Blooming Natives

The Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is in bloom.  It puts out a lot of new growth in the spring.  This year, there are quite a few bloom clusters that should put on an extended showy display.  The hummingbirds certainly love this native plant, and I have my feeder hanging nearby to supplement.

The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is preparing at least 3 blooms.  I added it to the yard last year, so this is its first year blooming.  I'm hoping to be able to divide the plant as it gets older, but that will be at least a couple of years.

And finally, the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has 3+ bloom spikes this year.  They are just starting to bloom and last quite a long time.  It seems like a slow plant... slow to lose its leaves in winter, slow for the blooms to develop and fade, etc.  It certainly explodes with bright, soft new leaves in early spring though!