Wild bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) is named for its heart-shaped flower that appears as if there is a drop of blood forming at its base. It is a woodland native that can be found from New Jersey to West Virginia and throughout the Appalachian Mountain range. This herbaceous perennial does well in both sunny and…
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is recognized by its striking spires of red summer flowers contrasted with the dark green leaves. They grow best in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil and in sun or partial shade. They can tolerate flooding but not drought, making them suitable for waterside plantings or damp borders. Cardinal flower will require regular…
The Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a lovely, evergreen fern that offers year-round interest. It provides a bit of deep green color on gloomy winter days and the fiddleheads, or crosiers, provide interest in spring as they begin to unfurl against the previous year’s leaves. Its common name is a reference to how early settlers…
Foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a spectacular native plant that gets its common name from the white, foamy-looking flowers. It is an easily grown perennial that can be used as a ground cover in somewhat shaded areas. This hardy plant has something to offer all year round. In late April it exhibits dense, white, feathery…
Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), our native pachysandra, has many exceptional features that set it apart from the more familiar Asian pachysandras. One of the main differences can be seen in the foliage: it has mottled, rounded, gray-green leaves that are held in loose whorls. The leaves are generally evergreen, but may turn purplish and may…