The Complete Colorado Native Plant Guide
80+ species curated specifically for Northern Colorado gardens. Every plant includes care instructions, bloom times, water requirements, wildlife value, and soil compatibility — all based on real experience growing these plants in Fort Collins Zone 5b conditions.
The Complete
Colorado Native Plant Guide
80+ species for Fort Collins gardens
By Emi Nelson
CSU Certified Colorado Gardener
What Is Inside the Guide
This is not a generic plant list pulled from the internet. Every species has been grown, tested, and observed in real Northern Colorado conditions by a CSU-credentialed horticulturist.
Featured Plants from the Guide
A preview of six of the 80+ species you will find inside. Each entry in the full guide includes detailed care notes, companion planting ideas, and Fort Collins-specific growing tips.
Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama
State grass of Colorado
Colorado's state grass and one of the most drought-tolerant native species available. Its distinctive eyelash-shaped seed heads curl attractively in late summer, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf.
Echinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Continuous summer-to-fall bloom
The iconic prairie coneflower with bold daisy-like purple-pink petals around a spiny copper-orange cone. A magnet for butterflies and goldfinches, blooming continuously from July through frost.
Penstemon strictus
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Hummingbird magnet
Dense spikes of brilliant blue-violet tubular flowers rise above glossy evergreen basal foliage. One of the most reliable and showiest penstemons for Colorado gardens and a favorite of hummingbirds.
Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed
Popcorn-scented blooms
Considered one of the most elegant native grasses, forming a fine-textured, fountain-shaped clump. Its delicate pink-tinged flower panicles have a pleasant popcorn-like fragrance in autumn.
Gaillardia aristata
Blanket Flower
Non-stop summer color
Fiery red and yellow daisy-like flowers bloom non-stop from early summer through frost. One of the longest-blooming and most drought-tolerant native perennials — perfect for hot, dry spots in your garden.
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
Stunning copper-red fall color
Perhaps the most colorful native grass, turning from blue-green in summer to brilliant copper-orange-red in fall. Fluffy white seed heads catch winter light beautifully, making it a true four-season performer.
Ready to Build Your Colorado Native Garden?
Download the free guide to start planning, or skip straight to a free site assessment with Emi. Either way, you are taking the first step toward a beautiful, water-wise landscape.