Note that this partially is our wishlist for this garden. Native plants are often hard to find and often very pricey. We always welcome plant donations. If you have one, or more, of these plants you would like to donate, please give us a call at 828-333-3883.
Northern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/adiantum-pedatum/
Planted spring 2017.
Deciduous, clump-forming, native fern which typically grows 1.5 to 2′ tall. Finely-textured, somewhat frilly fronds have curved stalks and fronds divided into finger-like projections. Wiry stems are reddish-brown to black. Burgundy red fiddleheads appear in early spring. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy, acidic soils in full shade. Spreads slowly by creeping, branching rhizomes to form large colonies over time.
Rue Anemone
Anemonella thalictroides ‘Cameo’
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/anemonella-thaliotroides
R ue-anemone is a delicate woodland perennial growing to 9 inches with a clump forming habit. At the top of the stalk is a lacy whorl of 3-parted, dark-green leaves above which rises delicate, reddish-brown stems bearing pink or white blossoms with a long bloom period in March to June. Moist well-drained soil in part to full shade. Zones 4-8.
‘ Cameo’ has double light pink flowers that slowly fade to white. They can last from 4 to 8 weeks in April-June. This is one of the easiest to grow, it tends to multiply faster than most of the other double forms. 12 in.
POISONOUS PARTS: All parts when fresh. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include inflammation and blistering upon contact with fresh sap and irritation of the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea following ingestion.
Wild red columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/aquilegia-canadensis/
Erect, branching perennial, growing to 2 ft. tall. Showy, nodding, red and yellow flowers with upward spurred petals alternating with spreading, colored sepals and numerous yellow stamens hanging down. Lacy, compound green to blue-green leaves are divided into round-lobes in threes.
Once started, Columbine propagates for years and increases rapidly by self sowing. Part to full shaded woodland habitat with calcareous soils that are not too rich. Tap root. Likes moisture but must be well drained soil. Prefers thin, sandy soils where it maintains a tight, compact habit and long life. Drought tolerant once established. S hort life span if soil conditions are too rich. Zones 3-8.
DWARF OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA ‘RUBY SLIPPERS’
Hydrangea quercifolia
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/hydrangea-quercifolia/
Small, deciduous, rounded shrub with dark green, deeply lobed foliage in summer; mahogany-red in fall. In early summer, ‘Ruby Slippers’ is covered with 9 inch long inflorescences that are held upright above the foliage. Flowers open white, but quickly turn pale pink and then deepen to rose. Full sun to partial shade. Needs sun for best flowering.
Grows 3.5′ tall x 5 ‘wide at 7 years. Well-drained, moisture-retentive soils, enriched with organic matter. Also does well in dry soils. Use mulch to keep its shallow roots cool.
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on last year’s growth, so prune them minimally after they bloom—not in early spring, when you’ll be removing flower buds.
Hardy zones 5-8.
Pink columbine var. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/aquilegia-canadensis/
Planted 2016
Short, 8-10” tall, pink flowering variety. Readily self seeds.
Jack In the pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/arisaema-triphyllum/
Planted fall 2016.
One to two large, glossy leaves, divided into three leaflets, rise on their own stems 1-2 ft. The blossom occurs on a separate stalk at the same height as the leaves. It is a large, cylindrical, hooded flower, green in color with brown stripes. In late summer, a cluster of bright red berries appear. Part to full shade in moist to wet, humus-rich soils. Grows vigorously in moist, shady, seasonally wet locations. A heavy, leafy wintercover should be left in place.
Wild Ginger groundcover
Asarum caudatum
This mat-forming groundcover grows less than 1 ft. tall but up to 3 ft. wide. The main stem creeps along the ground with two leaves growing from each stem node. The large, heart-shaped, dark-green, persistent leaves hide purplish flowers April to August. Excellent groundcover for large areas. Prefers shade with moist, rich soil.
This low, dense, colony-forming perennial grows only 4-8 in. high. Each plant bears a pair of large, velvety, bright green, heart-shaped leaves. Growing at ground level in the crotch between 2 leafstalks is a single darkish red/green/brown flower blooming April to June. The solitary flower is at ground level, hidden below the leaves. Part to full shade with moist, rich soils. pH of 6 to 7 best.
Maintenance free and surprisingly drought tolerant. Alternative food source for the Pipevine Swallowtail . Zones 2-8 but doesn’t grow in the high summer heat of Zone 8.
Wild Ginger
Asarum arifolium ‘Silver Spreader’
Stoloniferous spreading groundcover, growing 6” in ht and spreading 2′. Arrowhead-shaped, silver leaves, with a dark green border It has a central green stripe and random green blotches. Beige[pink flowers in early summer. Prefers part to full shade. Zones 5-8.
