Native Plants Suitable for Wildflower Gardens & Meadows or Traditional Gardens in the NY Finger Lakes

See here for legal status of plants in NY. See NY Heritage Program lists for more detail.

I. Native Plants Suitable for Wildflower Gardens & Meadows or Traditional Gardens in the NY Finger Lakes

Native plants often have very specific cultural requirements and success in growing them often depends on reproducing the native habitat. Many references can provide more information on the type of soil, etc. that would be best for a given species. Many of these plants are not available in standard nurseries, but are readily propagated from seed. FLNPS has a members’ seed exchange, and can provide information on propagation. Please see the note on collecting at the end of the plant list.

Herbaceous Plants - Annuals, Biennials, Perennials
Species	Common Name	Culture	Blooms	Status	Note
Actaea pachypoda	doll's eyes white baneberry	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Can take dry shade, deer resistant. A pink-red fruited form can be found. The peduncle is thick compared to A. rubra, so it is easily distinguished.
Actaea racemosa	black cohosh	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Will spread in good conditions, and can tolerate mild drought once established. (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Actaea rubra	red baneberry	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Spring	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Showy fruit.
Ageratina altissima	White Snakeroot	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer, Early Fall		Can be weedy. Nearly invasive in good soil.
Allium canadense	wild garlic Canada onion	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer		Can be weedy.
Allium cernuum	nodding onion	Dry, Moist Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer	Threatened
Allium tricoccum	wild leek ramp	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Summer		edible
Anemone canadensis	Canada anemone	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Can be weedy. Groundcover.
Anemone quinquefolia	wood anemone	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Spring		Ephemeral.
Anemone virginiana	Thimbleweed	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Large petals, when in seed is easily confused w/A. cylindrica which often has tiny curved petals.
Anemonella thalictroides
Angelica atropurpurea	purple-stemmed angelica	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Antennaria howellii	Howell's pussytoes small pussytoes	Dry Sun Rocky/Stony	Mid Spring		Well-drained. Good for rock gardens and rocky slopes. 6-14 inches high, shorter than some other Antennaria sp.
Antennaria neglecta	field pussytoes	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring		Well-drained. grey leaves
Antennaria parlinii	plantain-leaved pussytoes	Dry Sun, Part Sun	Spring		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies.
Antennaria plantaginifolia	plantain-leaved pussytoes	Dry Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Mid Spring		Groundcover. Well-drained. Fuzzy grey leaves and unusual flower shape are good in well drained, poor soils. Best with little competition.
Apocynum androsaemifolium	spreading dogbane	Dry Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Sandy	Summer		Can be weedy. Attracts butterflies. Showier than A. cannabinum, but spreads
Apocynum cannabinum	Indian hemp	Moist Part Shade	Summer		Can be weedy. Attracts butterflies. very aggressive spreader and difficult to eradicate
Aquilegia canadensis	wild columbine	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Rocky/Stony	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Well-drained soil
Aralia racemosa	spikenard	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Summer		Well-drained. Showy fruit. Interesting in naturalistic areas; grows in ravines, on bluffs, and wooded slopes.Can slowly develop into a thicket.
Arisaema dracontium	green dragon	Moist, Wet Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Early Summer	Rare in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Arisaema triphyllum	Jack-in-the-pulpit	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring, Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Asarum canadense	Wild Ginger	Dry, Moist Shade	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Groundcover; mild drought OK
Asclepias incarnata	Swamp Milkweed	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies.
Asclepias quadrifolia	Woodland Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca	Common Milkweed	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer		Can be weedy. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. Spreads
Asclepias tuberosa	Orange Milkweed Butterfly Weed	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. Well-drained soil
Baptisia tinctoria	wild indigo	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Attracts butterflies. Attractive but slow to establish. Very difficult to move once established due to deep roots.
Blephilia hirsuta	hairy woodmint	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. fragrant foliage, mint
Calopogon tuberosus	grass pink	Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Mid Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Wet meadows & bogs; protected NYS; for experienced growers & from responsible propagators. Not suited for gardens.
