Native Perennials, Ferns, and Grasses

Chrysogonum virginianum Golden Star	Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed	Aruncus dioicus Goatsbeard

Perennials A-E | Perennials F - L | Perennials M - R | Perennials S - Z |

Ferns | Grasses

Please note: we do not ship plants. We sell retail to the area only.

See notes on nativity at bottom of list. indicates host plants for butterflies and moths found in PA

Perennials A-E

Actaea pachypoda, Doll's Eyes | PA Native | wide distribution

Culture: Found in rich woods. Height: .

Agastache foeniculum, Anise Hyssop | US Native

Bring on the butterflies and the bees! 'Blue Fortune' is a big, bold plant with spikes of blue flowers and fragrant foliage. Essential anchor in herb and vegetable gardens, attracting all sorts of beneficial insects.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average soil Height: 4'h x w.

Allium tricoccum, Ramps, Wild leeks | PA Native | moderate distribution

Culture: Rich woods and bottomlands. Height: .

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' | US Native, Hybrid

A hybrid between the following two Amsonias - A. hubrichtii and A. tabernaemontana - Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a marvelous, short-statured plant with blue-green foliage and smoky purple flowers in spring, and a nice yellow fall color. Great as a groundcover.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade. Height: 12"h x 2'w.

Amsonia hubrichtii, Arkansas Amsonia | US Native

Fine-textured foliage is a feathery backdrop to clusters of steel-blue flowers in late May and early June. The foliage is attractive all summer long, and then turns gorgeous shades of gold, yellow, and orange in the fall. Best planted in masses for effect. Very easy to grow!

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with organic matter. With too much shade or fertility, plants may need staking or cutting back. Height: 3'h x 3'w.

Amsonia tabernaemontana, Eastern Bluestar | US Native

An early-flowering native plant that makes a lovely statement in the garden. Eastern bluestar is covered with light blue flowers for a solid month, and the foliage then remains attractive throughout the rest of the season. Long-lived plants and very low maintenance.

Culture: Plant in full sun (can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade) in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Height: 30-36"h x 24"w.

Anemone canadensis, Canada anemone | PA Native | limited distribution

Culture:  Height: .

Anemonella thalictroides, Rue Anemone | PA Native | wide distribution

A delicate woodland plant with dainty white to pink flowers on thin black stems, over soft, bronze-green foliage. After a short but delightful bloom season, this little plant goes dormant in early summer. A true native treasure that anyone with a bit of shade can enjoy.

Culture: Plant in well-drained soil; protect from strong winds and aggressive neighboring plants. Once established, will form a nice colony and may re-seed itself. Height: 4"h x w.

Antennaria plantaginifolia, Pussytoes | PA Native | moderate distribution

Description coming soon! Genus (Antennaria) is a host plant for American Lady butterflies.

Culture: open woods, shaly banks, cliffs, old fields Height: .

Aquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine | PA Native | wide distribution

Red and yellow flowers nod gracefully above finely-textured foliage, blooming late April through early June. Combines gracefully with many plants in a woodland setting. Two shorter (12") selections are 'Little Lanterns', and 'Corbett', which is all-yellow selection. Genus (Aquilegia) is a host plant for Wild Indigo Duskywing butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. Found in the wild on cliffs and rocky slopes. Height: 18-24" h x w.

Arisaema dracontium, Green Dragon | PA Native | moderate distribution

Culture: low woods, floodplains, swamps Height: .

Arisaema triphyllum, Jack-in-the-pulpit | PA Native | wide distribution

Our native Jack is a common sight in the woodlands of Pennsylvania in spring. The spadix is hooded by an arching green spathe, which is sometimes tinted or striped. Why not introduce Jack to a more prominent place in your shady garden, where you can enjoy the show up close?

Culture: Plant in light shade in average soil. Found in moist woods, swamps, and bogs. Height: 12-24"h x 12"w.