Goat’s beard
Aruncus dioicus ‘Whirlwind’
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/aruncus-dioicus/
Planted 2016.
Tall, erect, bushy, clump-forming plant typically growing 4-6′ tall. The stems bear pinnately compound leaves, which are prominently toothed. The large, plume like spikes have long, feathery clusters of small, white flowers late spring to early summer. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants in May and June, male plants having showier flowers.
Prefers p art to full shade in moist to wet, average to acidic soil. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Zones 5-7. Larval Host for the Dusky Azure butterfly.
Ebony spleenwort
Asplenium platyneuron
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/asplenium-platyneuron/
Planted 2016.
Small fern with fronds tapering at both ends grows in moist, well-drained locations in part to full shade. Fronds occur in loose clusters, arising from the clumping roots. Sterile and fertile fronds are entirely different in appearance and habit. Sterile fronds are only 2-6 in. long and are evergreen. Fertile fronds (spore bearing) are 1-2 ft. long, erect, arching. The word, ebony, refers to the fact that the stalk turns a shiny black with age.
One of the most drought-tolerant ferns. Also tolerates more sun than most ferns with sufficient moisture, but does not tolerate flooding. Needs good drainage. Grows in part to full shade. Adaptable to a variety of soils.
White wood aster
Eurybia divaricata
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/aster-divaricatus/
(formerly aster divaricata)
Distinctive leaves are heart-shaped, stalked and coarsely toothed. Small but abundant flower have white rays and yellow to red center disks and appear in flat-topped, terminal clusters. Carpeted with white flowers in September-October growing 12-18” high and spreading up to 24”. Tolerates dry soil, shade to part shade neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Vigorous or aggressive, even in dry shade. Best to deadhead to prevent self-sowing unless you’d like a ground cover effect. Zones 4-8.
Southern lady fern
Athyrium filix-femina car. Aspleioides
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/athyrium-asplenioides/
Planted 2016.
A waist-high, delicate-looking fern for moist-to-wet semi-shade, this is a great fern to use in large-scale, eastern woodland landscapes. It is easy to grow, even aggressive in the right conditions, and requires no more maintenance than preventing it from drying out. Tolerates seasonal flooding. Its lime green fiddleheads emerge in the spring and then continue less abundantly through summer and fall. Mature foliage is a refreshing light green. Grows 18-36” ht. Space 4 ft for quick cover and needs a lot of space. Part shade to part sun. Zones 6-8. Colonizes aggressively.
Appalachian sedge
Carex appalachia
Clump forming perennial sedge with narrow grass-like arching leaves. Leaves are 12” to 18” long and less than 1/8” wide. Plants are only 6” tall allowing the leaves to dramatically arch and drape on the ground. Has very attractive hair-like foliage that flows and moves like water. In late spring a few flower spikes are scattered on culms held above the foliage. The flowers are inconspicuous and wispy, providing nectar to native insects and seed to native birds. Plants spread slowly and gradually form colonies.
Green & gold
Chrysogonum virginianum ‘Pierre’
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/chrysogonum-virginianum/
Planted
Semi-evergreen perennial groundcover with masses of small, daisy-like yellow flowers during spring and then sporadically throughout the summer. Performs well in shade to part sun and well-drained soils that are acidic to neutral. Grows 6-8” tall.
Black cohosh, Black Snakeroot, Bugbane
Cimicifuga racemosa
Wispy plumes of tiny, star-like white flowers grow 3-8 feet tall over fern-like, dark-green foliage. Spreading 2-4′. White candles in early to midsummer. But have an unpleasant fragrance. Bears ornamental seedpods which are attractive in winter or floral arrangements. Prefers moist, acidic, rich soil. Without proper soil and light, plants remain stunted and may not flower. Larval plant for Spring Azure butterfly. Zones 3-8.
Blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/caulophyllum-thalictroides/
Flowering, native perennial herb growing 18-24” tall with bluish-green foliage. In April-May, a smooth, bluish stalk rises 1-2 ft tall with panicles of small, star-shaped, yellowish-green flowers before the leaves are fully developed. The flowers form pea-sized seeds, which turn royal blue in late summer. Blooms early summer. Ht 18-24”, spacing: 12-15 feet. Sensitive to light, best as understory plant in a mixed hardwood forest. Prefers a slightly acid forest loam (pH 5 to 6) that is moist and cool. Zones 4-7.
