourishes in sunny, upland sites, but where there is still access to sufficient moisture.

Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor

Family: Iridaceae (Irises, Crocuses, etc.)

In sunny swamps or wet meadows, Blue Flag Iris is a wonderful addition not only for its blue flower in late spring but also for the distinctive year-round foliage. Another great attraction for the pondside.

Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica

Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflowers)

Thriving in sun or part sun, Great Blue Lobelia is an attractive late summer flower of wet meadows. Like the Cardinal Flower, it is also a good source of nectar for hummingbirds.

Swamp Rose Mallow Hibiscus mocheutus var. palustris

Family: Malvaceae (Mallows)

Another late summer bloom, the large pink Swamp Rose Mallow does well in moist to wet soils in full sun. It is an ideal showpiece beside a pond.

Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata

http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=86

Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbanes)

Growing commonly around swamps, marshes, and other wet areas, swamp milkweed is a lovely plant with pink to purplish flowers. Growing two to four feet high, it is another wonderful accent that is pollinated by butterflies.

White Turtlehead Chelone glabra

Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts)

So named for the upper lip of the flower protruding over the lower lip, appearing like a turtle's head, this unique white flower can grow one to three feet high. It grows well in swamps and along stream banks, and blooms in late summer/fall.

Blue Vervain Verbena hastata

Family: Verbenaceae (Vervains)

This tall plant of moist thickets, shores, and wet meadows has beautiful violet-blue flowers that bloom for most of the season (June to October). Its bell-shaped flowers on racemes attract butterflies.