Amsonia tabernaemontana
– Common Bluestar
Ht. 36-40”; Sun to Light Shade; Native
A favorite nectar source of Mourning Cloaks and other early butterflies.
This is a large carefree plant and shade tolerant. Light blue flowers
bloom in Spring. Likes moist soil but reasonably drought tolerant once
established. They have a long season of interest which is useful in
perennial borders, wild garden and wildlife gardens. They have a shrubby
habit so it tends to useful in mass plantings.
Anemone canadensis
– Meadow
Anemone
Ht. 12-18”; Part sun; Native
A strong growing plant that needs room to move. Clear white single
flowers from mid-spring into early summer. A robust and competitive
plant that brightens up woodland edges.
Aquilegia Canadensis
– Wild Columbine
Ht 1-3’; Part sun; Native; Attracts Hummingbirds; Likes moist shade
This perennial grows 1-2’ high in rocky woods, slopes, cliffs, ledges,
pastures and roadside banks. The bright red and yellow tubed flowers
bloom in April and May attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Ariseaema triphyllum
– Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Ht. 12-28”; Shade; Native
Native to moist woods. The unusual spring flowers are green or mahogany
and are really designed to capture the attention of small flies, who
crawl down the spadix and over the flowers, pollinating them as they
go. It is usually used as a specimen plant in the woodland garden or
naturalizing in wooded wetlands.
Aristolochia macrophylla
– Dutchman's Pipevine
Ht. 6-30; Part sun; Moist soil; Native
Large heart-shaped rich green leaves growing on a twining vine. Good
for screening and woodland edges. Ochre, brown and burgundy blooms
in spring and early summer.
Aruncus dioicus
– Goat’s Beard
Ht. 3-6’; Part sun to shade; Native to rich woodland
This plant offers creamy white whispy blooms in early Spring. A large
Goat’s Beard in full bloom attracts bees, wasps, beetles and flies.
The plants are a tremendous source of pollen and nectar. This plant
is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on different
plants; however, plants are never sexed before being sold. Grows best
in a rich, moisture-retentive soil, but will perform well in all but
the exceptionally dry. The plants self sow, so eventually you may need
to cut back the females.
Asarum canadense
– Wild Ginger
Ht. 4-6’; Part sun/shade; Native
This original wild ginger has velvety leaves of soft green that form
a carpet in moist shady areas. Brown jug-shaped flowers surround the
base of the plant in early spring. This low growing and aromatic perennial
grows best in moist, rich woods.
Asclepias tuberosa
– Butterfly Weed
Ht. 18-24"; Sun; Native; Deer resistant
Deep, well-drained, sandy soil, drought tolerant, bright orange, June-July,
decorative pods in the fall. A favorite of Monarch butterflies. Prefers
dry fields and roadsides.
Aster cordifolius
– Blue Wood Aster
Ht. 2-3'; Part shade/Shade; Native; Deer Resistant; Attracts butterflies
Average to dry soil, blue flowers in early Fall, a good naturalizer
under trees, at the edge of woods, or as a filler among Hostas and
Astilbes, which are dying out by September. Found in woods and dry
meadows.
Aster divaricatus
– White Wood Aster
Ht. 2-3'; Part Shade/Shade; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Deer Resistant
Glistening white small daisies in September and October. Use in average
to dry soil. Deciduous woods and roadsides.
Aster laevis
– Smooth
Aster
Ht. 1-3’; Sun to part sun; moist to dry; Native
Violet flowers bloom in Fall. It has a neat habit, rarely needs staking
and is very drought tolerant. Aster laevis is native to fields, dry
woods and prairies.
Aster novi-belgii
– New York Aster
Ht. 3-4’; Sun; Native; Attracts butterflies; Deer resistant
Local, Mid-Atlantic native of moist to wet meadows, light blue flowrs
in August and September.
Baptisia australis
– False
Blue Indigo
Ht. 3-4’; Sun to part sun; moist to dry soil; Native
Full sun will produce the best growth but they are adaptable to a range
of light conditions. The flowers are violet in color and bloom in Spring.
