It thrives in poor soil and provides food and shelter for wildlife. Plus, Schizachyrium scoparium is just a darn pretty native grass

These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are

This reliable, adaptable U.S. native provides spider-like foliage and clusters of blue to purple flowers in Eastern gardens each spring

Tough as nails, drought loving, a deep fall bloomer ... this aster is a champ in sunny gardens

Drought tolerant and a bumblebee magnet, spiky Baptisia australis may be the easiest plant you ever grow

Watch as towering stalks topped by yellow blossoms become a beacon for birds and insects in the midsummer garden

With its large size and copious golden flowers, this shrub can cover walls or screen unsightly views with ease

Highly attractive to native bees, butterflies and other pollinators, California brittlebush adds informal beauty to habitat gardens

Don't dismiss these common annuals, perennials and shrubs — there are reasons they've been popular for so long

For a more creative landscape design, take a different approach to planting