This striking and versatile native plant grows in poor soils, in sun or in part shade, and it’s another of Jill Selinger’s summer favorites. “It has so many great qualities—bright yellow flowers in spring that rise above a mound of blue-green leaves, followed by very ornamental seed pods, which dry and hold nicely, or which can be cut for flower arrangements,” she said. “It seems at home in natural areas, as well as cottage gardens or perennial borders.”