Our Plants - Sugarbush Nursery

Perennials for 2008

See notes on nativity at bottom of list. We do not ship plants - we are retail to the area only.
* indicates new for 2008

Actaea pachypoda, Doll's Eyes | PA Native | wide distribution
Adiantum pedatum, Maidenhair Fern | PA Native | wide distribution: An elegant native fern with eye-catching black stems and nearly horizontal spreading banches. Under ideal conditions, Maidenhair fern will multiply to form a graceful colony. Excellent planted in masses or drifts.
Agastache cultivars, Hyssop: 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.
Agastache rupestris, Mountain Hyssop, Sunset Hyssop | US Native: This showy hyssop has it all - gray-green threadleaf foliage with a spicy, licorice-mint scent, and softly-colored orange flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies from mid to late summer. Very elegant!
Ajuga cultivars, Ajuga, Bugleweed: One of those garden workhorses that does double duty - grows into a tight mat to keep out weeds, and manages to look good doing so! Pretty purple flowers on 3" stalks in spring add to the charm. And, Ajuga tolerates unimproved clay soil - good news for Berks Countians.
Alchemilla mollis, Ladies Mantle: A beautiful groundcover with soft, scalloped foliage that begs to be touched. Sprays of yellowish-green flowers in the spring add to the charm. Especially beautiful with dew or rain on the leaves - they positively glimmer!
Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa', Fall Onion: A short ornamental onion with purple-violet flowers in October, followed by pumpkin-orange foliage. Very nice for the front of the border!
Allium tricoccum, Ramps, Wild leeks | PA Native | moderate distribution: description coming soon!
Amsonia hubrichtii, Arkansas Amsonia: Fine-textured foliage makes you want to pet this plant as you walk by! Clusters of steel-blue flowers top the plant in late May and early June. The foliage is attractive all summer long, and then turns shades of gold, yellow, and orange in the fall. This plant is also very easy to grow!
Andropogon gerardii, Big Bluestem | PA Native | moderate distribution: A classic native grass with distinctive, airy "bird's foot"-like flowers that tower above the narrow, strappy foliage. Foliage turns copper to orange in the fall against reddish stems.
*Anemone canadensis, Canada Anemone | PA Native | limited distribution: Description coming soon.


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.
Antennaria plantaginifolia, Pussytoes | PA Native | moderate distribution: Description coming soon!
Aquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine | PA Native | wide distribution: Our native wild columbine has beautiful red and yellow flowers on the smallish side - none of the big blue European columbines can hold a candle to them for sheer beauty! In addition to the straight species, we have two cultivars: 'Corbett', a yellow-flowered selection, and 'Little Lanterns', Asimilar to the wild variety, but shorter and fuller, growing about 12-18". Part shade. Self-sows all over the place - look under the benches!
Arisaema dracontium, Green Dragon | PA Native | moderate distribution: Description coming soon!
Arisaema triphyllum, Jack-in-the-Pulpit | PA Native | wide distribution: this quintessential wildflower found in North American forests features a hooded spadix in the spring, followed by bright red berries in the fall. Also an unusual choice for a shady container.

Aruncus dioicus, Goatsbeard | PA Native | limited distribution, SW PA only: a tall (5’) Eastern North America native with Astilbe-like foliage, with large creamy white plumes of flowers in summer; likes shade to part-shade.
Asarum canadense, Wild Ginger | PA Native | wide distribution: wonderful groundcover for shade features light green, fuzzy heart-shaped leaves and unusual brown jug flowers in spring.
Asarum europeaum, Wild Ginger: glossy, near-evergreen foliage forms a tight mass for this great shady groundcover.
Asarum splendens, Wild Ginger

*Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milkweed | PA Native | moderate distribution
Description coming soon.

Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly Weed | PA Native | wide distribution
This is an essential host plant of Monarch butterflies, but also attracts other butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Bright orange flowers (sometimes red or yellow) are prolific from June to mid-July, and then sporadic through fall. Seedheads are also ornamental. Very low maintenance!

