Mixed Sun and Shade
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Balsam Fir
Balsam FirAbies balsameaAbies balsamea -
Silver Maple
Silver MapleAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinum -
Ohio Buckeye
Ohio BuckeyeAesculus glabraAesculus glabra -
Fragrant Hyssop
Fragrant HyssopAgastache foeniculumAgastache foeniculum -
White Snakeroot
White SnakerootAgeratina altissimaAgeratina altissima -
Nodding Onion
Nodding OnionAllium cernuumAllium cernuum -
Wild Onion
Wild OnionAllium stellatumAllium stellatum -
Speckled Alder
Speckled AlderAlnus incanaAlnus incana -
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny ServiceberryAmelanchier laevisAmelanchier laevis -
Leadplant
LeadplantAmorpha canescensAmorpha canescens -
Big Bluestem
Big BluestemAndropogon gerardiiAndropogon gerardii -
Canada Anemone
Canada AnemoneAnemone canadensisAnemone canadensis -
Thimble Flower
Thimble FlowerAnemone cylindricaAnemone cylindrica -
Tall Thimbleweed
Tall ThimbleweedAnemone virginiana L.Anemone virginiana L. -
Angelica
AngelicaAngelica atropurpureaAngelica atropurpurea -
Pussytoes
PussytoesAntennaria neglectaAntennaria neglecta -
Columbine
ColumbineAquilegia canadensisAquilegia canadensis -
Green Dragon
Green DragonArisaema dracontiumArisaema dracontium -
Jack in the Pulpit
Jack in the PulpitArisaema triphyllumArisaema triphyllum -
Black Chokeberry
Black ChokeberryAronia melanocarpaAronia melanocarpa -
Wild Ginger
Wild GingerAsarum canadenseAsarum canadense -
Marsh Milkweed
Marsh MilkweedAsclepias incarnataAsclepias incarnata -
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly WeedAsclepias tuberosaAsclepias tuberosa -
Ebony Spleenwort
Ebony SpleenwortAsplenium platyneuronAsplenium platyneuron -
Azure Sky (Blue) Aster
Azure Sky (Blue) AsterAster oolentangiensisAster oolentangiensis -
Crooked-stemmed Aster
Crooked-stemmed AsterAster prenanthoidesAster prenanthoides -
Purple-stemmed Aster
Purple-stemmed AsterAster puniceusAster puniceus -
Canada Milkvetch
Canada MilkvetchAstragalus canadensisAstragalus canadensis -
Ground Plum
Ground PlumAstragalus crassicarpusAstragalus crassicarpus -
Lady Fern
Lady FernAthyrium filix-feminaAthyrium filix-femina -
Narrow Leaved Spleenwort
Narrow Leaved SpleenwortAthyrium pycnocarponAthyrium pycnocarpon -
Downy Wood Mint
Downy Wood MintBlephilia ciliataBlephilia ciliata -
Hairy Wood Mint
Hairy Wood MintBlephilia hirsutaBlephilia hirsuta -
Oklahoma Grasspink
Oklahoma GrasspinkCalopogon oklahomensisCalopogon oklahomensis -
Marsh Marigold
Marsh MarigoldCaltha palustrisCaltha palustris -
Tall Bellflower
Tall BellflowerCampanula americanaCampanula americana -
Harebell
HarebellCampanula rotundifoliaCampanula rotundifolia -
Fringed Sedge
Fringed SedgeCarex crinitaCarex crinita -
Lake Sedge
Lake SedgeCarex lacustrisCarex lacustris -
Sand Sedge
Sand SedgeCarex muhlenbergiiCarex muhlenbergii -
Pennsylvania sedge
Pennsylvania sedgeCarex pensylvanicaCarex pensylvanica -
Long Beaked Sedge
Long Beaked SedgeCarex sprengeliiCarex sprengelii -
Fox Sedge
Fox SedgeCarex vulpinoideaCarex vulpinoidea -
Blue Cohosh
Blue CohoshCaulophyllum thalictroidesCaulophyllum thalictroides -
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey TeaCeanothus americanusCeanothus americanus -
Hackberry
HackberryCeltis occidentalisCeltis occidentalis -
Buttonbush
ButtonbushCephalanthus occidentalisCephalanthus occidentalis -
Partridge Pea
Partridge PeaChamaecrista fasciculataChamaecrista fasciculata -
Turtlehead
TurtleheadChelone glabraChelone glabra -
Black Cohosh
Black CohoshCimicifuga racemosaCimicifuga racemosa -
Broadleaved Spring Beauty
Broadleaved Spring BeautyClaytonia carolinianaClaytonia caroliniana -
Spring Beauty
Spring BeautyClaytonia virginicaClaytonia virginica -
Virgin's Bower
Virgin's BowerClematis virginianaClematis virginiana -
Red Osier Dogwood
Red Osier DogwoodCornus sericeaCornus sericea -
Hazelnut
HazelnutCorylus americanaCorylus americana -
Water Pygmyweed
Water PygmyweedCrassula aquaticaCrassula aquatica -
Hawthorn
HawthornCrataegus spp.Crataegus spp. -
Hay Scented Fern
Hay Scented FernDennstasdtia punctilobulaDennstasdtia punctilobula -
Showy Tick-Trefoil
Showy Tick-TrefoilDesmodium canadenseDesmodium canadense -
Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
Dwarf Bush HoneysuckleDiervilla loniceraDiervilla lonicera -
Leatherwood
LeatherwoodDirca palustrisDirca palustris -
Shooting-Star
Shooting-StarDodecatheon meadiaDodecatheon meadia -
Flat Topped Aster
