20 Plants That Are Perfect Picks for Fall Sowing
As summer loses its steam, many native plants start dropping and releasing seeds, repeating a natural process of guarding and passing on genetic blueprints to the next generation. Likewise, for any gardener who wants to work with nature’s cycles, sowing seeds directly into the ground for spring emergence becomes top of mind once cool mornings become the norm.
By planting native seeds, you’ll give these plants a head start, allowing them to emerge vibrant and resilient in the spring. Collecting or ordering seeds now is a great first step to preparing for fall sowing, and for planning a garden that bursts into life as soon as spring arrives. And seed sellers are just about at peak inventory, so ordering seeds within the next few weeks makes good sense.
For those passionate about native plants and eco-friendly gardening and also interested in sowing their own seeds, understanding seed stratification and its role in helping seeds germinate is key.
The Advantages of Winter Stratification
Winter stratification is not just a requirement for certain seeds; it is an opportunity to align your gardening practices with nature’s rhythms. Many native plants require a period of cold to break dormancy and germinate at the optimal time. In nature, seeds often fall to the ground in the autumn and undergo a period of cold weather, which helps to soften their hard seed coats and trigger internal chemical changes necessary for germination. This natural cold stratification ensures that seeds only germinate when conditions are favorable for growth, typically in the spring. This method is particularly beneficial for native plants, which are adapted to local climates and ecosystems.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of Native Plants
The seeds of many important native plant species like Napaea dioica (Glade Mallow) [60 days] and Baptisia tinctoria (Small Yellow Wild Indigo) [10 days] require from 10 to 120 days of cold stratification provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Glade Mallow is a towering perennial that is perfect for rain gardens and wetland restoration projects. It not only stabilizes soil but also supports a diverse array of insects, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. Small Yellow Wild Indigo is a beautiful flowering plant whose nitrogen-fixing enriches the soil, supporting other plants and creating a thriving garden ecosystem even in poor soil conditions.
Below we’ve gathered suggestions for 20 native plants whose seeds require stratification and that have wide native distribution in the U.S. Their seeds are also readily available from sources like Prairie Moon Nursery. Their adult plants are well-suited to their native ecoregions, requiring less water and maintenance compared to non-native species, thereby conserving valuable resources and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
20 Wildlife-Friendly Plants Requiring Stratification That Are Great Choices for Fall Sowing
Napaea dioica (Glade Mallow)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: This tall, perennial plant is perfect for rain gardens and wetland restoration. It provides shelter and food for insects, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
- Native Ecoregions: Central Tall Grasslands, Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Upper Midwest.
Baptisia tinctoria (Small Yellow Wild Indigo)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches soil and supports pollinators, thriving even in poor soils.
- Native Ecoregions: Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Southeastern Plains, Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Sicyos angulatus (Bur Cucumber)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A fast-growing vine that can cover fences or trellises, Bur Cucumber offers habitat and nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Native Ecoregions: Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Central Appalachian Forest, Southeastern Plains.
Carex lupulina (Common Hop Sedge)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: This sedge is excellent for stabilizing stream banks and wetlands, attracting wetland wildlife and contributing to soil health.
- Native Ecoregions: Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Northeastern Coastal Zone, Central Hardwood Forests.
Sium suave (Tall Water Parsnip)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A wetland species that adds vertical interest and attracts bees and butterflies, perfect for naturalizing wet areas.
- Native Ecoregions: Northern Plains, Midwest, Northeastern U.S.
Arnoglossum plantagineum (Prairie Indian Plantain)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Ideal for pollinator gardens, with large leaves providing habitat and flowers offering nectar for bees and butterflies.
- Native Ecoregions: Tallgrass Prairie, Eastern Broadleaf Forest.
Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Known for its unique, spiky appearance, this drought-tolerant plant is great for xeriscaping and attracting pollinators.
- Native Ecoregions: Tallgrass Prairie, Central Hardwood Forests, Eastern Broadleaf Forest.
Carex albursina (White Bear Sedge)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A shade-loving sedge perfect for woodland gardens, forming dense clumps that prevent erosion and provide habitat for small animals.
- Native Ecoregions: Central Hardwood Forests, Appalachian Mountains.
Prenanthes racemosa (Rattlesnake Root)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Attractive to pollinators and provides nectar late in the season when other sources are scarce, making it perfect for woodland gardens.
- Native Ecoregions: Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Northern Forests, Great Lakes region.
Celastrus scandens (Bittersweet)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A vigorous vine that provides food for birds and can be used for natural privacy screens. It’s important to use the native species to avoid invasive lookalikes.
- Native Ecoregions: Northeastern Coastal Zone, Central Hardwood Forests, Appalachian Mountains.
Scrophularia marilandica (Late Figwort)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: This plant is highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and wasps, with blooms that last into late summer.
- Native Ecoregions: Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Appalachian Mountains.
Solidago missouriensis (Missouri Goldenrod)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A cornerstone of native plant gardens, providing nectar and pollen for late-season pollinators, especially native bees.
- Native Ecoregions: Great Plains, Tallgrass Prairie, Northern Rockies.
Strophostyles leiosperma (Small Wild Bean)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A native vine that benefits the soil by fixing nitrogen, offering habitat and nectar for pollinators.
- Native Ecoregions: Tallgrass Prairie, Central Hardwood Forests, Southeastern Plains.
Camassia angusta (Prairie Camas)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Produces beautiful blue flowers in early spring, providing essential nectar for pollinators during a critical time of year.
- Native Ecoregions: Central and South Central US
Isopyrum biternatum (False Rue Anemone)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A delicate woodland flower that thrives in shady areas and provides early-season nectar for insects.
- Native Ecoregions: Central Hardwood Forests, Appalachian Mountains.
Scirpus pendulus (Rufous Bulrush)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Valuable for wetland restoration, helping prevent erosion and supporting aquatic ecosystems.
- Native Ecoregions: Midwest, Central Plains, Southeastern U.S.
Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A charming, drought-tolerant flower that attracts pollinators, suitable for rock gardens and well-drained soils.
- Native Ecoregions: Northern Rockies, Northern Forests, Great Lakes region.
Corydalis sempervirens (Pale Corydalis)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A biennial that offers unique pink and yellow flowers, providing early spring nectar and supporting pollinators.
- Native Ecoregions: Northeastern U.S., Northern Rockies, Appalachian Mountains.
Allium canadense (Wild Garlic)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: A versatile plant that is a great addition to both culinary and wildlife gardens, offering food for humans and pollinators alike.
- Native Ecoregions: Central Hardwood Forests, Southeastern Plains, Tallgrass Prairie.
Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)
- Value to Eco-Friendly Gardens: Known for its drought tolerance and bright, showy flowers, Poppy Mallow is a great choice for attracting pollinators to dry, well-drained soils.
- Native Ecoregions: Tallgrass Prairie, Central Hardwood Forests.
By sowing seeds directly into the ground, you’re taking bit of a gamble, and depending on the species you may see low or high germination rates. It’s important to plan your purchases or collecting to take this into account. You’ll also want to learn about the different methods to ensure that birds and other animals don’t scavenge the seeds as soon as they are sown, such as waiting until just before a hard snow.
As you prepare for fall sowing, consider the specific needs of each species and the unique benefits they bring to your garden. Embracing the natural cycle of winter stratification allows you to cultivate a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable, providing a haven for wildlife and a source of joy for years to come.
Header Image: (c) Zihao Wang – some rights reserved (CC BY)
