Flowers Native to New York

Eastern Columbine

• If the drainage is sufficient, eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) will grow in many kinds of soil, notes the Missouri Botanical Garden. Native to New York and much of the East, eastern columbine grows to 3 feet. Hummingbirds will quickly find its red and yellow flowers, as the 2 inch long blooms with a bell shape are full of nectar. Columbine grows in light to moderately shady spots, allowing its use in settings such as cottage gardens, woodland gardens and in your naturalized spots. Columbine blooms early in the spring, from April into May.

Wild Blue Phlox

• Rock gardens, woodland gardens and native plant gardens are the appropriate setting for wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata). This perennial grows to 12 inches, making it suitable as a ground cover as well. Wild blue phlox blooms in April and May, with the flowers having five petals surrounding a tubular center, which has nectar that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Wild blue phlox is also appealing to rabbits; they will eat the foliage and the flowers when the opportunity presents. Wild blue phlox is common along New York's streams and in fields and fertile forests. The species has no problem growing in the shade.

Tall Bellflower

• Tall bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum) typically will lose its lower foliage when a drought occurs. Tall bellflower grows as high as 6 feet as an annual or a biennial. Native to New York but not New England, the tall bellflower blooms during June, July and August, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The plant's name is somewhat misleading, since the flowers lack a bell shape and are usually flat, looking like spreading blue stars. The flowers occur at the top of the stem, opening in succession from the lower part of the flower spike to the top. The flowers do not last long, but new ones quickly open to replace the fading blooms. Able to grow in light shade or sun, the tall bellflower is suitable for wildflower gardens, cottage gardens and woodland gardens.