Aruncus dioicus, Goatsbeard | PA Native | limited distribution, SW and SC PA only

A large perennial that reaches shrub-like proportions in a very short time! Showy white panicles of flowers bloom in June for about 2 weeks. Tough as nails, goatsbeard is also beautiful and makes a statement anywhere in the garden.

Culture: Best in partial shade in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, but also tolerates other exposures and soil types. Not suited for dry conditions! Height: 4-6'h x w.

Asarum canadense, Wild Ginger | PA Native | wide distribution

A wonderful and very under-used groundcover for shady areas, wild ginger is found all over the Pennsylvania woods, but for some reason, rarely makes it to the homeowner's garden. That is a shame, because its lovely round foliage keeps out weeds and complements taller shade plants.

Culture: Plant in shade in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Found in moist, rich woods in the wild. Height: 4-6"h x 12"w. More images: on a streambank at Nolde Forest

Asclepias incarnata, Swamp milkweed| PA Native | moderate distribution

Let the butterflies arrive! Milkweeds are the only host plant for Monarch butterflies - they breed nowhere else. Swamp milkweed is also a garden treasure, with upward-facing rosy pink flowers for a long period in June and July. You don't have to plant it in a swamp, either! Also deer resistant. Genus (Asclepias) is a host plant for Monarch butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in moist to average, well-drained soil. Height: 3-4'h x 2'w.

Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly Weed| PA Native | wide distribution

This native beauty is an essential host plant of Monarch butterflies, but also attracts other butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Bright orange flowers are prolific from June to mid-July, and then sporadic through fall. Large, pod-shaped seedheads are also ornamental. Very low maintenance! Genus (Asclepias) is a host plant for Monarch butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil with organic matter. Drought-tolerant once established. Comes up late in the spring! Height: 18-36"h x 24"w. More images: a reddish-orange form, on the hillside of Twin Valley high school

Aster divaricatus, White Wood Aster| PA Native | wide distribution

Masses of tiny white flowers with yellow to red centers cover this plant from August to October, brightening up shady spots and attracting butterflies to the late-season garden. The zig-zag black stems are attractive throughout the season. Very common in our woods! Genus (Aster) is a host plant for American Lady and Pearl Crescent butterflies.

Culture: Plant in partial shade to full shade in average soil. May also tolerate more sun. Like most asters, White Wood Aster tolerates dry soils once established. Height: 18"-24"h x w.

Aster lateriflorus, Calico Aster | PA Native | wide distribution

The dark-hued foliage of 'Lady in Black' Calico Aster sets off masses of tiny white flowers with rose centers from late summer to fall. Attractive even without flowers. This is a butterfly magnet! Genus (Aster) is a host plant for American Lady and Pearl Crescent butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in average to dry soil. Height: 2-4'h x w.

Aster novae-angliae, New England Aster | PA Native | moderate distribution

A compact, heavy bloomer with bright purple flowers late August through September. Unlike mums, they are reliably hardy! New England asters are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, attract butterflies, and thrive in difficult conditions. They deserve a place in every garden. Genus (Aster) is a host plant for American Lady and Pearl Crescent butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average to moist soil. Mulch in summer to keep roots cool. Pinch back in spring or early summer for most compact growth. Height: 2'h x w.

Baptisia australis, Blue False Indigo | PA Native | limited distribution, western PA only

False indigo bursts into bloom in late May to early June, with elegant violet racemes of flowers (the cultivar 'Carolina Moonlight' has yellow flowers). May take 2-3 years to bloom, but well worth the wait. Plant false indigo and then leave it there - a deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. Genus (Baptisia) is a host plant for Hoary Edge, Orange Sulphur, and Wild Indigo Duskywing butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in any well-drained soil. Flowering is reduced in partial shade conditions. Found in open woods and riverbanks in the wild. Height: 3'h x w.