Flat Topped AsterDoellingeria umbellataDoellingeria umbellata -
Wood Fern
Wood FernDryopteris marginalisDryopteris marginalis -
Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower
Narrow-leaved Purple ConeflowerEchinacea angustifoliaEchinacea angustifolia -
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale Purple ConeflowerEchinacea pallidaEchinacea pallida -
Purple Coneflower
Purple ConeflowerEchinacea purpureaEchinacea purpurea -
Canada Wild Rye
Canada Wild RyeElymus canadensisElymus canadensis -
Bottlebrush Grass
Bottlebrush GrassElymus hystrixElymus hystrix -
Silky Wildrye
Silky WildryeElymus villosusElymus villosus -
Virginia Wildrye
Virginia WildryeElymus virginicusElymus virginicus -
Fire Weed
Fire WeedEpilobium angustifoliumEpilobium angustifolium -
Rattlesnake Master
Rattlesnake MasterEryngium yuccifoliumEryngium yuccifolium -
Eastern Wahoo
Eastern WahooEuonymus atropurpureaEuonymus atropurpurea -
Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye WeedEupatorium maculatumEupatorium maculatum -
Boneset
BonesetEupatorium perfoliatumEupatorium perfoliatum -
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
Sweet Joe-Pye WeedEupatorium purpureumEupatorium purpureum -
Flowering Spurge
Flowering SpurgeEuphorbia corollataEuphorbia corollata -
Large Leaved Aster
Large Leaved AsterEurybia macrophyllaEurybia macrophylla -
Wild Strawberry
Wild StrawberryFragaria virginianaFragaria virginiana -
Bottle Gentian
Bottle GentianGentiana andrewsiiGentiana andrewsii -
Cream Gentian
Cream GentianGentiana flavidaGentiana flavida -
Wild Geranium
Wild GeraniumGeranium maculatumGeranium maculatum -
Prairie Smoke
Prairie SmokeGeum triflorumGeum triflorum -
Sneezeweed
SneezeweedHelenium autumnaleHelenium autumnale -
Western Sunflower
Western SunflowerHelianthus occidentalisHelianthus occidentalis -
Oxeye
OxeyeHeliopsis helianthoidesHeliopsis helianthoides -
Mud Plantain
Mud PlantainHeterantheraHeteranthera -
Alumroot
AlumrootHeuchera richardsoniiHeuchera richardsonii -
Sweet Grass
Sweet GrassHierochloe odorataHierochloe odorata -
Virginia Waterleaf
Virginia WaterleafHydrophyllum virginianumHydrophyllum virginianum -
Winterberry
WinterberryIlex verticillataIlex verticillata -
Dwarf Crested Iris
Dwarf Crested IrisIris cristataIris cristata -
Blue Flag Iris
Blue Flag IrisIris versicolorIris versicolor -
Soft Rush
Soft RushJuncus effususJuncus effusus -
Roundheaded Bushclover
Roundheaded BushcloverLespedeza capitataLespedeza capitata -
Rough Blazingstar
Rough BlazingstarLiatris asperaLiatris aspera -
Northern Blazing Star
Northern Blazing StarLiatris ligulistylisLiatris ligulistylis -
Yelloweyed Grass
Yelloweyed GrassLindernia dubiaLindernia dubia -
Yellow Widelip Orchid
Yellow Widelip OrchidLiparis loeseliiLiparis loeselii -
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal FlowerLobelia cardinalisLobelia cardinalis -
Blue Lobelia
Blue LobeliaLobelia siphiliticaLobelia siphilitica -
Snowy Wood Rush
Snowy Wood RushLuzula niveaLuzula nivea -
Waterhorehound
WaterhorehoundLycopus americanusLycopus americanus -
Wild Lily-of-the-Valley
Wild Lily-of-the-ValleyMaianthemum canadenseMaianthemum canadense -
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia BluebellsMertensia virginicaMertensia virginica -
Wild Bergamot
Wild BergamotMonarda fistulosaMonarda fistulosa -
American Lotus
American LotusNelumbo luteaNelumbo lutea -
Sensitive Fern
Sensitive FernOnoclea sensibilisOnoclea sensibilis -
Interrupted Fern
Interrupted FernOsmunda claytonianaOsmunda claytoniana -
Royal Fern
Royal FernOsmunda regalisOsmunda regalis -
Ironwood
IronwoodOstrya virginianaOstrya virginiana -
Praire Groundsel
Praire GroundselPackera plattensisPackera plattensis -
Scribner's Panicgrass
Scribner's PanicgrassPanicum oligosanthesPanicum oligosanthes -
Switchgrass
SwitchgrassPanicum virgatumPanicum virgatum -
Smooth Penstemon
Smooth PenstemonPenstemon digitalisPenstemon digitalis -
Slender Penstemon
Slender PenstemonPenstemon gracilisPenstemon gracilis -
Blue Phlox
Blue PhloxPhlox divaricataPhlox divaricata -
Prairie Phlox
Prairie PhloxPhlox pilosaPhlox pilosa -
Obedient Plant
Obedient PlantPhysostegia virginianaPhysostegia virginiana -
Black Spruce
Black SprucePicea marianaPicea mariana -
Sandberg Bluegrass
Sandberg BluegrassPoa secunda J. PreslPoa secunda J. Presl -
May Apple
May ApplePodophyllum peltatumPodophyllum peltatum -
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's LadderPolemonium reptansPolemonium reptans -
