Plant Focus: The Mighty Turk's Cap

If you are going to plant just one native plant in your garden, Turk’s cap should be it. It is a workhorse of a plant that is extremely versatile and perfect for beginners as it is not particular about soil or sun exposure. Turk’s cap needs space as it is quite robust, often 3-4 ft wide and 3-5 ft tall, but the deeper the shade, the smaller it stays. It blooms best in part sun location but will bloom in deep shade as well, just not as profusely.

Turk’s cap disappears in the winter but comes back reliably in the spring.  From late spring to fall it showers us with lovely bright red blooms that are visited by bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and it provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.  Hummingbirds love Turk’s cap and visit it frequently. As a bonus, leaves, flowers, and fruit are edible.