Queen of the Prairie

About Queen of the Prairie

Queen of the Prairie is the crowning jewel of the wet prairie, known for its stunning and massive cotton candy-pink plumes. This tall perennial can reach heights of 5 to 8 feet, making it a magnificent focal point in any landscape. Its large, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves provide an attractive backdrop even when the plant is not in bloom. From June to August, the pearlescent clusters of tiny pink buds burst open into fragrant, feathery flowers that attract a wide array of bees and butterflies. Native to the Midwest and Northeast, this species is rare in the wild and prefers consistently wet to medium-wet soils, often found in fens and wet meadows. It is remarkably deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for open areas. When planting, choose a full sun location and ensure the soil remains moist, as the leaves can become crispy during dry spells. Note that the seeds require a cold stratification period to reflect its preference for natural winter cycles.