It does prefer soil pH a bit on the acid side. It is used most effectively
in conjunction with ground covers or in the mixed perennial border.
The blue-green foliage is a good backdrop for summer blooming perennials.
It is the only food of the larval stage of the Wild Indigo Duskywing,
a small Eastern butterfly.
Campanula divaricata
– Harebell
Ht. 10-16”; Sun to light shade; moist to dry soils
Produce 1/4”bell-shaped blue-violet flowers in late Summer to Fall.
Native to clearings and rocky woods. It is well adapted to a variety
of garden conditions. Used in rock gardens and for naturalizing.
Campsis radicans
– Trumpet Vine
Ht. 6-40’ or more; Light shade to sun; Moist to dry soil
This vine is native to moist woods, hedgegrows and roadsides; It does
have tropical appeal, producing large fluorescent coronet flowers.
The flower are orange, red-orange, or yellow and blooms in summer.
Vines are vigorous and can grow 10 feet in a season.
Chelone glabra
– Turtlehead
Ht. 2-4'; Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Deer Resistant
Moist to average location, white flowers August to September, flower
shape resembles snapdragons. Closely allied to Penstemon. Moist meadows,
stream banks and swamps.
Chrysogonum virginianum
var. australe – Golden Star
Ht. 6"; Sun/Part Shade; Moisture loving deep green and shiny foliage,
dense clumping with gold flowers in mid to late spring. Unique ground
cover.
Cimicifuga racimosa
– Fairy Candles
Ht. 3-5’; Part sun to shade; moist soils
This plant is a robust easy species to grow. It produces white spike-like
flowers in summer. Cimicifuga serves an excellent foliage plant in
the shade garden. They do become large after a couple of seasons requiring
deadheading if you do not want them to spread. They make the perfect
backdrop for ferns and ground covers.These plants are typically used
in borders, screening, background and massings. The plants bloom in
the summer and fall. They also provide nectar during the summer lull.
Coreopsis auriculata "Nana" – Tickseed
Ht. 8-12"; Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts butterflies
Deep green, shiny foliage, loaded with lots of orange flowers for 8
weeks in May/June and intermittently thereafter until frost. Likes
average to dry conditions.
Coreopsis tripteris
– Tall Coreopsis
Ht. 3-6’; Sun to part sun; moist to wet soils
Native to low woods and clearings, the blooms are light to medium yellow
in mid- to late summer. It makes a good back-of-the-border or tall-grass
meadow addition, but deadhead it if you do not want it to spread too
much.
Delphinium exaltatum
– Tall Larkspur
Ht. 3-6’; Part sun; Moist soils with limestone are best
The flowers are lavender to greenish violet and blooms in late summer.
Even though the flowers are modest the plant is robust. The best use
is as an accent plant in mixed or naturalized in meadows or grasslands.
Dicentra exima
– Wild Bleeding Heart
Ht. 8-12”; Part sun/shade; Deer resistant
Pure white blooms from spring until frost with a short lull in warm
summer. Foliage is blue/green in nature.
Echinacea paradoxa
– Yellow Coneflower
Ht. 2-3' Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts butterflies; Drought tolerant;
Deer Resistant. Relatively rare in the wild and in cultivation, this
coneflower is stunning in mid-summer with its bright pure yellow
flowers that consist of drooping petals surrounding a soft brown
cone.
Echinacea purpurea
– Purple Coneflower
Ht. 2-3', Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Drought Tolerant;
One of the great butterfly magnets and deer resistant too. Easy to
grow in average to dry, well drained soils. Large gold centers with
strong petals in July and August. Easy to grow and very drought tolerant.
Eupatorium dubium
– Three-Nerved Joe Pye
Ht. 3-4’; Sun to part sun. Moist to dry.
This is a shorter version that remains vertical more than not. Pink
flowers in fall. They are excellent nectar plants and are great for
summer perennial borders and meadows.
