Queen of the Prairie

Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)
Also known as: Meadowsweet, Prairie Meadowsweet*

Queen of the Prairie is a show-stopping native perennial known for its towering stems and massive, frothy pink flower plumes that bloom high above bold, deeply cut foliage. Native to moist prairies and streambanks of the eastern and central U.S., it thrives in wet, sunny locations and brings unmatched beauty and biodiversity support to native gardens, rain gardens, and ecological restorations. In addition to its ornamental value, it offers habitat for beneficial insects and is a larval host for certain moth species.

Key Characteristics

• Striking Mid-Summer Blooms for Pollinators
  Blooming from June through July, Queen of the Prairie produces large, fluffy pink inflorescences that rise 5–8 feet high. These blooms are rich in nectar and attract a wide variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, serving as a key mid-season resource.

• Supports Native Wildlife and Insect Habitat
  Queen of the Prairie is a larval host plant for the raspberry pyrausta moth (Pyrausta signatalis) and provides structural habitat for other invertebrates. Its tall, hollow stems and dense foliage offer shelter for overwintering insects and beneficial predators like lady beetles and spiders.

• Ideal for Rain Gardens, Wet Meadows, and Stream Edges
  Thriving in medium to wet soils, this species is a standout for rain gardens, swales, wet prairie restorations, and streambank plantings. Its strong, spreading roots help with erosion control and soil stabilization in riparian zones.

• Bold Foliage and Form in Landscape Design
  With its sharply toothed, maple-like leaves and towering bloom stalks, Queen of the Prairie adds vertical interest, texture, and seasonal drama to native gardens and herbaceous borders. It performs best with consistent moisture and full sun but tolerates light shade in cooler regions.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and Central United States

• Plant life cycle: Perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Soil requirements: Medium to wet, rich soils

• Mature height: 5–8 feet

• Bloom time: June to July

• Bloom color: Bright to soft pink

• USDA Hardiness zones: 3–8

Queen of the Prairie is a regal native with unmatched floral display and ecological value. A must-have for wetland gardens and native plant lovers seeking vertical impact and pollinator power.