Blue Thumb

Blue Thumb
  • About
    • Why Plant for Clean Water?
    • About Blue Thumb
    • Become a Blue Thumb Partner
    • Environmental Justice Hub
    • Green Workforce: Sustainable Landcare Training
    • Blog
    • Support Blue Thumb
  • Projects for Your Yard
    • Native Plant Gardens
    • Raingardens
    • Shoreline Stabilization
    • Turf Alternatives
  • Lawns to Legumes
    • About Lawns to Legumes
    • How to Plant for Pollinators
    • Apply for Lawns to Legumes Assistance
    • Map Your Pollinator Project
    • Maintenance Information
    • Grantee Information
    • Coaching Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Plant Finder
  • Workshops & Events
  • Find Help
    • Blue Thumb Partners
    • Find Grants
    • Blue Thumb Job Board
    • Resources
Search

Find Plants:

May

View as: Gallery Table

  • White Baneberry
    Actea pachypoda

    White Baneberry
    Actea pachypoda

  • Maidenhair Fern
    Adiantum pedatum

    Maidenhair Fern
    Adiantum pedatum

  • Ohio Buckeye
    Aesculus glabra

    Ohio Buckeye
    Aesculus glabra

  • Large-flowered Water Plantain
    Alisma triviale

    Large-flowered Water Plantain
    Alisma triviale

  • Juneberry
    Amelanchier arborea

    Juneberry
    Amelanchier arborea

  • Allegheny Serviceberry
    Amelanchier laevis

    Allegheny Serviceberry
    Amelanchier laevis

  • Canada Anemone
    Anemone canadensis

    Canada Anemone
    Anemone canadensis

  • Angelica
    Angelica atropurpurea

    Angelica
    Angelica atropurpurea

  • Pussytoes
    Antennaria neglecta

    Pussytoes
    Antennaria neglecta

  • Columbine
    Aquilegia canadensis

    Columbine
    Aquilegia canadensis

  • Jack in the Pulpit
    Arisaema triphyllum

    Jack in the Pulpit
    Arisaema triphyllum

  • Black Chokeberry
    Aronia melanocarpa

    Black Chokeberry
    Aronia melanocarpa

  • Prairie Sage
    Artemisia ludoviciana

    Prairie Sage
    Artemisia ludoviciana

  • Wild Ginger
    Asarum canadense

    Wild Ginger
    Asarum canadense

  • Ebony Spleenwort
    Asplenium platyneuron

    Ebony Spleenwort
    Asplenium platyneuron

  • Ground Plum
    Astragalus crassicarpus

    Ground Plum
    Astragalus crassicarpus

  • Lady Fern
    Athyrium filix-femina

    Lady Fern
    Athyrium filix-femina

  • Narrow Leaved Spleenwort
    Athyrium pycnocarpon

    Narrow Leaved Spleenwort
    Athyrium pycnocarpon

  • Marsh Marigold
    Caltha palustris

    Marsh Marigold
    Caltha palustris

  • Bebbs Sedge
    Carex bebbii

    Bebbs Sedge
    Carex bebbii

  • Bottlebrush Sedge
    Carex comosa

    Bottlebrush Sedge
    Carex comosa

  • Sand Sedge
    Carex muhlenbergii

    Sand Sedge
    Carex muhlenbergii

  • Fox Sedge
    Carex vulpinoidea

    Fox Sedge
    Carex vulpinoidea

  • Blue Cohosh
    Caulophyllum thalictroides

    Blue Cohosh
    Caulophyllum thalictroides

  • Black Cohosh
    Cimicifuga racemosa

    Black Cohosh
    Cimicifuga racemosa

  • Broadleaved Spring Beauty
    Claytonia caroliniana

    Broadleaved Spring Beauty
    Claytonia caroliniana

  • Spring Beauty
    Claytonia virginica

    Spring Beauty
    Claytonia virginica

  • Red Osier Dogwood
    Cornus sericea

    Red Osier Dogwood
    Cornus sericea

  • Hawthorn
    Crataegus spp.

