‘Jazz’ Little Bluestem Grass is a striking prairie native cultivar selected for its smaller stature. With a sturdy upright habit, the silvery-blue foliage shifts to coppery-rust in autumn. Purple-bronze flowers appear in late summer, followed by silvery seed heads. Leave the grass sanding over winter to enjoy its motion and texture in wind and snow, and to provide nutritious seeds for songbirds. It is a host plant for many butterflies, so be sure to include some in your pollinator garden. (Schizachyrium scoparium)

The gorgeous blooms of Blue Flag Iris are a delight in the spring garden. This robust native perennial’s brilliant blue-violet flowers open early to mid-spring atop sturdy stems, while the arching blue-green foliage adds texture. Watch for bumblebees and long-horned bees on the blooms, as well as the occasional butterfly or hummingbird. Plants can grow in standing water, and perform well in average to wet garden soil. (Iris versicolor)