Eupatorium hyssopifolium
– Thoroughwort
Ht. 1-3’;Sun to Part Sun; Dry Well Drained Soil; Good nectar plants
for wildlife; Native
This is a good clumping species for sandy, dry soils, with very narrow,
whorled gray-green leaves and large flat-top flowers almost a foot
long. It is easily transplanted in average garden soils in a sunny
spot.
Eupatorium
purpureum – Sweet Joe Pye
Ht. 3-8’; Part Sun to Shade
This Joe Pye is found in thickets and open woods. It tolerates some
shade and the purple flowers in fall have a sweet odor when crushed.
Gentiana
clausa – Meadow Bottle Gentian
Ht. 14-18”; Part Sun; Moist to Wet
This 1-2’ high perennial grows best in sun to light shade in rich soil.
Its deep blue-biolet flowers appear in fall, attracting large solitary
bees. Blooms late in the season, providing bursts of intense colors
as days begin to cool. Used best scattered in the border.
Geranium
maculatum – Wild Geranium, Cranesbill
Ht. 14-18”; Sun/Part Sun; Moist Soil in Spring
Blooms in spring with pink and occasionally white flowers. Used in
woodland gardens.
Geranium
sanguineum – Bloody Cranesill
Ht. 1-1.5’; Sun to part sun
Deep purple to dark crimson flowers that bloom from late Spring well
into Summer. Afternoon shade is preferable in hot Summer. The plants
are adaptable. Used in woodland gardens and naturalizing along woodland
borders.
Heliopsis
helianthoides – False
Sunflower
Ht. 4-6'; Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Drought Tolerant
This local native sunflower happily naturalizes in moist or dry conditions.
Bright, 2" single, medium gold flowers for eight weeks, peaking
in July. Imagine, a self-sowing butterfly magnet that also doubles
as a bird feeder in the fall. Found in flood plains, fields and at
wood's edge.
Heuchera
americana – Coral Bells
Ht 18”; Part sun/Shade; Native; Deer Resistant
Outstanding foliage plants for the shady garden with a bonus of ethereal
flowers in spring or fall. They are superb in combination with ferns,
carex and polemonium for a variety of textures and colors. Prefers
average to dry location, unique silver-blue marbled foliage, white
flowers in Spring.
Heuchera
Americana – Raspberry Regal
Ht. 2-3’; Part sun/Shade; Moist to dry soil
Blue green foliage with rose color profusion of flowers in Spring.
These flowers are trouble-free and adaptable, however they will suffer
root rot of the soil is heavy and wet. The plants are best adapted
to partial sun in rich soil. Heuchera is a good foliage plant, useful
in borders, massed or as edging in formal or informal plantings. It
also looks very natural planted in and around rocks.
Hibiscus moscheutosvSwamp Rose Mallow
Ht. 4-7’; Sun; Moist/Wet
Blooms in late summer with a white to pink flower with a darker center.
It is the most common and widespread rose mallow, with large rounded
leaves. Used in borders, ponds sides or naturalized in marshes or swallows.
Hypericum
calycinum – St. John’s Wort
Ht. 15-18”; Sun /Part Sun
A widely used and attractive evergreen groundcover, deep green, oval
leaves and 2” gold flowers with pincushion-like center-clustered stamens
in late spring and early summer. Most content in cooler areas away
from drying winter winds.
Iris
versicolor – Blue Flag Iris
Ht. 3-4’; Sun to light shade; Moist to wet soil; Native
Iris has a blue-violet to purple flower that blooms in late Spring.
It is a very robust plant especially in shallow water, where the wide
arching leaves can reach 4’ in height. It is an excellent pond plant.
Liatris
spicata – Gayfeather (PA provenance)
Ht. 3-5'; Sun/Part Sun; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Drought Tolerant
Native to Pennsylvania and deer resistant. Upright spikes bloom in
July and August. Adaptable to garden sites or very dry sites with poor
soil.