    Hawthorn
    Crataegus spp.

  • Hay Scented Fern
    Dennstasdtia punctilobula

    Hay Scented Fern
    Dennstasdtia punctilobula

  • Dutchman's Breeches
    Dicentra cucullaria

    Dutchman's Breeches
    Dicentra cucullaria

  • Leatherwood
    Dirca palustris

    Leatherwood
    Dirca palustris

  • Shooting-Star
    Dodecatheon meadia

    Shooting-Star
    Dodecatheon meadia

  • Wood Fern
    Dryopteris marginalis

    Wood Fern
    Dryopteris marginalis

  • Bottlebrush Grass
    Elymus hystrix

    Bottlebrush Grass
    Elymus hystrix

  • Cotton Grass
    Eriophorum angustifolium

    Cotton Grass
    Eriophorum angustifolium

  • Wild Strawberry
    Fragaria virginiana

    Wild Strawberry
    Fragaria virginiana

  • Wild Geranium
    Geranium maculatum

    Wild Geranium
    Geranium maculatum

  • Prairie Smoke
    Geum triflorum

    Prairie Smoke
    Geum triflorum

  • Sharp Lobed Hepatica
    Hepatica acutiloba

    Sharp Lobed Hepatica
    Hepatica acutiloba

  • Round Lobed Hepatica
    Hepatica americana

    Round Lobed Hepatica
    Hepatica americana

  • Alumroot
    Heuchera richardsonii

    Alumroot
    Heuchera richardsonii

  • Virginia Waterleaf
    Hydrophyllum virginianum

    Virginia Waterleaf
    Hydrophyllum virginianum

  • Dwarf Crested Iris
    Iris cristata

    Dwarf Crested Iris
    Iris cristata

  • Path Rush
    Juncus tenuis

    Path Rush
    Juncus tenuis

  • Torrey's Rush
    Juncus torreyi

    Torrey's Rush
    Juncus torreyi

  • June Grass
    Koeleria macrantha

    June Grass
    Koeleria macrantha

  • Yellow Widelip Orchid
    Liparis loeselii

    Yellow Widelip Orchid
    Liparis loeselii

  • Cardinal Flower
    Lobelia cardinalis

    Cardinal Flower
    Lobelia cardinalis

  • Blue Lobelia
    Lobelia siphilitica

    Blue Lobelia
    Lobelia siphilitica

  • Wild Lupine
    Lupinus perennis

    Wild Lupine
    Lupinus perennis

  • Snowy Wood Rush
    Luzula nivea

    Snowy Wood Rush
    Luzula nivea

  • Virginia Bluebells
    Mertensia virginica

    Virginia Bluebells
    Mertensia virginica

  • Variegated Moorgrass
    Molinia caerulea

    Variegated Moorgrass
    Molinia caerulea

  • Sensitive Fern
    Onoclea sensibilis

    Sensitive Fern
    Onoclea sensibilis

  • Interrupted Fern
    Osmunda claytoniana

    Interrupted Fern
    Osmunda claytoniana

  • Royal Fern
    Osmunda regalis

    Royal Fern
    Osmunda regalis

  • Cinnamon Fern
    Osmundo cinnamomea

    Cinnamon Fern
    Osmundo cinnamomea

  • Praire Groundsel
    Packera plattensis

    Praire Groundsel
    Packera plattensis

  • Hairy Penstemon
    Penstemon hirsutus

    Hairy Penstemon
    Penstemon hirsutus

  • Blue Phlox
    Phlox divaricata

    Blue Phlox
    Phlox divaricata

  • Sandberg Bluegrass
    Poa secunda J. Presl

    Sandberg Bluegrass
    Poa secunda J. Presl

  • May Apple
    Podophyllum peltatum

    May Apple
    Podophyllum peltatum

  • Jacob's Ladder
    Polemonium reptans

    Jacob's Ladder
    Polemonium reptans

  • Solomon's Seal
    Polygonatum biflorum

    Solomon's Seal
    Polygonatum biflorum

  • Christmas Fern
    Polystichum acrostichoides

    Christmas Fern
    Polystichum acrostichoides

  • American Plum
    Prunus americana

    American Plum
    Prunus americana

  • Eastern Sand Cherry
    Prunus pumila

    Eastern Sand Cherry
    Prunus pumila

  • Chokecherry
    Prunus virginiana

    Chokecherry
    Prunus virginiana

  • Pasque Flower
    Pulsatilla vulgaris

    Pasque Flower
    Pulsatilla vulgaris

  • Yellow Water Buttercup
    Ranunculus flabellaris

    Yellow Water Buttercup
    Ranunculus flabellaris

  • Elderberry
    Sambucus racemosa

    Elderberry
    Sambucus racemosa

  • Bloodroot
    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Bloodroot
    Sanguinaria canadensis

