Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District
Our mission is to assist land users and other agencies in the wise use of natural resources in Elkhart County.
Update your email address book, the SWCD staff has new email addresses.
Jim Hess: jhess@elkhartcounty.com
Lora Atkins: latkins@elkhartcounty.com
Deb Jimison: djimison@elkhartcounty.com
Jordan Beehler: jbeehler@elkhartcounty.com
The name may be familiar to some, Black Eyed Susan, as one that is grown in flower gardens and landscaping, but it is a common native plant in Indiana. The prolonged bloom time attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This drought tolerant species can handle a wide range of soils. Growing 1-3ft tall with yellow blooms during the summer season, this easy to grow plant adds quite the showpiece to a landscape.
Looking like a spot of sunlight in a prairie, the Lanceleaf Coreopsis shines bright with its yellow petals and fuzzy center. Blooming for many weeks in early summer, it creates a brilliant display. The flower attracts butterflies and other pollinators while the seeds attract backyard birds. This plant will happily grow in dry soils. Up to 22 native bee species rely on the genus Coreopsis. Its fibrous root system helps infiltrate water into the soil.
The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an iconic native plant for northern Indiana, growing 3-5ft tall with its rich purple flowers blooming throughout the summer. It can handle many soil types with moist to dry drainage. This native works well for rain gardens and pollinator plots.