Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a low-growing and vigorous plant that grows in rich woodlands from Louisiana to Canada. In dense shade, its heart-shaped leaves will appear a velvety, dark green. In the spring, small, dark purple flowers emerge on the underside of its leaves. This is a prolific, deciduous plant that spreads through underground…
The coastal azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) is a deciduous shrub that grows in moist, acidic, sandy soils from Pennsylvania to Georgia. At maturity, it is typically 2-3′ tall, but can reach up to 6′ in the right conditions. In the spring, this azalea is adorned with white flowers that are blushed with light pink. The tubular…
Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is an herbaceous perennial that is found growing in limestone glades, prairies, and open woodlands. It is a small, bushy plant that grows up to 3′ tall and spreads to form dense colonies. This late-summer blooming wildflower features blueish-purple, daisy-like flowers from August through September. Similar to other asters, the flower…
Appalachian mountain mint (Pycnanthemum flexuosum) is an under-used, multifaceted plant. Native to the Southern Appalachians, this plant grows 2-3′ tall and spreads 3-4′ in hardiness zones 6 to 9. Its aromatic, white, tuft-like flowers bloom summer to fall and attract butterflies and other pollinators. The fragrant foliage has a hint of red along the margins…
Whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata) is an herbaceous perennial native to Eastern North America. It grows 2.5 to 3 feet tall and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet in zones 3 to 9. Yellow, daisy-like flowers appear June through September and are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Once whorled tickseed is established, it can survive tough…