Herbaceous perennials for the Poconos

Actaea pachypoda

Dolls-eyes is found in rich, open upland woods and thickets. Ranges from 12-30 inches, with white flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist sandy humusy loam, pH 5-6.

Actaea racemosa

Black snakeroot is found in rich moist woods, wooded slopes, ravines, along riverbanks and thickets. Ranges from 3-8 feet with white flowers on tall racemes in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich humus, pH 5-7.

Actaea rubra

Red baneberry is found in usually upland hardwood and mixed-wood forest habitats on fresh or moist, fine-textured mineral soils. Ranges from 12-30 inches with white flowers in late spring. Grow in part sun to open shade in moist humus rich loam, pH 5-6.

Agastache nepetoides

Yellow giant-hyssop is found in generally upland moist, rich, open woodland areas, thickets and woodland borders. Ranges 3-5 feet with greenish-yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in full sun in moist rich loam.

Agastache scrophulariifolia

Purple giant-hyssop is found in moist woods and thickets. Ranges from 3-5 feet with purple flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich humus, pH 6-7. Shade tolerant, but prefers sun.

Agrimonia parviflora

Southern agrimony is found in moist to wet woods and thickets. Can reach 45 inches with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist sandy loam.

Agrimonia striata

Roadside agrimony is found in moist upland woods and thickets. Can reach 36 inches with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist sandy loam, pH 5-6.

Alisma subcordatum

Broad-leaved water-plantain is an aquatic, found in shallow ponds, stream margins, marshes, and ditches. Ranges from 12-36 inches with pink to white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in silty loam in ponds and pond edges.

Allium canadense

Wild onion is found in upland glades, bluffs, open woods, prairies and disturbed sites Ranges from 8-12 inches with pink to white flowers in early summer. Grow in full sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 6.5-7.

Allium tricoccum

Ramp is found in moist ground in rich upland woods, depressions, streamside bluffs, and colluvial slopes. Can reach 20 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in deciduous shade (needs sun in early spring) in rich moist mesic loam. pH 6.8 to 7.2.

Amaranthus albus

Tumbleweed is found in disturbed upland ground and alluvium. Can reach 3 feet, with white flowers throughout summer. Grow in full sun in dry, gravelly to sandy soil.

Anaphalis margaritacea

Pearly everlasting is found in dry , sandy or gravelly soil of fields, woods, edges and roadsides. Ranges from 1 to 3 feet with white flowers in late summer. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun and somewhat dry, sandy conditions.

Anemone quinquefolia

Wood anemone is found in moist upland open woods and thickets, banks and shady roadsides. Ranges from 4-8 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in damp to moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.

Anemone virginiana

Virginia anemone is found in upland rocky and dry open woods, slopes, thickets and prairies. Can reach 12 inches with greenish-white flowers in early summer followed by attractive seed pods that persist into fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Angelica atropurpurea

Purple-stemmed angelica is found in swamps, moist meadows, stream banks and wet woods. Ranges from 3-10 feet with white flowers insummer. Grow in full sun to dappled shade in medium to wet soils.

Angelica venenosa

Hairy angelica is found in dry open woods, roadsides, banks, serpentine barrens and old fields. Can reach 6 feet with white flowers in mid-summer. Grow in full sun to part shade in dry, sandy to gravelly soil.

Antennaria neglecta

Overlooked pussytoe is found in mesic to dry prairies, slopes of upland open woodlands, dry meadows in woodland areas, savannas, shale glades, eroded clay banks, pastures, abandoned fields, and roadsides. Reaches 6 inches with brown/gray flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist clay loam, pH 5.5 to 7.5.

Antennaria parlinii

Parlins pussytoe is found in open woods and fields. Reaches 8 inches, with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part sun in dry, sandy, well drained loam.

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Plantain-leaved pussytoe is found in dry open woods, pastures, fields, rocky barrens. Reaches about 10 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part sun in dry, sandy, well drained loam, pH 4 to 7.

Aplectrum hyemale

Puttyroot is found in rich moist woods and bottomlands and ranges from 12-24 inches with purple flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich humus. Listed as rare in Pennsylvania

Apocynum androsaemifolium

Pink dogbane is found in well-drained upland forest sites, open hillsides and ridges, especially on dry, fresh, sandy and coarse loamy soils. Also found in clearings and fields, along forest margins, on roadsides and disturbed ground. Ranges from 8 to 32 inches with pink flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, sandy loam, pH 5-6.

Apocynum cannabinum

Indian hemp is found in upland open woods, pastures, waste ground, disturbed sites, wooded slopes, on roadsides and along railroads. Reaches 5 feet, with pink flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Aquilegia canadensis

Wild columbine or American columbine is found in open, steep, rocky wooded bluffs of streams, wooded slopes, stream banks, banks and slopes of deep ravines, limestone bluffs and ledges, borders and clearings in deciduous or mixed woods or thickets. Can reach 32 inches with yellow and red flowers in late spring. Grow in sun to part shade in average well-drained soil, pH 5 to 7. Prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade, with pH of 6 to 7.

Arabis glabra

Towercress is found in fields, open woods, ledges, usually in dry soil. Ranges from 16-40 inches with greenish-white flowers in late spring. Grow in part sun to shade in dry to moist rocky clay loam.

Aralia nudicaulis

Wild sarsaparilla is found in dry, upland open woods and thickets with thin soil. Ranges from 12-36 inches with greenish flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to shade in dry to moist rich humus, pH 5-7.

Aralia racemosa

Spikenard is found in rich wooded slopes, ravines, moist ledges and bluffs. Reaches 6 feet with greenish flowers in early summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich humus.

Arisaema triphyllum

Jack-in-the-pulpit is found in moist low woods, swamps, bogs and floodplains and can reach 36 inches, with the familiar greenish flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to full shade in constantly moist soil rich in organic matter, pH 5-6.

Aristolochia serpentaria

Virginia snakeroot is found in rich, rocky upland woods, thickets, ravines, slopes. Reaches 20 inches with greenish-white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Asarum canadense

Wild ginger is found in the understory of upland deciduous forests (rarely coniferous) and ranges from 6-12 inches with brownish-purple flowers in early spring. Not related to the culinary spice. Grow in part shade to full shade in moist humus, pH 4 to 7.

Asclepias amplexicaulis

Blunt-leaved milkweed is found in dry fields and upland open woods, usually in sandy soil. Ranges 12-36 inches with greenish-pink flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry, sandy loam.

Asclepias exaltata

Poke milkweed is found in rich upland woods and woods edges. Ranges from 12 to 32 inches with greenish-purple flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Asclepias incarnata

Swamp milkweed is found in floodplains and wet meadows. Reaches 5 feet with pink-rose flowers in early summer. Grow in full to part sun in constantly moist rich loam.

Asclepias purpurascens

Purple milkweed is found in sparse in low, dry areas of shady upland woods. Can reach 3 feet with purple flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Asclepias syriaca

Common milkweed is found in dry, upland woods edges; dry fields and waste ground. Ranges from 3 to 6 feet with very fragrant purple-whitish flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam, pH 4 to 7.

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly weed is found in dry fields, roadsides and shale barrens and ranges from 12-30 inches with orange-yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to medium wet, well drained sandy loam, pH 4.5 to 6.8.

Asclepias variegata

White milkweed is found in upland dry or rocky woods, sandy open ground, ravine bottoms, low woods, slopes, ridges and along roadsides. Can reach 36 inches with white to pinkish flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Asclepias verticillata

Whorled milkweed is found in open woods, dry slopes, barrens on dry rocky sandy soil. Ranges from 8 to 20 inches with white-greenish flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in sandy loam, pH 4.8 to 6.8.

Asclepias viridiflora

Green milkweed is found in dry rocky slopes, serpentine barrens, rocky prairies, glades. Ranges from 12 to 32 inches with greenish flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam.

Astragalus canadensis

Milk-vetch is found in rocky roadsides, shale barrens, limestone ledges, banks. Can reach 5 feet with white flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in mesic to moist sandy loam.

Aureolaria virginica

Downy false-foxglove is found in dry open deciduous woods. Ranges from 20 to 60 inches with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry sandy loam, pH 4 to 6.

Baptisia tinctoria

Wild indigo is found in dry, open woods and clearings in sandy soil. Can reach 36 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam. pH 5 to 7, but prefers acidic soils.

Brasenia schreberi

Purple wendock, an aquatic, is found in ponds, lakes, and sluggish stream, with pink to yellow flowers in summer. Grow in ponds with intermediate to low nutrient values in full sun to part shade.

Cacalia atriplicifolia

Pale Indian plantain is found in open woods, fields and on moist banks. Can reach 9 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 4 to 5.5.

Calopogon tuberosus

Grass-pink is found in bogs, fens and wet meadows, pine and oak savannas, grasslands and swales. Ranges 12-30 inches with pink-purple and yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in wet, rich sandy acidic loam.