Asplenium platyneuron, Ebony Spleenwort | PA Native | wide distribution: This native fern is widespread in PA, occurring often in disturbed forests. Its' semi-evergreen fronds are thin, with some being upright, and some lying flat on the ground. The common name refers to the dark spine of the fronds, and the traditional medicinal uses of the plant.
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!
Aster lateriflorus, Calico Aster | PA Native | moderate 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!
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome', New England Aster | PA Native | moderate distribution: A compact, heavy bloomer with bright purple flowers late August through September. A very welcome spot of color in the late season garden! 'Purple Dome' Aster is a native, easy-to-grow plant that deserves a place in every garden.
Astilbe chinensis var. pumila, Groundcover Astilbe: a short (10-12”) Astilbe with pink plumes and foliage that hugs the ground. One of the last astilbes to bloom, so great for extending the blooming season!
Athyrium 'Ghost', Ghost Fern: A stunning hybrid of Lady Fern and Japanese Painted Fern, combining the best characteristics of each: stiffly upright fronds with a pale white coloration emerge throughout the growing season, set off by the reddish stems; young fronds age slowly to green. Striking in a shady garden.
Athyrium felix-femina, Lady Fern | PA Native | wide distribution: a native fern with new leaves that appear throughout the season, lady fern likes shade or a moist, sunny site.
Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum', Japanese Painted Fern: gorgeous coloration of soft green, red, and purple on predominantly grey-blue leaves; Perennial Plant of the Year 2004
Baptisia australis, False Blue Indigo | PA Native | limited distribution, W PA only: Clean compound foliage and spikes of blue pea-like flowers in May and June, 3-6’. Very elegant form in the garden.
Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight', Wild Indigo: Creamy yellow spikes of sweet pea-like flowers rise above compound, blue-green foliage in early summer. A tough plant that is long-blooming and very elegant in the garden!

Belamcanda chinensis, Blackberry Lily: Iris-like foliage, only better, as it stays nice throughout the whole season. Very interesting salmon-orange flowers are followed by seedpods that look for all the world like big ripe blackberries.
Boltonia asteroides 'Pink Beauty', False Aster | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected plant in PA: 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.

Callirhoe involucrata, Wine Cups, Purple Poppy Mallow: a “weaver” plant that sends its bright rose-purple flowers up through whatever it’s growing with; deeply dissected leaves add to its beauty. Full sun, good drainage required. Forms a 3'x3' wide mat of densely-packed leaves in just one season - a wonderful groundful for sunny situations!
* Caltha palustris, Marsh marigold | PA Native | moderate distribution: Description coming soon!

Campanula poscharskyana, Serbian Bellflower: Blue, star-shaped flowers cover this plant from late May into July. Vigorous trailing stems can cover a large area in short order, and in the shade, Serbian bellflower can compete with shallow tree roots.
Campanula rotundifolia, Harebell | PA Native | limited distribution: 'Thumbell' cultivar available, description coming soon!

Carex appalachica, Appalachian Sedge | PA Native | limited distribution

Carex platyphylla, Silver Sedge | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09
Description coming soon.

Carex siderosticta 'Variegata', Variegated Sedge: a sedge that provides a vertical accent in the shade garden with prominently variegated leaves. Great edging or groundcover.
Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue', Bluebeard, Caryopteris: Blue-violet flowers cover this plant like a soft cloud from late August through September, set off beautifully by aromatic, gray-green foliage. An outstanding plant for the late-season garden, and a great performer all around!
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. Combines well with other woodland species, and looks especially elegant in dense colonies.
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Plumbago, Leadwort: great groundcover for sun or part shade with blue flowers in late summer and fall, and red fall color.
Chamaelirium luteum, Fairywand, False Unicorn Root | PA Native | moderate distribution
Chasmanthium latifolium, Northern Sea Oats, Wild Oats | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected in PA: a plant for dry shade, with graceful seed heads that resemble oats in late summer, along with great burnished gold fall color. Also a dwarf bamboo look-alike.
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.
Chelone lyonii, Pink Turtle-head | US Native: Hot pink is a flower color rarely seen in shady areas - so thank goodness for pink turtle-head! A very welcome flower display comes late in the season, from August through September. Foliage is glossy and attractive all season. We have the cultivar 'Hot Lips'.
Chrysogonum virginianum, Golden Star | PA Native | very 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.
Cimicifuga racemosa, Black Snakeroot | PA Native | wide distribution: A striking plant for the shade, with white bottle-brush flowers that shoot up to 6' above the foliage, late June through August. Attractive all season long. The cultivar 'Atropurpurea' has dark purple-brown foliage, adding another feature of interest.
Claytonia caroliniana, Carolina Spring Beauty | PA Native | moderate distribution in Eastern and Northern PA only
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.
Clematis paniculata, Autumn Clematis