Caltha palustris	Marsh Marigold	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Mid Spring		Recommended for gardening. Standing water is not necessary year round, but very moist soil is needed.
Calystegia sepium	Hedge Bindweed	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Can be weedy. Don't encourage. Extremely hard to eliminate.
Campanula americana	Tall Bellflower	Moist Part Shade	Late Summer, Fall	Critically imperilled (S1)/endangered NYS	Recommended for gardening. Biennial. Probably extirpated in the wild in the Finger Lakes area, but grows well and is very attractive. Obtain local seed from exchanges & other gardeners (prolific seed producer)
Campanula rotundifolia	Harebells	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun Rocky/Stony	Summer, Early Fall		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Well drained, crevices; commercial sources usually European forms
Cardamine bulbosa	Spring Cress	Moist, Wet Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Edible as a bitter addition to salads
Cardamine concatenata	cut-leaved toothwort	Dry, Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Early Spring		Attracts butterflies. Ephemeral. Site can be dry in summer if moist in spring. (Dentaria laciniata)
Cardamine diphylla	Two-leaved Toothwort	Moist, Wet Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Spring		Ephemeral.
Cardamine maxima	Large Toothwort	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring		Ephemeral.
Castilleja coccinea	Indian paintbrush	Moist Sun	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer	Critically imperilled (S1)/endangered NYS	Attracts butterflies. semi-parasite, very difficult to grow unless you live in its natural habitat. Biennial. Transplants usually die.
Caulophyllum thalictroides	late blue cohosh	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Showy fruit.
Chamaelirium luteum	Devil's Bit Fairy Wand	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Summer	Critically imperilled (S1)/endangered NYS	Endangered in NYS. Not suitable for introducing to new locations/gardens in NYS. If it is already in your garden, then: Minimize competition; dioecious-needs both sexes to set seed; female form larger.
Chamaenerion angustifolium ssp. circumvagum	Fireweed	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer		Can be weedy. Agressive!
Chelone glabra	White Turtlehead	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Summer, Early Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. easy from seed, plant enough that Baltimore checkerspot caterpillars can have some.
Chimaphila maculata	Spotted Wintergreen	Dry Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Sandy Acidic	Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	"green" in winter. difficult in gardens
Chimaphila umbellata	Pipsissewa	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Sandy Acidic	Summer		Difficult in garden setting
Claytonia caroliniana	Broad-Leaved Spring-Beauty	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Ephemeral. Site can be dry in summer if moist in spring. Spreads best without taller plants overshadowing in spring.
Claytonia virginica	Spring Beauty Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Ephemeral. Site can be dry in summer if moist in spring. Grows into large colonies if surrounding plants are short in spring.
Clintonia borealis	Bluebead Lily	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Late Spring, Summer		Showy fruit. difficult. needs humous rich, moist, soil and cool (<75 deg) summers to do well
Collinsonia canadensis	horse balm richweed	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Summer, Early Fall		Fragrant, naturalizes at wood edges.
Coptis trifolia	Goldthread Goldenroot	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Late Spring, Summer		Groundcover. Difficult. Overharvested in the wild so leave there.
Corydalis aurea var aurea	Golden Corydalis	Dry, Moist Sun Rocky/Stony	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer	Threatened	Well-drained. Probably extirpated in Cayuga Basin; use seed from as near as possible; Take care NOT to get weedy garden perennial C. lutea; C aurea is a winter annual & weed in Western US, poisonous to cattle
Corydalis sempervirens	Pink Corydalis	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Rocky/Stony	Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall	Rare in Finger Lakes	Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Short-lived, self-sows; probably extirpated in Ithaca area
Cypripedium acaule	Moccasin Flower Pink Lady’s Slipper	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. very difficult; needs very acid humus; most transplants die; not recommended
Cypripedium parviflorum var pubescens	Large Yellow Lady's Slipper	Moist, Wet Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Easiest native Cypripedium to grow, but still needs exacting conditions.