  • Prairie Blue-Eyed Grass
    Sisyrinchium campestre

    Prairie Blue-Eyed Grass
    Sisyrinchium campestre

  • False Solomon's Seal
    Smilacina racemosa

    False Solomon's Seal
    Smilacina racemosa

  • Starry False Solomon Seal
    Smilacina stellata

    Starry False Solomon Seal
    Smilacina stellata

  • Rue Anemone
    Thalictrum thalictroides

    Rue Anemone
    Thalictrum thalictroides

  • Showy Trillium
    Trillium grandiflorum

    Showy Trillium
    Trillium grandiflorum

  • Large Flower Bellwort
    Uvularia grandiflora

    Large Flower Bellwort
    Uvularia grandiflora

  • Edible Valerian
    Valeriana edulis

    Edible Valerian
    Valeriana edulis

  • American High-Bush Cranberry
    Viburnum trilobum

    American High-Bush Cranberry
    Viburnum trilobum

  • Canada Violet
    Viola candensis

    Canada Violet
    Viola candensis

  • Missouri Violet
    Viola missouriensis

    Missouri Violet
    Viola missouriensis

  • Bird's Foot Violet
    Viola pedata

    Bird's Foot Violet
    Viola pedata

  • Yellow Violet
    Viola pubescens

    Yellow Violet
    Viola pubescens

  • Heart-leaved Golden Alexander
    Zizia aptera

    Heart-leaved Golden Alexander
    Zizia aptera

  • Golden Alexander
    Zizia aurea

    Golden Alexander
    Zizia aurea
Name Type Light Exposure Soil Moisture Height Bloom Color Bloom Months   Notes/Description
White Baneberry
Actea pachypoda
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 20 to 40 feet
Bloom Color:
Green, Yellow
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info Easily grown in average, Medium well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Foliage tends to scorch and generally depreciate in dry conditions. This is a taprooted tree that once established is very difficult to transplant.
Large-flowered Water Plantain
Alisma triviale
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September
 USDA Info Alisma triviale prefers full or partial sun and mucky soil or shallow, slow-moving, even stagnant water. It withstands drought better than most aquatic plants. The oval basal leaves of Alisma trivale are about one-foot tall and form a rosette from which rises a whorled panicle of small white flowers, reaching a height of three feet during summer. This species prefers full or partial sun and mucky soil or shallow, slow-moving, even stagnant water. It withstands drought better than most aquatic plants.
Juneberry
Amelanchier arborea
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 15 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info There are 16 species of Amelanchier in the world, most are in North America. The fruit ripens in June, is edible and an important food source for wildlife. This large shrub is also called Down Serviceberry because of the whitish downy hairs on the undersides of the leaves. Long ago it was named a 'Serviceberry' because it flowers in spring signaling the ground was ready to be dug for burials in northern climates. Yellow to red fall color.
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 30 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info Allegheny Serviceberry is a native tree for all seasons. In April and May it has beautiful white flowers that are delicately scented and provide nectar for the season's early bees and butterflies. In mid summer its fruits ripen to brilliant violet pink, aging to deep blue purple when fully ripe. Its leaves play occasional host to the larvae of viceroy, striped hairstreak, and Canadian tiger swallowtail butterflies. And the grand finale comes in fall with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds as the leaves prepare to drop. Amelanchier laevis is found in moist woods and meadows, but tolerates most any garden situation. It will bloom more in full sun, but have a more open and graceful habit in shade. It is drought tolerant once established, but will grow taller and faster in consistently moist soils. Amelanchier can be grown as a small tree pruned to become a densely branched shrub. Fragrant spring flowers Easy to grow and widely adaptable Edible berries in summer Gorgeous fall color.
Canada Anemone
Anemone canadensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet, Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info Showy white flowers highlight this plant in spring. This may be the only time of year when the extent of its spread is apparent! In garden settings, be prepared for it to spread quickly by underground roots. In restorations, it can help stabilize soil relatively quickly.
Angelica
Angelica atropurpurea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 7 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info With impressive stature, leaves that can reach two feet wide and large umbrella-like flower structure, this species has an imposing presence. It's not surprising that it has a long history of reputed medicinal and magical properties. Stately sentinels along stream beds, Angelica plants reach heights of six or more feet with hollow, smooth purple stems from one to two inches round. Angelica is calcareous and therefore needs an alkaline soil with a pH of 7 to 8.
