With intensely blue, starry flowers in dense spikes in a carefree package the camas is a useful addition to gardens. It will gently reseed itself given light shade to full sun and some spring moisture. Dormancy starts in June so it is a great candidate for mixing with other perennials. 18 in. tall. Occasional nectar species for Fenders Blue Butterfly.

A Heronswood Nursery selection with bamboo-like stems that emerge dark purple rather than green, sheathed at each node with golden-tan papery bracts. Makes a 4-5 ft. tall evergreen clump (hardy in Zone 6, but deciduous) with small white flowers followed by many shiny black berries. Enjoys rich, moist soil. Easy.

The leaves are tough, dark, grass-like, and nearly evergreen on this showy iris. It blooms in a spectacular color range from almost white to purple and all hues of blue in between. It is clump forming, blooming April-May, it is only 14 in. tall. This is an excellent, easy, very drought tolerant garden plant that is used far too infrequently. Nectar species for Dusky Wing and, occasionally, Fenders Blue Butterfly.