Audubon® Yellow Wingstem

This waterwise wildflower requires little care and benefits wildlife. Yellow Wingstem is an easygoing native that features yellow daisy flowers in early summer on strong, tall stems. The blooms have a tousled look; some petals are often twisted or missing. The flowers look a bit like the science fair project of a kid who waits until the last minute to throw it together, but the pollinators don’t mind at all, and many species of native bees visit them. Finches and sparrows may dine on Yellow Wingstem’s late-summer seeds as well. A worthy addition to informal borders and meadows.

Yellow Wingstem gets its name from the five thin “wings” running down its stems. This plant is also called Gravelweed, for its tolerance of rocky sites. Native from Kansas to Ohio in the North and from Texas to Alabama in the South, it pops up in open woodlands, thickets, and roadside cuts, where birds spread the seeds. Native bees that gratefully gather the pollen and nectar are many, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, dagger bees, sweat bees, cuckoo bees, and carpenter bees. Small butterflies and skippers may sip from the flowers, too.

Yellow Wingstem also nourishes insects with its foliage. One special one is the silvery checkerspot butterfly, a pretty little creature with intricately patterned orange and black wings. Its caterpillars feed in groups, but don’t worry about them destroying your plants, because birds and other predators generally keep populations in check.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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