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!
Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Hay-scented Fern | PA Native | wide distribution: A Berks County classic! Hay-scented fern easily forms large colonies of soft, delicate foliage - the perfect underplanting to woodland trees and shrubs. The foliage has a mild fragrance. A deer resistant fern, as well!
Deschampsia cespitosa, Tufted Hair Grass | PA Native | limited distribution: A clump-former that reaches 2-3' high, tufted hair grass is excellent for its energetic, early green texture in the garden. In early June, fine, wispy seedheads develop which give the grass a cloud-like appearance through the end of summer. Tolerates partial shade – unusual for a grass!
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, afer which the entire plant goes dormant for the summer.
Dicentra eximia, Wild Bleeding Heart | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected in PA: the foliage on this bleeding heart stays strong all season long, with pink blooms spring to fall. Part sun to shade. The cultivar 'Luxuriant' is also available.
Dodecatheon meadia, Shooting Star | PA Native | very 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.
Dryopteris marginalis, Marginal Woodfern | PA Native | wide distribution: A native clump-forming fern that is semi-evergreen, very attractive, and can take just about anything you can throw at it - including clay and drought.
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 (if you allow some flowers to go to seed!). Large, rose-pink flowers droop down from an orange cone in July and August. And now from those busy plant breeders, we have lots of great cultivars of our favorite US native in all kinds of colors and sizes! The most notable of these is 'Sundown', a dark orange selection which is extremely fragrant.
Epimedium species and cultivars, Barrenwort: Got dry shade, where nothing ever grows? Chances are, you've never tried epimediums! Dainty light yellow, white, or red flowers cover the plant in spring, depending on the variety. The evergreen foliage is flushed with red in spring, turning green in summer. An outstanding groundcover for the shade that should be used more often.
Erythronium americanum, Dog-toothed violet | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09: Description coming soon.
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!

Eupatorium rugosum, White Snakeroot | PA Native | wide distribution: We carry 'Chocolate', a cultivar with leaves that are deep chocolate brown and glossy, a perfect foil to the round heads of white flowers in the fall.
Galium odoratum, Sweet Woodruff: fragrant white flowers cover this dainty groundcover in the spring. Best in moist soil in shady sites, this groundcover can really take over if not kept in check.
Geranium x 'Philippe Vapelle', Hybrid Cranesbill: An outstanding foliage plant with pretty flowers in early summer - who could want more? The large, soft, gray-green leaves have a quilted appearance, and form a perfect mound. For a week or two in early summer, masses of blue flowers with a velvety texture and nice veining hover above the plant.
Geranium 'Rozanne', Cranesbill: The official choice for Perennial Plant of 2008! 'Rozanne' is the new “must-have” plant for every garden. Sets a high new standard for blue-flowering geraniums – blooms like crazy summer through fall. 15-18”.
Geranium maculatum, Wild Geranium | PA Native | wide distribution: A beautiful hardy geranium native to the woodlands of PA. Delicate 1" rose to purple flowers occur from late spring through mid-summer. The foliage is attractive all season long. Forms graceful colonies in ideal conditions. * Cultivar 'Espresso', with dark maroon/chocolate foliage, is also available.
Geranium phaeum 'Samobor', Black Widow Geranium: Dusky maroon flowers accent the striking foliage of black widow geranium. Blooms May and June, and may bloom again in the fall. Adds depth and complexity to any garden composition!
Hedyotsis purpurea | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09: Description coming soon.

