Colorado Weed Management Association
Colorado Big Country, RC&D, Inc.
A Guide to Non-Invasive Plants
for Your Garden
Garden
Smart
Colorado
COVER: Original line drawing of Penstemon and Golden banner by
Mary Ann Bonell
Summer 2007
Colorado Weed Management Association
6456 S. Niagara Ct., Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 303-779-7939
www.cwma.org
Colorado Big Country Resource, Conservation & Development, Inc.
Offi ce: 401 23rd Street, Suite 105, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
Mail: PO Box 2168, Glenwood Springs CO 81602.
Phone: 970-945-5494 Ext. 4
www.coloradobigcountry.org
Garden Smart Colorado
A Guide to Non-Invasive Plants
for Your Garden
Produced by:
Colorado Weed Management Association
and
Colorado Big Country
Resource, Conservation & Development, Inc.
Written and Edited by:
Irene Shonle, Project Leader
Steve Anthony
Tina Booton
Lisa DiNardo
Alicia Doran
Stephen Elzinga
Jennifer Mantle
Judy Noel
Paul Schreiner
Karen Scopel
Jude Sirota
Emily Spencer
Lisa Tasker
Kelly Uhing
Graphics by: Alicia Doran
Guide to Icons:
Invasive - Do Not Plant
Colorado Native
Full Sun Moderate Water Needs
Part Sun Low Water Needs
Full Shade Very Low Water Needs
About This Book
W
e have arranged this book into sections divided by invasive ornamentals
t
h
at are
l
iste
d
in Co
l
ora
d
o as noxious wee
d
s. Co
l
ora
d
o
'
s noxious wee
d
l
ist
is divided into A, B and C categories which re
q
uire s
p
ecifi c levels of man-
agement. These
p
lants are no longer allowed to be sold in our state and
sh
ou
ld
not
b
e p
l
ante
d
. Specifi c information is avai
l
a
bl
e from t
h
e Co
l
ora
d
o
State Noxious Weed Program or from your local county weed manager.
Inc
l
u
d
e
d
for eac
h
invasive are a
l
ternatives t
h
at may
b
e p
l
ante
d
instea
d
. We
have divided the choices by native and cultivated o
p
tions and regionally b
y
mountain and lo
w
er ele
v
ations.
Icons are used to identify both invasive and native
p
lants as well as
the sun ex
p
osure and water needs for each suggested alternative.
Please refer to the guide below for descri
p
tions of the icons.
We Wish to Thank ...
Irene Shonle, CSU Extension, for her project leadership
Robert Cox and Barbara Fahey, CSU Extension,
for reviewing the content of this publication
Mary Ann Bonnel for her artwork
and the
CWMA Invasive Ornamental Committee
for their commitment to noxious weed education.
An Introduction to Invasive Ornamental Weeds
I
nvasive ornamental weeds continue to overtake vast areas of
pristine land all across Colorado. While not all exotic plants are a
problem, some are. People seeking something different for their
gardens have unwittingly brought these aggressive non-native species
into our environment. These plants have quickly escaped from gardens
and begun the demise of our native plant communities.
A major hurdle in stopping the spread of these species is the
misconception that something attractive can not be a weed. On the
contrary. Invasive ornamental weeds like oxeye daisy, myrtle spurge,
and Russian-olive have proven to be very ecologically damaging and
diffi cult to control once unleashed on our native landscapes.
This brochure highlights fi fteen invasive ornamentals that are
problematic in Colorado. They are designated as noxious weeds by
the state and are prohibited for sale. This brochure also suggests
alternatives including native and cultivated plants for both lower and
higher elevations. Native plants are well adapted for our climate, come
in many variations, and most importantly, have evolved in our local
ecology. We recommend the use of these whenever possible. Our goals
in landscape planting should consider the long-term consequences
to our surrounding environment. Please consult your local nursery,
garden center, or Colorado State University Extension offi ce for more
information about native plants and non-invasive introduced species.
Garden Responsibly…Please
R
eputable nurseries follow the guidelines of the Colorado Nursery
Act (Title 35, Article 26, C.R.S. 1973). This act identifi es plant materials
that cannot be sold in Colorado. Unfortunately, some mail order
nurseries in other states may not realize that a certain plant cannot
be sold in Colorado. Please consult this pamphlet or the Colorado
Department of Agriculture’s web site, www.ag.state.co.us/CSD/Weeds/
Weedhome.html, before making an internet or mail order catalog
purchase.
