Salvia lyrata

Habitat: Lawns, fields, roadsides, clearings, mesic to dry forests and woodlands, well-drained floodplain forests, limestone and dolostone barrens. Common throughout.

Wildlife Value: Flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. American goldfinches consume the seeds.

Notes: Propagate by collecting seeds before seed capsules fully dry out or by root division. It reseeds easily in loose, sandy soil. May be aggressive in a garden setting. Its dense form, short height, and tolerance for mowing make it an excellent lawn alternative.