10 Native Plants to Incorporate in Your Colorado Springs Landscape

When it comes to landscaping in Colorado Springs, choosing native plants is a smart choice. Native plants are adapted to the region’s climate and soil, making them more resilient and better able to survive in the local environment. They also support the local ecosystem by providing habitat and food for native wildlife. Here are ten Colorado native plants that you can incorporate into your Colorado Springs landscape.

1. Rocky Mountain Columbine

The Rocky Mountain Columbine is the state flower of Colorado and a favorite among gardeners. Its striking blue and white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees. This plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

2. Blue Grama Grass

Blue Grama Grass is a low-maintenance grass that is native to Colorado. It can tolerate drought and poor soil and requires minimal watering once established. This grass grows in clumps and produces seed heads that turn a golden color in the fall.

3. Western Coneflower

The Western Coneflower is a tall, drought-tolerant plant that produces vibrant yellow flowers with dark centers. It blooms in late summer and attracts butterflies and bees. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

4. Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed is a colorful and drought-tolerant plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It produces bright orange flowers in mid-summer and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Gambel Oak

Gambel Oak is a deciduous tree that is common in Colorado. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate drought and cold temperatures. It produces acorns that are an important food source for many species of wildlife.

6. Purple Coneflower

The Purple Coneflower is a hardy and drought-tolerant perennial that produces beautiful purple flowers with a distinctive cone-shaped center. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and attracts bees and butterflies. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Narrowleaf Penstemon

Narrowleaf Penstemon is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces beautiful blue-purple flowers in late spring and early summer. It attracts hummingbirds and bees and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Gambel’s Sage

Gambel’s Sage is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that produces fragrant gray-green foliage and spikes of blue-purple flowers in mid-summer. It attracts bees and butterflies and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

9. Silver Buffalo Berry

The Silver Buffalo Berry is a hardy and drought-tolerant shrub that produces silvery-blue berries in the fall. It provides important food and habitat for many species of wildlife and can be used as a windbreak or hedge. This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Big Bluestem Grass

Big Bluestem Grass is a tall and hardy grass that is native to Colorado. It can tolerate drought and poor soil and provides important habitat for many species of wildlife. This grass produces seed heads that turn a reddish-brown color in the fall.

Incorporating native plants into your Colorado Springs landscape not only enhances the beauty of your yard but also supports the local ecosystem. These ten plants are just a few examples of the many native plants that you can choose from. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you incorporate native plants into your Colorado Springs landscape.