In these times of easy access to a virtually unlimited variety of
species for ornamental planting, it is up to us, as consumers, to do
what is right for the environment while still realizing our goals for
our property. Please help protect Colorado’s natural and agricultural
resources ... garden responsibly.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
6
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
7
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Absinth wormwood
(Artemisia absinthium)
Absinth wormwood is a perennial weed that was deliberately
introduced as a medicinal plant. It is 2-4 ft. tall with very
divided leaves and a strong aromatic odor. It spreads
aggressively by seed. CO List B
Fringed sage
(Artemisia frigida)
Perennial aromatic shrub with bluish-green velvety foliage
which provides a nice contrast for other plants. Trim hard
every few years for best garden appearance. May be toxic to
livestock. 4-16 in. tall.
Pearly everlasting
(Anaphalis margaritacea)
A perennial with silvery foliage. White button-like clusters
of fl owers on top of upright stems dry beautifully. Most
soils. 12-20 in. tall.
Full sun, low water
Native Options
Big sagebrush
(Artemisia tridentata)
Horsebrush
(Tetradymia canescens)
Sand sage
(Artemisia fi lifolia)
White sage
(Artemisia ludoviciana) toxic to livestock
Cultivated Options
Mojave sage (Salvia pachyphylla)
Edelweiss
(Leontopodium alpinum)
Edelweiss is a perennial with white woolly leaves. White star
shaped fl owers bloom from July-September. Requires well-
drained soils. A great addition for alpine rock gardens.
6-12 in. tall.
Artemisia ‘Sea Foam’
A vigorous perennial with lacy silver blue mounding fo-
liage. Clump forming and non-invasive. Recommend-
ed by Plant Select 2004. 6-12 in. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
8
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
9
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Bouncingbet
(Saponaria offi cinalis)
Bouncingbet is a member of the Pink family. A cottage
garden escapee, it is found along rights-of-way, in
meadows, and waste areas. Originally from Europe, it is
now found throughout North America. Bouncingbet is
a herbaceous perennial that grows 1-3 ft. tall with pink
to white fl owers. This plant spreads by rhizomes and is
usually found in colonies. It is unpalatable to livestock
and is poisonous. CO List B
Rocky Mountain bee plant
(Cleome serrulata)
A fast-growing annual with attention getting spikes of bright
pink-purplish fl owers that attract butterfl ies, hummingbirds,
and night fl ying moths. Seeds provide food for songbirds.
Prefers coarse soils. 2-5 ft. tall.
Wild geranium
(Geranium viscosissimum or G. caespitosum)
These long blooming perennials have pink fl owers
with reddish purple lines in the petals. The plant has
lovely lobed leaves that turn red in fall. 10-18 in. tall.
Native Options
Fireweed
(Epilobium angustifolium) May be aggressive
Palmer penstemon
(Penstemon palmeri)
Penstemon ‘Prairie Jewel’
(P. grandifl orus ‘Prairie Jewel’)
Cultivated Options
Pinks
(Dianthus spp.)
Purple conefl ower
(Echinacea spp.)
A perennial with large, daisy-like fl owers from mid to
late summer. Prefers fertile soils. Attracts butterfl ies.
Great for cutting. At higher elevations, plant in a warm
microclimate. 18-24 in. tall.
Garden phlox
(Phlox paniculata)
A perennial with dark green foliage and large clusters
of fl owers. Colors range from white to pink, red, purple,
lavender and blue. Flowering occurs from spring to
early fall. It prefers moist, fertile soil. 2-4 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
10
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
11
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Chinese clematis
(Clematis orientalis)
Chinese clematis is a perennial vine that spreads very
aggressively along creeks, rights-of-way and on rocky
cliffs. It will climb fences, trees or similar structures but
will sprawl if it does not have something to climb. The
distinctive single yellow fl ower has four petals and is 1-2
in. wide. Feathery seed heads are conspicuous in late
summer. CO List B
Native clematis
(Clematis ligusticifolia)
Native clematis is also known as Virgin’s Bower or
Western white clematis. It is a vigorous climbing vine
that has numerous small white fl owers in mid to late
summer. Masses of whitish seed heads attract attention
in the fall. May be aggressive, best in larger spaces. Can
reach lengths of 20 ft.
