Queen Of The Prairie
Filipendula rubra
Last reviewed: July 2026
Filipendula rubra is a native prairie perennial that produces showy pink flower clusters in June and July. This moisture-loving wildflower thrives in the upper Midwest and eastern regions, attracting bees and butterflies.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
36"–72" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
IA, IL, IN, KY and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Queen of the prairie is a tall native perennial that produces impressive fluffy pink flower plumes in early summer. This moisture-loving plant forms substantial clumps and works well in rain gardens or naturally wet areas where other plants struggle.
Growing Queen Of The Prairie
Grow Queen Of The Prairie in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Queen Of The Prairie takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall height appears too wild for most front yards
- Requires consistently moist soil which may look unkempt
- Large spread can appear uncontrolled in formal settings
Wildlife value
The showy summer blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing an important nectar source during peak growing season.
Common questions
- When does Queen of the Prairie bloom?
- Filipendula rubra typically blooms during June and July, producing large, feathery clusters of pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Queen of the Prairie native?
- This species is native to 16 states including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
- What pollinators visit Filipendula rubra?
- Queen of the Prairie attracts bees and butterflies with its abundant nectar-rich flowers during the summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Queen of the Prairie prefer?
- This prairie native thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens and wet meadows.
- Is Queen Of The Prairie HOA-friendly?
- Queen Of The Prairie takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Queen Of The Prairie? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz