Think about which light conditions your garden space has to offer as you view the plants below. The perennial herbs and shrubs are grouped into three categories: "sun garden", "part-shade garden" and "shade garden", representing the conditions under which they are most likely to thrive.
Photos by Alison Northup and Robby Deans unless otherwise noted.
Eryngium yuccifolium (Apiaceae)
Source populations: Alamance County, NC
Apocynum cannabinum (Apocynaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Great for pollinators, caterpillars and host plant for the dogbane leaf beetle (Chrysochus auratus). Indigenous Americans across North America used the silky stem fibers to make cordage for a variety of uses. Spreads via rhizomes and stems can become numerous - plan accordingly.
Asclepias incarnata (Apocynaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Asclepias syriaca (Apocynaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Host plant for monarch butterflies and many other insect species. Spreads via long rhizomes - plant where spreading is desired or where it can be controlled, such as by mowing.
Asclepias syriaca (Apocynaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Host plant for monarch butterflies and many other insect species. Spreads via long rhizomes - plant where spreading is desired or where it can be controlled, such as by mowing.
Asclepias tuberosa (Apocynaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Host plant for monarch butterflies.
Achillea gracilis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Cirsium altissimum (Asteraceae)
Very tall indeed! Reaching 8 ft or more.
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Photo by Sean Washington
Conoclinium coelestinum (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Cultivation
Prefers moister-than-average soils
Coreopsis lanceolata (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Prefers dry soils
Heliopsis helianthoides (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Wilkes County, NC
Liatris virgata (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Prefers dry soils
Marshallia obovata (Asteraceae)
Source populations: unknown
Photo by Becky Dill
Packera anonyma (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Rudbeckia fulgida (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Rudbeckia hirta (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Silphium asteriscus (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Solidago altissima (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Another common species which is similar in appearance to tall goldenrod, but which likes moister soils and can tolerate more shade. It is similarly of great benefit to pollinators.
Stokesia laevis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: cultivation
Purple or white flowers
Symphyotrichum pilosusm (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Vernonia acaulis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Campsis radicans (Bignoniaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Known for its large orange-to-red blooms, this species is a favorite of hummingbirds. It can be found growing in the forest but does best when it can get some light, such as a forested edge or clearing, where it will grow very large. A climbing vine, it can be planted in shade or part shade, but will seek out the sunshine. Make sure whatever it will grow on can handle a heavy, quickly-growing vine.
Lobelia spicata (Campanulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Typically found in part shade but can handle sunnier spots if the soil is not too dry.
Lechea racemulosa (Cistaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils
Swida amomum (Cornaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
A large shrub that requires constantly moist or wet soils. Spreads by short rhizomes to form a dense thicket. Plant were spreading is desired or where it can be controlled, such as by mowing.
Swida amomum (Cornaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
A large shrub that requires constantly moist or wet soils. Spreads by short rhizomes to form a dense thicket. Plant were spreading is desired or where it can be controlled, such as by mowing.
Carex annectens (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Photo by Daniel Atha.
Carex lurida (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moist to wet soil. Useful for stabilizing stream banks.
Euphorbia corollata (Euphorbiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Stokes Counties, NC
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Annual
Clitoria mariana (Fabaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Hypericum hypericoidees (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils.
Hypericum mutilum (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Requires constantly moist to wet soil.
Hypericum stragulum (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Triadenum walteri (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Iridaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Just an adorable little plant. Related to irises but with a much smaller flower.
Flowers appear pale in the sun and deep blue/purple in the shade
Juncus tenuis (Juncaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Monarda fistulosa (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Monarda punctata (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Rockingham County, NC and unknown
This short-lived perennial is a good choice for a pollinator garden. With luck, it will reseed.
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moister-than average soils.
Salvia lyrata (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This low-growing plant is beautiful in a lawn setting during spring flowering. Prefers dry soils. Expect some spreading by seed.
Hibiscus moschuetos (Malvaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This beautiful, large-flowered native appreciates constantly moist soil. It can grow to 5-6 feet tall in good conditions.
Rhexia mariana (Melastomaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
A wetland plant, it requires soil with extra moisture.
Aletris farinosa (Narthiaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
This is tasty to mammals - make sure to protect it if necessary, at least until established. It produces many seeds and with luck will seed in.
Ludwigia alternifolia (Onagraceae)
Source populations: Davie County, NC
This is a wetland species.
Passiflora incarnata (Passifloraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
One or our most stunning native fowers, it also produces delicious fruits, known locally as "maypops". Spreads by long rhizomes - sprouts will pop up several feet from the parent plant. In a garden situation, these sprouts must be managed by persistant removal or by mowing.
Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Penstemon laevigatus (Plantaginaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Randolph Counties, NC
Penstemon laevigatus (Plantaginaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Randolph Counties, NC
Photo by Becky Dill.
Andropogon ternarius (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Stokes Counties, NC
One of our showiest native grasses, with its poofy white flowers and seeds in the fall. Likes both dry and average-moisture soils. Also available as plugs - see below.
Andropogon virginicus (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Danthonia spicata (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils.
Setaria parviflora (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moister-than-average soils.
Rosa carolina (Rosaceae)
Source populations: Chatham and Randolph Counties, NC
The flowers of this low-growing native rose shrub smell amazing (in our opinion, better than the European roses)! That said, some individuals of this species spread rapidly outward via rhizomes. Our recommendation? Enjoy it in a pot.
Viola sororia (Violaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
As one of the earliest native species to flower, it is an important supporter of pollinators in late winter/early spring.
Spreads readily by mechanically flinging seeds. Plant where it has room to spread.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This climbing vine in the grape family produces berries that are an important food source for wildlife. It has beautiful red foliage in the fall. Because its tendrils leave behind tiny dots that stick to its climbing surface, it may not be appropriate for climbing on painted surfaces.
Allium canadense (Amaryllidaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
All parts of this plant are edible and tasty. However, make sure you want a population of them since they spread easily by dropping bulblets.
Achillea gracilis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Cirsium altissimum (Asteraceae)
Very tall indeed! Reaching 8 ft or more.
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Photo by Sean Washington
Conoclinium coelestinum (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Cultivation
Prefers moister-than-average soils
Coreopsis major (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Heliopsis helianthoides (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Wilkes County, NC
Marshallia obovata (Asteraceae)
Source populations: cultivation
Photo by Becky Dill
Packera anonyma (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Pityopsis aspera (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
Photo by Becky Dill
Silphium asteriscus (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
A common species which is similar in appearance to tall goldenrod, but which likes moister soils and can tolerate more shade. It is of great benefit to pollinators and other insects.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Stokesia laevis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: cultivation
Purple or white flowers
Vernonia acaulis (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Campsis radicans (Bignoniaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Known for its large orange-to-red blooms, this species is a favorite of hummingbirds. It can be found growing in the forest but does best when it can get some light, such as a forested edge or clearing, where it will grow very large. A climbing vine, it can be planted in shade or part shade, but will seek out the sunshine. Make sure whatever it will grow on can handle a heavy, quickly-growing vine.
Lobelia cardinalis (Campanulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moist to wet soil
Lobelia puberula (Campanulaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
Lobelia spicata (Campanulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Typically found in part shade but can handle sunnier spots if the soil is not too dry.
Coralberry (Caprifoliaceae)
Source populations: Alamance County, NC
Coralberry (Caprifoliaceae)
Source populations: Alamance County, NC
Silene stellata (Caryophyllaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Lechea racemulosa (Cistaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils
Swida amomum (Cornaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Requires constantly moist or wet soils, in sun or part shade. Spreads by short rhizomes to form a dense thicket.
Swida amomum (Cornaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Requires constantly moist or wet soils, in sun or part shade. Spreads by short rhizomes to form a dense thicket.
Sedum ternatum (Crassulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Watauga Counties, NC and unknown
One of our native succulents!
Carex annectens (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Photo by Daniel Atha.
Carex blanda (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Carex crinita (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
This is a wetland species. Make sure to plant it in moist soil.
Carex lurida (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moist to wet soil. Can help stabilize stream banks
Vaccinium pallidum (Ericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Stokes Counties, NC.
Usually found in dry shade. Spreads via rhizomes to form a colony. Fruit is edible and tasty, though small. Two or more plants will encourage fruit set. Attractive fall color.
Apios americana (Fabaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Large twining vine grows both upward and outward. Make sure you have something for it to climb on. The edible tubers it produces are reportedly delicious.
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Annual
Clitoria mariana (Fabaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Hypericum hypericoidees (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils.
Hypericum mutilum (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Requires consistently moist to wet soil.
Triadenum walteri (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
This is a wetland species - best planted at the edge of a pond or in a marsh or swamp.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Iridaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Just an adorable little plant. Related to irises but with a much smaller flower.
Flowers appear pale in the sun and deep blue/purple in the shade
Juncus tenuis (Juncaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Blephilia ciliata (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Orange and Granville Counties, NC
This pretty little plant requires high-pH (basic) soil - do not plant in red clay! It can survive in loamy or sandy soils, or in a pot.
Clinopodium vulgare (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Wilkes County, NC
Monarda fistulosa (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Pycnanthemum verticillatum (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
Has a pleasantly strong minty fragrance.
Photo by Jeff Davis.
Salvia lyrata (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This low-growing plant is beautiful in a lawn setting during spring flowering. Prefers dry soils. Expect some spreading by seed.
Scutellaria integrifolia (Lamiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Ludwigia alternifolia (Onagraceae)
Source populations: Davie County, NC
This is a wetland species.
Oenothera fruticosa (Onagraceae)
Source populations: Davie County, NC
Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Penstemon laevigatus (Plantaginaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Penstemon laevigatus (Plantaginaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Photo by Becky Dill
Agrostis perennans (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
In part shade, this species appreciates extra moisture, even wet conditions. In full shade, it can handle dry conditions.
Chasmanthium latifolium (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moister-than-average soils.