Native hops vine
(Humulus lupulus)
Vining plant with large lobed leaves. Fast growing. Pale
green papery fl owers used in dried arrangements, beer
making, and medicinally. Can be susceptible to aphids.
15-20 ft. tall.
Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
A climbing vine or ground cover. Leaves have 5 leafl ets and
turn deep red in fall. The fruits are purplish-black berries
and a good food source for songbirds and wildlife. Can be
somewhat toxic to humans and is toxic to livestock. May
reach lengths of 50 ft.
Honeysuckle ‘Graham Thomas’
(Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’)
An arching or climbing vine also known as European
honeysuckle. It blooms from June-October with creamy
white to yellowish fragrant trumpet-shaped fl owers
followed by bright red berries. Can reach lengths of
30 ft.
Cultivated Options
Garden clematis
(Clematis spp.)
Scarlet clematis
(Clematis texensis)
Sweet autumn clematis
(Clematis ternifolia/paniculata)
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
12
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
13
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Common tansy
(Tanacetum vulgare)
Common tansy is a perennial weed with small button-shaped
yellow fl owers and strong smelling fern-like leaves. It spreads
by both seeds and runners. It was originally introduced as
an ornamental and as a medicinal plant. CO List B
Shrubby cinquefoil
(Potentilla fruticosa/Pentaphylloides fl oribunda)
This rounded shrub is very adaptable. Flowers are 1 in.
wide and are profuse, occurring over a long season. There
are many different cultivars with different fl ower colors
ranging from white to orange, yellow or pink. Attractive to
butterfl ies. 1-4 ft. tall.
Rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
Rabbitbrush is a perennial shrub that has a rounded
shape. Yellow fl owers are arranged in umbrella-shaped
heads and occur from August-September. Attracts
butterfl ies. Seedheads provide great winter interest.
1-4 ft. tall.
Native Options
Blanket fl ower
(Gaillardia spp.)
Prairie zinnia
(Zinnia grandifl ora)
Showy goldeneye
(Viguiera (Heliomeris) multifl ora)
Sticky fl owered rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus viscidifl orus)
Sulphur fl ower
(Eriogonum umbellatum)
Sundancer daisy
(Hymenoxys acaulis)
Sundrops
(Calylophus lavandulifolius and C. serrulatus)
Yarrow ‘Moonshine’
(Achillea ‘Moonshine’)
This non-spreading yarrow has fl at-topped yellow fl ower
heads. Does best in lean, well-drained soil. Attracts butterfl ies,
deer resistant. 24 in. tall.
Goldenrod
(Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod is best known for its brilliant golden yellow
fl ower heads seen in late summer into the fall. Often
mistakenly blamed for allergies. Can be aggressive in
moist, rich soils. Attracts butterfl ies. Height varies with
species.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
14
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
15
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Cypress spurge
(Euphorbia cyparissias)
Cypress spurge is a perennial that reproduces by seed and
spreading roots. The plant contains a milky sap that is
irritating and may cause dermatitis. Although sheep may
eat it, other animals will not. CO List A
Sulphur fl ower
(Eriogonum umbellatum)
Mat-forming wildfl ower with leathery leaves that are
white underneath. Yellow clusters of fl owers turn
reddish with age. Attracts butterfl ies. 6-10 in. tall.
Sundrops
(Calylophus serrulatus)
A heavy bloomer from late spring through summer.
Has lemon-yellow fl owers with four petals. Prefers lean,
well-drained soil. 15 in. tall.
Basket of gold
(Alyssum montanum)
Vigorous spreading plants with gray-green leaves.
Produces dense clusters of yellow fl owers in early spring.
Stunning at the edge of beds or borders or trailing over
rocks or walls. 6 in. tall.
Pineleaf penstemon ‘Mersea Yellow’
(Penstemon pinifolius ‘Mersea Yellow’)
This unusually colored “sport” of pineleaf penstemon
bears hundreds of small yellow fl owers for a long period
in mid-summer. Leaves are very narrow. Great in rock
gardens. 12 in. tall.