Boltonia asteroides, Boltonia, False Aster | PA Native, cultivar | V. Limited, protected in PA distribution

Strappy, silvery-blue foliage provides the perfect setting for masses of tiny pink flowers in late summer. This is a very TALL beauty - great in the back of a flower bed to add height and drama to a late summer garden. Attracts butterflies, and is very easy to grow.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Pinch back in early summer for more compact growth. Plants will bloom more without deadheading! Height: 4'-5'h x 3'w.

Callirhoe involucrata, Purple Poppy-mallow | US Native

Cherry-red to magenta flowers cover this plant from early June through July, then sporadically through fall. The deeply-cut foliage hugs the ground, forming a wide, dense mat. Weaves up through taller plants close by. Looks like a petunia on steroids in full bloom - stunning! Genus (Callirhoe) is a host plant for Common Checkered-Skipper butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in any well-drained soil just where you want it - a deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. Cut back in prolonged heat or drought. Height: 6"h x 3-5'w.

Caltha palustris, Marsh Marigold | PA Native | moderate distribution

A lovely clumping groundcover for the edge of a pond or stream, or other low places in a garden where the soil stays constantly moist or wet. Cheery yellow buttercup flowers in early spring, and attractive foliage on a clumping plant the rest of the season. What's not to like?

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich soil that stays consistently moist or wet. Will re-seed itself in ideal conditions to make a groundcover. Height: 10-12"h x 12-18"w.

Campanula rotundifolia, Harebell | PA Native | limited distribution

Harebells are native to much of the Northern Hemisphere. Nodding blue bell-shaped flowers on thin stems bloom from spring through summer. Stem leaves are thin and wiry. Altogether a charming, delicate-looking plant. The cultivar 'Thumbell' has violet-blue flowers and a very uniform habit.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average soil. Tolerates poor soil conditions and drought, once established. May re-seed itself. Height: 8-12"h x 12"w.

Caulophyllum thalictroides, Blue Cohosh| PA Native | moderate distribution

The new foliage in the spring is a lovely blue-green, changing to green as the season progresses. Flowers are inconsequential, but are followed by lovely blue fruit in late summer (picture). Combines well with other woodland species, and looks especially elegant in dense colonies.

Culture: Plant in full shade in moist soil of average fertility. Occasionally add lime to soil to improve vigor. Height: 12"-18"h x w.

Chamaelirium luteum, Fairywand, False Unicorn Root | PA Native | moderate distribution

Culture: rich woods, rocky slopes, meadows Height: .

Chelone glabra, Turtle-head| PA Native | wide distribution

A little-seen native perennial with spikes of white flowers that look a bit like snapdragons. Blooms late in the season. The foliage is shiny green and stays attractive through the summer. Multiplies to form colonies over time.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soil. Pinch back in early summer for bushier plants. Height: 2'-3'h x 2'w.

Chelone lyonii, Pink Turtle-head | PA Native | ? Got nativity info. From Morris Arboretum, native to SE PA distribution

Hot pink is a flower color rarely seen in shady areas - so thank goodness for pink turtle-head! A very welcome flower display of snapdragon-like flowers comes late in the season, from August through September. Foliage is glossy and attractive all season.

Culture: Plant in partial shade in average to moist soils. Can tolerate full sun in moist to wet soil. Pinch back in spring to encourage bushy plants. Height: 3-4'h x 2'w.

Chrysogonum virginianum, Golden Star | PA Native | V. limited distribution, protected in PA

Golden star is native to the woodlands of the East Coast of the US. The dark green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for bright yellow zinna-like flowers, which appear in spring and again the fall. Golden star spreads slowly to make a dense mat.

Culture: Prefers shade/pt. shade but tolerates full sun with adequate moisture. Likes a rich soil, but is also tolerant of less than ideal conditions. Height: 2"h x 12"w.