Solomon's Seal
Solomon's SealPolygonatum biflorumPolygonatum biflorum -
Christmas Fern
Christmas FernPolystichum acrostichoidesPolystichum acrostichoides -
Cottonwood
CottonwoodPopulus deltoidesPopulus deltoides -
Quaking Aspen
Quaking AspenPopulus tremuloidesPopulus tremuloides -
Variableleaf Pondweed
Variableleaf PondweedPotamogeton gramineusPotamogeton gramineus -
Prairie Cinquefoil
Prairie CinquefoilPotentilla argutaPotentilla arguta -
Eastern Sand Cherry
Eastern Sand CherryPrunus pumilaPrunus pumila -
Black Cherry
Black CherryPrunus serotinaPrunus serotina -
Mountain Mint
Mountain MintPycnanthemum virginianumPycnanthemum virginianum -
Swamp White Oak
Swamp White OakQuercus bicolorQuercus bicolor -
Bur Oak
Bur OakQuercus macrocarpaQuercus macrocarpa -
Yellow Water Buttercup
Yellow Water ButtercupRanunculus flabellarisRanunculus flabellaris -
Macoun's Buttercup
Macoun's ButtercupRanunculus macouniiRanunculus macounii -
Prairie Coneflower
Prairie ConeflowerRatibida pinnataRatibida pinnata -
Green-headed Coneflower
Green-headed ConeflowerRudbeckia laciniataRudbeckia laciniata -
Sweet Coneflower
Sweet ConeflowerRudbeckia subtomentosaRudbeckia subtomentosa -
Thinleaved Coneflower
Thinleaved ConeflowerRudbeckia trilobaRudbeckia triloba -
Arrowhead
ArrowheadSagittaria latifoliaSagittaria latifolia -
Elderberry
ElderberrySambucus racemosaSambucus racemosa -
Bloodroot
BloodrootSanguinaria canadensisSanguinaria canadensis -
Maryland Sanicle
Maryland SanicleSanicula marilandicaSanicula marilandica -
Little Bluestem
Little BluestemSchizachyrium scopariumSchizachyrium scoparium -
River Bulrush
River BulrushScirpus fluviatilisScirpus fluviatilis -
Three-squared Bulrush
Three-squared BulrushScirpus pungensScirpus pungens -
Royal Catchfly
Royal CatchflySilene regiaSilene regia -
False Solomon's Seal
False Solomon's SealSmilacina racemosaSmilacina racemosa -
Zig Zag Goldenrod
Zig Zag GoldenrodSolidago flexicaulisSolidago flexicaulis -
Rigid Goldenrod
Rigid GoldenrodSolidago rigidaSolidago rigida -
Indian Grass
Indian GrassSorghastrum nutansSorghastrum nutans -
Broadfruit Bur-Reed
Broadfruit Bur-ReedSparganium eurycarpumSparganium eurycarpum -
Prairie Cordgrass
Prairie CordgrassSpartina pectinataSpartina pectinata -
Steeplebush
SteeplebushSpiraea tomentosaSpiraea tomentosa -
Prairie Dropseed
Prairie DropseedSporobolus heterolepisSporobolus heterolepis -
Blue Wood Aster
Blue Wood AsterSymphyotrichum cordifoliumSymphyotrichum cordifolium -
Heath Aster
Heath AsterSymphyotrichum ericoidesSymphyotrichum ericoides -
New England Aster
New England AsterSymphyotrichum novae-angliaeSymphyotrichum novae-angliae -
Tall Meadow Rue
Tall Meadow RueThalictrum dasycarpumThalictrum dasycarpum -
Spiderwort
SpiderwortTradescantia bracteataTradescantia bracteata -
Rabbitfoot Clover
Rabbitfoot CloverTrifolium arvenseTrifolium arvense -
Edible Valerian
Edible ValerianValeriana edulisValeriana edulis -
Blue Vervain
Blue VervainVerbena hastataVerbena hastata -
Culvers Root
Culvers RootVeronicastrum virginicumVeronicastrum virginicum -
American High-Bush Cranberry
American High-Bush CranberryViburnum trilobumViburnum trilobum -
Canada Violet
Canada VioletViola candensisViola candensis -
Missouri Violet
Missouri VioletViola missouriensisViola missouriensis -
Yellow Violet
Yellow VioletViola pubescensViola pubescens -
Golden Alexander
Golden AlexanderZizia aureaZizia aurea
Name | Type | Light Exposure | Soil Moisture | Height | Bloom Color | Bloom Months | Notes/Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balsam Fir Abies balsamea ![]() |
60 feet | USDA Info | Fragrant needles, common Christmas tree, grows along bogs and in shaded forests, natural range is in the northern half of MN. Has an inconspicuous yellow flower. | |||||
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum ![]() |
50 to 80 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra ![]() |
20 to 40 feet | 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. | |||||
Fragrant Hyssop Agastache foeniculum ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima ![]() |
2 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Nodding Onion Allium cernuum ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wild Onion Allium stellatum ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Speckled Alder Alnus incana ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Allegheny Serviceberry Amelanchier laevis ![]() |
30 feet | 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. | |||||