Caltha palustris

Marsh marigold is found in soaking wet woods, stream banks, muddy meadows. Reaches about 15 inches with yellow to white flowers in spring and early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in wet, muddy humus rich loam.

Campanula americana

Tall bellflower is found in moist upland woods, on rocky wooded slopes and on stream banks. Can reach 6 feet with blue to white flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist silty loam.

Campanula rotundifolia

Harebell is found on dry, rocky upland slopes, bluffs and cliffs. Can reach 6 feet, with blue flowers in summer. Grow in sun to shade in dry rocky sandy loam, pH 5-7.

Cardamine diphylla

Crinkleroot toothwort is found in rich woods and floodplains. Can reach 12 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet humus-rich loam.

Cardamine pratensis

Cuckoo-flower is found in swamps, wet meadows and alluvial woods. Height ranges from 8 to 20 inches with white to pink flowers in spring. Grow in full sun to part shade in cool, moist soils.

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Blue cohosh is found in moist rich deciduous and mixed forests. Ranges from 12-30 inches with greenish yellow/purple flowers in early spring. Grow in shady woodland areas in rich, moist, soils that do not dry out; pH 4 to 7.

Cerastium arvense var. arvense

Field chickweed is found in moist to dry, rocky upland slopes and sandy fields. Can reach 16 inches with white flowers from early spring to fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Ceratophyllum demersum

Coontail, an aquatic, is found in quiet waters of lakes and ponds, rivers, streams, swamps, generally submerged, sometimes free floating. Flowers early summer, fruit in late summer. Grow in silty garden ponds ranging from fresh to slightly brackish.

Chamaelirium luteum

Devil's bit or Fairywand is found in dry-wet open woods, clearings, barrens in humus-rich soil; FAC. To 40 inches; white to yellow flowers, late spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, rich sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Chamerion angustifolium ssp. circumvagum

Fireweed is found in mesic woods edges and recent clearings in open sandy ground; usually a pioneer species after forest fires. Ranges from 3-12 feet with purple-pink flowers in summer. Grow in disturbed sandy loam in full sun to part shade; forms dense clumps and spreads aggressively.

Chelone glabra

White turtlehead is found in wet woods, swamps and stream banks. Ranges from 20-30 inches with white to pinkish flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich loam, but prefers full sun, pH 5.5 to 7.

Cicuta maculata var. maculata

Beaver-poison or water hemlock is found in swamps, marshes, wet meadows, stream banks and ditches. Reaches 8 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in moist to wet silty organic loam in sun to part sun. All parts highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten.

Cirsium muticum

Swamp thistle is found in swamps, bogs, stream banks and wet meadows. Ranges from 3 to 6 feet with purple flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam.

Claytonia caroliniana

Carolina spring beauty is found in moist, rocky upland wooded slopes, open woods and thickets. Ranges from 6-12 inches with white to pinkish flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist to wet rich loams, pH 5 to 6.

Claytonia virginiana

Spring beauty is found in moist woods and meadows, often on alluvial soils. Ranges from 6-12 inches with white to pinkish flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist loam, pH 5 to 7.

Clintonia borealis

Blue bead lily is found in shady, cold, moist woods and thickets, mostly in the mountains. Can reach 16 inches. Yellow flowers in late spring, fruit a blue berry in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist humusy loam, pH 4 to 6.

Collinsonia canadensis

Horse balm is found in moist rich woods and on wooded floodplains and ravines, often on limestone substrates. To 48 inches, yellow flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist organic loam, pH 6 to 7.

Comarum palustre

Marsh cinquefoil, an emergent aquatic, is found in swamps, bogs and peaty lake margins. Ranges from 8-24 inches with red-purple flowers in summer. Grow in full sun in mucky, peaty soil along pond edges.

Conopholis americana

Squaw-root is found in rich oak or beech woods, where it is parasitic on oaks. Reaches 6 inches with pale brown to yellowish flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 4 to 6.

Coptis trifolia ssp groelandica

Goldthread is found in rich, damp, mossy woods bogs and swamps, often associated with hemlock and mosses. Ranges 6 to 8 inches with white flowers in early spring. Grow in shade in moist, acidic, humusy loam, pH 4 to 5.

Cornus canadensis

Bunchberry is found in cool damp woods, bogs, and on swamp edges. Ranges from 4 to 8 inches with white flowers late spring and fruit in late summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich humus, pH 4 to 5.

Corydalis sempervirens

Rock harlequin is found in dry rocky woods, wood outcrops and open places on poor gravelly soil. Height is 12-30 inches with pinkish-white to purple flowers in late spring to early fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Cryptotaenia canadensis

Honewort is found in moist woods, wooded stream banks, seeps; FAC. 10 to 30 inches, white flowers late spring to early summer. Grow in part shade in moist, sandy loam.

Cunila origanoides

Common dittany is found in dry open woods, shaly slopes, and serpentine barrens. Height range is 8-16 inches with purple to white flowers in late summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry, sandy rocky loam.

Cypripedium acaule

Pink lady's slipper is found in dry to wet acidic upland forests, bogs, brushy barrens, heath, well mulched. Ranges from 6 to 16 inches with pink flowers late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy acidic loam, pH 4 to 5. Very difficult to transplant because of long, thin root system and soil preferences.

Cypripedium parviflorum var pubescens

Large yellow lady's slipper is found in moist, rich, rocky woods and slopes, bogs and swamps. Height ranges from 8-30 inches. Yellow flowers, spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet silty loam. pH 5 to 7, but prefers 6.5 to 7. Listed as vulnerable in Pennsylvania

Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum

Lesser yellow lady's-slipper is found in dry deciduous and deciduous-hemlock forests, usually on slopes. Height ranges from 8-30 inches. Yellow flowers, spring. Grow in part shade to shade in rich dry to moist acidic sandy loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania.

Desmodium canadense

Showy tick-trefoil is found in dry open woods and fields. Height range is 20-40 inches with blue to violet flowers late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Desmodium glutinosum

Sticky tick-clover is found in dry to moist rich woods. Height range is 12-36 inches, with pink to purple flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich loam.

Desmodium paniculatum

Tick-trefoil is found in clearings and edges of moist or dry upland woods. Height range is 12-36 inches with violet to purple flowers, late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam. pH 6 to 7.

Dicentra canadensis

Squirrel corn is found in deciduous woods, often among rock outcrops, in rich loam soils. Can reach 10 inches with white flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich sandy loam, pH 6 to 7.

Dicentra cucullaria

Dutchman's breeches is found in deciduous woods and clearings, in rich loam soils. Height can reach 10 inches with white flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist, rich sandy loam, pH 6 to 7.

Dicentra eximia

Wild bleeding heart, fringed bleeding heart is found in rich woods and on cliffs; prefers damp woods with oak mulch. Height ranges from 10-15 inches with pink to purple flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist rich loam. pH 4 to 7 but prefers 4.5 to 5.5. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Doellingeria umbellata

Flat topped white aster is found in moist woods, fields, floodplains. Ranges from 3 to 6 feet with white flowers in late summer to early fall. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Drosera intermedia

Spatulate-leaved sundew is found in open peat and along edges of bogs and glacial lakes. Height ranges from 1 to 10 inches, with white flowers. Aquatic; grow in full sun pond margins in moist to wet rich peaty loam.

Drosera rotunifolia

Round leaved sundew is found in sphagnum bogs and peaty edges of bogs. Grows 3-10 inches with white to pink flowers. Aquatic; grow in full sun in pond margins in moist to wet rich peaty loam.

Elodea canadensis

Ditch-moss is found free floating in shallow, mostly calcareous waters of ponds, lakes, creeks and rivers. Free floating in shallow water of rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds. Flowers in summer. Aquatic; grow in neutral soil at the base of shallow ponds.

Epilobium coloratum

Purple-leaved willow-herb is found in moist fields, shores and floodplains. Reaches 3 feet with pink to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in rich, moist sandy loam.

Erigeron philadelphicus

Daisy fleabane is found in openings and margins of upland woods, marsh edges, creek sides, fields, roadsides, ditch banks, lawns, and other open, disturbed sites; woods edges. Ranges from 8 to 40 inches, with white-pale lavender flowers in early summer. Grow in part sun in mesic to dry sandy loam.

Erigeron pulchellus

Robin's-plantain is found in bottomland, creek bottoms, ravines, swamp edges, dry to moist woods, prairies, and is frequent in meadows, slopes and woodland edges. Grows to 8 feet with blue to pink-white flowers from late spring through summer. Grow in part shade in moist, rich, sandy loams.

Erythronium americanum

Yellow trout lily is found in open deciduous moist woods and rich slopes that have deep humus-rich loam. Reaches 8 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Eupatorium fistulosum

Trumpet weed is found in mesic to moist fields, meadows and thickets. Reaches 10 feet with pink-purple flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist, rich sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Eupatorium maculatum

Spotted joe-pye-weed is found in floodplains, thickets and swamps. Reaches 6 feet with purple flowers late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist silty clay loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Boneset is found in flood plains, bogs, swamps and wet meadows. Reaches 5 feet with white flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam.

Eupatorium purpureum

Joe-pye-weed is found in mesic to moist open woods and fields. Reaches 6 feet with pink to purple flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich sandy loam.

Eupatorium rugosum

White snakeroot is found in rich rocky woods, at the base of cliffs and rock outcrops, and in thickets and fields. Ranges from 12-60 inches with white flowers in summer and fall. Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade in moist, humusy soils, pH 6-7.

Eupatorium sessilifolium

Upland eupatorium is found in dry wooded slopes and roadsides. Height range is 24-60 inches with white flowers in summer and fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, rocky sandy loam.

Euphorbia corollata

Flowering spurge is found in dry open woods and shale barrens, fields and sandy waste ground. Reaches 3 feet with white white flowers in late summer. Grow in full sun in dry to mesic sandy loam.

Eurybia divaricata

White wood aster is found in dry to mesic, deciduous and mixed deciduous woods, edges and clearings. Ranges from 10 to 35 inches, with white flowers in autumn. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist, sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Eurybia macrophylla

Bigleaf aster is found in moist, often rocky upland woods. Ranges from 10 to 35 inches with white flowers in autumn. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 6 to 7.

Euthamia graminifolia

Grass-leaved goldenrod is found in moist fields, roadsides, ditches and shores. Two varieties are found locally: graminifolia and nuttalli.. Reaches 5 feet with yellow flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Filipendula rubra

Queen-of-the-prairie is found in moist meadows, thickets and roadsides. Height range is 3-6 feet with pink flowers in early summer. Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers consistently moist, fertile, humusy soils.

Fragaria vesca spp americana

Sow-teat strawberry is found in deciduous woods and wooded slopes. Height range is 6-8 inches with white flowers in spring and fruit in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist sandy loam.

Fragaria virginiana spp virginiana

Wild strawberry is found in dry to moist, open woodlands and clearings, often in disturbed areas. Height ranges from 6-8 inches with white flowers in spring and fruit in early summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Galearis spectabilis

Showy orchis is found in moist, calcareous woodlands, thickets, and old fields. Height ranges from 4 to 8 inches with pink to purple flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam. pH 5-6.

Galium boreale

Northern bedstraw is found in upland rocky woods, slopes, wet fields, fens, roadside banks. Height range 1-3 feet with white flowers in late summer. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade. Prefers moist soils where it will often spread by creeping roots and self-seeding.

Gentiana andrewsii var andrewsii

Bottle gentian is found in wet fields and moist, open woods. Reaches 3 feet with blue flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet sandy humusy loam.

Gentiana clausa

Meadow closed gentian is found in moist meadows, stream banks, and open woods in moist acidic soil. Reaches 3 feet with blue flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich acidic loam, pH 4 to 5.

Geranium maculatum

Wood geranium is found in rich open upland woods, deeply shaded roadsides, and shady areas of fields. Height ranges from 18-24 inches, with pink-purple flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist humusy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Geum canadense

White avens is found in upland dry to mesic woodland edges and openings, thickets and open woodlands. Height ranges from 16-40 inches with white flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Geum lanciniatum

Herb-bennet is found in mesic savannahs, thickets, woodland borders and moist meadows. Height range is 16-40 inches, with white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, rich loam, pH 4 to 6.

Geum rivale

Water avens is found in bogs, calcareous marshes and peaty meadows. Height range is 6-24 inches, flowers are yellowish with purple veins in early summer. Grow in full sun in wet, silty, rich circumneutral loam.

Gillenia trifoliata

Bowman's-root is found in dry to moist, upland woods and rocky banks. Ranges from 24 to 36 inches, with white flowers in late spring and early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, slightly acidic rich, rocky soil. Also known as Porteranthus trifoliatus.

Goodyera pubescens

Downy rattlesnake plantain is found in dry to moist warm, deciduous or coniferous forests. Ranges from 8 to 16 inches, with white flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist silty-sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Helenium autumnale

Common sneezeweed is found in meadows, moist riverbanks, wet fields, alluvial thickets and swamps. Height range is 3-5 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Helianthemum bicknellii

Bicknell's hoary rose is found on dry rocky slopes, and in open woods and prairies in sandy soils. Height range is 8-24 inches, with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, sandy soil loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania.

Helianthemum canadense

Frostweed is found in dry sandy or rocky ground, open woods and barrens. Height range is 6-12 inches with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, gravelly loam.

Helianthus decapetalus

Thin leaved sunflower is found in open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, meadows, thickets and lightly shaded areas along rivers; Ranges from 2-5 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in part sun to part (dappled) shade in moist sandy loam. Can be aggressive.

Helianthus divaricatus

Woodland sunflower is found in dry open woods, thickets, wooded slopes, shale barrens and roadsides. Can reach 5 feet; yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to mesic sandy loam, pH 5-7. Can spread aggressively.

Helianthus giganteus

Swamp sunflower is found in wet fields, swamps and ditches. Ranges from 6 to 10 feet with yellow flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist, rich silty loam.

Helianthus strumosus

Rough-leaved sunflower is found in fields, dry, open, upland woods; woodland edges. Can reach 7 feet, with yellow flowers in summer. Evidence suggests it is hybridizing with Helianthus divaricatus. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Heliopsis helianthoides

Ox-eye is found in open or rocky woods, thickets, prairies, stream banks. Can reach 5 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in full sun to part shade (may require support) in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.6 to 6.8.

Hepatica nobilis

Liverleaf is found in rich woods and dry rocky upland slopes. Two varieties: obtusa and acuta (sharp and round lobed leaves, respectively). Height range is 6-8 inches with lavender to purple flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry sandy loam. pH 4 to 7, but prefers pH 4.5 to 6. Also known as Hepatica americana.

Heuchera americana

Alum-root is found in rich woods, rocky slopes, shaly cliffs on rich, well-drained humus. Height range is 12-30 inches with greenish-white to pink flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry, sandy well-drained humusy loam. pH 5 to 7.

Hieracium kalmii

Canada hawkweed is found in clearings, roadsides and in prairies. Height range is 6-48 inches with yellow-orange flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Hieracium scabrum

Hawkweed is found in open fields, clearings, woods edges. Height range is 8-48 inches with yellow-orange flowers, late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam.

Hieracium venosum

Rattlesnake weed is found in dry upland woods, wooded slopes, woods edges. Can reach 32 inches with orange-yellow flowers, summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist organic clay sandy loam.

Houstonia caerulea

Bluets or Quaker ladies is found in dry to mesic meadows, fields, upland open woods, and woods edges. Up to 16 inches with blue flowers with yellow centers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Hydrocotyle americana

Marsh pennywort is found in swampy thickets, boggy fields, wet woods and lake margins. Low creeping habit with white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet marshy soils.

Hydrophyllum canadense

Canadian waterleaf is found in rocky upland wooded slopes, ravines and moist woods. Height range is 12-20 inches with white-pink to purple flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist humusy soil.

Hydrophyllum virginianum

Virginia waterleaf is found on mesic wooded slopes and stream banks and in thickets. Height range is 12-30 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist humusy loam, pH 6 to 7.

Hypericum punctatum

Spotted St. John's-wort is found in floodplains, thickets, moist fields and along roadsides. Height range is 20 to 40 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Hypericum pyramidatum

Great St. John's-wort is found on alluvial shores and in moist to mesic fields, rocky banks, and swamps. Height range is 30-60 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist rich sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Hypoxis hirsuta

Yellow star grass is found in dry to mesic meadows, fields, clearings, barrens, dry woods. Can reach 15 inches with yellow flowers in spring to summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to wet sandy loam; pH 4.5 to 7.

Ionactis linariifolia

Stiff-leaved aster is found in dry rocky woods and edges; typically in acidic soils in pine-oak or pine-hickory woods, ridgetops, upland slopes and glades. Height range is 12-24 inches with violet flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers acidic, sandy soils; pH 4-7.

Iris versicolor

Northern blue flag iris is a wetland species found in marshes, bogs, wet meadows. Height range is 24-60 inches with blue-violet flowers in late spring or early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich silty loam, especially in pond margins.

Justicia americana

Water-willow is an emergent aquatic found in shallow water along shorelines of lakes and rivers and muddy shore edges. Height range is 20-40 inches with pale violet flowers in summer. Grow in shallow water or adjacent muddy soils; colonizes via rhizomes.

Krigia biflora

Dwarf dandelion is found in moist fields and meadows. Height range is 4-24 inches, yellow flowers from late spring into fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Laportea canadensis

Wood-nettle is found in rich, moist, deciduous forests, often along seepages and streams. Height range is 20-40 inches with tiny white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, humusy loam. Stinging hairs on all parts causes brief burning or itching.

Lathyrus palustris

Marsh pea is found in moist meadows, sand plains, swamps and thickets. Can reach 3 feet with red-purple flowers in early summer. Grow in moist to wet rich loam in full to part sun.

Lemna minor

Duckweed is an aquatic, found in still water of nutrient-average to nutrient-rich lakes and ponds, and in streams, swamps and ditches. Grow in shallow ponds and water features with slow-moving to still water.

Lemna trisulca

Star duckweed is an aquatic found in nutrient-average, quiet waters rich in calcium, in cool-temperate regions; tangled colonies in lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes, streams. Grow in shallow ponds and water features with slow-moving to still water.

Lespedeza capitata

Round-headed bush clover is found in upland woods, thickets and prairies, on glades and along streams. Height range is 20-60 inches with yellow-white flowers, late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Lespedeza hirta

Bush-clover is found in dry prairies, savannahs, fields, meadows. Height range is 24-48 inches; yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loams.

Lespedeza violacea

Slender bush clover is found in dry upland woods, thickets and openings. Height range is 12-30 inches with violet-purple flowers in late summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Lespedeza virginica

Slender bush clover is found in dry fields, stony banks, rocky woods. Height range is 12-40 inches with violet-purple flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Liatris spicata

Blazing-star is found in moist fields, meadows and swamps, usually over limestone. Can reach 6 feet with blue-purple flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich sandy loam. pH 5.5 to 7.

Lilium canadense

Canada lily is found in wet meadows, moist rich woods especially edges, stream sides and river alluvia, bogs, marshes and swamps. Can reach 6 feet; yellow or red flowers, early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet organic loam. pH 4 to 7.

Lilium philadelphicum

Wood lily is found in open dry woods, borders and clearings on well-drained soil. Can reach 3 feet, with orange-red flowers in early summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam. pH 5 to 7.

Linum striatum

Ridged yellow flax is found in moist meadows, wet open ground and wet open woods. Height range is 12-36 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich loam.

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower is found in wet meadows, swamps, riverbanks and lake shores. Height range is 20-36 inches, with red flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet, humus rich, sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Lobelia inflata

Indian-tobacco is found in upland dry to mesic woods, old fields, meadows and along roadsides. Can reach 36 inches with blue to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Lobelia siphilitica

Great blue lobelia is found in swamps, moist meadows, stream banks and ditches. Can reach 5 feet with blue flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet silty loam.

Lobelia spicata var spicata

Spiked lobelia is found in dry to mesic fields and open woodlands. Can reach 36 inches, with pale blue to white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Ludwigia alternifolia

Seedbox is found in swampy fields, wet woods, and the borders of streams and pond and lake shores; FACW+. 16-48 inches, yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam. Common name comes from box-like seed pods.

Ludwigia palustris

Marsh-purslane is found in swamps, wet meadows, muddy shores, stream banks, ditches OBL. Prostrate, creeping, floating stems. Grow in full sun in moist to wet mucky soils, including shallow water.

Lupinus perennis

Blue lupine is found in dry fields and woods edges and along roadsides in sandy acid soil. Height range is 8-24 inches with blue flowers in spring and early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist acidic sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7. Listed as rare in Pennsylvania

Lycopus americanus

Water-horehound is found in mesic to moist hillsides and fields, moist thickets, wet ditches and swamps. Height range is 6-24 inches with small white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich, mucky soils.

Lysimachia ciliata

Fringed loosestrife is found in low moist ground and old fields, as well as in floodplains and on stream banks. Height range is 16-48 inches with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist sandy rich loam.

Lysimachia hybrida

Lance-leaved loosestrife is found in swamps, wet meadows, fens and pond margins. Can reach 5 feet with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in full to part sun in mesic to moist organic, clay to sandy/rocky loam. Listed as threatened in Pennsylvania

Lysimachia quadrifolia

Whorled loosestrife is found in dry to mesic hardwood forests, lowlands, fens, moist clearings, roadsides, and fields, rocky thickets and slopes. Can reach 3 feet with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in full sun to part shade in a wide range of moist soils.

Lysimachia terrestris

Swamp-candles is found in swamps, flood plains, fens, bogs, stream banks, pond and lake margins, wet ditches, other similar habitats. Height range is 16-30 inches with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Lysimachia thyrsiflora

Tufted loosestrife is found in bogs, swamps, marshes and wet woods. Height range is 12-30 inches with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich loam.

Maianthemum canadense

Canada mayflower is found in dry to moist woods, rich and often sandy clearings. Height range is 6-8 inches with white flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy acidic loam, pH 4-5.

Maianthemum racemosa

False Solomon's-seal is found in dry to moist deciduous woodlands. Can reach 3 feet, with white flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist humusy loam, pH 4 to 6.

Maianthemum stellata

Starflower or Solomon's plume is found in moist to wet woods, marginal woodlands, oak openings and on stream banks. Can reach 24 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist to wet rich loam. pH 4 to 5.

Maianthemum trifolium

False Solomon's-seal is a wetland species found in often dense clonal patches in sphagnum bogs, and wet forests. Can reach 8 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist to wet rich loam.

Medeola virginiana

Indian cucumber root is found in mesic woods and moist slopes. Height range is 12 to 24 inches with greenish-yellow flowers in late spring. Grow in moist to wet soils in part shade to full shade, pH 4-6.

Melanthium virginicum

Bunchflower is found in bogs, marshes, wet woods, savannas, meadows and damp clearings. Can reach 7 feet with white flowers in early summer. Grow in full sun to part shade in moist to wet sandy to clayey loam.

Mentha arvensis

Field mint is found in swamps, wet meadows and on moist banks. Height range is 12-24 inches with blue-lavender flowers in fall. Grow in part shade in mesic to moist rich loam.

Menyanthes trifoliata

Bogbean is an aquatic, found in bogs, sphagnum swamps and the shallow water of ponds and lakes. White flowers in late spring. Grow in water gardens in mud or containers submerged in shallow water (3 inches over rhizome) in full sun to part shade. Best in acidic, peaty soils.

Mimulus moschatus

Muskflower is found along wet shores and in seeps and springy swales. Creeping habit, with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in muddy moist to wet margins of garden water features in full sun to part shade.

Mimulus ringens

Monkey flower is a wetland species found in sunny pond edges, swamps and wet meadows. Can reach 6 inches with blue flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam.

Mitchella repens

Partridgeberry is found in dry to moist upland woods and sandy bogs. Trailing stems to 12 inches. White flowers in late spring, with long-lasting red fruits following. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich humus. pH 4 to 5.

Mitella diphylla

Bishops cap is found in rich, moist woods, stream banks, and cool shaded moist spots in open woods. Height range is 4 to 16 inches with white flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich sandy loam. pH 5 to 7, but prefers 6.0.

Mitella nuda

Naked mitrewort is found in cool, mossy, mixed woods and cedar swamps. Height range is 2-4 inches with greenish-yellow flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich organic loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Moehringia lateriflora

Blunt-leaved sandwort is found in moist or dry woodlands and moist to mesic meadows, gravelly shores, swales, and low woods. Can reach 24 inches with white flowers in late spring. Grow in mesic to moist sandy loams in full sun to part shade.

Monarda clinopodia

Bee balm is found in moist woods, fields and floodplains. Can reach 36 inches, with white-yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry, rocky, sandy loam.

Monarda didyma

Bee balm is found in rich moist fields, meadows; bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and especially along stream banks. Height range is 2-4 feet with red flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in, medium to wet, moisture-retentive soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, humusy soils in full sun, pH 5.5 to 7.

Monarda fistulosa var. mollis

Horsemint is found in moist to wet prairies and upland open woods. Height range is 20-48 inches with lavender flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Monarda media

Bee balm is found in rich, moist, acidic soil on stream banks, and in thickets, low woods and ditches. Can reach 36 inches with purple flowers in summer. Grow in part shade in moist rich loam.

Nuphar lutea

Spatterdock, or yellow pond lily is an aquatic found in lake margins, ponds, slow moving streams, swamps and tidal marshes. Grow in 1-3 feet of water in full sun to part shade. Can be grown in containers for water gardens; for natural ponds, plant rhizomes directly in the muddy bottom of poor sandy soil.

Nymphaea odorata

Fragrant water-lily is an aquatic found in quiet waters of acidic or alkaline ponds, lakes, sluggish streams and rivers, pools in marshes, ditches, canals, or sloughs. White flowers from late spring to early fall. Grow in shallow ponds in silty to sandy soil.

Oenothera biennis

Evening-primrose is found in dry fields, waste ground, and along roadsides. Height range is 20-60 inches with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Oenothera fruticosa

Sundrops are found in mesic meadows, fields and along roadsides. Height range is 8-30 inches with yellow flowers, early summer. Two local subspecies: fruticosa and glauca. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Oenothera perennis

Sundrops are found in mesic pastures, on shale slopes and along roadsides. Height range is 4-24 inches withyellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Opuntia humifusa

Eastern prickly-pear cactus is found in sandy habitats, openings on dry, sometimes wooded hillsides. Spreading, prostrate habit with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7. Listed as rare in Pennsylvania

Orontium aquaticum

Goldenclub is an aquatic found in shallow water of bogs, marshes, swamps, and streams. Grow in water gardens in containers submerged in 6-18 inches of water in full sun. Leaves tend to emerge in water 6-9 inches deep, but mostly float in water 12-18 inches deep. Listed as rare in Pennsylvania

Osmorhiza claytonii

Sweet-cicely is found in rich upland woods and wooded slopes. Height range is 15-30 inches with white flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam.

Osmorhiza longistylis

Anise-root is found in moist ground in upland dry to mesic wooded areas, shaded slopes and ravines. Height range is 15-30 inches with white flowers in early summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam.

Oxalis stricta

Common yellow wood-sorrel is found in dry to mesic fields, lawns, gardens in shallow sandy loams to loamy tills. Prostrate to 20 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loamy till, pH 4-6.

Oxalis violacea

Violet wood-sorrel is found in dryish, acidic soils on glades, rocky open woods, fields and prairies, stream banks. Height range is 6-9 inches with violet flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam. pH 4 to 7 but prefers 6 to 6.5.

Oxypolis rigidior

Cowbane is a wetland species found in swamps, bogs, meadows, and moist sandy shores; 4-5 feet; white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in wet, sandy or clay loam.

Panax quinquefolius

Ginseng is found in cool, moist, rich mesic woods, often on north-facing slopes. Can reach 24 inches with greenish flowers in spring, red fruit in fall. Grow in moist, fertile, organically rich, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade; pH 4 to 7 but prefers 4.5 to 6. Listed as vulnerable in Pennsylvania

Parnassia glauca

Grass-of-parnassus is found in boggy meadows or seeps on calcareous soils. Height range is 10-20 inches with white flowers in late summer. Grow in moist to wet organic loams in full sun to part shade. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Pedicularis canadensis

Forest lousewort is found in open dry upland woods, old fields, woods edges and mesic grasslands. Height range is 6-16 inches with yellow to purple flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Peltandra virginica

Arrow-arum is an emergent aquatic found in wetland habitats, including bogs, swamps and ditches, as well as along the edges of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Height range is 2-3 feet with green flowers in spring. Grow in water garden, bog, or pond areas in part shade, muddy soil in shallow water.

Penstemon digitalis

Beards tongue is found in old fields, meadows, prairies and mesic, open woods and woods margins. Can reach 60 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun.

Penstemon hirsutus

Northern beard-tongue is found in dry to mesic, open rocky slopes, fields, and roadside banks. Height range is 15-32 inches with violet to purple flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry rocky sandy loam; pH 5.5 to 6.5.

Phlox divaricata

Woodland phlox is found in humus-rich soil in open upland deciduous woods. Can reach 12 inches with pale blue to white flowers in spring. Grow in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers rich, moist, organic soils, pH 5-7.

Phlox maculata ssp. maculata

Wild sweet-william is found in wet meadows, abandoned fields and thickets, low moist woods and riverbanks. Height range is 12-32 inches. Pink-rose to purple flowers in early summer. Grow in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils in full sun.

Phlox paniculata

Summer phlox is found in meadows, thickets and along stream banks, often on calcareous substrate. Can reach 6 feet with pink flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet sandy rich loam, pH 5 to 7.

Phlox stolonifera

Creeping phlox is found in rich open woods and stream banks. Height range is 4-6 inches with violet to rose purple flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist rich loam, pH 6 to 7.

Phlox subulata

Moss pink is found in dry rocky ledges, slopes, clearings and fields. Height is about 6 inches, with pink, purple or white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam, pH 5.7 to 7.5.

Phryma leptostachya

Lopseed is found in rich woods, rocky limestone slopes and swamps. Height range is 1-3 feet with purple flowers in summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rich circumneutral loam.

Physalis heterophylla

Ground cherry is found in fields, sandy or cindery open ground and cultivated areas. Height range is 8-36 inches with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry, sandy loam.

Physostegia virginiana

False dragonhead is found on stream banks and along moist shorelines. Can reach 36 inches with pinkish-purple flowers in late summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.5.

Phytolacca americana

Pokeweed is found in moist to mesic thickets, clearings and forest openings, open ground and along roadsides. Can reach 10 feet, with greenish-white flowers in summer to fall. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Platanthera ciliaris

Yellow fringed-orchid is found in bogs, moist meadows, and moist to wet woods. Height range is 15-40 inches, orange-yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, rich loam. An endangered species. Listed as threatened in Pennsylvania

Platanthera clavellata

Clubspur orchid is found in bogs, shores, damp woods, thickets, sunny openings, in damp deep humus; FACW+. 5-15 inches; white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet sandy rich loam, pH 5-6.

Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple is found in medium wet, well-drained soil in mesic woods, especially maple woods and clearings. Height range is 12-18 inches with white flowers in spring followed by green fruits that yellow when ripe. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist humusy loam, pH 4 to 7.

Pogonia ophioglossoides

Rose pogonia is found in sphagnum bogs, fens, moist acidic sandy meadows and prairies, open wet woods, pine savannas, sandy-peaty stream banks, and seepage slopes. Height range is 4-16 inches with pink flowers in summer. Grow in full to part sun in moist to wet acidic humusy loam.

Polemonium reptans

Spreading Jacobs ladder is found in low moist woods, wooded floodplains, thickets at the base of cliffs and moist ground near streams. Height range is 6-20 inches with light blue flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Polemonium vanbruntiae

Jacob's-ladder is found in sphagnum glades, swamps, and marshes. Can reach 36 inches with blue flowers in summer. Grow in moist rich humusy soils in sun to part shade. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Polygala paucifolia

Bird-on-the-wing is found in rich dry to mesic rocky upland woods and wooded slopes. Height range is 3 to 6 inches with rose-purple flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 4 to 6.

Polygonatum biflorum

Solomon's seal is found in dry to moist woods in fertile, loamy soil; robust plants are known as var. commutatum. Can reach 6 feet, but more typically around 3 feet, with white-greenish flowers in spring and dark purple fruits following. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist rich loam. pH 4 to 6 but prefers 5 to 6.5.

Polygonatum pubescens

Solomon's seal is found in fertile, humus-rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool, shaded, dry to moist woods, wooded slopes and coves. Can reach 36 inches with white-greenish flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist humusy sandy loam; pH 4 to 6 but prefers 5 to 6.5.

Polygonum amphibium

Water smartweed or Water knotweed is an aquatic, found in very wet prairies and along shorelines, in swamps, ponds, and quiet streams, in mud or floating on still fresh water. Two varieties; emersum (leaves don't float) and stipulaceum (leaves float). Grow in full sun to part sun in wet mucky soil or in water gardens. Not to be confused with the invasive Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed).

Polygonum hydropiperoides var. hydropiperoides

Mild water-pepper is an wetland species found in wet banks and clearings, shallow water, marshes, moist prairies, ditches.Grow in full sun in mucky soil, standing water.

Polygonum virginianum

Jumpseed is found in rich deciduous forests, floodplain forests, dry to moist woodlands, and thickets. Height range is 15-40 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in rich sandy loam. Also known as Persicaria virginiana.

Pontederia cordata

Pickerel-weed is an emergent aquatic found in pond and lake margins and swampy edges of lakes and streams. Height range is 2-4 feet above water with light blue flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in full sun in mud at the margins of a pond or in containers of rich organic loams in a water garden under 3-5 inches of water.

Potamogeton amplifolius

Bigleaf pondweed is and aquatic found in waters of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. Green flowers in summer. Grow in full sun in shallow ponds in silty loam.

Potamogeton natans

Floating pondweed is an aquatic found in quiet or slow-flowing waters of ponds, lakes, and streams, with stems to six feet and green flowers in summer. Grow in full sun in ponds in silty loam.

Potamogeton nodosus

Longleaf pondweed is an aquatic found in clear to turbid waters of lakes, streams, rivers, and sloughs. Greenish-white flowers in summer. Serves as an oxygenator in water gardens; grow in aquatic containers of sandy loam or rooted in muddy pool bottoms at depth of 6 - 24 inches, full sun to part shade.

Potamogeton perfoliatus

Perfoliate pondweed is an aquatic found in waters of lakes, streams, rivers, and bays, with green flowers in summer. Grow in full sun in water features and ponds in silty loam.

Potentilla arguta

Tall cinquefoil is found in dry upland rocky ledges, fields and woods. Height range is 15-40 inches, white flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Potentilla fruticosa

Shrubby cinquefoil is found in wet to dry open calcareous sites, especially swamps. Can reach 36 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Potentilla simplex

Old-field cinquefoil is found in dry upland woods, fields, meadows and along roadsides. Prostrate stems to 20 inches with yellow flowers in late spring. Grow in sun to shade in dry, sandy loam. pH 5.5 to 7.

Potentilla tridentata

Three-toothed cinquefoil is found on dry ridge tops and in open woods. Height range is 1-10 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Prenanthes alba

White rattlesnake root is found in moist, open woods, along shady roadsides and in thickets. Can reach 8 inches with white and pinkish-lavender flowers in late summer into fall. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, well-drained soils.

Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata

Heal-all is found in mesic fields, upland woods, floodplains, and along roadsides. Can reach 24 inches with violet-blue to pink or white flowers in summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Pycnanthemum incanum

Mountain-mint is found in moist old fields, thickets, and barrens. Can reach 36 inches, with purple to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry moist sandy loam.

Pycnanthemum muticum

Mountain-mint is found in moist woods, thickets, meadows and swales. Height range is 15-30 inches with purple to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.5.

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Mountain-mint is found in moist fields, stream banks and floodplains. Height range is 20-30 inches with purple to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Mountain-mint is found in boggy fields, moist woods and floodplains. Can reach 36 inches with purple to white flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Pyrola elliptica

Shinleaf is found in bogs, fens, swamps and moist to wet coniferous woods. Height range is 6-12 inches with white flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist acidic loam, pH 4 to 6.

Ranunculus fascicularis

Early buttercup is found in dry upland woods, grasslands and thickets. Height range is 4-10 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in sun to shade in dry sandy loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Ranunculus flammula var. ovalis

Creeping spearwort is found in muddy, wet ground, including shores to shallow water. Prostrate stems to 20 inches with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam. Listed as extirpated in Pennsylvania

Ranunculus hispidus var. hispidus

Hairy buttercup is found in rich, oak-hickory, dry to mesic woods and meadows. Height range is 5-20 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.

Ranunculus recurvatus

Hooked crowfoot is found in rich, low moist woods. Height range is 6-20 inches with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam.

Rhexia virginica

Meadow beauty or Handsome Harry is a wetland species found in rich, acidic soil in moist open areas on sandy soils. Height range is 10-40 inches with dark pink flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in wet rich sandy loam.

Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan is found in mesic prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, savannahs, woodland edges and openings. Can reach 36 inches with orange-yellow flowers in late summer. Two local varieties: hirta and pulcherrima. Grow in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Best in moist, organically rich soils.

Rudbeckia laciniata

Cutleaf coneflower is found in moist, rich soils in fields, floodplains, open woods, thickets or along streams and sloughs. Height range is 2-9 feet with yellow flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Rudbeckia triloba

Three-lobed coneflower is found in mesic to wet woodlands, thickets, pastures, roadsides, and meadows, frequently on limestone. Height range is 18-60 inches, with yellow to orange flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Rumex altissimus

Tall dock is found in river bottomland and wet woods margins in rich alluvial soils. Can reach 50 inches with reddish-green flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist, rich sandy loam.

Sagittaria graminea var. graminea

Grass-leaved sagittaria is an aquatic found in streams, lakes, and tidal areas, erect or immersed or submerged in shallow water, and in mudflats and tidal shores. Blooms in summer. Grow in full sun in shallow water in silty soil.

Sagittaria latifolia var. latifolia

Wapato, or duck potato is an aquatic found in wet ditches, pools, and margins of streams and lakes and ponds. Height range is 12-48 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in mud at the margins of a pond or in containers in a water garden, either along the shore or in up to 6 to 12 inches of water.

Sagittaria rigida

Arrowhead is an aquatic found in calcareous shallow water and shores of ponds, swamps, and rivers, occasionally in deep water. Can reach 3 feet with white flowers in late summer. Grow in mud at the margins of a pond or in containers in a water garden, either along the shore or in up to 6-12 inches of water.

Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot is found in moist to dry upland woods and thickets, often on flood plains and shores or near streams on slopes. Height range is 2-6 inches with white flowers early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist rich sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Sanguisorba canadensis

American burnet is found in swamps, bogs, meadows and floodplains. Can reach 50 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist to wet rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Sarracenia purpurea

Pitcher plant is found in sphagnum bogs and peatlands, fens, swamps, wet conifer woodlands, lake and pond margins. Height range is 4-8 inches with maroon to red flowers in early summer. Grow in full sun in acidic, humusy muck that is constantly damp but not watery, pH 4.5 to 5.5.

Saxifraga pensylvanica

Swamp saxifrage is found in wet woods, bogs and swamps. Height range is 8-30 inches with greenish-white flowers in late spring. Grow in part shade in moist to wet circumneutral soils.

Saxifraga virginiensis

Early saxifrage is found in rock crevices on dry to mesic rocky slopes. Height range is 4-12 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Scrophularia lanceolata

Lanceleaf figwort is found in low woods, thickets, stream banks, and along moist roadsides. Can reach 6 feet, with yellowish-green flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich sandy loam.

Scrophularia marilandica

Eastern figwort is found in alluvial woods, river banks, moist shores and along roadsides. Can reach 10 feet with purple-brownish flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rocky, rich loam.

Scutellaria integrifolia

Hyssop skullcap is found in swamps, bogs and moist fields. Height range is 12-30 inches, blue flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist, silty loam.

Scutellaria laterifolia

Mad-dog skullcap is found in wet woods, stream banks and moist pastures. Height range is 12-30 inches, with blue flowers in late summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist silty loam.

Sedum ternatum

Wild stonecrop is found in rocky banks, cliffs and woods, and damp locations along stream banks, bluff bases and stony ledges. Height range is 3-6 inches with white flowers in early spring. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, pH 5 to 7.

Senecio aureus

Golden ragwort is found on floodplains and in moist fields and woods. Height range is 12-32 inches withyellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich loam.

Senecio obvatus

Ragwort is found in moist fields, meadows, upland woods and calcareous slopes. Can reach 30 inches, with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in circumneutral humusy loam.

Senecio pauperculus

Balsam ragwort is found in moist meadows, peaty thickets, stream banks, prairies, meadows; in rocky, loamy soil; FAC. Can reach 30 inches, with yellow flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist sandy rich loam.

Senna hebecarpa

Northern wild senna is found in moist open woods, wetland edges, floodplains, and along roadsides. Height range is 3-6 feet with yellow flowers in summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rich sandy loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Silene caroliniana

Fire pink is found in open, often gravelly or rocky, mainly deciduous woodlands.Height range is 9-12 inches with pink flowers in spring. Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers sunny sites in dryish sandy or gravelly soils with some part afternoon shade.

Silene nivea

Snowy campion is found in mesic to moist alluvial woodlands and thickets. Can reach 8-12 inches, with white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in sandy, well-drained loam.

Silene stellata

Starry campion is found in wooded slopes, barrens and roadside banks. Height range is 12-36 inches with white flowers in summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam. pH 5 to 7.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Blue eyed grass is found in meadows, flood plains, moist fields, and mesic open woods. Can reach 15 inches, with pale blue flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 7.

Sisyrinchium montanum

Blue eyed grass is found in dry to mesic open woods, roadsides and fields. Can reach 20 inches, with violet flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Sium suave

Water-parsnip is a wetland species found in swamps, bogs, wet meadows, pond margins. Can reach 6 feet with white flowers in late summer. Grow in full to part sun in moist to wet rich loams.

Solanum carolinense

Horse-nettle is found in dry to mesic fields, roadsides, sandy stream banks. Can reach 3 feet with pale violet to white flowers in summer. Grow in full to part sun in average sandy loam.

Solidago altissima

Late goldenrod is found in dry to moist soils, fields, roadsides, disturbed areas and riverbanks. Can reach 6 feet, yellow flowers in late summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry, sandy loam.

Solidago bicolor

Silver rod is found in dry open woods. Can reach 40 inches; white flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in part shade in dry sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Solidago caesia

Bluestem goldenrod is found in dry upland open woods, thickets and clearings. Height range is 18-36 inches with yellow flowers late summer to fall. Grow in part sun to shade in dry to moist rich loam, pH 5 to 7.

Solidago canadensis var. hargeri

Canada goldenrod is found in dry to mesic fields and along roadsides. Can reach 6 feet with yellow flowers in late summer into fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Solidago flexicaulis

Zigzag goldenrod is found in moist upland woods and rocky wooded slopes. Height range is 18-36 inches, with yellow flowers in late summer through fall. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Solidago gigantea var. gigantea

Smooth goldenrod is found in moist fields, woods, and floodplains. Can reach 6 feet with yellow flowers in late summer through fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam.

Solidago juncea

Early goldenrod is found in fields, meadows, rocky banks and along roadsides. Can reach 4 feet with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Solidago nemoralis

Gray goldenrod is found in fields, woods and roadsides in dry sterile soils. Can reach 3 feet with yellow flowers late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Solidago odora

Sweet goldenrod is found in dry open woods and barrens. Can reach 4 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 4 to 6.

Solidago patula

Spreading goldenrod is a wetland species found in moist soils in swamp margins, boggy ground, wet meadows, roadside ditches, seeps, and the edges of wet woods. Can reach 6 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in moist sandy loam in sun to part shade.

Solidago rugosa

Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod is found in woods, fields, floodplains and waste ground; two local varieties: rugosa and villosa. Can reach 4 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer into fall. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam; pH 5.5 to 7.