Endangered. Cypripedium reginae is a large, multi-stemmed plant with stems up to 35 in. in length and with 3-5 leaves per stem. The mature plant will have 1-3 large flowers. The flower is mostly white with a rosy lip. Flowering May-Aug. Found in coniferous and hardwood fern forests.
Bleeding heart
Dicentra eximia
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/dicentra-eximia/
Planted spring 2017.
Long-blooming perennial with a delicate intricately cut blue-green leaves. The pink heart-shaped flowers held on 12-15” stems appear in early spring and continue sporadically throughout the growing season. Spread is 12-18”. Requires extra moisture after transplanting but once established does well under dry conditions. Prefers moist, well-draining, fertile soil in full to part shade locations. Does not tolerate wet winter soils. Self sows where happy. Zones 3-9.
Leathery looking, forest green, slightly ovate, 18 to 30” fronds. Prefers average to moist, rich, well-drained soils in shade or part sun. Tolerates drought once established. Needs protection from wind to keep the foliage looking nice. Grows to an 18” spread. Zones 2-8.
White Trout Lily or Dog Tooth Violets
Erythronium albidum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/erythronium-americanum/
Spring ephemeral, fading into dormancy by mid-summer. Tulip-like green leaves with silvery-maroon mottled markings, slowly spreading to form colonies by underground roots. A single, very attractive flower will bloom for just a few days on mature plants early in the spring. Known as the vernal dam hypothesis, research shows that spring wildflowers like Trout Lily actually serve as nutrient pools for the entire forest.
Creeping Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens ‘Very Berry’
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/gaultheria-procumbens/
Groundcover producing a dense mat of glossy dark green leaves that brighten to purple in fall. Blooms in clusters of small bell-shaped white flowers ripening to bright red, aromatic berries. Evergreen for acidic soils. Part to full shade. Moderate to slow growth, 6 to 12 in. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. ‘Very Berry’ is an especially heavy fruiting variety. Zones 3-8.
Cranesbill wild, geranium
Geraium maculatum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/geranium-manculatum/
Planted spring 2017.
Showy, 5-petaled flowers, in pink, white or lavender in early spring, occur at the top of leafy, 1-3 ft. stem. Flowers are in loose clusters of 2-5 at the ends of branches above a pair of deeply 5-lobed leaves. Colonizes by thick rhizomes but is not aggressive. Deadheading will prolong bloom. Dry or moist, acidic soil in part to full shade. Self seeding. Zones 3-8.
Sharped-Leaved Hepatica
Hepatica acutiloba
Pretty flowering native plant forming dense clumps of attractive foliage 6″ tall by 10″ wide. In early spring, March-April, white to blue flowers rise 2-4″ above the foliage in profuse quantities. Full to part shade, moist well-drained soil. Zones 4. Sharp pointed leaves. Found mainly in the western part of North Carolina.
Early spring wildflower growing 3-4” tall with lavender, pink or white flowers followed by 3-lobed leaves. Variegated dark and light green leaves turn deep red in fall and persist through winter. Neutral to acidic well-drained soils, but prefers acidic and high humus in part to full shade. Zones 5-8.
American alumroot or Coral bells
varieties: ‘Delta dawn’, Tiramisu or ‘Solar Eclipse’
Heuchera americana
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/heuchera-americana/
Planted spring 2017.
American alumroots leafless, hairy, sticky flower stalk rises 18-36 in. and surrounds its upper third with loosely grouped, minute, greenish, cup-shaped flowers. A somewhat hairy stalk bearing tiny, yellowish-green, bell-shaped, drooping flowers in loose, slender, branching clusters; usually 4-5 flowers on each branch. A clump of attractive basal leaves springs from an underground stem. The leaves are fuzzy, oval, lobed and somewhat evergreen. Well-drained, humus-rich, acid soils, sometimes rocky. Tolerates poor soil, low moisture, and lime. Blooming from March through August. Prefers part to full shade. Some varieties can tolerate more sun, but more sun affects leave color. Newer varieties come in a range of brighter leaf colors.
Dwarf Crested iris
Iris cristata
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/iris-cristata/
Planted spring 2017.
Early spring blooming 3-6” ground cover with pale blue, lilac or lavender iris flowers with gold crests on the falls. Narrow, sword-shaped, yellowish-green to medium green leaves (to 6” long) arise from a network of branching rhizomes. Spreads quickly and forms dense colonies in optimum growing conditions. Prefers organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade but will tolerate close to full shade. Zones 3-9.
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/mertensia-virginica/
Planted 2016.
Spring ephemeral with bell-shaped sky-blue flowers in mid to late spring, 12-24” w x tall. Moist/wet soil. Blue green foliage. Plant so top of root is 1” below soil line.