Danthonia spicata (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soils
Elymus hystrix (Poaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC`
Elymus villosus var. arkansanus (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Persicaria setacea (Polygonaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
Requires moist-to-wet soils
Anemone virginiana (Ranunculaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Ceanothus americanus (Rhamnaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Fragaria virginiana (Rosaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
The tiny berries are totally edible and taste amazing!
Rosa carolina (Rosaceae)
Source populations: Chatham and Randolph Counties, NC
The flowers of this low-growing native rose shrub smell amazing (in our opinion, better than the European roses)! That said, some individuals of this species spread rapidly outward via rhizomes. Our recommendation? Enjoy it in a pot.
Mitchella repens (Rubiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
An adorable, slow-growing groundcover with white flowers and red berries. Does best when not covered in leaf litter, such as on a mossy mound or tucked into a rock wall.
Heuchera caroliniana (Saxifragaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
(Note: image shows the similar H. americana)
Viola sororia (Violaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
As one of the earliest native species to flower, it is an important supporter of pollinators in late winter/early spring.
Spreads readily by mechanically flinging seeds. Plant where it has room to spread.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This climbing vine in the grape family produces berries that are an important food source for wildlife. It has beautiful red foliage in the fall. Because its tendrils leave behind tiny dots that stick to its climbing surface, it may not be appropriate for climbing on painted surfaces.
Arisaema triphyllum (Araceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Solidago caesia (Asteraceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Campsis radicans (Bignoniaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Known for its large orange-to-red blooms, this species is a favorite of hummingbirds. It can be found growing in the forest but does best when it can get some light, such as a forested edge or clearing, where it will grow very large. A climbing vine, it can be planted in shade or part shade, but will seek out the sunshine. Make sure whatever it will grow on can handle a heavy, quickly-growing vine.
Andersonglossum virginianum (Boraginaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth, Randolph and Alamance Counties, NC
Prefers moist to wet soil
Lobelia cardinalis (Campanulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moist to wet soil
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Caprifoliaceae)
Source populations: Alamance County, NC
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Caprifoliaceae)
Source populations: Alamance County, NC
Silene stellata (Caryophyllaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Sedum ternatum (Crassulaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Watauga Counties, NC and unknown
One of our native succulents!
Carex blanda (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Carex crinita (Cyperaceae)
Source populations: Randolph County, NC
This is a wetland species. Make sure to plant it in moist soil.
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Ericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC.
Does not respond well to direct sunlight in late spring, summer or fall (cool morning sun is tolerable)
Vaccinium pallidum (Ericaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth and Stokes Counties, NC.
Usually found in dry shade. Spreads via rhizomes to form a colony. Fruit is edible and tasty, though small. Two or more plants will encourage fruit set. Attractive fall color.
Hydrangea arborescens (Hydrangeaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers cool, moist shade.
Triadenum walteri (Hypericaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
This is a wetland species - best planted at the edge of a pond or in a marsh or swamp.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Iridaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Just an adorable little plant. Related to irises but with a much smaller flower.
Flowers appear pale in the sun and deep blue/purple in the shade
Juncus tenuis (Juncaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Agrostis perennans (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
In part shade, this species appreciates extra moisture, even wet conditions. In full shade, it can handle dry conditions.
Brachyelytrum erectum (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Chasmanthium latifolium (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Prefers moist soil.
Danthonia spicata (Poaceae)
Source populations: County, NC
Prefers drier-than-average soil
Elymus hystrix (Poaceae)
Source populations: Stokes County, NC
Elymus villosus var. arkansanus (Poaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Persicaria setacea (Polygonaceae)
Source populations: Guilford County, NC
Requires moist-to-wet soils
Aruncus dioicus (Rosaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Requires moist shade in the Piedmont region. Separate male and female plants have different-looking flowers. (Male flowers pictured.)
Aruncus dioicus (Rosaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Requires moist shade in the Piedmont region. Separate male and female plants have different-looking flowers. (Female flowers pictured.)
Mitchella repens (Rubiaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
An adorable, slow-growing groundcover with white flowers and red berries. Does best when not covered in leaf litter, such as on a mossy mound or tucked into a rock wall.
Heuchera caroliniana (Saxifragaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Tiarella cordifolia (Saxifragaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Viola sororia (Violaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
As one of the earliest native species to flower, it is an important supporter of pollinators in late winter/early spring.
Spreads readily by mechanically flinging seeds. Plant where it has room to spread.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
This climbing vine in the grape family produces berries that are an important food source for wildlife. It has beautiful red foliage in the fall. Because its tendrils leave behind tiny dots that stick to its climbing surface, it may not be appropriate for climbing on painted surfaces.
Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiacieae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Quercus alba (Fagaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Quercus phellos (Fagaceae)
Source populations: unknown
Liriodendron tulipfera (Magnoliaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Salix nigra (Salicaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Acer negundo (Sapindaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Acer rubrum (Sapindaceae)
Source populations: Forsyth County, NC
Muhlenbergia schreberi - price per tray of 32 plugs. 5 trays available. Forsyth County, NC ecotype.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium - price per tray of 32 plugs. 2 trays available. Forsyth County, NC ecotype
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