Solidago speciosa var speciosa

Showy goldenrod is found in moist meadows and rocky woods and thickets. Can reach 6 feet, with yellow flowers from late summer into fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 6 to 7.

Solidago uliginosa var. uliginosa

Bog goldenrod is found in bogs and wet areas, fens, marshes, and sometimes in wet woods. Can reach 5 feet, with yellow flowers, from late summer into fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist, well drained soil.

Solidago ulmifolia var ulmifolia

Elm-leaved goldenrod is found in wooded slopes, roadside banks and on shale barrens. Can reach 4 feet, with yellow flowers in late summer to fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry rocky sandy loam.

Spiranthes cernua

Nodding ladies tresses is found in wet to dry open sites in fens, marshes, meadows, swales, prairies, open woodlands, riverbanks, shores, ditches, roadsides, and moist old fields. Height range is 5-15 inches with white flowers in late summer and early fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist silty loam, pH 4.5 to 6.5.

Streptopus amblexifolis var americanus

Twisted stalk is found in rich, moist, coniferous and deciduous woods, seepy outcrops, often near waterfalls. Can reach 36 inches with greenish-white flowers in summer. Grow in part shade to shade in rich loam, pH 5 to 6. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Streptopus roseus var perspectus

Rose mandaria is found in cool to cold, moist woods and stream banks. Can reach 24 inches, with pink-rose flowers in early summer. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.

Symphyotrichum cordifolium

Blue wood aster is found in rich, dry or moist woodlands, bluff bases, stream banks and moist ledges. Can reach 5 feet with pale blue flowers in late fall. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5.6 to 7.5.

Symphyotrichum ericoides

White heath aster is found in dry to mesic meadows and fields. Height range is 10-50 inches with white flowers in fall. Grow in sun to part sun in dry sandy loam.

Symphyotrichum laeve

Smooth blue aster is found in dry woods, rocky ledges. Height range is 10-40 inches with pale to dark blue flowers in fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam, pH 4 to 7.

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

Calico aster is found in mesic to moist old fields, edges of woods, rocky woods, and waste ground. 10-45 inches, white flowers, fall. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam; pH 4 to 7, prefers 6.6 to 7.

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England aster is found in moist prairies, meadows, thickets, low valleys and stream banks. Height range is 3-6 feet with purple flowers in fall. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, rich soils, pH 5.5 to 7.

Symphyotrichum patens

Late purple aster is found in dry, sandy, moist, open woods and old fields. Height range is 15-45 inches with blue flowers in fall. Grow in part shade to shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Symphyotrichum praealtum

Veiny-lined aster is found in mesic to moist woods, fields, thickets, and along roadsides. Can reach 6 feet, with pale blue-violet flowers in early fall. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Symphyotrichum prenanthoides

Zig-zag aster is found in swamps, stream banks and low woods. Height range is 10 to 40 inches with blue to pale purple flowers in early fall. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil.

Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum

Purple-stemmed aster is found in swampy ground of spring-fed meadows, stream banks and moist ditches. Can reach 6 feet, with blue flowers in early autumn. Grow in average, wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Listed as threatened in Pennsylvania.

Symphyotrichum undulatum

Heart-leaved aster is found in dry woods, sandy slopes and old fields. Height range is 15-45 inches, with blue-violet flowers in autumn. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Symplocarpus foetidus

Skunk cabbage is found in swamps, wet woods, along streams, and other wet low areas. Height range is 1-3 feet with yellow-brown flowers in early spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist to wet humusy loam; pH 5 to 7.

Taenidia integerrima

Yellow pimpernel is found in rocky upland woods, bluffs, thickets and slopes, ass well as pairies and savannas. Height range is 16-32 inches, yellow, early summer. Grow in part sun in poor, clay, rocky or sandy soils.

Tephrosia virginiana

Goat's rue is found in dry, sandy acidic woods. Height range is 10-30 inches with yellow-white/pinkish purple flowers in summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry acidic sandy loam.

Teucrium canadense var. virginicum

Wild germander is found in flood plains, lake margins, moist fields and meadows. Height range is 18-36 inches with purple to pink or cream color flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist silty loam.

Thalictrum dioicum

Early meadow-rue is found in rich, mesic to moist rocky woods, ravines, alluvial terraces, especially on north-facing slopes. Height range is 10 to 30 inches; greenish to purple flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 5 to 7.

Thalictrum pubescens

Tall meadow-rue is found in rich mesic upland woods and wet meadows, thickets and stream banks. Height range is 2-10 feet with white to purplish flowers in summer. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Thalictrum revolutum

Purple meadow-rue is found in dry open woods, brushy banks, thickets and barrens. Height range is 2-6 feet with white flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in dry sandy loam.

Thalictrum thalictroides

Rue anemone is found in rich, moist deciduous upland woods, wooded banks and thickets. Height range is 4-12 inches with white flowers, early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in rich humus, pH 4 to 7; goes dormant if the soil becomes too dry.

Tiarella cordifolia

Foamflower is found in moist, rocky deciduous woods and wooded slopes. Height range is 4-14 inches, white flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam. pH 5 to 7.

Tradescantia virginiana

Spiderwort or widows tears is found on dry to mesic upland wooded slopes, shale outcrops and in moist fields. Height range is 12-36 inches with blue to purple flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, sandy loam.

Triadenum virginicum

Marsh St Johns Wort is found in marshes, bogs, swampy woods, stream banks; OBL 12-24 inches, pink to purple flowers, summer. Grow in mesic to moist rich loams in sun to part sun.

Trillium cernuum var cernuum

Nodding trillium is found in rich, moist, mixed deciduous-coniferous forests and swamps. Can reach 15 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich humus, pH 5 to 6.

Trillium erectum var erectum

Purple trillium is found in cool, rich, moist, neutral to acidic soils of upland deciduous forests, mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, and coniferous swamp borders. Can reach 15 inches with maroon flowers, spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam; pH 4 to 7 but prefers 4.5 to 6.

Trillium grandiflorum

Large flowered trillium is found in rich deciduous or mixed coniferous-deciduous upland woods, floodplains, and along roadsides. Can reach 15 inches with white flowers becoming pink in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam. pH 6 to 7 but prefers 6.0.

Trillium sessile

Toadshade trillium is found in rich woodlands, calcareous soils, floodplains, riverbanks, clayey alluvium and less fertile soils in high, dry limestone woods. Can reach 12 inches. Maroon flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam.

Trillium undulatum

Painted trillium is found in deep acidic humus in mixed deciduous-coniferous woods; prefers deep shade except at higher elevations. Can reach 15 inches, with white flowers with rose-purple triangle in late spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 4 to 6.

Trollius laxus

Spreading globe-flower is a wetland species found in rich, moist calcareous meadows, swamps and moist, open woods. Height range is 4-20 inches, yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rich loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Typha latifolia

Common cat-tail is found in swamps, marshes, wet shores, ditches, or wet soil. Height range is 3-9 feet; blooms in early summer. Grow in rich loams in full sun to part shade in water to 12 inches deep and is an aggressive spreader.

Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis

Great nettle is found in dry to mesic alluvial upland woods, margins of deciduous woodlands, along fencerows and inwaste places. Height range is 3-6 feet with greenish flowers in late spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rich sandy loam.

Utricularia gibba

Humped bladderwort is an aquatic found in shallow water or exposed peat sand or mud flats. Yellow flowers in summer. An insectivore, water must be rich in microorganisms for it to survive; grow in full sun.

Utricularia purpurea

Purple bladderwort is an aquatic found suspended in lakes and ponds. Pink to purple flowers in late summer. Grow in full sun in soft, quiet water from shallow to more than 10 feet deep.

Uvularia perfoliata

Bellwort is found in dry to mesic upland deciduous woods and thickets in acid to neutral soils. Height range is 6-18 inches, yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.

Uvularia sessilifolia

Bellwort is found in dry woods, moist hardwood coves, thickets and alluvial bottomlands. Height range is 6-18 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 5 to 6.

Vallisneria americana var. americana

Tape-grass is an aquatic found in streams, lakes, rivers. Can reach 12 inches, produces green flowers. Grow in rich silty loam covered with sand in water 12 inches deep in sun. An important food source for turtles.

Veratrum viride

False hellebore is found in moist to wet woods, stream banks and seeps. Can reach 4 feet, with green flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rich loam.

Verbena hastata

Blue vervain is found in moist to wet meadows, flood plains and wet river bottomlands, stream banks and the edges of sloughs. Can reach 4 feet, with blue flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Verbena urticifolia

White vervain is found in moist meadows, fields, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, abandoned fields and waste ground, especially where there has been site disturbance. Can reach 4 feet, white flowers in summer. Grow in part sun in moist to mesic fertile loam.

Vernonia noveboracensis

New York ironweed is found on stream banks and in wet fields and pastures. Can reach 6 feet, with brownish-purple flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Veronica americana

American speedwell is a wetland species found on moist banks and stream edges and in ditches. Height range is 4-10 inches with light blue to violet flowers in summer and fall. Grow in part shade in moist, humusy loam.

