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Three Native Plants You Need to Know
My favorites, patio design progress, and stuff to do.
Ken Welch
July 03, 2025
Three Native Plants for Every Garden
If I could only have three native plants (Midwest, 5a) in my garden, I’d pick the following time and time again. A native plant is a relative word and refers to resilient plants that evolved in a certain region, meaning that they provide more food for local butterflies and birds. In this newsletter, I’m referring to plants from the Midwest, USA when I discuss native plants. Let me know what your favorite native plant is to grow by responding to this email! If you don’t have one, then pick one of the following plants!
1: Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
The beauty of this plant cannot be understated.
This pretty pink flower is a go to nectar source for many butterflies and bees. It is famously the host plant for Monarch butterflies, which use it to lay their eggs during their long migration. I think we can all agree that Monarch butterflies need and deserve any support we can give them.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Moist to average; tolerates occasional flooding
Moisture: Moist soils preferred, but drought-tolerant once established
Bonus: Lovely pink blooms from midsummer into fall
2: Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod at Owen Conservation Park in Madison, WI.
Goldenrod is a great late season food source for many pollinators and also helps on the Monarch migration. It supports dozens of pollinators and brings forth a prairie revival where it is planted.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average to dry; thrives in tough conditions
Moisture: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
Bonus: Unfairly blamed for allergies—ragweed is the real culprit!
3: Oak Trees (Quercus spp.)
I used to work for a lab that studied climate through tree cores, and I have a ton of photos of Oak trees as a result.
Oak trees are an ecological blessing to your space. They support over 500 species of caterpillars, which are vital food sources for birds rearing their young. In short, if you like butterflies and birds, you need to plant an Oak tree. This is probably the single most effective thing you can do you bring life to your corner of the world.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained but tolerates clay
Moisture: Moderate; young trees may need watering
Bonus: Acorns feed jays, turkeys, squirrels; canopy provides shelter
This Weekend in the Midwest Garden
Deadhead Spent Blooms
Encourage longer bloom times on coneflowers, bee balm, and black-eyed Susans.Watch for Monarchs
Mid-summer is prime time—check your milkweed for eggs and caterpillars!Mulch Smartly
Top off mulch around native perennials to retain moisture and suppress late-season weeds.
The Plot Thickens
It’s been hot and muggy in Madison lately, so I have not been starting many new projects. I’ve been taking down some invasive plants along my fence line, laying out a patio design, and facing an influx of earwigs into my house (gross). I’ll likely have to remove the leaf mulch I have around my house, because I think it is attracting them towards the house.
Chalk spray paint is a great way to try out ideas, and let the bad ideas wash away!
What I Loved This Week
Watch: He Painted Bugs Like Jewels — And Changed Science Forever
Listen: The Moth: Human + Nature
Connect: Jessica Burda Leslie (Madison Garden Coach)
Reader Feature:
Submit a brag photo or gardening question for a feature in this section. 🌱
Written for 27 beautiful readers. 💌
Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch
Ken Welch is a horticulturist and research professional at UW–Madison. He’s drawn to native ecosystems, community gardens, and helping others grow confidence in their craft.
There was a short time when my native plants were Californian, but don’t worry, your author is Midwest born and raised.
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