Leadplant Amorpha canescens ![]() |
1 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii ![]() |
6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | 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. | |||||
Thimble Flower Anemone cylindrica ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Tall Thimbleweed Anemone virginiana L. ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | This perennial plant is about 1-2½' tall. The stems have scattered white hairs and there is little branching, except for the production of long stalks for the flowers. The leaves occur in 1 or 2 whorls along the stem, usually in groups of 2 or 3. They are up to 5 inches long and across, and have long petioles with scattered white hairs. Each major leaf is divided into 2 or 3 deep lobes, which are in turn divided into 2 or 3 shallower lobes. Because these divisions are rather sharp, the leaves are cleft. Furthermore, the margins are coarsely serrate or dentate. The leaves are often light green or yellowish green in bright sunlight. | |||||
Angelica Angelica atropurpurea ![]() |
7 feet | 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 ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Columbine Aquilegia canadensis ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | Columbine will bloom profusely in sunnier locations, and provides refreshing splashes of color in shadier locations. Readily reseeds, but usually not troublesome. | |||||
Green Dragon Arisaema dracontium ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | Like its smaller cousin, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Green Dragon thrives under a variety of conditions, but grows most vigorously in moist, shady, seasonally wet locations. It is deer resistant! The 'Jack,' is the spongy cylindrical structure inside a leaf-like structure that is rolled into a deep cup with an overhanging roof, the 'pulpit'. The whole ensemble somewhat resembles a minister in an old-fashioned pulpit. The fruit are smooth, shiny green, 1 cm wide berries clustered on the thickened spadix and ripen in late summer and fall, turning a bright red color before the plants go dormant. | |||||
Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | A great woodland plant with the pulpit in the spring and red berries in the fall. | |||||
Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa ![]() |
6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wild Ginger Asarum canadense ![]() |
6 to 12 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Marsh Milkweed Asclepias incarnata ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | One of the best natives for dry, sunny areas, butterfly milkweed is a host plant for the larva of the monarch butterfly and provides nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. Bright orange flowers sit on top of a compact plant of 2' by 2' at maturity. | |||||
Ebony Spleenwort Asplenium platyneuron ![]() |
8 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Azure Sky (Blue) Aster Aster oolentangiensis ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Crooked-stemmed Aster Aster prenanthoides ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Purple-stemmed Aster Aster puniceus ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Canada Milkvetch Astragalus canadensis ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Ground Plum Astragalus crassicarpus ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Narrow Leaved Spleenwort Athyrium pycnocarpon ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Downy Wood Mint Blephilia ciliata ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Hairy Wood Mint Blephilia hirsuta ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Oklahoma Grasspink Calopogon oklahomensis ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | Oklahoma Grass-pink was recognized as a new species only recently, in 1994. Initially its range was considered restricted to south central US, but subsequent herbarium investigations expanded that range into the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota. According to Welby Smith's book 'Native Orchids of Minnesota', the most recent MN specimen dates back to 1884, and while verification via specimens 130 years or older leaves some room for doubt, it is more than less accepted as native to the state but likely long extinct. While the enigma of extinction diminishes the likelihood of new modern discoveries, such events do occur with some frequency for numbers of species and would certainly be an exciting discovery for a lucky field botanist and a great pleasure for the rest of us. Very similar to Tuberous Grass-pink (Calopogon tuberosa) with which it was once lumped, it can be identified in the field. | |||||
Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Tall Bellflower Campanula americana ![]() |
2 to 5 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Harebell Campanula rotundifolia ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | A dainty, late spring/early summer bloomer, harebell can bloom throughout the summer into fall if soil moisture is adaquate. Plant with prairie phlox and butterfly weed for fabulous June & July color combinations. | |||||
Fringed Sedge Carex crinita ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Lake Sedge Carex lacustris ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | Readily spreads by underground roots and therefore makes a good shoreline stabilizer. | |||||
Sand Sedge Carex muhlenbergii ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica ![]() |
9 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Long Beaked Sedge Carex sprengelii ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus ![]() |
2 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Hackberry Celtis occidentalis ![]() |
50 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculata ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Turtlehead Chelone glabra ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Broadleaved Spring Beauty Claytonia caroliniana ![]() |
3 to 8 inches | 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 ![]() |
3 to 8 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Virgin's Bower Clematis virginiana ![]() |
6 to 20 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Red Osier Dogwood Cornus sericea ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Hazelnut Corylus americana ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Water Pygmyweed Crassula aquatica ![]() |
3 inches | USDA Info | Crassula aquatica is a small plant forming thin mats or small patches on mud and sand, and growing more erect when exposed to open air for longer periods. The flesh of the plant is greenish-yellow to bright red or purplish. The tiny fleshy pointed leaves are only a few millimeters long.A flower grows on a short stalk from the intersection of each oppositely-arranged pair of leaves. The flower is only about two millimeters long and wide. The fruit is a minute follicle containing several seeds. This plant is widespread across North America and Eurasia. | |||||
Hawthorn Crataegus spp. ![]() |
15 feet | USDA Info | There are 12 species of hawthorn native to Minnesota | |||||
Hay Scented Fern Dennstasdtia punctilobula ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Showy Tick-Trefoil Desmodium canadense ![]() |
4 to 5 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | One of the most popular native shrubs, dwarf bush honeysuckle grows well under a wide range of growing conditions with a nice 3'x3' shape, taller in sun. It spreads by runners, and some gardeners may want to pull or cut them to avoid excessive spreading. | |||||
Leatherwood Dirca palustris ![]() |
6 feet | 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 ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Flat Topped Aster Doellingeria umbellata ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wood Fern Dryopteris marginalis ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower Echinacea angustifolia ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Pale Purple Coneflower Echinacea pallida ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Bottlebrush Grass Elymus hystrix ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | Lovely curved seed heads. Readily reseeds. | |||||
Silky Wildrye Elymus villosus ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Virginia Wildrye Elymus virginicus ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Fire Weed Epilobium angustifolium ![]() |
4 to 6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Eastern Wahoo Euonymus atropurpurea ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | a.k.a Spindletree, Burningbush | |||||
Joe-Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum ![]() |
5 to 6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum ![]() |
