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Find Plants:

Mixed Sun and Shade

View as: Gallery Table

  • Balsam Fir
    Abies balsamea

    Balsam Fir
    Abies balsamea

  • Silver Maple
    Acer saccharinum

    Silver Maple
    Acer saccharinum

  • Ohio Buckeye
    Aesculus glabra

    Ohio Buckeye
    Aesculus glabra

  • Fragrant Hyssop
    Agastache foeniculum

    Fragrant Hyssop
    Agastache foeniculum

  • White Snakeroot
    Ageratina altissima

    White Snakeroot
    Ageratina altissima

  • Nodding Onion
    Allium cernuum

    Nodding Onion
    Allium cernuum

  • Wild Onion
    Allium stellatum

    Wild Onion
    Allium stellatum

  • Speckled Alder
    Alnus incana

    Speckled Alder
    Alnus incana

  • Allegheny Serviceberry
    Amelanchier laevis

    Allegheny Serviceberry
    Amelanchier laevis

  • Leadplant
    Amorpha canescens

    Leadplant
    Amorpha canescens

  • Big Bluestem
    Andropogon gerardii

    Big Bluestem
    Andropogon gerardii

  • Canada Anemone
    Anemone canadensis

    Canada Anemone
    Anemone canadensis

  • Thimble Flower
    Anemone cylindrica

    Thimble Flower
    Anemone cylindrica

  • Tall Thimbleweed
    Anemone virginiana L.

    Tall Thimbleweed
    Anemone virginiana L.

