Three Native Plants Lighting Up the Prairie This Summer

If you've walked through our native plant section lately, you've probably noticed one thing—yellow.

Some of Missouri's toughest and most beneficial native plants are putting on their summer display right now. From towering prairie giants to fragrant wildflowers and dependable pollinator favorites, these three species provide months of color while supporting butterflies, bees, and birds.

Let's meet three of our favorite yellow bloomers.

Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum

The tallest of today's trio, Compass Plant is impossible to miss.

Growing up to 10 feet tall, this prairie native develops enormous leaves that often orient themselves north to south—earning the plant its unique name. Its deep taproot helps it thrive during Missouri summers while improving soil health over time.

Why we love it

• Bright yellow blooms through summer

• Incredible drought tolerance

• Excellent pollinator plant

• Makes a dramatic focal point

Growing Conditions

• Full sun

• Zones 3–9

• Dry to medium, well-drained soils

• 6–10' tall × 2–3' wide

Sweet Coneflower

Rudbeckia subtomentosa

Sweet Coneflower looks similar to a Black-eyed Susan—but it has its own personality.

Its cheerful yellow flowers bloom from July through September, and the foliage and flowers give off a subtle sweet, licorice-like fragrance that inspired its common name.

This species is incredibly adaptable, handling Missouri heat, drought, and a wide variety of soil types with ease.

Why we love it

• Sweet fragrance

• Long bloom season

• Heat and drought tolerant

• Loved by pollinators

Growing Conditions

• Full sun to part shade (4+ hours)

• Zones 3–9

• Moist, well-drained soil

• 4–6' tall × 1–3' wide

Brown-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba

Brown-eyed Susan is one of the easiest native flowers to grow.

Unlike many perennials, it blooms continuously from midsummer until the first hard frost, producing dozens of cheerful yellow flowers that butterflies and native bees can't resist.

It also readily self-seeds, making it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes and prairie-style gardens.

Why we love it

• Blooms for months

• Excellent pollinator plant

• Great for mass plantings

• Low-maintenance

Growing Conditions

• Full sun to part shade

• Zones 3–9

• Moist to dry, well-drained soil

• 2–5' tall × 1–2' wide

Why Native Plants Matter

Native plants do more than look beautiful.

Their blooms provide nectar for pollinators, their seeds feed birds, and their deep root systems help improve soil while reducing the need for watering and maintenance.

Adding even a few natives to your landscape helps support Missouri wildlife while creating a garden that's both beautiful and resilient.

Stop By and See What's Blooming

Summer is one of the best times to experience native plants in full color.

Visit Carson's Nurseries and explore our native plant selection—we'd be happy to help you choose the right plants for your landscape.