A LIVING LANDSCAPE
THE VILLAGE
PHARMACY GARDEN
This curated native planting brings together the healing traditions of the American prairie with the needs of a modern urban streetscape. Each species was selected not only for its ethnobotanical legacy, but for its ecological role; i.e. reducing heat, managing water, and supporting pollinators. The garden is both beautiful and purposeful.
Permeable Paving & Stormwater
Permeable pavers allow rainfall to filter through hardscape surfaces directly into the soil, reducing runoff, replenishing groundwater, and relieving pressure on municipal stormwater systems during heavy rain events.
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
greyheaded coneflower
little bluestem
rough blazing star
yarrow
ginkgo magyar
butterfly weed
prairie dropseed
pale purple coneflower
Heat Island Reduction
Native plantings and permeable surfaces absorb far less heat than conventional asphalt and concrete. Shade from foliage, transpiration from leaves, and light-colored surfaces together measurably lower local air temperatures.
Habitat & Biodiversity
Every plant here was chosen for its relationship with native pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Prairie specie support the full lifecycle of monarch butterflies, native bees, and songbirds, restoring ecological corridors in the urban fabric.
Permeable Paving & Stormwater
Permeable pavers allow rainfall to filter through hardscape surfaces directly into the soil, reducing runoff, replenishing groundwater, and relieving pressure on municipal stormwater systems during heavy rain events.
Heat Island Reduction
Native plantings and permeable surfaces absorb far less heat than conventional asphalt and concrete. Shade from foliage, transpiration from leaves, and light-colored surfaces together measurably lower local air temperatures.
Habitat & Biodiversity
Every plant here was chosen for its relationship with native pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Prairie specie support the full lifecycle of monarch butterflies, native bees, and songbirds, restoring ecological corridors in the urban fabric.
greyheaded coneflower
prairie dropseed
rough blazing star
yarrow
ginkgo magyar
butterfly weed
little bluestem
pale purple coneflower
echinacea pallida
pale purple coneflower
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to north American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in well -drained soils and drought conditions
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright stems with a loose, open form. Excellent for naturalistic plantings and prairie restorations
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot helps access moisture in dry soils once established
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
AsteraceaeTYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
2-4FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
MIDSUMMER (JUNE-AUGUST)
SOIL
well-drained, sand, gravelySUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-8MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Traditional Tea: Native American tribes historically used a decoction of the roots to treat colds and internal aches.
Nutrient-Dense Food: The seeds were traditionally ground into flour for nutrient-rich, energy-boosting cakes and porridges.
Digestive Tonic: Root infusions were occasionally used as a mild diuretic or to soothe stomach upset.
Modern Use: No verified clinical health uses today; its primary value is ecological and ornamental.
asclepias tuberosa
butterfly weed
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Rich in nectar, a favorite for native butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North America. Thrives in prairies, open fields, and well-drained, sunny locations
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright stems with a loose, open form. Excellent for naturalistic plantings and prairie restorations
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot and tuberous roots store water allowing the plant to thrive in dry, poor soils.
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
Apocynaceae
TYPE
Native Perennial
HEIGHT
1-3FTSPREAD
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Relieves Respiratory Congestion: Known historically as "Pleurisy Root," it acts as an expectorant that breaks up tough mucus, easing deep chest congestion and bronchitis.
Reduces Chest Inflammation: It directly targets inflammation in the lining of the lungs, helping to soothe sharp chest pain associated with respiratory infections.
Breaks Fevers: Acts as a diaphoretic, stimulating peripheral circulation and promoting sweating to help the body safely break a stubborn fever.
Heals Skin Wounds: Applied topically as a poultice, the roots contain compounds that help reduce swelling and accelerate the healing of minor cuts and bruises.
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Early to Mid-Summer (May-July)
SOIL
well-drained, sand, or rockySUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-9
sporobolus heterolepis
prairie dropseed
WILDLIFE BENEFITS
Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage offers cover and nesting material
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in well-drained soils and drought conditions.
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright stems with a loose, open form. Excellent for naturalistic plantings and prairie restorations
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot helps access moisture in dry soils once established
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
AsteraceaeTYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
2-4FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Midsummer(JUNE-AUGUST)
SOIL
well-drained, sand, gravelySUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-8MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Nutritious Food Source: The small, round seeds were historically gathered, ground into a fine flour, and used to make
nutrient-rich porridge or traditional baked breads.
Digestive Comfort: Some historical ethnobotanical accounts note that a weak root infusion was occasionally used to soothe mild, general stomach upset.
Traditional Crushed Seed Wash: The fragrant seeds were sometimes crushed and mixed into water to create a soothing, aromatic wash for minor skin irritation.
ratibida pinnata
greyheaded coneflower
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, with nectar and abundant pollen.
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in well-drained soils and full sun.
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright clump-forming perennial with finely divided, aromatic foliage. Distinctive domed, grey central cone with dropping yellow petals marked with maroon.
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot helps access moisture in dry soils once established
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
AsteraceaeTYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
2-4FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Mid-to-late summer(JUNE-SEPTEMBER)
SOIL
well-drained, sand, gravelySUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-9MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Nutritious Food Source: The small, round seeds were historically gathered, ground into a fine flour, and used to make
nutrient-rich porridge or traditional baked breads.