  • Angelica
    Angelica atropurpurea

    Angelica
    Angelica atropurpurea

  • Pussytoes
    Antennaria neglecta

    Pussytoes
    Antennaria neglecta

  • Columbine
    Aquilegia canadensis

    Columbine
    Aquilegia canadensis

  • Green Dragon
    Arisaema dracontium

    Green Dragon
    Arisaema dracontium

  • Jack in the Pulpit
    Arisaema triphyllum

    Jack in the Pulpit
    Arisaema triphyllum

  • Black Chokeberry
    Aronia melanocarpa

    Black Chokeberry
    Aronia melanocarpa

  • Wild Ginger
    Asarum canadense

    Wild Ginger
    Asarum canadense

  • Marsh Milkweed
    Asclepias incarnata

    Marsh Milkweed
    Asclepias incarnata

  • Butterfly Weed
    Asclepias tuberosa

    Butterfly Weed
    Asclepias tuberosa

  • Ebony Spleenwort
    Asplenium platyneuron

    Ebony Spleenwort
    Asplenium platyneuron

  • Azure Sky (Blue) Aster
    Aster oolentangiensis

    Azure Sky (Blue) Aster
    Aster oolentangiensis

  • Crooked-stemmed Aster
    Aster prenanthoides

    Crooked-stemmed Aster
    Aster prenanthoides

  • Purple-stemmed Aster
    Aster puniceus

    Purple-stemmed Aster
    Aster puniceus

  • Canada Milkvetch
    Astragalus canadensis

    Canada Milkvetch
    Astragalus canadensis

  • 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

  • Downy Wood Mint
    Blephilia ciliata

    Downy Wood Mint
    Blephilia ciliata

  • Hairy Wood Mint
    Blephilia hirsuta

    Hairy Wood Mint
    Blephilia hirsuta

  • Oklahoma Grasspink
    Calopogon oklahomensis

    Oklahoma Grasspink
    Calopogon oklahomensis

  • Marsh Marigold
    Caltha palustris

    Marsh Marigold
    Caltha palustris

  • Tall Bellflower
    Campanula americana

    Tall Bellflower
    Campanula americana

  • Harebell
    Campanula rotundifolia

    Harebell
    Campanula rotundifolia

  • Fringed Sedge
    Carex crinita

    Fringed Sedge
    Carex crinita

  • Lake Sedge
    Carex lacustris

    Lake Sedge
    Carex lacustris

  • Sand Sedge
    Carex muhlenbergii

    Sand Sedge
    Carex muhlenbergii

  • Pennsylvania sedge
    Carex pensylvanica

    Pennsylvania sedge
    Carex pensylvanica

  • Long Beaked Sedge
    Carex sprengelii

    Long Beaked Sedge
    Carex sprengelii

  • Fox Sedge
    Carex vulpinoidea

    Fox Sedge
    Carex vulpinoidea

  • Blue Cohosh
    Caulophyllum thalictroides

    Blue Cohosh
    Caulophyllum thalictroides

  • New Jersey Tea
    Ceanothus americanus

    New Jersey Tea
    Ceanothus americanus

  • Hackberry
    Celtis occidentalis

    Hackberry
    Celtis occidentalis

  • Buttonbush
    Cephalanthus occidentalis

    Buttonbush
    Cephalanthus occidentalis

  • Partridge Pea
    Chamaecrista fasciculata

    Partridge Pea
    Chamaecrista fasciculata

  • Turtlehead
    Chelone glabra

    Turtlehead
    Chelone glabra

  • 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

  • Virgin's Bower
    Clematis virginiana

    Virgin's Bower
    Clematis virginiana

  • Red Osier Dogwood
    Cornus sericea

    Red Osier Dogwood
    Cornus sericea

  • Hazelnut
    Corylus americana

    Hazelnut
    Corylus americana

  • Water Pygmyweed
    Crassula aquatica

    Water Pygmyweed
    Crassula aquatica

  • Hawthorn
    Crataegus spp.

    Hawthorn
    Crataegus spp.