Cultivated Options
Argentinian blue-eyed grass
(Sisyrinchium macrocarpum)
Dwarf broom
(Genista lydia)
Missouri evening primrose
(Oenothera macrocarpa)
Santolina
(Santolina chamaecyparissus)
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
16
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
17
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Dame’s rocket
(Hesperis matronalis)
Dame’s rocket is a biennial or short-lived perennial forb,
ranging from 1-3 ft. in height. The fl owers may be white,
pink, or purple and start blooming in May. Dame’s rocket
is aggressive in old and untended gardens, undisturbed
riparian areas and on steep slopes. CO List B
Sidebells penstemon
(Penstemon secundifl orus)
Spring blooming perennial with blue-green leaves and
lovely orchid-like purple-pink fl owers. 12-18 in. tall.
Palmer penstemon
(Penstemon palmeri)
A fragrant penstemon with large spikes of light pink fl owers
in early summer and distinctive gray foliage. Likes heat, and
must be grown in well-drained soils. Do not over water. 4-5
ft. tall.
Native Options
Bee balm
(Monarda fi stulosa)
Columbine
(Aquilegia caerulea)
Narrowleaf conefl ower
(Echinacea pallida)
Showy locoweed
(Oxytropis lambertii) Toxic to livestock
Woods rose
(Rosa woodsii) May be aggressive
Cultivated Options
Bloody cranesbill
(Geranium sanguineum)
Coral bells
(Heuchera spp.)
Garden phlox
(Phlox paniculata)
Hollyhocks
(Alcea rosea)
Stock
(Mathiola spp.)
Bleeding heart
(Dicentra spp.)
Easy to grow plant. Forms arching sprays of heart-
shaped, rose-pink and white fl owers in spring. Delicate
small leaves resemble those of columbine. Does best in
moisture retentive, fertile soils. 18-36 in. tall.
Meadow rue
(Thalictrum aquilegifolium)
This perennial has clouds of pink blooms in June. Delicate
small leaves resemble those of columbine. Prefers moisture
retentive, fertile soils. 3-4 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
18
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
19
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Myrtle spurge
(Euphorbia myrsinites)
A highly invasive ornamental originally promoted for xeriscapes and rock gardens.
This plant is rapidly expanding into sensitive ecosystems
displacing native vegetation and reducing forage for
wildlife. A low-growing perennial with trailing stems of
fl eshy blue-green alternate leaves. It exudes a toxic, milky
latex which can cause severe skin irritations. Wearing
gloves, long sleeves, and shoes is highly recommended
when in areas with myrtle spurge. CO List A
Kinnickinnick
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
A trailing shrub with dark green glossy evergreen
leaves. Tiny pink fl owers in the spring are followed by
red berries. At lower elevations, plant in winter shade.
Great under pine trees and in rock gardens, trailing
over walls.
Creeping mahonia
(Mahonia repens)
A creeping evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves that turn
bronze in winter. Yellow fragrant fl owers in the spring are
followed by edible blue berries. 4-8 in. tall.
Native Options
Pussytoes
(Antennaria spp.)
Sulphur fl ower
(Eriogonum umbellatum)
Yellow stonecrop
(Amerosedum lanceolatum)
Cultivated Options
Hardy purple ice plant
(Delosperma cooperi)
Creeping sedum
(Sedum spp.)
Drought tolerant mat-forming plants are perfect for
rock gardens. Many different species available with
different colored fl owers and succulent leaves. 1-2 in.
tall.
White horehound
(Marrubium rotundifolium)
Mat-forming plants with rounded gray-green leaves that
have lovely silver edges. Wonderful along path borders.
Spreads to 12 in. wide. 3-10 in. tall
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
20
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
21
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Orange hawkweed
(Hieracium aurantiacum)
Orange hawkweed is a perennial that likes moist grassy areas
and can be found along creeks, in meadows, and along
rights-of-way. It reproduces aggressively by runners and by
seed, crowding out all other vegetation. CO List A
Wallfl ower
(Erysimum capitatum)
Spring blooming biennial with fragrant orange to purple
fl owers. 12-18 in. tall.
Globemallow
(Sphaeralcea munroana or S. coccinea)
Orange fl owers resemble miniature hollyhocks. Gray-green
leaves. S. coccinea is 5-10 in. tall and blooms in spring.
S. munroana is 36 in. tall and blooms midsummer.
Native Options
Blanket fl ower
(Gaillardia spp.)
Orange agoseris
(Agoseris aurantiaca)
Scarlet gilia
(Ipomopsis aggregata)
Cultivated Options
Marigolds
(Tagetes spp.)