Digestive Comfort: Some historical ethnobotanical accounts note that a weak root infusion was occasionally used to soothe mild, general stomach upset.
Traditional Crushed Seed Wash: The fragrant seeds were sometimes crushed and mixed into water to create a soothing, aromatic wash for minor skin irritation.
schizachyrium scoparium
little bluestem
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. Excellent nesting and cover habitat.
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in a wide range of soil types and conditions including drought, heat, and poor soils,
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Warm-season, perennial bunch-grass with narrow, blue-green leaves that turn orange, bronze, and burgundy in fall. Airy, open seed heads add movement and texture to the landscape
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Extensive root systems access deep soil moisture, increasing drought tolerance and site stability.
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
PoaceaeTYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
3-4FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Late Summer to Fall(JUNE-OCTOBER)
SOIL
Richer soil causes extra heightSUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-8MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Sweat Lodge Rituals: The Lakota and other tribes traditionally used switches of the grass inside ceremonial sweat lodges to steam the body and drive out sickness.
Aches & Pains: Root decoctions were occasionally brewed to treat internal aches, fevers, or general body discomfort.
Insulation & Comfort: The dried leaves were rubbed into a soft, fibrous material used to line moccasins, protecting against frostbite and blistering.
Modern Status: Celebrated today as a powerhouse for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and stunning fall landscaping.
liatris aspera
rough blazing star
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in a wide range of soil types and conditions, including drought, heat, and poor soils,
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright perennial forming, dense vertical loose flowers.
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot helps access moisture in dry soil once established.
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
Asteraceae
TYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
2-4FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Midsummer(JUNE-AUGUST)
SOIL
sandy, loam, gravely soilSUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-8MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Natural Diuretic: Cherokee and Cheyenne tribes heavily utilized root decoctions to support kidney and bladder health and flush excess fluids from the body.
Respiratory & Throat Relief: The roots were commonly chewed or brewed into a tea to soothe sore throats, calm violent coughs, and ease bronchial congestion.
Digestive Aid: Often referred to historically as "Colic Root," infusions of the plant were used to relieve abdominal pain, indigestion, and bloating.
Modern Status: Preliminary lab studies show the plant contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
achillea millefolium
yarrow
POLLINATOR MAGNET
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
NATIVE AND ADAPTIVE
Native to North American prairies and open grasslands. Thrives in a well-drained soils and drought conditions.
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright stems with a loose, open form. Excellent for naturalistic and prairie restorations.
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Deep taproot helps access moisture in dry soil once established.
PLANT OVERVIEW
FAMILY
Asteraceae
TYPE
Native PerennialHEIGHT
1-3FTSPREAD
1-2FTBLOOM TIME
Late Spring to Early Fall(MAY-SEPTEMBER)
SOIL
sandy, loam, gravely soilSUN
Full SunWATER
Low- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 3-9MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Stops Bleeding (Styptic): Contains natural clotting compounds that quickly seal minor cuts, scratches, and nosebleeds when applied topically.
Wounds & Infection (Antiseptic): Disinfects minor skin injuries and reduces painful inflammation, helping speed up the body's natural healing process.
Breaks Fevers (Diaphoretic): Drunk as a hot tea, it improves circulation and triggers sweating, helping the body naturally cool down and fight off colds or flu.
Relieves Period Pain (Emmenagogue): Helps regulate irregular menstrual cycles and eases painful uterine cramping by improving blood flow to the pelvic region.
ginkgo biloba 'magyar'
ginkgo magyar
LIVING FOSSIL
Gingko Biloba is one of the oldest tree-species unchanged for over 200 millions years
ICONIC FOLIAGE
Distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn brilliant yellow in the fall.
STRUCTURE AND HABITAT
Upright branches with dense, loose, open form. Excellent for naturalistic and prairie restorations
DROUGHT TOLERANT
Strong taproot with extensive lateral roots promotes stability and helps the tree withstand drought and wind.
ADAPTED & RESILIENT
Extremely adaptable to a wide range of urban and rural conditions. Tolerant of pollution, heat, drought, and poor soils
TREE OVERVIEW
FAMILY
Ginkogoaceae
TYPE
Deciduous TreeHEIGHT
40-50FTSPREAD
20-30FTFOLIAGE
Green in SummerBrilliant yellow in Fall
SOIL
Adaptable, tolerates clay, sandSUN
Full SunWATER
Moderate- Once EstablishedHARDINESS
Zone 4-8MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Circulatory Stimulant: Contains ginkgoflavone glycosides that dilate blood vessels, improving microcirculation throughout the body, particularly to the extremities and brain.
Cognitive Support (Brain Health): Leaf extracts are widely used to enhance memory, focus, and cognitive speed by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to brain tissue.
Potent Antioxidant: Packed with terpenoids (like ginkgolides), which neutralize free radicals, protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress and aging.
Reduces Inflammation: Compounds in the leaves inhibit inflammatory markers, helping manage conditions related to chronic vascular and joint inflammation.