5 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Large Leaved Aster Eurybia macrophylla ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wild Strawberry Fragaria virginiana ![]() |
6 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Bottle Gentian Gentiana andrewsii ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Cream Gentian Gentiana flavida ![]() |
2 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale ![]() |
6 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Oxeye Heliopsis helianthoides ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Mud Plantain Heteranthera ![]() |
2 to 6 inches | USDA Info | This aquatic annual or perennial plant of the genus Heteranthera of the pickerelweed family (Pontederiaceae), consist of about 10 species, distributed primarily in tropical America. The broad or ribbonlike leaves of these plants have leafstalks that form sheaths around the long stems. Some species of Heteranthera grow below the water; others float or are rooted on muddy stream banks and lakeshores. Water star grass (H. dubia) is widely distributed throughout North America; it has yellow star-shaped flowers. | |||||
Alumroot Heuchera richardsonii ![]() |
6 inches | 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. | |||||
Sweet Grass Hierochloe odorata ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Virginia Waterleaf Hydrophyllum virginianum ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Winterberry Ilex verticillata ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Dwarf Crested Iris Iris cristata ![]() |
3 to 8 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Soft Rush Juncus effusus ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Roundheaded Bushclover Lespedeza capitata ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Rough Blazingstar Liatris aspera ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Northern Blazing Star Liatris ligulistylis ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Yelloweyed Grass Lindernia dubia ![]() |
4 to 8 inches | USDA Info | Lindernia dubia is a species of flowering plant known by the common names yellowseed false pimpernel and moist bank pimpernel. It is a member of the 'new' plant family Linderniaceae, and it is sometimes treated as a member of the families Scrophulariaceae and Plantaginaceae. It is native to much of the Americas from Canada to Chile, and it can be found on other continents as an introduced species. It grows in wet habitat, such as riverbanks, pond margins, and meadows. | |||||
Yellow Widelip Orchid Liparis loeselii ![]() |
2 to 12 inches | 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 ![]() |
3 feet | 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 ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | Great summer bloomer, especially showy in raingarden base. | |||||
Snowy Wood Rush Luzula nivea ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Waterhorehound Lycopus americanus ![]() |
1 to 3 feet | USDA Info | There are several Lycopus species in Minnesota, all with similar clusters of small, white, tubular flowers at the leaf axils, most growing in the same type of habitat at the same time, often next to each other. American Water Horehound is most easily distinguished by its deeply lobed lower leaves, which the others all lack. | |||||
Wild Lily-of-the-Valley Maianthemum canadense ![]() |
6 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
American Lotus Nelumbo lutea ![]() |
6 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis ![]() |
2 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Interrupted Fern Osmunda claytoniana ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Royal Fern Osmunda regalis ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Ironwood Ostrya virginiana ![]() |
30 feet | USDA Info | a.k.a. Hop hornbeam | |||||
Praire Groundsel Packera plattensis ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Scribner's Panicgrass Panicum oligosanthes ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum ![]() |
3 to 6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Smooth Penstemon Penstemon digitalis ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Slender Penstemon Penstemon gracilis ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Blue Phlox Phlox divaricata ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Prairie Phlox Phlox pilosa ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Black Spruce Picea mariana ![]() |