Shirley poppies
(Papaver rhoeas)
Sunset
hyssop
(Agastache rupestris)
Poppies
(Papaver spp.)
Poppies have lovely tissuepaper-like petals and tough
constitutions. Many different
species with different fl ower
colors and bloom times.
California poppy
(Eschscholzia californica)
Cheerful orange and yellow cup-shaped fl owers bloom in
the spring. Blue-green foliage. Reseeds readily. 12-18 in.
tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
22
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
23
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Oxeye daisy
(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)
Oxeye daisy is an erect perennial with white ray and
yellow disk fl owers that bloom from June-August in
Colorado’s higher elevations. A native of Eurasia, this
aggressive species has escaped cultivation and become
a troublesome weed in the Intermountain West. Oxeye
daisy is still commonly sold in wildfl ower seed mixes or
transplanted as an ornamental despite its tendency to
crowd out more desirable vegetation. CO List B
Native yarrow
(Achillea lanulosa)
Flat-topped white clusters of fl owers bloom all summer.
Leaves are fern-like, gray-green and aromatic. Makes
a great dried fl ower. May be aggressive, best in larger
spaces. Toxic to livestock. 12-18 in. tall.
Showy daisy
(Erigeron speciosus)
Showy daisy blooms in mid-summer with many narrow
white to blue “petals” around a yellow center. Attracts
butterfl ies. 12-24 in. tall.
Native Options
Black-eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)
Blanket fl ower
(Gaillardia aristata)
Pearly everlasting
(Anaphalis margaritacea)
Richardson’s geranium
(Geranium richardsonii)
White prairie clover
(Dalea candida)
White tufted evening primrose
(Oenothera caespitosa)
White winecups
(Callirhoe ‘Logan Calhoun’)
Cultivated Options
Sea Holly ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghost’
(Eryngium giganteum)
Serbian yarrow
(Achillea serbica)
Marguerite daisy
(Anthemis tinctoria ‘Susanna Mitchell’)
Daisy-like fl owers bloom almost all summer over fern-like
foliage. Vigorous and easy to grow. 18-24 in. tall.
White conefl ower
(Echinacea purpurea ‘ White Swan’)
Large fragrant white fl owers with an orange center
bloom from mid-summer to frost. Makes an excellent
cut fl ower. Attracts butterfl ies. Likes fertile, well-
drained soils. 3 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
24
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
25
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
Purple loosestrife has erect, multi-branched 1½-8 ft. tall square stems. The magenta
fl owers have fi ve to seven petals and are arranged in
long racemes. Can be found in wetlands throughout
the state. A highly aggressive invader. If left unchecked,
may form a monoculture. This plant poses a severe
threat to waterfowl habitat and can impede water fl ow
in irrigation ditches. Can produce 2-3 million seeds per
plant every year. CO List A
Fireweed
(Epilobium angustifolium)
Brilliant pink fl owers bloom mid-summer to frost. Plants
spread underground by rhizomes to form large clumps.
Prefers moisture retentive fertile soils. May be aggressive,
best in larger spaces. 2-5 ft. tall.
Rocky Mountain penstemon
(Penstemon strictus)
Very showy spires of deep blue-purple snapdragon
like fl owers. Spreads to form large clumps. Attracts
hummingbirds. Prefers well-drained soils. 2 ft. tall.
Native Options
Bee balm
(Monarda fi stulosa)
Columbine
(Aquilegia caerulea)
Lupine
(Lupinus argenteus)
Narrowleaf conefl ower
(Echinacea pallida)
Showy locoweed
(Oxytropis lambertii) Toxic to livestock
Woods rose
(Rosa woodsii) May be aggressive
Mojave sage
(Salvia pachyphylla)
Shrubby perennial with aromatic, evergreen foliage.
Silver-green leaves set off persistent mauve bracts that
surround the fl owers. Prefers well-drained soils. Plant
Select recommendation for 2005. 3 ft. tall.