Lobelia
cardinalis – Cardinal Flower
Ht. 2-4’; Part sun/Shade, Native; Drought resistant
Brilliant red spikes in July and August in moist shady spots. A favorite
of hummingbirds. Found along streambanks, in ditches and wet meadows.
Lobelia
siphilitica – Great Blue Lobelia
Ht. 2-3’; Sun/Part Sun; Moist to Wet
Great Blue Lobelia holds its flowers in thick spikes that grow in solitary
or branched inflorescences. It seeds prolifically in moist, open soils.
Blue flowers bloom in late summer.
Lonicera
sempervirens – Coral Honeysuckle
Ht. 15'; Sun; Native; Attracts hummingbirds
Vine with deep rose flowers opening to light yellow in late May, then
off and on until frost. Local to Chester County.
Marshallia
grandiflora – Barbara’s Buttons
Ht. 10-14”; Sun to part sun; moist wet soils
This plant is native to scattered bogs and wet meadows. It will also
grow in average soils with supplemental water. The flowers are rose
pink to lavender and blooms in early summer. It is a neat grower and
sends up dozens of single-flowered stems. From a distance, the flowers
look like ray petals that have a lace-doily quality. It is best used
in watersides, naturalizing and borders.
Monarda
didyma – Bee Balm
Ht. 5', Sun; Native; Attracts butterflies
Bright scarlet tubular flowers are 1.5-2' long in dense heads. Opposite
leaves are 3-5' long. This hairy perennial has square stems and grows
5' tall in wet areas, thickets and along stream banks throughout Pennsylvania.
Large red flowers early June through August.
Oenothera
fruticosa – Sundrops
Ht. 15-18"; Sun; Drought tolerant; Deer Resistant
A tough and reliable perennial. Well suited to hot dry sites. The stems
are thin, hairy and reddish with similar leaves. Native to the East
Coast of North America. Easy, dependable and a strong grower. The buds
begin as red but open into bright yellow flowers in early summer.
Oenothera
fruticosa – Fireworks
Similar to Sundrops above but with Bronze foliage.
Pachysandra
procumbens – Allegheny Spurge
Ht. 6-10”; Shade; Moist, Fertile Soil
Allegheny Spurge produces whorls of semi-evergreen leaflets clustered
near the top of short, clumping stems in a tea rose sort of arrangement.
It grows in tight clumps, not spreading mats, with a flush of new leaves
appearing just after the delicious cinnamon-scented blooms. Best scattered
or massed in the woodland garden as a ground cover around taller plants.
Panax
quinquefolium – American Ginseng
Ht. 8-16”; Shade; Moist, neutral soils.
Panax is native to rich woods, often on limestone. The flowers are
greenish white and blooms in Spring. A topdressing of dolomite in the
Fall increases vigor. The roots require a moist, well drained soil.
It also needs dappled shade to flower. It is used primarily in woodland
shade gardens. Panax has been used for 7,000 years in China as a restorative
tonic.
Penstemon
digitalis – Beard Tongue Husker Red
Ht. to 3’; Sun to light shade; Moist soil
Deep purple most of the year with spikes of porcelain white flowers.
Very drought tolerant. It is a tall, robust, multi-stemmed plant for
the border. Can also be used in meadows, zeriscaping, woodland, rock
garden and massing.
Phlox
maculata – Natascha
Ht.2-3’; Sun/Part Sun; Native
Found in moist woods and wet meadows. A carefree, spreading species
for a moist, open site that will form dense stands in time. A wonderfully
aromatic selection with white/pink striped flowers over glossy green
foliage. Blooms in June through September.
Phlox
paniculata – Summer Phlox
Ht. 3-5’; Sun to Part Sun; Moist soil; Native
This summer Phlox is native to gertile bottomlands and meadows. It
is one of the tallest of the genus. It has pink to lavender blooms
in summer. The plants form stiff clumps of tall stems that has pointed
lance shaped leaves. The flowers are very showy. The plant thrives
on evenly moist, fertile soils, but does not do well in drought.
Phlox
stolonifera “Blue Ridge” – Creeping Phlox
Ht. 6-10"; Shade/Part Shade; Native; Drought tolerant.