Helenium autumnale, Helenium | PA Native | moderate distribution: This native plant features small, yellow daisy-like flowers on a tall plant. Distinctive notched, 3-lobed petals make these flowers stand out! Sturdy plants attract butterflies; also a great cut flower. Cultivar 'Mardi Gras', with rich tones of mahogany and burgundy, is also available.
Helianthus 'Lemon Queen', Lemon Queen Sunflower | US Native: An eye-catching plant when in bloom, Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' provides a welcome burst of color in the garden just when everything else is slowing down. Lemon-yellow flowers smother this tall beauty from late July through September. Butterflies love it - gardeners do, too!
* Heliopsis helianthoides, Ox-eye, False Sunflower | PA Native | moderate distribution: Cultivars 'Ballerina' and 'Summer Sun' available. Descriptions coming soon.
Helleborus 'Sunshine Strain', Lenten Rose: Hellebores were the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2005 - and the publicity is long overdue! Hellebores provide interest in the garden as early as March. Large, nodding flowers display a wide range of dusky colors, and the bold, evergreen foliage is effective throughout the year.
Hepatica acutiloba, Sharp-lobed Hepatica | PA Native | wide distribution, but only in Western and Northern PA
Hepatica americana, Round-lobe Hepatica | PA Native | wide distribution: Delicate flowers in shades of pastel lavender, blue, pink, and white top this tiny woodland plant in spring. A native woodland flower that is cute and very easy to grow!
Heuchera americana, Alum-root | PA Native | moderate distribution: This native coral bells has beautiful, subtly-variegated foliage and tall spikes of long-blooming white flowers starting in late spring. A great foliage plant which mixes well with many types of flowering plants. The showy cultivar 'Green Spice' is also available.
Heuchera villosa, Hairy Alum-root | US Native: This very tough and adaptable Heuchera hails from the Southern US, which automatically says it tolerates heat, drought, and humidity. Remind anyone of summer in PA? These are also shade-lovers. 'Autumn Bride' is very like the species, with chartreuse foliage that is large and fuzzy, and nearly evergreen. 'Caramel' has a leaf color you have to see to believe - a fantastic blend of orange, yellow, and burgundy - one of the best new perennial introductions in years! Both cultivars have spikes of white flowers in early fall.
Hibiscus x 'Kopper King', Rose Mallow: A very striking hardy hibiscus with huge white flowers with a red eye, atop gorgeous crimson foliage that stays tightly mounded. A real show-stopper in the garden!
Hosta species and cultivars, Hosta: Many cultivars, including 'Diamond Tiara, 'Sagae', 'Sum and Substance', H. sieboldiana 'Elegans', and two varieties with extremely fragrant flowers, 'Guacamole' and H. plantaginea.
Hydrastis canadensis, Golden Seal | PA Native | limited distribution, protected in PA: Goldenseal's large, crinkly leaves add significantly to the texture of shady gardens. Small white flowers stand on top of the leaves in spring, followed by red raspberry-like berries in the fall. Goldenseal has been severely overcollected in the wild because of its high medicinal value.
Hypoxis hirsyta | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09: Description coming soon.

Iris cristata, Dwarf Crested Iris | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected in PA: This petite iris is one of the few irises native to the United States. It lights up woodland areas in May with its blue, yellow-crested flowers, and spreads quickly to form a 12" clump. This iris tolerates full shade, and performs well in dry soils. Iris cristata 'Alba', White Dwarf Crested Iris, has white flowers with a yellow crest, on nearly stalkless plants. As a groundcover, this white-flowering form of crested iris is slower to establish and less vigorous than the blue-flowered form - but worth a try for iris lovers! A true collector's item.
Iris verna, Dwarf Violet Iris | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected in PA

* Iris versicolor, Blue Flag Iris | PA Native | limited distribution
Description coming soon.

* Jeffersonia diphylla, Twin-leaf | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09
Description coming soon.

Knautia macedonica, Knautia

Deep crimson pincushion-like flowers float on slender stems above low-growing foliage from mid-June through late summer. A wonderful flower color and a long-bloomer! Similar to the more commonly-seen pincushion flower, Scabiosa - but a bit more elegant. Easy to grow.

Lespedeza 'Gibraltar', Thunberg Lespedeza

The arching branches of this lespedeza form a fountain-like mound that erupts in rose-purple, pea-like flowers from late August to late September. A truly stunning sight in bloom! Excellent for very hot, dry, sunny sites. Give it room - this is a big shrub by the end of summer!