Cimicifuga (aka Actaea) racemosa, Black Cohosh | PA Native | wide distribution

Who says all woodland plants are groundhuggers? Black cohosh seems to be reaching for the sky when it sends up long, dramatic spikes of white bottle-brush flowers in June and July. Slow to establish, but once it has, it makes an impact in the garden, either alone or in groups. Genus (Actaea, aka Cimicifuga ) is the only host plant for Appalachian Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in partial shade to full shade in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Drought or strong winds will cause the plant to look crispy. Height: 3'-8'h x 2'w.

Claytonia caroliniana, Carolina Spring Beauty | PA Native | moderate, E and N PA only distribution

Culture: moist, rocky, wooded slopes Height: .

Claytonia virginica, Spring Beauty | PA Native | wide distribution

Nothing says "spring" more beautifully than this plant! Small, delicate, white to shell-pink flowers amidst narrow, strap-like foliage blanket the ground in woodland conditions. Then, once the show is over, spring beauty goes dormant, to let the summer flowers take over.

Culture: Plant in full shade in moist soil with organic matter. Delicate in appearance, but tough as nails once established. Native to moist woods and meadows. Height: 6" h x w.

Coreopsis cultivars, Threadleaf Coreopsis | US Native

Coreopsis 'Crème Brulee' is covered with light yellow daisy-like flowers from early summer through fall, against a backdrop of fine-textured foliage. Threadleaf coreopsis is a true garden workhorse, and a plant that provides interest during the "in-between" times in any garden.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average soil. Cut plants back to 1/3 of their height after the first flush of bloom, to encourage more blooms and compact growth. Height: 16-20"h x 30"w.

Coreopsis tripteris, Tall Tickseed | PA Native | moderate distribution

Get ready to feel short! This plant may tower over you, if conditions are moist enough. Large, showy yellow flowers with dark centers bloom from mid to late summer. Well-suited for meadows or the back of sunny borders. Re-seeds prolifically - deadhead if this is not welcome.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil - the poorer the soil, the nicer the plant will be. Do not fertilize. Height: 6-10' h.

Delphinium tricorne, Dwarf Larkspur | PA Native | limited distribution, SW PA only

Handsome blue-violet flowers on plants that are shorter than a typical larkspur or Delphinium. A spring bloomer that adds an elegant height to the landscape. Relatively slow-growing, but worth the wait!

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in soils that are quite moist. Plants prefer slightly alkaline conditions - add lime in the fall, if necessary. Height: 16"h x w.

Dicentra cucullaria, Dutchman's-breeches | PA Native | moderate distribution

Related to bleeding heart, the nodding white flowers of Dutchman's Breeches look like old-fashioned pantaloons. A classic PA wildflower common in the woods in spring, after which the entire plant goes dormant for the summer.

Culture: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Native to rich woods. Height: 6-12" h.

Dicentra eximia, Wild Bleeding-heart | PA Native | V. limited distribution, protected in PA

This drought-tolerant cultivar of our native bleeding heart blooms from April to June, then starts blooming again in the fall and lasts through frost. The finely-cut foliage also stays beautiful all season long - unlike the more commonly grown old-fashioned bleeding heart.

Culture: Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility. Likes soil with organic matter, but also very adaptable to a range of soil conditions. Height: 12-18"h x 12"w.

Diphylleia cymosa, Umbrella Leaf | US Native

A fantastic architectural plant for the shade garden, and much in demand by landscapers who know what they're doing! Very large, rounded leaves with an attractive notched margin top long stalks. White flowers appear above the foliage in the spring, followed by blue berries in the fall. A real collector's item!

Culture: Plant in full shade in soil that stays consistently moist, such as near a stream, pond, etc. Plants take a few years to reach full height and maturity. Height: 2'-3'h x w.

Dodecatheon meadia, Shooting Star | PA Native | V. limited distribution, protected in PA

A beautiful and intriguing flower that looks like - you guessed it - a shooting star! White to rose-pink flowers in early to mid-spring appear for a short but beautiful bloom season, after which the plant goes dormant. Rare in most of its native range now because of over-collecting.