35 feet | USDA Info | Slow-growing, long lived-up to 200 years. Common along marshes and bogs. Heat from fire opens cones. Low drought tolerance. May not be suitable for the middle of a raingarden. | |||||
Sandberg Bluegrass Poa secunda J. Presl ![]() |
2 feet | 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 ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum ![]() |
1 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Cottonwood Populus deltoides ![]() |
90 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides ![]() |
40 to 100 feet | USDA Info | Quaking Aspen is the most abundant and widespread tree in Minnesota today and the most common Populus species in North America. The huge stands across northern Minnesota are the result of clear cutting our expansive pine forests a century ago. Fire suppression has also allowed it to expand into historical prairie habitats were subsoil moisture is adequate to sustain it through dry periods. In the winter months its bark could be confused with other Populus species but its small, shiny and hairless buds that are not coated with resin distinguishes it from other similar species. | |||||
Variableleaf Pondweed Potamogeton gramineus ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | Variable-leaf pondweed is a perennial plant that has two kinds of leaves. The floating leaves are leathery textured, oval to elliptical 3/8 to 1 1/2 inches long and 3/8 to 3/4 inches wide with a petiole one to two times a long as the blade. The submerged leaves are thin, less than 1/8 of an inch wide and 3/4 to 2 1/4 inches long with obvious midvein and a pointed tip. The fruits are flat about 1/8 of an inch wide and arise from the axis of the floating leaves. | |||||
Prairie Cinquefoil Potentilla arguta ![]() |
1 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Eastern Sand Cherry Prunus pumila ![]() |
5 feet | USDA Info | Versatile plant, fruit has wildlife value. | |||||
Black Cherry Prunus serotina ![]() |
60 feet | USDA Info | Largest member of the the cherry trees. Widely sought for its rich brown wood. Produces tart, but edible fruit. Important food crop for birds and wildlife. Bark and roots contain hydrocyanic acide used in cough medicines for flavoring. White flower (1/2 inch), yellow fall color | |||||
Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum virginianum ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor ![]() |
50 to 60 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa ![]() |
65 to 80 feet | USDA Info | largest eastern oak, found between prairie and woodland. Thich cory bark allows it to withstand fires. Member of white oak family. | |||||
Yellow Water Buttercup Ranunculus flabellaris ![]() |
2 to 3 feet | 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. | |||||
Macoun's Buttercup Ranunculus macounii ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | With relatively ample wetlands and marshes to provide for some representation across the state, Macoun's Buttercup's range restriction to NW Minnesota and westward would seem to be some indication of a preference for cooler latitudes and more alkaline soils. Within that range in Minnesota it is by no means abundant. It does bear some resemblance to two other native buttercups, both of which are more prevalent in eastern and southern portions of the state. Pennsylvania Buttercup (R. pensylvanicus) is similar in size and leaf shape and also has bristly hairs throughout, but its stems tend to be less stout and do not root at the nodes, and its flowers are half the size, with small round petals and a cylindrical seed head. Hispid Buttercup (R. hispidus) has very similar flowers to R. macounii, somewhat the same stature and leaf shape, and as it name suggests can be quite hairy, but its stems are typically more slender and more spreading to ascending, densely hairy when young becoming nearly smooth with age. Its leaves are also more evenly divided into three main segments that are also more regularly incised into smaller lobes or just merely toothed where the lobing of R. macounii leaves is more irregular | |||||
Prairie Coneflower Ratibida pinnata ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Green-headed Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata ![]() |
4 to 6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Sweet Coneflower Rudbeckia subtomentosa ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Thinleaved Coneflower Rudbeckia triloba ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia ![]() |