Pussytoes
Antennaria neglecta
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info Columbine will bloom profusely in sunnier locations, and provides refreshing splashes of color in shadier locations. Readily reseeds, but usually not troublesome.
Jack in the Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info A great woodland plant with the pulpit in the spring and red berries in the fall.
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 6 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Prairie Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 6 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Ebony Spleenwort
Asplenium platyneuron
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info
Ground Plum
Astragalus crassicarpus
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
April, May, June
 USDA Info
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Narrow Leaved Spleenwort
Athyrium pycnocarpon
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Bebbs Sedge
Carex bebbii
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Bottlebrush Sedge
Carex comosa
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Wet, Medium
 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Sand Sedge
Carex muhlenbergii
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Fox Sedge
Carex vulpinoidea
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info
Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Broadleaved Spring Beauty
Claytonia caroliniana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info Small pale pink flowers adorn this low growing woodland ephemeral. Can naturalize over the years to create a carpet of blooms.
Spring Beauty
Claytonia virginica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 12 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Hawthorn
Crataegus spp.
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 15 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info There are 12 species of hawthorn native to Minnesota
Hay Scented Fern
Dennstasdtia punctilobula
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Dutchman's Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Leatherwood
Dirca palustris
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info The yellow early spring flowers and red fall fruit make this an attractive choice for a shaded shrub in a landscape. Leatherwood is one of the few native shrubs blooming abundantly in deep shade, due to its early leaf-out. It is a shrub indicating an old growth forest. The bark of Dirca palustris has been know to cause dermatitis.
Shooting-Star
Dodecatheon meadia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Wood Fern
Dryopteris marginalis
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Bottlebrush Grass
Elymus hystrix
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Lovely curved seed heads. Readily reseeds.
Cotton Grass
Eriophorum angustifolium
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Prairie Smoke
Geum triflorum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Sharp Lobed Hepatica
Hepatica acutiloba
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Round Lobed Hepatica
Hepatica americana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Alumroot
Heuchera richardsonii
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Nice ground cover for shady, dry areas. Large leaves close to the ground persist almost year round, greening up in early spring. Green/tan flowers with red pollen emerge along 1.5 foot stalks. Could be used on the edge of raingardens or on the upland part of shoreline stabilization projects.
Virginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Dwarf Crested Iris
Iris cristata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Path Rush
Juncus tenuis
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Torrey's Rush
Juncus torreyi
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
June Grass
Koeleria macrantha
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August
 USDA Info June grass thrives on dry, well-drained/sandy soils. It is one of the few cool season native grasses, greening up in May with pale green ornamental flowering stalks in June. By mid-summer, the stalks turn tan and remain attractive throughout the growing season.
Yellow Widelip Orchid
Liparis loeselii
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Yellow, Green, White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info Liparis loeselii, common names fen orchid,yellow widelip orchid, or bog twayblade,is a species of orchid. It is native to Europe, northern Asia, the eastern United States and eastern Canada. It grows in fens, bogs and dune slacks. It is a yellow flowering plant with glossy yellow-green leaves.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September
 USDA Info A hummingbird favorite, cardinal flower is a striking plant in the garden or restoration. It is a short-lived perennial, usually blooming 3-5 years. It can reseed if seeds receive enough light and consistent moisture during germination.
Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September
