Ceanothus americanus

The freely produced, fragrant, conical white flowerheads of this wonderful native shrub appear quite lilac-like at a distance (as do its paired oval leaves). But up close the blooms have a frothy airiness that no lilac possesses. Butterflies and bees never seem to tire of coming in for a closer look.  Propagated from seed.  3.5-inch pots.  Zone 3.  Photo: John Oyston

Sun; light to medium soil; 3'x3"; late spring to early summer