10 native perennials that handle Lancaster clay

Heavy clay holds water in spring and bakes hard in August. These natives take both in stride once they are established.

1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
2. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
3. New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
4. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
5. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
6. Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)
7. Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium)
8. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
9. Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
10. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Water them through their first summer. After that, most need help only in a long dry spell.