  • Hay Scented Fern
    Dennstasdtia punctilobula

    Hay Scented Fern
    Dennstasdtia punctilobula

  • Showy Tick-Trefoil
    Desmodium canadense

    Showy Tick-Trefoil
    Desmodium canadense

  • Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
    Diervilla lonicera

    Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
    Diervilla lonicera

  • Leatherwood
    Dirca palustris

    Leatherwood
    Dirca palustris

  • Shooting-Star
    Dodecatheon meadia

    Shooting-Star
    Dodecatheon meadia

  • Flat Topped Aster
    Doellingeria umbellata

    Flat Topped Aster
    Doellingeria umbellata

  • Wood Fern
    Dryopteris marginalis

    Wood Fern
    Dryopteris marginalis

  • Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea angustifolia

    Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea angustifolia

  • Pale Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea pallida

    Pale Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea pallida

  • Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea purpurea

    Purple Coneflower
    Echinacea purpurea

  • Canada Wild Rye
    Elymus canadensis

    Canada Wild Rye
    Elymus canadensis

  • Bottlebrush Grass
    Elymus hystrix

    Bottlebrush Grass
    Elymus hystrix

  • Silky Wildrye
    Elymus villosus

    Silky Wildrye
    Elymus villosus

  • Virginia Wildrye
    Elymus virginicus

    Virginia Wildrye
    Elymus virginicus

  • Fire Weed
    Epilobium angustifolium

    Fire Weed
    Epilobium angustifolium

  • Rattlesnake Master
    Eryngium yuccifolium

    Rattlesnake Master
    Eryngium yuccifolium

  • Eastern Wahoo
    Euonymus atropurpurea

    Eastern Wahoo
    Euonymus atropurpurea

  • Joe-Pye Weed
    Eupatorium maculatum

    Joe-Pye Weed
    Eupatorium maculatum

  • Boneset
    Eupatorium perfoliatum

    Boneset
    Eupatorium perfoliatum

  • Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
    Eupatorium purpureum

    Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
    Eupatorium purpureum

  • Flowering Spurge
    Euphorbia corollata

    Flowering Spurge
    Euphorbia corollata

  • Large Leaved Aster
    Eurybia macrophylla

    Large Leaved Aster
    Eurybia macrophylla

  • Wild Strawberry
    Fragaria virginiana

    Wild Strawberry
    Fragaria virginiana

  • Bottle Gentian
    Gentiana andrewsii

    Bottle Gentian
    Gentiana andrewsii

  • Cream Gentian
    Gentiana flavida

    Cream Gentian
    Gentiana flavida

  • Wild Geranium
    Geranium maculatum

    Wild Geranium
    Geranium maculatum

  • Prairie Smoke
    Geum triflorum

    Prairie Smoke
    Geum triflorum

  • Sneezeweed
    Helenium autumnale

    Sneezeweed
    Helenium autumnale

  • Western Sunflower
    Helianthus occidentalis

    Western Sunflower
    Helianthus occidentalis

  • Oxeye
    Heliopsis helianthoides

    Oxeye
    Heliopsis helianthoides

  • Mud Plantain
    Heteranthera

    Mud Plantain
    Heteranthera

  • Alumroot
    Heuchera richardsonii

    Alumroot
    Heuchera richardsonii

  • Sweet Grass
    Hierochloe odorata

    Sweet Grass
    Hierochloe odorata

  • Virginia Waterleaf
    Hydrophyllum virginianum

    Virginia Waterleaf
    Hydrophyllum virginianum

  • Winterberry
    Ilex verticillata

    Winterberry
    Ilex verticillata

  • Dwarf Crested Iris
    Iris cristata

    Dwarf Crested Iris
    Iris cristata

  • Blue Flag Iris
    Iris versicolor

    Blue Flag Iris
    Iris versicolor

  • Soft Rush
    Juncus effusus

    Soft Rush
    Juncus effusus

  • Roundheaded Bushclover
    Lespedeza capitata

    Roundheaded Bushclover
    Lespedeza capitata

  • Rough Blazingstar
    Liatris aspera

    Rough Blazingstar
    Liatris aspera

  • Northern Blazing Star
    Liatris ligulistylis

    Northern Blazing Star
    Liatris ligulistylis

  • Yelloweyed Grass
    Lindernia dubia

    Yelloweyed Grass
    Lindernia dubia

  • 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

  • Snowy Wood Rush
    Luzula nivea

    Snowy Wood Rush
    Luzula nivea

  • Waterhorehound
    Lycopus americanus

    Waterhorehound
    Lycopus americanus

  • Wild Lily-of-the-Valley
    Maianthemum canadense

    Wild Lily-of-the-Valley
    Maianthemum canadense

  • Virginia Bluebells
    Mertensia virginica

    Virginia Bluebells
    Mertensia virginica

  • Wild Bergamot
    Monarda fistulosa

    Wild Bergamot
    Monarda fistulosa

  • American Lotus
    Nelumbo lutea

    American Lotus
    Nelumbo lutea

  • Sensitive Fern
    Onoclea sensibilis

    Sensitive Fern
    Onoclea sensibilis

  • Interrupted Fern
    Osmunda claytoniana

    Interrupted Fern
    Osmunda claytoniana

  • Royal Fern
    Osmunda regalis

    Royal Fern
    Osmunda regalis

  • Ironwood
    Ostrya virginiana

    Ironwood
    Ostrya virginiana

  • Praire Groundsel
    Packera plattensis

    Praire Groundsel
    Packera plattensis

  • Scribner's Panicgrass
    Panicum oligosanthes

    Scribner's Panicgrass
    Panicum oligosanthes

  • Switchgrass
    Panicum virgatum

    Switchgrass
    Panicum virgatum

  • Smooth Penstemon
    Penstemon digitalis

    Smooth Penstemon
    Penstemon digitalis

  • Slender Penstemon
    Penstemon gracilis

    Slender Penstemon
    Penstemon gracilis

  • Blue Phlox
    Phlox divaricata

    Blue Phlox
    Phlox divaricata

  • Prairie Phlox
    Phlox pilosa

    Prairie Phlox
    Phlox pilosa

  • Obedient Plant
    Physostegia virginiana

    Obedient Plant
    Physostegia virginiana

  • Black Spruce
    Picea mariana

    Black Spruce
    Picea mariana

  • 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

  • Cottonwood
    Populus deltoides

    Cottonwood
    Populus deltoides

  • Quaking Aspen
    Populus tremuloides

    Quaking Aspen
    Populus tremuloides

  • Variableleaf Pondweed
    Potamogeton gramineus

    Variableleaf Pondweed
    Potamogeton gramineus

  • Prairie Cinquefoil
    Potentilla arguta

    Prairie Cinquefoil
    Potentilla arguta

  • Eastern Sand Cherry
    Prunus pumila

    Eastern Sand Cherry
    Prunus pumila

  • Black Cherry
    Prunus serotina

    Black Cherry
    Prunus serotina

  • Mountain Mint
    Pycnanthemum virginianum

    Mountain Mint
    Pycnanthemum virginianum

  • Swamp White Oak
    Quercus bicolor

    Swamp White Oak
    Quercus bicolor

  • Bur Oak
    Quercus macrocarpa

    Bur Oak
    Quercus macrocarpa

  • Yellow Water Buttercup
    Ranunculus flabellaris

    Yellow Water Buttercup
    Ranunculus flabellaris

  • Macoun's Buttercup
    Ranunculus macounii

    Macoun's Buttercup
    Ranunculus macounii

  • Prairie Coneflower
    Ratibida pinnata

    Prairie Coneflower
    Ratibida pinnata

  • Green-headed Coneflower
    Rudbeckia laciniata

    Green-headed Coneflower
    Rudbeckia laciniata

  • Sweet Coneflower
    Rudbeckia subtomentosa

    Sweet Coneflower
    Rudbeckia subtomentosa

  • Thinleaved Coneflower
    Rudbeckia triloba

    Thinleaved Coneflower
    Rudbeckia triloba

  • Arrowhead
    Sagittaria latifolia

    Arrowhead
    Sagittaria latifolia

  • Elderberry
    Sambucus racemosa

    Elderberry
    Sambucus racemosa

  • Bloodroot
    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Bloodroot
    Sanguinaria canadensis