The round to oblong leaves, blue flowers and creeping habit make them
excellent ground covers in the native shade garden. Prefers average
to deep shade.
Polemonium
reptans – Jacob’s Ladder
Ht. 1-2’; Shade/Part Sun; Native
Native to moist woods. A vigorous, sprawling species that easily naturalizes.
Produces light blue flowers in spring. The plants form much-branched
flower stems that hold the blooms in loose sprays over the foliage.
Pontederia
cordata – Pickerelweed
Ht. 1-3’; Native
Grows in shallow, still water, Pickerelweed has broad heart-shaped
leaves up to 10” long and 6” wide. Blue flowers are born on spikes
that are 3-4” long. This plant grows in the upper northwest and easter
counties of Pennsylvania.
Pycnanthemum
muticum – Mountain Mint
Ht. 3-4’; Sun to part shade; Moist soils
Interesting species with oval, pointed, deep green leaves and large,
well-developed silvery bracts. It is somewhat drought tolerant. The
blooms ar white to violet and occurs in mid- to late summer. Mountain
mint is easily grown in a sunny spot. They will also grow in part shade
but the flowering will be reduced. It is a great nectar plant and will
attract butterflies, day-flying moths, flower flies. The foliage has
a strong, clean fragrance somewhere between peppermint and oregano.
Rudbeckia
fulgida var fulgida – Brown Eyed Susan
Ht. 1-3’; Sun; Moist to Dry Soil; Native
This plant blooms in summer with yellow flowers with black to brown
centers. They are true meadow plants that fit in nicely with ornamental
grasses and cone flowers. They are also good nectar plants visited
by a host of butterflies and other insect. This Rudbeckia is easily
transplanted when not in bloom. Will grow well in a range of soils
but like fertile, well drained and sunny spots in the garden. They
are best used in borders, meadows and massings.
Rudbeckia
hirta-Black – Eyed Susan
Ht. 24-30"; Sun/Part Shade; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Drought
tolerant. Shiny deep green foliage; Much longer flowering, mid-July
to October. Six weeks after Brown Eyed Susan is brown, this plant is
at its peak. Average to dry soil.
Rudbeckia laciniata
– Cutleaf Coneflower
Ht-3-4’; Sun/Part Shade; Native
Flowers are light yellow green disk that bloom in summer. A stately
perennial with deeply cut leaves and tall stems drooping, informal
blooms. This species will slowly spread.
Ruellia humilis
– Wild Petunia
Ht. 1-2’; Part shade
This cute, drought tolerant species makes a good garden plant. It has
pink blooms in summer and tends to be a long bloomer.
Salvia lyrata
– Purple Knockout
Ht. 12-20”; Sun to part shade
This native Salvia produces violet to purple tubular shaped flowers
on branched spikes. Its real appeal is its wide and very decorative
foliage which is bronze in Spring, , purple in Summer and red in Fall.
Useful in borders and zeriscaping. Salvia is also attractive to bees
and butterflies.
Sanguinaria canadensis – Bloodroot
Ht.-5-12”; Part Sun/Shade; Native
Native to moist woods, floodplains and slopes. Blooms in early spring
with white flowers with yellow centers. Used in massing, and deciduous
ground cover for shade.
Sedum ternatum
– Wild Stonecrop
Ht.-4-8”; Sun/Shade
Sedums are easily grown in well-drained soils in sun or light shade.
They are superb nectar plants. It is an adaptable, shade tolerant species
that can be found in mossy borders in the middle of a stream to rather
dry limestone cliffs. Very useful as groundcover, rock gardens, massing
and borders.
Silene virginica
– Fire Pink
Ht. 8-14”; Sun/Part Shade; Moist, well drained soil; Native
Fire Pink is a good plant for rock gardens and sandy banks. This species
blooms in summer with scarlet to crimson flowers. The leaves are narrow
and form dense, low clumps. The plants self sow pretty easily if there
is a butterfly or bee nearby. This is also considered a drought tolerant
plant.