Garden phlox
(Phlox paniculata)
A perennial with dark green foliage and large clusters
of fl owers. Colors range from white to pink, red, purple,
lavender and blue. Flowering occurs from spring to
early fall. It prefers moist, fertile soil. 2-4 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
26
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
27
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Russian-olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Russian-olive is a hardy, fast-growing tree introduced
from Europe originally promoted for windbreak and
ornamental plantings. It spreads rapidly along riparian
areas, eliminating nesting sites for birds. Farms and
ranches may be impacted by Russian olive as it invades
pastures and blocks irrigation ditches. (Note: Russian
-olive is not usually found at high elevations) CO List B
Greene’s mountain-ash
(Sorbus scopulina)
An erect, thicket-forming shrub with clusters of white fl owers
followed by orange berries. Pinnately compound leaves have
lovely orange-red fall coloration. Prefers moisture-retentive
fertile soils. 6-15 ft. tall.
Silver buffaloberry
(Shepherdia argentea)
A tough shrub or small tree with gray-green leaves. Female
plants have bright red edible berries. 8-15 ft. tall. Can be
limbed up as a small tree.
Native Options
Chokecherry
(Prunus virginiana)
Gambel oak
(Quercus gambelii)
Serviceberry
(Amelanchier alnifolia)
Cultivated Options
Crabapple
(Malus spp.)
Hawthorn
(Crataegus spp.)
Lilac
(Syringa spp.)
Russian hawthorn
(Crataegus ambigua)
This large shrub or small tree has white fl owers in
the spring followed by a profusion of bright red fruit.
Tolerates compacted clay soil. 15-20 ft. tall.
Japanese tree lilac
(Syringa reticulata)
Large plumes of fragrant white fl owers cover this small tree
or large shrub in the beginning of summer. Attractive winter
fruit display. 15-25 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
28
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
29
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Scentless chamomile
(Matricaria perforata)
Scentless chamomile is an annual. One plant may release
up to 960,000 seeds. The seeds germinate quickly, allowing
a single plant to give rise to more than one generation
within a growing season. A very similar plant, mayweed
chamomile (Anthemis cotula), occupies similar habitat but is
distinguished by its pungent smell. Flowers have 12 white
ray petals surrounding a yellow-coned center. CO List B
Pearly everlasting
(Anaphalis margaritacea)
A perennial with clusters of small white fl owers atop gray-
green leaves in midsummer. Flowers dry beautifully. 1-3 ft.
tall.
White columbine
(Aquilegia spp., white varieties)
A white-fl owered form of the Colorado columbine.
Prefers organic soils. 18-24 in. tall.
White coral bells
(Heuchera spp., white varieties)
Perennial with rosettes of basal leaves. Many varieties with
colorful foliage. In early summer, small fl owers arise on
slender stalks. 12-18 in. tall.
Feverfew
(Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew produces aromatic, fern-like foliage. The
fl owers are small and white and can be used as a fi ller
fl ower in arrangements. May be aggressive. 1-2 ft. tall.
Native Options
Native chickweed
(Cerastium arvense)
Northern bedstraw
(Galium septentrionale)
Cultivated Options
Candytuft
(Iberis sempervirens)
Gaura
(Gaura lindheimeri)
Larkspur
(Delphinium ajacis, white varieties)
Spider fl ower
(Cleome spinosa)
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
30
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
31
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Sulphur cinquefoil
(Potentilla recta)
Sulphur cinquefoil is a perennial weed. Its leaves are
palmately compound with fi ve to seven toothed leafl ets,
and somewhat resemble a marijuana leaf. The light-
yellow fl owers have fi ve petals that are deeply notched,
and the leaf stalks have perpendicular hairs longer than
the width of the stalk. CO List B
Native cinquefoils
(Potentilla spp., Drymocallis fi ssa)
Perennials with yellow fl owers in summer. Different
species have different leaf types. Drymocallis fi ssa has a
rounded shape, soft yellow fl owers and reddish leaves
in the fall. 12-18 in. tall.
Chocolate fl ower
(Berlandiera lyrata)
Cheery daisy-like fl owers bloom all summer with a
chocolate scent. Prefers a warm microclimate. Reseeds
readily. 18 in. tall.
Native Options
Blanket fl ower
(Gaillardia spp.)
Prairie zinnia
(Zinnia grandifl ora)
Sulphur fl ower
(Eriogonum umbellatum)
Sundancer daisy
(Hymenoxys acaulis)
Sundrops
(Calylophus lavandulifolius and C. serrulatus)
Lance-leaf Coreopsis
(Coreopsis lanceolata)
Easy to grow perennial with long blooming cheerful
yellow fl owers. Birds are attracted to the seed heads.
Good cut fl ower. 16-24 in. tall.