  • Maryland Sanicle
    Sanicula marilandica

    Maryland Sanicle
    Sanicula marilandica

  • Little Bluestem
    Schizachyrium scoparium

    Little Bluestem
    Schizachyrium scoparium

  • River Bulrush
    Scirpus fluviatilis

    River Bulrush
    Scirpus fluviatilis

  • Three-squared Bulrush
    Scirpus pungens

    Three-squared Bulrush
    Scirpus pungens

  • Royal Catchfly
    Silene regia

    Royal Catchfly
    Silene regia

  • False Solomon's Seal
    Smilacina racemosa

    False Solomon's Seal
    Smilacina racemosa

  • Zig Zag Goldenrod
    Solidago flexicaulis

    Zig Zag Goldenrod
    Solidago flexicaulis

  • Rigid Goldenrod
    Solidago rigida

    Rigid Goldenrod
    Solidago rigida

  • Indian Grass
    Sorghastrum nutans

    Indian Grass
    Sorghastrum nutans

  • Broadfruit Bur-Reed
    Sparganium eurycarpum

    Broadfruit Bur-Reed
    Sparganium eurycarpum

  • Prairie Cordgrass
    Spartina pectinata

    Prairie Cordgrass
    Spartina pectinata

  • Steeplebush
    Spiraea tomentosa

    Steeplebush
    Spiraea tomentosa

  • Prairie Dropseed
    Sporobolus heterolepis

    Prairie Dropseed
    Sporobolus heterolepis

  • Blue Wood Aster
    Symphyotrichum cordifolium

    Blue Wood Aster
    Symphyotrichum cordifolium

  • Heath Aster
    Symphyotrichum ericoides

    Heath Aster
    Symphyotrichum ericoides

  • New England Aster
    Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

    New England Aster
    Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

  • Tall Meadow Rue
    Thalictrum dasycarpum

    Tall Meadow Rue
    Thalictrum dasycarpum

  • Spiderwort
    Tradescantia bracteata

    Spiderwort
    Tradescantia bracteata

  • Rabbitfoot Clover
    Trifolium arvense

    Rabbitfoot Clover
    Trifolium arvense

  • Edible Valerian
    Valeriana edulis

    Edible Valerian
    Valeriana edulis

  • Blue Vervain
    Verbena hastata

    Blue Vervain
    Verbena hastata

  • Culvers Root
    Veronicastrum virginicum

    Culvers Root
    Veronicastrum virginicum

  • 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

  • Yellow Violet
    Viola pubescens

    Yellow Violet
    Viola pubescens

  • Golden Alexander
    Zizia aurea

    Golden Alexander
    Zizia aurea
Name Type Light Exposure Soil Moisture Height Bloom Color Bloom Months   Notes/Description
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 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
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 50 to 80 feet 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.
Fragrant Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
White Snakeroot
Ageratina altissima
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Wild Onion
Allium stellatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Speckled Alder
Alnus incana
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet USDA Info
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.
Leadplant
Amorpha canescens
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Brown, Red
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
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.
Thimble Flower
Anemone cylindrica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Tall Thimbleweed
Anemone virginiana L.
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Brown, White, Green
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 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
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:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
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.
Green Dragon
Arisaema dracontium
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Medium, Dry
 6 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 6 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Marsh Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 USDA Info
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Orange
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
April, May
 USDA Info
Azure Sky (Blue) Aster
Aster oolentangiensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Crooked-stemmed Aster
Aster prenanthoides
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Purple-stemmed Aster
Aster puniceus
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Canada Milkvetch
Astragalus canadensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Ground Plum
Astragalus crassicarpus
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Downy Wood Mint
Blephilia ciliata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Hairy Wood Mint
Blephilia hirsuta
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Oklahoma Grasspink
Calopogon oklahomensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Tall Bellflower
Campanula americana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 to 5 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 USDA Info
Harebell
Campanula rotundifolia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 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
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet USDA Info
Lake Sedge
Carex lacustris
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 USDA Info Readily spreads by underground roots and therefore makes a good shoreline stabilizer.
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
Pennsylvania sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 9 inches USDA Info
Long Beaked Sedge
Carex sprengelii
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet 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
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 50 feet USDA Info
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 12 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 USDA Info
Partridge Pea
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 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
Virgin's Bower
Clematis virginiana
Type:
Vine
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 to 20 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 12 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 12 feet USDA Info
Water Pygmyweed
Crassula aquatica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 inches
Bloom Color:
Green, White
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 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.
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Showy Tick-Trefoil
Desmodium canadense
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 to 5 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Flat Topped Aster
Doellingeria umbellata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
August, September
 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
Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower
Echinacea angustifolia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Months:
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.
Silky Wildrye
Elymus villosus
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Virginia Wildrye
Elymus virginicus
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Fire Weed
Epilobium angustifolium
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Eastern Wahoo
Euonymus atropurpurea
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 12 feet USDA Info a.k.a Spindletree, Burningbush
Joe-Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 5 to 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
August, September
 USDA Info
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 USDA Info
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
Eupatorium purpureum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 5 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Flowering Spurge
Euphorbia corollata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Large Leaved Aster
Eurybia macrophylla
