Preferred habitat: ditches, prairies, swales, depressions + + + + Foliage / winter appearance: dormant in winter + + + + Soil conditions: loam, clay, well drained + + + + Light conditions: partial shade to full sun + + + + Plant spacing: 3 to 4 feet apart + + + + Wildlife value: Seed enjoyed by deer and many species of birds; a nectar and larval food plant for
butterflies; attracts these birds: Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch,
House Finch, Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Nut Hatches, White - Throated Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Rufous - sided Towhee,
House Sparrow, Dark - eyed Junco, Mourning Dove, Pine Siskin, Red -
winged Black Bird, Scrub Jay, and Red - Bellied and Red - headed Woodpeckers; Silvery Checkerspots and Bordered Patch
Butterfly larvae eat leaves.