Ligonier Valley Historical Society doubles down on wildflowers for 2nd native plant sale

Butterflies are attracted to Virginia bluebells, the Royal Catchfly and rattlesnake master, and staff at the Ligonier Valley Historical Society believe area backyard gardeners also will like them.

They’re just three of the 24 varieties of perennials the society is offering this year in its native plant sale, nearly doubling the selections available in last year’s sold-out inaugural sale.

Society Executive Director Theresa Gay Rohall attributes the success of the 2020 sale, which moved about 700 plants, to “a really large interest in trying to plant native plants.”

This year’s nearly 1,300 plants, all wildflowers, are expected to sell out quickly and can be ordered starting Friday for pickup May 8.

“Most of them are native to Pennsylvania, and a few are native to surrounding states,” Rohall said. “If you purchase a variety of them, you’re guaranteed to have something blooming from spring to early fall.”

Despite the name, Virginia bluebells are native throughout the Eastern United States, north of Florida, according to the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society. Usually beginning to display pastel blue blooms in April, they produce a nectar that also appeals to bees and hummingbirds.

Mostly associated with Midwest states, including Ohio, the Royal Catchfly prefers full or partial sun and has a red, star-shaped flower. The U.S. Forest Service notes the plant usually occurs in a prairie or open woodlands habitat and blooms from late June to August.

Though it lacks a vibrant color, rattlesnake master, with its greenish-white, round flower heads, is gaining in popularity as an ornamental. Native Americans used its fibrous leaves for weaving and its roots to treat rattlesnake bites, but there is no evidence this member of the carrot family offers an effective treatment for any medical condition, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The plant sale represents a cross-pollination between the historical society, which operates Laughlintown’s historic Compass Inn, and the nearby Penguin Court, a preserve of Brandywine Conservancy. Rohall noted the plants are grown and placed in pots at the preserve, while society staff label the pots and create a sales catalog.

Plants are priced at $5.50 per 4-inch pot. To receive a catalog and order form, email info@compassinn.org or call 724-238-6818. Pickup times will be scheduled for orders.

Rohall noted patrons will be sure of receiving the plant varieties they want by ordering. If any plants remain after the April 30 ordering deadline and covid-19 restrictions on gatherings change, the society might also consider an in-person sale, she said.