Veronicastrum virginicum

Culver's-root is found in moist meadows, thickets and swamps. Can reach 6 feet with white or pink flowers in summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Vicia americana

Purple vetch is found in dry to moist, gravelly shores, thickets, meadows, and roadside banks. Can reach 3 feet with blue to violet flowers in early summer. Grow in sun to part sun in moist rich loam.

Viola affinis

LeConte's violet is found in rich moist especially alluvial woods. Can reach 16 inches with blue-violet flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, sandy loam.

Viola bicolor

Field pansy is found in fields, dry open woods and on floodplain terraces. Can reach 10 inches with pale blue flowers with yellow centers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist rich loam.

Viola blanda

Sweet white violet is found in moist woods and swamps. Can reach 16 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist rich sandy loam.

Viola canadensis

Canada violet is found in moist woods and swamps. Can reach 16 inches with white flowers with yellow centers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in sandy humusy loam, pH 5 to 6.5.

Viola cucullata

Blue marsh violet is found in bogs, meadows and swamps. Can reach 16 inches with pale purple flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet loam.

Viola cucullata x saggitata

Blue marsh violet is found in bogs, meadows and swamps;. Can reach 16 inches with blue to violet flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam. Also known as v. obiqua.

Viola hirsutula

Southern woodland violet is found in open forests and forest clearings. Can reach 16 inches with blue to violet flowers in spring. Grow in part shade in moist rich humusy loam.

Viola labradorica

American dog violet is found in moist woods and swamps. Can reach 16 inches with pale blue flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist sandy humusy loam, pH 5 to 6.5.

Viola lanceolata var. lanceolata

Lance-leaved violet is found in moist, sandy shores, flats and bogs. Can reach 10 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist sandy loam.

Viola macloskeyi ssp. pallens

Sweet white violet is found in bogs, swamps and wet woods. Can reach 10 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, humusy loam.

Viola pedata

Birdfoot violet is found on sandy or rocky barrens and dry, forested slopes. Can reach 16 inches with blue to violet flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam, pH 4 to 7.

Viola pubescens var pubescens

Downy yellow violet is found in dry, open woods, moist woods and swamps. Can reach 12 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 5 to 6.

Viola rotundifolia

Round-leaved violet is found in cool, moist woods and banks. Can reach 10 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist humusy loam.

Viola sagittata var. ovata

Ovate-leaved violet is found in dry woods, fields and edges. Can reach 12 inches with blue-violet flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist sandy loam.

Viola sagittata var. sagittata

Arrow-leaved violet is found in dry woods, fields and edges. Can reach 12 inches with blue-violet flowers in spring. Grow in sun to part shade in dry to moist rich sandy loam.

Viola sororia

Common blue violet is found in moist woods, swamps, thickets. Can reach 12 inches with blue flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist rich loam, pH 7 to 8.

Viola striata

Striped violet is found in alluvial woods and alkaline swamps. Can reach 12 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in moist, rocky silty loam.

Waldsteinia fragarioides

Barren strawberry is found in moist rich woods and pastures. Forms a mat to 6 inches in height, with yellow flowers in spring. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers humusy, slightly acidic soil.

Wolffia columbiana

Water-meal is an aquatic found in quiet waters in temperate to subtropical regions; lakes ponds, marshes, ditches and bogs. Grow in full sun in moderate to fertile shallow water; plant in silty loam.

Zizia aptera

Golden-alexander is found in woods, wooded slopes, thickets, glades, prairies clearings and roadsides, FAC. 12-30 inches with yellow flowers in late spring. . Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist rich loam, pH 5.5 to 7.

Zizia aurea

Golden-alexander is found in moist woods and meadows, thickets, glades and prairies; wooded bottomland, stream banks, floodplains; FAC- 12-32 inches with yellow flowers in late spring. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade; pH 5.5 to 7.

Some additional plants

Some species that are native to Pennsylvania but not reported in the Poconos, are often found in the nursery trade and can be successfully grown in the regional landscapes.

Actaea podocarpa

American bugbane is found in rich, moist wooded slopes and coves, humusy open shade. Native to Southwestern Pennsylvania. Height range is 3-8 feet; white flowers on tall racemes in late summer. Grow in part shade to shade, moist rich humus, pH 5-6.

Anemone canadensis

Canada anemone is found in calcareous or sandy low ground in moist meadows, thickets and rich open woods. Native primarily to western Pennslvania and scattered counties to the west and north of the Poconos. Can reach 20 inches with white flowers, early summer. Grow in part sun to shade in moist rich loam. pH 4.5 to 7. Aggressive spreader by seed and stolons.

Aruncus dioicus

Goatsbeard is found in rocky mesic to moist woodlands, ravines, and on bluffs and wooded slopes. Native to western Pennsylvania. Can reach 4 feet, white flowers, early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist to wet rich sandy loam, pH 5-7.

Chrysogonum virginianum

Green and gold or Goldenstar is found in open woods on limestone. Height range is 6-8 inches with yellow flowers spring to fall. Native to Fulton and Franklin counties in south central Pennsylvania. Grow in part sun to shade in dry to moist loam, pH 5 to 7. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania.

Dodecatheon meadia

Shooting star is found in open, upland wooded slopes, bluffs and meadows on limestone. Native to scattered counties across the southern two thirds of Pennsylvania. Height range is 10-15 inches with white to purple flowers, early summer. Grow in sun to part shade in moist, sandy loam. pH 4 to 7, but prefers 4.5 to 6. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower is found in rocky, open woods, thickets, prairies, especially near waterways. 3 to 5 feet; lavender flowers, summer. Grow in sun to part sun in dry to moist sandy loam. Introduced to Lehigh and Montgomery Counties as a consequence of global warming.

Hibiscus moscheutos

Swamp mallow is found in swamps, marshes, ditches in shallow water. 4-6 feet; white flowers in late summer. Native to mostly southeastern counties in Pennsylvania. Grow in sun to part sun in wet to moist moist, organically rich soils.

Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal is found in mesic, deciduous forests, often on clay soil. Native to southern and western counties in Pennsylvania. Height range is 9-12 inches with white flowers in spring. Grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade. Prefers well-composted soils with lots of leaf mold., pH 6-7. Listed as vulnerable in Pennsylvania

Iris cristata

Dwarf crested iris is found in rich woods, wooded bottoms and ravines, usually calcareous. Native to Allegheny, Green, Bedford and York counties. Height range is 6-9 inches. Purple, but sometimes white flowers in spring. Grow in part sun to part shade in dry to moist rich sandy, usually calcareous, loam. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Jeffersonia diphylla

Twinleaf is found in rich moist woods to semi-open rocky slopes and outcrops, usually over limestone or other calcareous rocks. Native to southern counties in Pennsylvania. Height range is 9-18 inches with very brief white flowers in spring. Grow in moist, humusy, well-drained, limestone soils in part shade; pH 4.5 to 7, prefers 6.5 to 7.

Mertensia virginica

Virginia bluebell is found in rich wooded and low slopes and forested floodplains. Common throughout Pennsylvania except for highest elevations in the Alleghenies and Poconos. Height range is 12 to 18 inches with blue flowers in early spring. Grow in part shade to shade in moist, rich sandy loam. pH 5-7.

Pachysandra procumbens

Allegheny spurge is found in moist, rich sometimes acidic soils, usually over limestone. Native to Montgomery and Delaware counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Height range is 4-9 inches with white-pink flowers in spring. Grow in part shade in moist sandy loam. Prefers light shade in well-drained humus, pH 5 to 6.5.

Rudbeckia fulgida

Prairie coneflower is found in dry and moist fields, meadows, glades and thickets. Height range is 2-3 feet. Native to southeastern counties in Pennsylvania. Yellow flowers in summer and fall. Grow in sun to part sun in moist sandy loam.

Ruellia humilis

Wild petunia is found in open woods, glades, prairies and fields on limestone barrens and quarry waste; UPL. Native to Franklin County and considered endangered. Height range is 18-24 inches with lavender flowers in summer. Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Listed as endangered in Pennsylvania

Stylophorum diphyllum

Celandine poppy is found on stream banks and in ravines in rich moist soil. Height range is 12-18 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Found in Butler and Chester counties, possibly introduced from other states. Grow in medium to wet, humusy soils in part shade to full shade; plants go dormant if soil dries out. pH 6 to 7.

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii

New York aster is found in sunny meadows, swamps, shorelines, damp thickets. Native to southeastern counties and is considered threatened. Can reach 45 inches. Grow in sun to part sun in moist sandy loam. Listed as threatened in Pennsylvania

Uvularia grandiflora

Bellwort, Big merrybells is found in moist woods and alluvial valleys over limestone. 18-24 inches with yellow flowers in spring. Native to western and northern counties. Grow in part shade to shade in moist rich loam, pH 6 to 7.