Woodland Wildflowers

What kinds of wildflowers and plants will grow in woodlands—especially evergreen woods—where there is little or no sunshine? I’m especially interested in perennials.

Look to nature for your answer. Trillium, Jacob’s ladder, wild geranium, trout lily and Virginia bluebell are just a few spring-blooming wildflowers that will add subtle bursts of color. Add black cohosh (Actaea formerly Cimicifuga) for summer or fall color. Cultivated plants, such as ferns and astilbe, can add texture and color to your shade garden. Hakone grass (Hakonachloa) and sedges (Carex) provide nice texture in the shade garden. Check with your county Extension service or a local nature center to obtain the names of local wildflowers and sources.