Coreopsis
(Coreopsis spp.)
Yellow fl owers make great additions to the perennial border
or wildfl ower meadow. Most species are easily grown from
seed.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
32
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
33
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Wax currant
(Ribes cereum)
A tough shrub, with tubular white-pink fl owers in the
spring followed by reddish fruit. The fruit is edible, but
not tasty, except to birds. 3-4 ft. tall.
Saltcedar/Tamarisk
(Tamarix spp.)
A shrub or tree native to the Mediterranean, China and Central Asia. Infests waterways
throughout the West. Accumulates salt that is deposited
onto the soil when the leaves drop, other riparian species
are unable to survive and saltcedar can then become the
only plant growing in an area. Some reports show that
one acre of saltcedar can use 2.8 million gallons of water
a year. Has been sold as an ornamental in the past but is
no longer allowed to be sold in Colorado. CO List B
Apache plume
(Fallugia paradoxa)
Apache plume has attractive white fl owers from June-
August, followed by feathery, pink-plumed seeds. Needs
well-drained soils. 3-6 ft. tall.
Native Options
American plum
(Prunus americana) Toxic to livestock
Boulder raspberry
(Rubus deliciosus)
Waxfl ower
(Jamesia americana)
Cultivated Options
Crabapples
(Malus spp.)
Lilac
(Syringa vulgaris)
Smokebush
(Cotinus coggygria `Purpureus’)
Peking cotoneaster
(Cotoneaster acutifolius)
An erect shrub with small glossy leaves that turn bright red
in fall. Round black fruit persist all winter. Great as a hedge
or windbreak. 4-7 ft. tall.
Redbud
(Cercis canadensis)
This small tree has a brilliant spring show of purplish-red
fl owers that bloom before the leaves emerge. Leaves are
heart-shaped. 15-25 ft. tall.
PLANT INSTEAD - NATIVE - MOUNTAINS
34
NATIVE - LOWER ELEVATION
INVASIVE - DO NOT PLANT
CULTIVATED - LOWER ELEVATION
OTHER OPTIONS
35
CULTIVATED - MOUNTAINS
Garden Smart Colorado
Dalmatian and Yellow toadfl ax
(Linaria genistifolia and L. vulgaris)
Both species produce attractive yellow snapdragon-like
fl owers. Toadfl axes are very diffi cult to eradicate because
they quickly escape from gardens to invade roadsides, native
meadows, and pastures. They produce extensive root systems,
which allow them to steal water and nutrients from native
plants. Each plant produces thousands of seeds which are
spread by the wind, birds, and other animals. CO List B
Golden banner
(Thermopsis rhombifolia and T. montana)
Spikes of yellow lupine-like fl owers bloom in the spring.
Plants spread underground by rhizomes. Useful for
erosion prevention. May be aggressive, best in larger
spaces. May be toxic to livestock. 12-20 in. tall.
Yellow columbine
(Aquilegia chrysantha)
A particularly showy columbine with huge, yellow fl owers.
The plants often bloom from May to autumn frost and self
sow generously. Perennial. Plant Select choice for 2001.
24-30 in. tall.
Native Options
Black eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)
Common evening primrose
(Oenothera villosa)
Prairie conefl ower
(Ratibida columnifera)
Prince’s plume
(Stanleya pinnata)
Showy goldeneye
(Viguiera (Heliomeris) multifl ora)
Wallfl ower
(Erysimum capitatum and E. asperum)
Cultivated Options
Foxtail lily
(Eremeris spp.)
Red hot poker
(Kniphofi a spp.)
Snapdragons
(Antirrhinum spp.)
Tall spikes of fl owers are favorites with children. An excellent
cut fl ower. Prefers organic, moisture-rich soils. Heights vary
with the cultivar.
Hardy Jerusalem sage
(Phlomis russeliana)
An easy-to-grow perennial with soft yellow fl owers which
are borne in tiers on tall, slender stems. Attracts bees and
butterfl ies. The fl owers develop into ornamental seed
heads that persist into winter and provide food for birds. 3-4
ft. tall.