Solidago rugosa
“Fireworks” – Goldenrod
Ht. 3-4’; Sun/Part Sun; Native; Attracts Butterflies; Deer Resistant
A compact clump forming plant with a radiating flower form that really
looks like fireworks. Prefers average to moist soil, but is tolerant
of a variety of conditions.
Stylophorum diphyllum
– Celandine Poppy
Ht 12-20"; Part sun/shade; Native to rich woodland
Celandine is an undemanding plant with medium green pinnate leaves.
It is easily grown in a variety of soils, but prefers rich, moist soils
under deciduous trees. Interplant with Solomon's seal or ferns to hide
the bear spots when the plant goes dormant. Celandine blooms for three
to four weeks in spring before setting seed. Prolific spreader if let
seed pods remain on plant.
Tiarella cordifolia
– Creeping Foam Flower
Ht. 12-18";Part Shade/Shade; Native
Native to Eastern U.S. Strong grower with glossy leaves and excellent
bronze fall/winter color. Light pink flowers for 6-8 weeks in spring.
A robust clump forms with some runners in spring and fall.
Tiarella cordifolia
“Oakleaf” – Foamflower
Ht. 10-12”; Part Sun/Shade, Native to moist shade
A very long blooming, clumping plant with wonderfully shapped leaves,
light pink flowers and bronze new spring growth. Burgundy winter color.
Tradescantia
ohiensis – Spiderwort
Ht. 24-30”; Sun/Part/Sun; Native
This Spiderwort of Pennsylvania provenance is a great landscape plant
for hot sunny locations. Good bluish-grey foliage with flowers in blue,
pink or purple from early June to September. Think of a flowering grass-like,
drought-loving native perennial.
Tradescantia
ohiensis – Sweet Kate
Similar to Spiderwort except this selection has bright golden-yellow
foliage, and deep purple flowers which can brighten up any shady
spot.
Trillium erectum
– Purple
Trillium
Ht. 12-18; Light shade; Prefers moist acid soil; Native
Showy burgundy-to-strawberry-red bracts with contrasting cream stamens.
Purple Trillium is one of the most common adcid soil species in the
East, and and its deep red flowers , vigorous clumping habit, and adaptability
make it one of the best for gardens. Blooms April to June and used
as specimens or scattered clumps in the shade or woodland garden.
Trillium luteum
– Yellow Trillium
Ht. 6-14”; Light shade; Prefers moist neutral soil; Native
Native to rich woodland, especially on limestone. Yellow Trillium has
mottled leaves that are heavily silvered. It is easy to grow, and the
citrus scented flowers are a nice contrast in a mixed planting. Blooms
April to June.
Trillium grandiflorum
– Snow Trillium
Ht. 12-18; Light shade; Prefers moist acid soil; Native
Waxy, white bracts look like White Dogwood. Flowers age to pink. Blooms
April to June. A magnificent plant that couples vigor and ease in cultivation
with some of the largest, showiest flowers of any wildflower. White
Trillium typically forms carpet of blooming plants stretching as far
as you can see is breathtaking.
Verbena hastata
– Blue Vervain
Ht. 4-6’; Sun; Attracts butterflies; Native; Moist to wet soil
Tall thin spikes of violet blue grace the wet meadows of the eastern
US in July and August. A short-lived perennial that readily sows where
happy. It is a good companion plant in mixed, informal plantings
and meadows.
Vernonia glauca
– Upland Ironweed
Ht. 3-5’; Sun; Attracts butterflies; Native
A native Pennsylvania plant that is happy in ordinary to dry spots.
Deep purple loose upright flowers cluster in August and September are
attractive to people and butterflies.
Zizia aurea
– Golden Alexander
Ht. 24-30”; Part Sun/Shade; Attracts butterflies; Native;
Golden clusters of 3-4’ umbels in May and June. Deep green, handsomely
divided basal foliage. Wooded bottomland, stream banks, moist meadows
and floodplains.
