Division of Extension
With finely cut foliage, northern maidenhair fern is an attractive addition to shade gardens with rich moist soil. Adiantum pedatum is just one of many maidenhair ferns, although the only one hardy in our area. It has distinctive, fine-textured fronds on dark-colored stems up to 2 feet tall. Learn more about this native species in this article…
Blue flowers along the roadside blooming much of summer (if not mowed off) is most likely chicory, an escaped, naturalized European plant. Used for food and forage since ancient times, most Americans know it just as a weed. Learn more about chicory in this article.
With big yellow flowers, the Erythronium hybrid ‘Pagoda’ is a great addition to shady gardens. Developed from two species of native North American wildflowers, this spring bloomer will naturalize in woodland gardens and combines well with bleeding heart, columbine and hostas. To learn more about this garden ornamental, read this article…
Bloodroot is one of the first wildflowers to open its bright white flowers in Midwestern woodlands. This native plant is at home in deciduous forests and shade gardens with well drained soils. Learn much more about this spring wildflower in this article.
Solomon’s seals are woodland plants with arching stems and small hanging attractive but relatively inconspicuous flowers. Learn more about the many plants of genus Polygonatum used as landscape foliage plants in this article.
Cardinal flower is an unmistakable brilliant red perennial for moist spots. This native perennial is found in moist open woods, streambanks and marshy areas and makes a great addition to the landscape. Learn more about this great plant with flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds in this article.
Virginia bluebells are spring blooming herbaceous perennials that disappear for the rest of the year. With pink buds and true pale blue flowers, this plant combines well with daffodils and tulips. Combine with other perennials to hide the spaces left behind when the bluebells go dormant. You can find out a lot more about this native woodland wildflower in this article.
The genus Sisyrinchium is a large group of annuals and perennials with narrow leaves that produce a grass-like appearance; and a common feature of many species is blue to purple flowers with yellow centers. Learn more about Blue-eyed Grass in this article.
Are you familiar with the wildflower Uvularia grandiflora, one of the first woodland perennials to emerge in the spring? Also planted as an ornamental with understated pendant yellow flowers, this native plant is at home in the informal, shady garden as well as the woods. To learn more about this relatively uncommon plant, read this article on bellwort…
Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) is an under-used tough, but beautiful, prairie native with purple-blue flowers and attractive foliage throughout the season.
Learn more about blue false indigo in this article.
Sweet woodruff is an attractive groundcover for moist, shady spots, producing tiny white flowers in the spring, and dried leaves and flowers smell like freshly mown hay. Learn more about this herbaceous perennial in this article.
Celandine poppy or wood poppy will soon be opening its bright yellow flowers in shade and woodland gardens throughout the area. Learn more about this eastern US native perennial in this article…
