Joe-Pye weed is a prevalent meadow plant, one that is commonly visited by a variety of bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. It grows in damp and sunny areas, making it a common feature near roadsides and bodies of water. Joe-Pye weed can grow between 4-7 feet tall and can spread to be around 2-4 feet wide. They typically bloom in mid-summer to early fall with pleasant-smelling pink or purple-colored clustered flowers.

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More information about Joe-Pye weed can be found in the Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluations Notes on Joe-Pye Weed at https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no37_joepyeweed.pdf.

A member of the mint family, wild bergamot, also known as beebalm, is a surefire way to attract a variety of pollinators to your garden. This plant is native throughout the United States and comes in a variety of species and subspecies to choose from.

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More information on wild bergamot can be found in The Herb Society of America's guide found at https://www.ncherbsociety.org/uploads/8/4/4/3/84437124/monarda_fistulosa_fact_sheet.pdf.

Milkweed is the sole host plant for the endangered monarch butterfly. There are a variety of different species, the most common being swamp milkweed and common milkweed in Ohio. This plant grows in many different environments, from roadsides and railways to pastures and meadows. Milkweed is commonly affected by commercial herbicides and constant moving, which has played a significant part in the decreasing monarch population over the years.

Information on milkweed can be found at https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Milkweeds%20and%20Monarchs.pdf.