Lespedeza thunbergii 'Pink Fountain', Compact Thunberg Lespedeza

A more compact form of bush clover with graceful, arching stems covered with clear pink, pea-like flowers in late August through September. Great for difficult conditions, and late-season beauty!

Liatris aspera, Rough Blazing Star | US Native

A tall, bold liatris that boasts large, fuzzy purple flowers over a solid 3' section of stem. Blooms later than other liatris. Native to prairie areas in much of the easter US, Rough Blazing Star is adapted to poor soils and difficult conditions. Attracts butterflies.

Liatris microcephala, Dwarf Blazing Star | US Native

A delicate texture characterizes this plant, setting it apart from other bulkier Blazing Stars. Hailing from Southern Appalachia, this plant has rose-purple flower spikes in August and September, atop shiny, needle-like leaves. Very tolerant of clay and drought - pretty useful qualities around here!

* Liatris spicata, Spiked Blazing Star | PA Native | limited distribution

Description coming soon.

Liriope muscari, Lilyturf

A delightful little grass-like plant that forms neat, dense mounds of arching foliage. In late summer, purple flower spikes resembling grape hyacinths appear in abundance. Adaptable to sun or shade, lilyturf makes a fast-growing, semi-evergreen groundcover with interest all year!

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower | PA Native | wide distribution

A striking native plant especially well-suited to moist sites near streams, ponds, boggy areas, and meadows. Tall racemes of fire engine-red flowers shoot up from low clumps of foliage in late summer - with up to 50 tubular flowers on one 2' flower spike! Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Lobelia siphilitica, Great Blue Lobelia | PA Native | moderate distribution

Blue spikes of flowers in August and September cover this sturdy garden plant. A real workhorse in the garden, Great Blue Lobelia tolerates sun, shade, and very moist soils. ** Local ecotype in production **

Lobelia 'Ruby Slippers', Cardinal Flower | hybrid between the two above PA native plants

You'll be fighting with the hummingbirds over this plant! Showstopping ruby red flowers erupt on 3-4' stalks from July to September, backed by dark green foliage. The basal rosettes of foliage stay low to the ground early in the season. Unique flower color for the shade!

Lonicera sempervirens, Native Honeysuckle Vine | PA Native | limited distribution

Here's an example of a plant that made it into our inventory due to overwhelming numbers of customer requests - with good reason! Beautiful red-coral flowers, a long bloom season, not invasive, useful as a climbing vine OR groundcover, and high wildlife value - who wouldn't want this plant?

* Lysimachia ciliata, Hairy or Yellow Loosestrife | PA Native | moderate distribution

'Firecracker' or 'Purpurea' available. Descriptions coming soon.

Maianthemum canadense, Canada Mayflower | PA Native | wide distribution

This wonderful woodland plant can carpet a large area under a canopy of trees in no time! Looking a bit like lily-of-the-valley, short white spikes of flowers rise up from clasping green foliage in late April or May. A rapid grower, extremely low maintenance and care free!

Meehania cordata, Meehan's Mint | PA Native | very limited distribution, protected in PA

This native groundcover is a real gem! Meehan's Mint creeps along the ground and roots all along its trailing stems, making a dense mat. Then in late spring, this "gem" shines with hundreds of blue, trumpet-like flowers with spotted throats. The good ones are always underused!

Mertensia virginica, Virginia Bluebells | PA Native | moderate distribution

You can be sure that spring has arrived when the cheery blue flowers of Virginia bluebells start appearing. This well-loved woodland plant blooms in April and early May; its foliage then dies down completely by June.

Monarda didyma, Bee Balm | PA Native | moderate distribution

Bee balm is a classic butterfly and hummingbird plant - a must-have in every garden! Long bloom season, easy to grow, quickly forms big clumps! Likes consistent moisture. Many cultivars are available in different colors and heights. 'Jacob Cline', with large red flowers, is particularly resistant to powdery mildew.

* Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot | PA Native | limited distribution

Better adapted to drier soils than its close relative, Bee Balm, with a dusty-rose colored flower. 'Claire Grace', with clear pink flowers, is also available.

Muhlenbergia capillaris, Pink Muhly Grass | PA Native | now extirpated (no longer found in PA)

Here's a PA native grass that is no longer found naturally in PA - a real shame, since it's a show-stopper in late August to September, when airy plumes of rose-pink flowers erupt from the base of narrow, strappy foliage. Many uses in the garden, due to its short stature.

Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low', Catmint

While not as intoxicating as catnip, catmint is nonetheless a choice destination for the felines among us for the odor it releases when its stems are crushed. People also love this plant for its sprawling, aromatic, gray-green foliage and masses of light purple flowers all summer.

* Oenothera fruticosa, Sundrops | PA Native | limited distribution

Description coming soon.

Osmunda cinnamomea, Cinnamon Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

This is a tall, upright-growing fern that makes a bold statement in the garden. Its royal-looking foliage surrounds fertile fronds that resemble cinnamon sticks when mature. The fertile frond is gone by midsummer, but the striking foliage remains to add height and drama to the garden.

Osmunda claytoniana, Interrupted Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

This is a beautiful native fern with a graceful, upright habit. This fern is distinct because of the smaller brown fertile fronds which "interrupt" the sterile fronds on mature stems. Interrupted fern is also the oldest fern in the fossil record - 200 million years old!

Osmunda regalis, Royal Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

Royal Fern is a great choice for wet areas along streams or ponds. This fern looks pretty distinctive, even to those who generally think all ferns look alike, because of its rounded and well-spaced leaves. Fertile fronds look like flowers atop this fern in late summer.

*Packera aurea (aka Senecio aureus), Golden Ragwort | PA Native | moderate distribution

Description coming soon.

Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny Spurge | US Native

Our native pachysandra has a lot more going for it than its more commonly-cultivated Asian cousin. It has a subtle beauty all its own - the dark green leaves are attractively mottled with gray, especially towards fall, and its clumping habit makes it a well-behaved guest in the garden.

Panicum virgatum, Switch Grass | PA Native | moderate distribution

Switchgrass is one of the predominant grasses of the American prairie, and is native to most of the U.S. A number of cultivars have been developed to accent a unique leaf or flower color; most will turn shades of yellow to red in the fall. This is a warm-season grass - the very one that is being explored for biofuel production at present. We have 'Heavy Metal', 'Shenandoah' and 'Northwind' in stock.

Penstemon digitalis, Foxglove Beardtongue | PA Native | moderate distribution

Branching stalks of white, tubular flowers rise up in early summer from foliage that hugs the ground. This native beauty is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. A lovely cut flower, too!

* Phlox divaricata, Woodland Phlox | PA Native | moderate distribution

Description coming soon.

Phlox paniculata, Garden Phlox | PA Native | moderate distribution

Many cultivars available. 'Robert Poore', one of the tallest perennial phloxes for the garden, makes a real statement with huge heads of bright pink flowers, produced abundantly from mid to late summer, and also has exceptional mildew resistance.

* Phlox pilosa, Downy phlox | PA Native | very limited distribution

'Lavender Cloud' available. Description coming soon.

Phlox stolonifera, Creeping Phlox | PA Native | limited distribution

This is a fantastic native plant that forms a dense mat of evergreen foliage. In early spring, flowers on 10" stalks cover the plant in shades of blue, pink or white, depending on the cultivar. Very well-behaved and easy to grow.

* Phlox subulata, Moss Pinks | PA Native | limited distribution

Description coming soon.

* Podophyllum peltatum, May-apple | PA Native | moderate distribution

Description coming soon.

Polemonium reptans, Spreading Jacob's Ladder | PA Native | moderate distribution

'Stairway to Heaven', has multi-colored foliage in shades of green, white and pink, which provides a graceful backdrop for light blue flowers that hover like a cloud over the plants in early to mid summer. The straight species is also available, and is beautiful in a more understated way - with foliage that is clean and attractive all season.

Polygonatum humile, Dwarf Solomon's Seal

This delightful groundcover looks like a dense, miniature version of its elegant cousin, Solomon's Seal. The glossy foliage is attractive all season. White, bell-shaped flowers hang from the stems in spring for about a month. Very hard to find!

Polygonatum odoratum 'V ariegatum', Variegated Solomon's Seal

This plant provides great architecture to the woodland or shade garden. Graceful, unbranched arching stems sport lovely variegated foliage. In spring, fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers hang from the leaf axils. Solomon's Seal will eventually form a large colony over many years.

Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas Fern | PA Native | wide distribution

An evergreen fern with strongly upright, dark green glossy leaves. Very adaptable to different light levels and soil moisture - a real workhorse! Forms colonies and may be used as a groundcover.

Porteranthus trifoliatus (aka Gillenia), Indian Physic | PA Native | moderate distribution

When in bloom, the 1" wide, white, star-shaped flowers look like a crowd of butterflies on this airy plant. Stems and foliage appear delicate and wispy. The foliage turns a subtle russet color in the autumn, giving Indian physic two long seasons of interest. Deserves much greater usage.

Pulmonaria 'Opal', Lungwort

One of the best spotted lungwort cultivars for our area! 'Opal' makes rounded mounds of symmetrical silvery foliage. In spring, blue flowers mature to hues of pink and white. Keeps its foliage well into early winter, and is one of the earliest plants to leaf out in the spring.

* Pycnanthemum muticum, Short-toothed mountain mint | PA Native | limited distribution

Description coming soon.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida, Orange Coneflower | PA Native | limited distribution

Golden yellow daisies with a brown eye hover on long stalks on this graceful plant. Long blooming and easy care. A popular cultivar, 'Goldsturm', with larger flowers and a more compact habit, is also available. Great for cut flowers and for winter interest (from dried seedheads).

Sanguinaria canadensis, Bloodroot | PA Native | moderate distribution

A beautiful native plant with pure white, 3" flowers in spring. For all appearances, flowers look like little water lilies! Bloom season is relatively short at 1-3 weeks, but well worth it. Foliage may go summer dormant in dry times.

Saxifraga virginiensis, Early Saxifrage | PA Native | moderate distribution

Sedum ternatum, Three-Leaved Stonecrop | PA Native | moderate distribution

Yes, it's true - this sedum likes shade! Sedum's unique texture is usually a missing element in a shade garden, but no more. Tiny, star-shaped white flowers hover over the whorled foliage in May and June. Looks especially nice spilling over rocks or logs.

* Silene caroliniana, Wild Pinks | PA Native | limited distribution

Cultivar 'Short and Sweet' available. Description coming soon.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Blue-eyed Grass | PA Native | wide distribution

Blue, star-shaped flowers wait for the sun to shine before opening up. Flowering is heaviest in late spring to early summer, but this plant will bloom into the fall. The grassy, iris-like foliage provides a nice contrast to mounding plants in the garden. We have the cultivar 'Lucerne', which is similar to the species. Very cute!

Smilacina racemosa, False Solomon's Seal | PA Native | wide distribution

False Solomon's Seal is similar in form to its namesake, but instead has clusters of white bottlebrush flowers at the ends of its arching stems. Clusters of red berries follow in summer. In fall, the foliage turns golden yellow, adding yet another season of interest to this lovely plant.

Spigelia marilandica, Pink-root | US Native

A beautiful, but rarely-seen plant native to much of the Eastern US with red and yellow funnel-form flowers that attract hummingbirds. Has a long bloom season from June through mid-July, with a slight re-bloom in August. We are on the edge of its hardiness zone - extra winter protection would be beneficial.

Spiranthes odorata 'Chadd's Ford', Fragrant Ladies Tresses | PA Native | moderate distribution

A native, hardy orchid that thrives in southeastern PA! Stems of white, fragrant flowers spiral up from ground-hugging basal foliage in August or September. Spreads slowly to form beautiful colonies in shady or wooded sites with moist soil.

Stachys monieri 'Hummelo', Betony

A fabulous plant with a flower color that can be described as bright pink, rose, purple or fuschia. Whatever color they are, the tubular flowers are produced very freely in mid-summer, atop a tight mound of neat foliage that is just as attractive as the flowers!

Stylophorum diphyllum, Wood-poppy | US Native

This plant boasts clusters of showy yellow flowers with a velvety texture, against a backdrop of blue-green, attractively-lobed foliage. The main bloom season is late spring, but it often re-blooms sporadically throughout the season. Reseeds itself and naturalizes in ideal conditions.

