Perennials of the Midwest

Perennial Herbs of the Midwest

• Herbs grow well throughout the Midwest. Many herbs are native to the region, but herbs of other origins have become intrinsically connected to the Midwest. Rosemary, chives and oregano, all poplar as flavorings in European dishes, are common perennials in Midwestern herb gardens -- though rosemary only with winter protection. Mint and lavender grow abundantly. Native wild herbs are popular with enthusiasts of the culinary arts. Most adapt easily to the home garden. Wild onions, garlic and leeks are found in most open areas. Wild winter cress is popular in salads. Lamb's quarter is a satisfactory substitute for spinach. Even the humble dandelion, considered a noxious weed by some, can be served as greens at the dinner table -- best harvested before blooming to avoid bitterness. The University of Maryland Medical Center claims dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Midwest Perennial Flowers

• While not native to the Midwest, bearded iris, daylily and peony are old-fashioned perennials that thrive in the region. The coneflower is native to the Midwest. The plant grows from about knee height to 4 feet, with daisy-like, backward-curving ray flowers. The traditional color is pinkish-purple or white, but some new varieties produce red or yellow flowers. Although technically a wild flower, this long-lived perennial is found in home gardens, and is used in many public landscaped areas. According to Iowa State University, wildflowers of the Midwest have evolved to survive conditions ranging from hot and dry, to moist or boggy. Other wildflowers of the plains include cardinal flower, butterfly milkweed and wild bergamot.

Perennial Midwestern Shrubs

• Forsythia is a distinctive perennial shrub native to the Midwest. It blooms profusely on bare branches from February to April. Its masses of yellow flowers precede long, tapering green leaves that turn to bright yellow with hints of red and orange in the autumn. According to William A. Hoch, horticulture specialist at the University of Wisconsin, this fast-growing shrub is happy in most kinds of soil. It grows to about 10 feet in height, and will be wide and unruly if not trimmed. The forsythia makes a good hedge plant, and can be trained as a small tree. Viburnum is another popular shrub native to the Midwest. A member of the honeysuckle family, the viburnum has clusters of small, white flowers followed by berry-like fruit that is tempting to birds. The shrubs make a colorful display in the fall.

Perennial Food Plants of the Midwest

• Many perennial food plants grow in Midwest gardens. Some are native to the region. Others, although they have their roots in far away places, have adapted well to climatic and soil conditions of the Midwest. Asparagus, native to the Mediterranean, grows exceptionally well. According to the Southern Illinois University College of Agricultural Science, the globe artichoke's probable origin is Sicily, but this large, thistle-like plant has adapted well to the lower Midwest. The Emerald and the Northern Star are suitable cultivars that grow as perennials. Other varieties grow as annuals. Native Americans used many wild native plants in their diet. Root plants such as wild turnip, nuts and fruit were available to them, including black walnuts, persimmons, wild blackberries and strawberries. Pecans are native to North America and grow wild in the lower Midwest.