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.