Thermopsis caroliniana (aka villosa), Carolina-lupine, False Lupine | US Native

Imagine a yellow lupine that actually lives and looks good in PA! Spikes of sulphur-yellow flowers on 6"-12" stalks shoot out of this plant in June, looking very much like lupines or false indigo (Baptisia). The compound blue-green leaves are attractive all season long. Deserves much greater usage!

Tiarella cordifolia var. collina, Foamflower | PA Native | moderate distribution across most of the state, limited in SE PA

This is a fine native plant for the woodland garden. Clump-forming plants have pretty, heart-shaped leaves that turn reddish in fall, and are often evergreen. In May and June, white to pinkish bottlebrush flower spikes rise about 6" above the foliage, adding a graceful note to the garden.

Tradescantia virginiana, Spiderwort | PA Native | limited distribution

An old-fashioned favorite, spiderwort forms big clumps of strappy foliage topped with numerous purple-violet flowers from late May through mid-July. Each flower lasts only a day, but they are produced in abundance. Its informal habit makes it best suited to natural areas or wild gardens. 'Sweet Kate' has striking yellow foliage and bright blue flowers, adaptable to sun or shade.

Trillium grandiflorum, Trillium | PA Native | moderate distribution in Eastern PA, limited in the rest of the state

Horticulturist David Culp calls this, "The epitome of American wild flowers!" - with good reason. This spectacular spring-blooming plant boasts large, 3" white flowers with green sepals, that fade to pink as they age. The 3" leaves are borne in 3's. Lovely in a woodland setting.

Verbena bonariensis, Verbena

A tall plant that is very light and airy, topped with lavender flowers from June through frost. This is a see-through plant that adds movement and interest to the garden. A tender perennial that may not come through winter on its own roots, but if you let it re-seed, you'll have plants every year.

Verbena hastata, Blue Vervain | PA Native | moderate distribution

Description coming soon.

Veronica species and cultivars, Speedwell

Dense spikes of flowers are produced in abundance on this sturdy, adaptable plant. Veronica longifolia 'Eveline' has lavender pink flowers up to 20" tall; V. spicata 'Royal Candles' features royal blue spikes on a more compact, 15" plant. A great vertical accent in the sunny garden.

Vernonia glauca, Ironweed

Description coming soon.

Vernonia noveboracensis, New York Ironweed | PA Native | limited distribution

Description coming soon.

* Veronicastrum virginicum, Culver's-root | PA Native | limited distribution

Cultivar 'Fascination' available. Description coming soon.

* Viola pedata, Birds-foot violet | PA Native | available fall 08 or spring 09

Description coming soon.

Viola rostrata, Long-spurred Violet | PA Native | moderate distribution

A showy native violet with blue-purple flowers with a long spur, atop heart-shaped leaves. Friendly and diminutive, it adds texture to a spring woodland garden, and is lovely edging paths.

Viola rotundifolia, Round-leaved Yellow Violet | PA Native | moderate distribution

This native violet has yellow flowers with brown markings; flowers appear in early spring as the leaves are unfolding. Rounded leaves eventually sit flat upon the ground. A pretty addition to a woodland setting.

Waldsteinia fragarioides, Barren Strawberry | PA Native | moderate distribution

A good, tough, all-purpose groundcover. Cheery yellow flowers in April and May, and semi-evergreen foliage that will turn bronze in colder weather. Moderately slow-growing.

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Yellow-root | PA Native | v. limited distribution

A really beautiful, understated, taller groundcover with leaves that are similar to an Astilbe or Goatsbeard. The small brown to maroon flowers in the spring are interesting, but not significant. A graceful habit, extremely low care, and very hardy - you've got to try one!

Native Plant notations: a "native plant" is commonly defined as a plant that existed in the U.S. before European arrival. This is an arbitrary definition, and there's lots of room here for leeway, discussion, and multiple points of view! So, to accommodate the wide spectrum of "native plant" definitions, we've opted to just give you the information about each plant, so you can make up your own mind about whether it fits your definition! In the above list, we've listed "PA Native" when the plant was known to be growing in PA at the time of European arrival, and have further listed the plant's distribution in Pennsylvania. For example, a plant with the notation of "PA Native - wide distribution across the state" 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 in the state" 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!

As you can tell from this very brief introduction, there are many nuances to the discussion around native plants. This makes for a long and interesting conversation, which we'd be glad to have with you at the nursery!