Photo Credits:
Robert Cox - page 33
Tim D’Amato - page 18
Lisa DiNardo - page 23
Erv Evans - page 11
Judy Feather - page 9
High Country Gardens - page 14, 23, 36
Leslie Holtzmann - page 10
Ann Larson - page 11, 12, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29,
31, 34, 35
Bernard Loison - page 11
Linda McMulkin - page 12
Oregon State University - page 17
Plant Select - page 26
Ruth Quade - page 21
Al Schneider, U. Wisconsin Herbarium - page 26
Judy Sedbrook - page 17, 27
Irene Shonle - page 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19,
20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34
Lisa Tasker - page 6
Cindy Tejral - page 9, 25
Keith Williamson at Little Valley Nursery - page 13,
15, 16
Index
Absinth wormwood 6
Agoseris, Orange 21
Alyssum, Basket of gold 15
Apache plume 32
Argentinian blue-eyed grass 15
Artemisia ‘Sea Foam’ 7
Bedstraw, Northern 29
Bee balm 17, 25
Black-eyed Susan 23, 35
Blanket fl ower 13, 21, 23, 31
Bleeding heart 17
Bouncingbet 8
Broom, Dwarf 15
Buffaloberry, Silver 26
Candytuft 29
Chamomile, Scentless 28
Chickweed, Native 29
Chocolate fl ower 30
Chokecherry 27
Cinquefoil, Native 30
Shrubby 12
Sulphur 30
Clematis, Chinese 10
Garden 11
Native 10
Scarlet 11
Sweet autumn 11
Columbine, Blue 17, 25
White 28
Yellow 34
Conefl ower, Narrowleaf 17, 25
Prairie 35
Purple 9
White 23
Coral bells 17
White 29
Coreopsis 31
Lance-leaf 31
Cotoneaster, Peking 33
Crabapple 27, 33
Cranesbill, Bloody 17
Currant, Wax 32
Daisy, Marguerite 23
Oxeye 22
Showy 22
Sundancer 13, 31
Dame’s rocket 16
Edelweiss 7
Evening primrose, Common 35
Missouri 15
White tufted 23
Feverfew 29
Fireweed 9, 24
Gaura 29
Geranium, Richardson’s 23
Wild 8
Gilia, Scarlet 21
Globemallow 20
Golden banner 34
Goldeneye, Showy 13, 35
Goldenrod 13
Hawkweed, Orange 20
Hawthorn 27
Russian 27
Hollyhock 17
Honeysuckle, ‘Graham Thomas’ 11
Hops, Native 10
Horehound, White 19
Horsebrush 7
Hyssop, Sunset 21
Ice plant, Hardy purple 19
Kinnickinnick 18
Larkspur 29
Lilac 27, 33
Japanese tree 27
Lily, Foxtail 35
Locoweed, Showy 17, 25
Loosestrife, Purple 24
Lupine 25
Mahonia, Creeping 18
Marigold 21
Meadow rue 17
Mountain ash, 'Greene’s' 26
Oak, Gambel 27
Pearly everlasting 6, 23, 28
Penstemon, Palmer 9, 16
‘Prairie Jewel’ 9
Pineleaf 15
Rocky Mountain 24
Sidebells 16
Pinks 9
Phlox, Garden 9, 17, 25
Plum, American 33
Poppy, California 21
Shirley 21
Prairie clover, White 23
Prairie zinnia 13, 31
Prince’s plume 35
Pussytoes 19
Rabbitbrush, Common 12
Sticky-fl owered 13
Raspberry, Boulder 33
Red hot poker 35
Redbud 33
Rocky Mountain bee plant 8
Rose, Woods 17, 25
Russian-olive 26
Saltcedar 32
Sage, Big Western 7
Fringed 6
Hardy Jerusalem 35
Mojave 7, 25
Sand 7
White 7
Santolina 15
Sea Holly ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghost’ 23
Sedum, Creeping 19
Serviceberry 27
Smokebush 33
Snapdragon 35
Spider fl ower 29
Spurge, Cypress 14
Myrtle 18
Stock 17
Stonecrop, Yellow 19
Sulphur fl ower 13, 14, 19, 31
Sundrops 13, 14, 31
Tamarisk 32
Tansy, Common 12
Toadfl ax, Dalmatian 34
Yellow 34
Virginia creeper 11
Wallfl ower 20, 35
Waxfl ower 33
Winecups, white 23
Yarrow ‘Moonshine’ 13
Native 22
Serbian 23
Produced by:
Colorado Weed Management Association
and
Colorado Big Country
Resource, Conservation & Development, Inc.
2007