2 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Elderberry Sambucus racemosa ![]() |
12 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis ![]() |
1 foot | USDA Info | ||||||
Maryland Sanicle Sanicula marilandica ![]() |
1 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
River Bulrush Scirpus fluviatilis ![]() |
6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Three-squared Bulrush Scirpus pungens ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Royal Catchfly Silene regia ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
False Solomon's Seal Smilacina racemosa ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Zig Zag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | Zig Zag Goldenrod gets its name from the way that its stems 'zig zag' from leaf to leaf. These leaves are bluntly toothed all along the stem with the middle leaves usually the largest at 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. The small flowers appear from late summer to early fall in a cluster near the top of the plant. Zig Zag Goldenrod can be aggressive and therefore may not be suitable for small woodland gardens. | |||||
Rigid Goldenrod Solidago rigida ![]() |
4 to 5 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans ![]() |
5 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Broadfruit Bur-Reed Sparganium eurycarpum ![]() |
3 to 6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Prairie Cordgrass Spartina pectinata ![]() |
6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis ![]() |
1 to 2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Blue Wood Aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Heath Aster Symphyotrichum ericoides ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ![]() |
3 to 6 feet | USDA Info | Easily grown in average, Medium well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, rich soils. Good air circulation helps reduce incidence of foliar diseases. Pinching back stems several times before mid-July will help control plant height, promote bushiness and perhaps obviate the need for staking. Easily grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering to prevent any unwanted self-seeding and/or if foliage has become unsightly. | |||||
Tall Meadow Rue Thalictrum dasycarpum ![]() |
4 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Spiderwort Tradescantia bracteata ![]() |
2 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Rabbitfoot Clover Trifolium arvense ![]() |
4 to 16 inches | USDA Info | This wildflower is an annual (less often a biennial) about 4-16 inches tall, branching occasionally to abundantly. The erect to ascending stems are medium green, hairy, and terete. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur at intervals along these stems. These leaves have short hairy petioles. Individual leaflets are ½-1 inch long and about one-third as much across; they are elliptic, elliptic-oblong, or oblanceolate-oblong in shape. Leaflet margins are usually smooth and ciliate, although sometimes there are tiny teeth towards their tips. The upper leaflet surface is medium green and sparsely covered with appressed long hairs, while the lower surface is hairy. The leaflets are sessile or nearly so. At the base of the petiole of each compound leaf, there is a pair of stipules about ¼ inch long. The green body of each stipule usually adheres to the petiole, while its awn-like tip is detached from the petiole and it is either green or red. | |||||
Edible Valerian Valeriana edulis ![]() |
1 to 4 feet | USDA Info | Edible Valerian is a threatened species and not to be confused with Valeriana officinalis, which is invasive. | |||||
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata ![]() |
3 to 4 feet | USDA Info | Blue vervain is a great choice for larger moist areas like shoreline restorations, where it can bloom continuously until frost. It spreads readily from seed. | |||||
Culvers Root Veronicastrum virginicum ![]() |
6 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
American High-Bush Cranberry Viburnum trilobum ![]() |
16 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Canada Violet Viola candensis ![]() |
1 to 3 feet | USDA Info | ||||||
Missouri Violet Viola missouriensis ![]() |
3 to 6 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Yellow Violet Viola pubescens ![]() |
6 to 12 inches | USDA Info | ||||||
Golden Alexander Zizia aurea ![]() |
3 feet | USDA Info |