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 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
Bottle Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Cream Gentian
Gentiana flavida
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Prairie Smoke
Geum triflorum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Western Sunflower
Helianthus occidentalis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
August, September
 USDA Info
Oxeye
Heliopsis helianthoides
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Mud Plantain
Heteranthera
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 2 to 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Green, Blue
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 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
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.
Sweet Grass
Hierochloe odorata
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet USDA Info
Virginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 12 feet 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
Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolor
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Soft Rush
Juncus effusus
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Roundheaded Bushclover
Lespedeza capitata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
August, September
 USDA Info
Rough Blazingstar
Liatris aspera
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
August, September
 USDA Info
Northern Blazing Star
Liatris ligulistylis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Yelloweyed Grass
Lindernia dubia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 4 to 8 inches
Bloom Color:
Purple, White
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Green, Yellow, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
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.
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
Waterhorehound
Lycopus americanus
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
American Lotus
Nelumbo lutea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Sensitive Fern
Onoclea sensibilis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Ironwood
Ostrya virginiana
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 30 feet USDA Info a.k.a. Hop hornbeam
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
Scribner's Panicgrass
Panicum oligosanthes
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 foot
Bloom Months:
July, October
 USDA Info
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 to 6 feet
Bloom Months:
July, October
 USDA Info
Smooth Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Slender Penstemon
Penstemon gracilis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July
 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
Prairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Black Spruce
Picea mariana
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 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
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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Mixed Sun and Shade, 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:
Dry, Medium
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Type:
Fern
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
May, June, July, August, September, October
 USDA Info
Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 90 feet USDA Info
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 40 to 100 feet
Bloom Months:
September, October
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Brown, Green
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Eastern Sand Cherry
Prunus pumila
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 5 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info Versatile plant, fruit has wildlife value.
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 50 to 60 feet USDA Info
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 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
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.
Macoun's Buttercup
Ranunculus macounii
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, October
 USDA Info
Green-headed Coneflower
Rudbeckia laciniata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Sweet Coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Thinleaved Coneflower
Rudbeckia triloba
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet
 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade, Sun
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
Maryland Sanicle
Sanicula marilandica
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
 USDA Info
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
River Bulrush
Scirpus fluviatilis
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 feet USDA Info
Three-squared Bulrush
Scirpus pungens
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 feet USDA Info
Royal Catchfly
Silene regia
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
July, August
 USDA Info
False Solomon's Seal
Smilacina racemosa
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
Zig Zag Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 to 5 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 5 feet
Bloom Color:
Green
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 USDA Info
Broadfruit Bur-Reed
Sparganium eurycarpum
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Wet, Medium
 3 to 6 feet USDA Info
Prairie Cordgrass
Spartina pectinata
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 feet USDA Info
Steeplebush
Spiraea tomentosa
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Pink
Bloom Months:
August, September
 USDA Info
Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Type:
Grass
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 USDA Info
Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
September, October
 USDA Info
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 6 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
August, September, October
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 4 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July
 USDA Info
Spiderwort
Tradescantia bracteata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 2 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 USDA Info
Rabbitfoot Clover
Trifolium arvense
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Dry
 4 to 16 inches
Bloom Color:
White, Pink
Bloom Months:
June, July, August, September
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
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.
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Color:
Purple
Bloom Months:
July, August, September
 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
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
June, July, August
 USDA Info
American High-Bush Cranberry
Viburnum trilobum
Type:
Tree or Shrub
Light Exposure:
Sun, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium, Dry
 16 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May, June
 USDA Info
Canada Violet
Viola candensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Color:
White
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Missouri Violet
Viola missouriensis
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 3 to 6 inches
Bloom Color:
Blue
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Yellow Violet
Viola pubescens
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Shade, Mixed Sun and Shade
Soil Moisture:
Medium
 6 to 12 inches
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May
 USDA Info
Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Type:
Wildflower
Light Exposure:
Mixed Sun and Shade, Sun
Soil Moisture:
Dry, Medium
 3 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Months:
May, June, July
 USDA Info
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