 USDA Info Great summer bloomer, especially showy in raingarden base.
Wild Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Snowy Wood Rush
Luzula nivea
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Variegated Moorgrass
Molinia caerulea
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Sensitive Fern
Onoclea sensibilis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Interrupted Fern
Osmunda claytoniana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Cinnamon Fern
Osmundo cinnamomea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Praire Groundsel
Packera plattensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Hairy Penstemon
Penstemon hirsutus
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Blue Phlox
Phlox divaricata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Sandberg Bluegrass
Poa secunda J. Presl
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info Sandberg bluegrass is a perennial bunchgrass, native to the Great Basin. It is an important component of sagebrush grassland vegetation, particularly in early successional stages. It is a widespread species and is one of the first perennial grasses to green up in spring.
May Apple
Podophyllum peltatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium reptans
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
American Plum
Prunus americana
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 20 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info Wildlife: American plum is highly important as wildlife cover and food. The thorny, suckering growth, when protected, forms a thicket valuable for bird nesting, loafing, and roosting, and animal loafing and bedding. Twigs and foliage provide a highly preferred browse for whitetail and mule deer. Recreation and Beautification: The thorny growth and suckering characteristics should be considered before planting this species near a recreation area. It can be used for screening and natural barriers. The fruit is used widely for making jams and jellies. Ethnobotanic: American plum was and still is used as a source of food and medicine by Native Americans in the Midwest and West.
Eastern Sand Cherry
Prunus pumila
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 5 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Versatile plant, fruit has wildlife value.
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 25 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info Appears like a large shrub cover with flowers in the s[ring. Bitter redish-black berries in late summer. Entire plant except for fruit contains cyanide. Fruit eaten by wildlife. Fall color is yellow to red.
Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 6 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Yellow Water Buttercup
Ranunculus flabellaris
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info A similar aquatic species is Small Yellow Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus gmelinii), which has smaller flowers (less than ½ inch), and smaller leaves that are typically wider than long and less finely divided.
Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 12 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
April, May, June
 USDA Info
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info
Prairie Blue-Eyed Grass
Sisyrinchium campestre
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Dainty border plant. Doesn't spread.
False Solomon's Seal
Smilacina racemosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
Starry False Solomon Seal
Smilacina stellata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Rue Anemone
Thalictrum thalictroides
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Showy Trillium
Trillium grandiflorum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Large Flower Bellwort
Uvularia grandiflora
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Edible Valerian
Valeriana edulis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 1 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Edible Valerian is a threatened species and not to be confused with Valeriana officinalis, which is invasive.
American High-Bush Cranberry
Viburnum trilobum
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 16 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Canada Violet
Viola candensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Missouri Violet
Viola missouriensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Bird's Foot Violet
Viola pedata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 to 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Yellow Violet
Viola pubescens
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Heart-leaved Golden Alexander
Zizia aptera
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
  • Native Plant Gardens
  • Raingardens
  • Shoreline Stabilization
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Blue Thumb. All rights reserved.

https://bluethumb.org/bloom_months/may

This website uses cookies for necessary functions and to enhance your browsing experience.

Accept & Continue