Shoots rise in early spring as the ground thaws. Flowers start as clusters of pink buds, then open up to bright blue bells. After blooming for several weeks, seeds ripen, and the plant begins to fade, going dormant in early July. Native to eastern woodlands. Part shade, moist humus soil. Part to full shade. Fast growing. Zones 3-8.
A creeping evergreen groundcover plant growing as a non-climbing vine no taller than 1-2” tall with creeping stems 15 to 30 cm long. The evergreen, dark green, shiny leaves which have a pale yellow midrib. It is found growing in dry or moist woods, along stream banks and on sandy slopes. White blooms in late spring to fall.
The scarlet berries are edible but rather tasteless, with a faint flavor of wintergreen, resembling cranberries. Full shade to part sun. Zones 4-8.
Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnomonea
Planted 2016.
Dramatic architectural form and color makes a striking focal point. Large 4-foot long fronds are blue-green in summer with new growth covered in white hairs. N ew growth resembles cinnamon sticks which then become enveloped in medium green fronds. Easily grown in medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils, but adapts to lesser conditions. Zones 4-8.
Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns.
Regal Fern
Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/osmunda-cinnamomea/
Planted 2016.
Distinctive with large, leathery fronds that can grow up to 6′ tall, more usually in the 4-5′ range. Thrives in moist, rich acidic soil, in part to full shade. Fronds, unlike those of many other ferns, are doubly compound, and of a bright green to yellow green color, clumped together with an upright, regal air. In fall fronds turn an intense yellow or yellow-amber. Interesting tall, russet colored spore-bearing panicles that rise from the center of the clump. Likes water and acid soil and does especially well near ponds and streams but also in consistently moist, acidic garden soil, but adapts to lesser conditions. Part shade. Zones 3-9.
Christmas fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/polystichum-acrostichoides/
Planted 2016.
Clump forming, evergreen, rhizomatous fern growing 1-2′ ft with similar spread. Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part to full shade.
Consider planting rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which can occur in poorly drained soils. Although rhizomatous, this fern will not spread or naturalize. Zones: 3 to 9.
Tall Garden phlox
Phlox paniculata
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/phlox-paniculata/
Planted 2016.
Long blooming, hardy and easy to grow, often fragrant and never need staking. They come in a range of heights from 2-5 ft. They produce huge billows of bloom in mid-late summer, in a range of colors from pure white to red, with nearly every shade of pink, lavender, salmon and purple in between. Largely pest and disease free unless the plant is stressed, then watch for powdery mildew.
They are happy to be in cool location, preferably in a little shade, and in a humus-rich soil. Did you know that their native situation is woodland, not out on the dry open prairie? Partially shaded locations are fine, and indeed recommended in climates hotter than Vermont (which is nearly everywhere). If planted in full sun, have other plants grow about the bases, to keep the soils shaded.
The soil should be rich and slightly sweet (alkaline), so if your soil tends towards the acidic side, regular applications of lime is recommended, say every 2-3 years. The plants should be set in quite rich soil, enriched with compost or aged manure. This type of soil will also hold water well, an important feature, for phlox do not do well in hot dry soils. Mulching will assist in water conservation and in keeping the soil cool. Because they are heavy feeders, even beautifully prepared soil will decline after four or five years, and it is best to plan on resetting your plants on a regular basis, every four or five years.
Appalachian Jacob’s ladder
Polemonium reptant
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/polemonium-spp/
Planted 2016.
An erect stem, leafy to top, bearing few-flowered clusters of bell-shaped, bluish-purple flowers with long, protruding stamens I June through July
The paired leaflets seem to form a ladder up the stem and account for the common name. This species is rare throughout its range.
Smooth Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/polygonatum-biflorum/
Mounding 1-3 ft tall, with long arching stems that dangle cream-colored flowers in early spring. Large purple seeds in fall. Average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils. Slowly spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions. The name Solomon’s Seal references the circular scars on the rhizome left by each year’s flower stalk.
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/sanguinaria-canadensis/
Planted 2016.
Early spring bloomers found growing wild in dappled sun in wooded areas, producing beautiful, solitary flowers. Flowers have 8 to 12 petals growing on leafless stems that rise above the foliage of this charming plant. Bloodroots spread rapidly making an excellent ground cover. Mulch the plants with a thin layer of deciduous leaves during the winter. Part to full shade. Moist to wet well drained humus-rich soil.
Name originates from the dark red sap found in the stems and roots, which resembles blood. The colored juice from the stems of bloodroot plants can also be used to make red, pink and orange dyes. You should wear gloves when working with bloodroot plants as leaves and other plant parts are skin irritants.