Culture: Plant in full sun or under deciduous trees in moist soil. Performs best in slightly alkaline soil; adding some lime in the fall can help. Height: 6"-8"h x 4"w.

Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower | US Native

Purple coneflower is a must-have in any garden - beautiful, easy to grow, attractive to butterflies, a great cut flower, and an important food source for birds. It's native to much of the eastern US, although not PA. Large, rose-pink flowers droop down from an orange cone in July and August.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average to dry, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant. Height: 2'-3'h x w.

Eryngium yuccifolium, Rattlesnake Master | US Native

If you love making a statement in the garden, this is the plant for you! Rattlesnake master looks like a desert import, but is native to the Eastern US. Tall stalks bearing clusters of pale, thistle-like flowers rise high above the plant in late summer, above bold, gray-green, spiny foliage. Genus (Eryngium) is a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average to poor soil conditions. Extremely adaptable to tough sites. Height: 3'-5'h x 2'w.

Erythronium americanum, Dog-tooth-violet, Trout-lily | PA Native | wide distribution

Culture:  Height: .

Eupatorium coelestinum, Hardy Ageratum | PA Native | limited distribution

Fuzzy blue flowers cover this plant in September and October, and attract butterflies to the late season garden! Spreads quickly, and will re-seed - check growth by thinning out and dividing every few years, and deadheading spent flowers. A marvelous cut flower, as well!

Culture: Plant in part shade to sun in soils that stay consistently moist. Tolerates wet soils. May re-seed or spread aggressively in ideal conditions. Height: 2'-3'h x w.

Eupatorium dubium, Common Joe-Pye Weed | PA Native | limited distribution, mostly SE PA

The most popular cultivar of common Joe-Pye Weed is 'Little Joe', which tops out at a height that smaller gardens can handle with ease. Dome-shaped, rose to lavender flowers cover the plant in mid-summer, and then themselves get covered in butterflies!

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in average to dry soil. Height: 3-4'h x 2'w.

Eupatorium fistulosum, Hollowstem Joe-Pye weed | PA Native | moderate distribution

This towering giant draws butterflies and other pollinators in masses! Dusky pink to mauve-colored flowers form huge flowerheads from summer to fall. Grows happily along the roadside in the worst conditions imaginable, but really shows off in a garden setting!

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soil. Divide every few years to keep plants in check and promote vigor. Can spread aggressively. Height: 5-8'h x 3'w.

Eupatorium purpureum,  |  |  distribution

Culture:  Height: .

Eupatorium rugosum, White Snakeroot | PA Native | wide distribution

White snakeroot is a tough-as-nails native plant that is adaptable to nearly every growing condition imaginable. It is covered with small, white flowers in the fall. The cultivar 'Chocolate' has dark mahogany foliage that seems to shimmer, making this variety a standout in the garden.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average soil. Re-seeds readily - some seedlings may revert to the species (plain green). Height: 2'-4'h x 2'-3'w.

Perennials A-E | Perennials F - L | Perennials M - R | Perennials S - Z |

Ferns | Grasses

 

 

Native Plant notations: a notation of "PA Native" indicates the plant was known to be growing in PA at the time of European arrival; further, the plant's distribution in Pennsylvania is listed. For example, a plant with the notation of "PA Native - wide distribution", means that the plant is found wild in all or nearly all counties of PA, and is very common. On the other hand, a plant with the notation of "PA Native - limited distribution" is found wild in just some parts of Pennsylvania - you're not likely to run into it frequently.

We've also listed when a variety is a cultivar. A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a plant. Most cultivars start from a single plant that's selected from a wild population, because it has a mutation that is different in some interesting way from the plant's common characteristics - it may have a different color flower, shorter stature, etc., that may be more "garden-worthy" than the typical so-called "straight species". It is propagated in larger numbers than would naturally occur in the wild, specifically to sell to gardeners!