POISONOUS PARTS: Rhizome (thickened roots). May be fatal if ingested! Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, dilated pupils, fainting, diarrhea, heart failure.
The creeping stems of this rock-loving perennial usually send up a single flowering branch, 4-8 in. high, and several shorter, leafier, non-flowering branches. The succulent, light-green leaves are arranged alternately or in whorls of three. April to May flowers are white with five, pointed petals and occur in a three-branched terminal clusters. Part shade.
False solomon’s seal
Smilacina racemosa
or
Maianthemum racemosum
Clump-forming perennial which grows 2-3′ tall and slowly spreads, forming large colonies, by thick rhizomes. Has unbranched, graceful arching stems with light green leaves and parallel veins. Tiny, fragrant, creamy white flowers appear at the stem ends in terminal, plumy, spirea-like racemes in spring. Its blooms will grow larger with more sun. Flowers are followed
by greenish berries which turn ruby red in summer. Foliage resembles that of the true Solomon’s seals ( Polygonatum spp.), but the latter have distinctly different flowers (bell-shaped flowers which droop from the leaf axils all along the stems). Generally found in moist, rich woodlands and woodland edges. Zones 3-8.
Indian pink
Spigella marilandica
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/spigelia-marilandica/
Planted spring 2017.
Erect, clump-forming perennial, growing1-2 ft tall, with pairs of lance-shaped leaves along a wiry stem. Each stem bears a terminal, one-sided spike of deep-red to scarlet, tubular flowers, ending in five yellow lobes. The flower clusters grow along the last 2 inches or so of the 4-sided stem. Trumpet-shaped, the flower is a narrow tube.
Blooms in late spring to early summer, from the bottom upward and the flowering season can be prolonged by removing the flowers as they wither. Grow in moist, light shade. Very late to emerge in spring. Part to full shade. Zone 5-9.
Celandine poppy, Yellow wood poppy
Stylophorum diphyllum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/stylophorum-diphyllum/
Planted spring 2018
12-18” tall perennial with blue-green, deeply lobed and toothed leaves is known for its large, poppy-like 4-petaled yellow flowers that bloom in spring. The stalks are leafy and the flowers are produced in clusters.
Lends brilliant yellow -orange color to shady areas. Rich, acidic, well-drained soils. Best grown in medium to wet, humusy soils in part shade to full shade. Plants will go dormant in early summer if soils dry out. Stems contain a bright yellow sap which was formerly used as a dye by Native Americans. Zones 4-9.
Foamflower
‘Pink skyrocket’
Tiarella cordifolia
Foamflowers are close cousins to the Coral-bells. This species is a native wildflower, and a parent to many of the new hybrids. Plants form a small clump of scalloped green leaves, turning bronze in colder months and remaining evergreen in mild winter regions. Short sprays of airy white flowers appear in early summer, sweetly fragrant up close. Excellent woodland edging plant, preferring rich, moist soil. Clumps may be easily divided in spring or early fall. Do not prune back for the winter.
Grows 8 -12” tall with a similar spread. Soil adaptable in part to full shade. Blooms mid to late summer.
Red trillium
Trillium erectum
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/trillium-erectum/
Planted 2016.
Spring ephemeral, oing dormant in summer; plant with other shade-loving perennials to share their place until they reappear the following spring.
Upright plant with outward-facing blossoms of reddish-purple. At close range, it bears an unpleasant scent. Blooms mid- to late spring, and grows from 14-20 inches tall and a foot wide in shady, naturalized areas. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Full to part shade.
Red trillium isn’t really a good name for this trillium as its flowers can be a purple, a very deep maroon, red, white, yellow or green and any mixture of these colors that one can imagine.
Spreading bellwort or Merrybells
Uvularia sessilifolia L.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/uvularia-sessilifolia/
Bellwort plants bloom April to June, with interesting butter yellow, bell-shaped flowers that hang in groups. The dangling blooms are about 1 inch long and yield a three-chambered fruit. The plants grow up to 24” tall and spread 18” wide. The carpet of foliage is born on slender rangy stems and may be lance-like, oval or even heart shaped. Likes rich moist soil but it cannot tolerate flooding. Needs well-draining soil with generous amounts of organic compost or leaf litter to a depth of at least 6 inches. Part to full shade. Zones 4-8.
Broad green fronds are “interrupted” in the middle by spore-bearing pinnae (leaflets) in early summer. Spreading vase habit, growing 2-4′ in ht.
Hardy zones 2-8. Part to full shade.
Marshall Native Gardens 