Cypripedium parviflorum var. makasin	Northern Small Yellow Lady's Slipper	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade Lime Loving	Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Neutral to limey soil
Cypripedium reginae	Showy Lady’s Slipper	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving	Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Moderately difficult. Leave them where they are happy.
Desmodium canadense	Tick-Trefoil	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy.
Dicentra canadensis	Squirrel corn	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Lime Loving	Mid Spring		Ephemeral. Site can be dry in summer if moist in spring.
Dicentra cucullaria	Dutchman's breeches	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Early Spring		Ephemeral. Recommended for gardening. Site can be dry in summer if moist in spring.
Doellingeria umbellata	flat-topped white aster	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Fall		Attracts butterflies. (Aster umbellatus)
Enemion biternatum	false rue anemone	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Native to the midwest and the far west of NYS, but found in gardens and can be confused with the wood anemone Thalictrum thalictroides.
Epigaea repens	Trailing Arbutus	Moist Part Shade, Shade Sandy Acidic	Spring	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Well-drained. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Difficult; sandy or humus soils with little competition
Erigeron annuus	Daisy Fleabane	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Summer, Fall		Can be weedy. Annual, reseeds.
Erigeron philadelphicus	Philadelphia Fleabanae	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening.
Erigeron pulchellus	Robin's Plantain	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Sandy	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Erythronium americanum	yellow trout-lily dog-tooth violet adder's tongue	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Ephemeral. Some clonal colonies do not bloom; others do.
Eupatorium perfoliatum	Boneset	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Attracts butterflies.
Eupatorium sessilifolium	upland thoroughwort upland boneset	Dry Part Shade Rocky/Stony	Summer		Flowers in dry part shade, nice background plant (3-5 ft.)
Eurybia divaricata	White Wood Aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer, Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. (Aster divaricatus) Spreads
Eurybia macrophylla	Bigleaf Aster	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Fall		Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. Well-drained, rich
Eurybia schreberi	Schreber's aster	Moist Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Attracts butterflies. (Aster schreberi)
Euthamia graminifolia	Narrow-Leaved Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy.
Eutrochium fistulosum	Hollow Joe Pye Weed	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening.
Eutrochium maculatum	Spotted Joe-Pye Weed	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Eupatorium maculatum
Eutrochium purpureum	Sweet Joe-Pye Weed	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening.
Fragaria vesca	Woodland Strawberry	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Lime Loving	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Showy fruit. edible
Fragaria virginiana	Field Strawberry	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Can be weedy. Showy fruit. edible
Galearis spectabilis	Showy Orchis	Moist Part Shade Rocky/Stony	Spring	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. rich, moist, rocky woodlands. DIfficult. Orchids used to be in gardens when there were more of them in the wild!
Gaultheria procumbens	Wintergreen Teaberry	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Late Spring, Summer		"green" in winter. Showy fruit. Groundcover. evergreen
Gentiana andrewsii	Prairie Bottle Gentian	Moist Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Fall	Rare in Finger Lakes	Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. A lovely blue flower for late summer, useful for bumblebees. Best in moist part shade and tolerant of lime although acid preferred.
Gentiana clausa	Closed Gentian	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Early Fall		Recommended for gardening. lovely blue flowers at the top of (sometimes weak) stems
Gentianopsis crinita	greater fringed Gentian	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Neutral	Early Fall		Very difficult, very site specific, biennial.
Geranium maculatum	Wild Geranium	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Can take some summer drought. Fall leaf color is good.
Geranium robertianum	Herb Robert	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall		Can be weedy. Nice in fall.
Gilenia trifoliata	bowman's root Indian physic	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Rocky/Stony Acidic	Late Spring, Early Summer		Well-drained. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Well-drained, rich, rocky, acid soil (but can tolerate some lime.)
Goodyera pubescens	Rattlesnake Plantain	Dry, Moist Part Shade Acidic	Late Summer, Early Fall	exploitably vulnerable - protected	"green" in winter.
Helenium autumnale	Sneezeweed	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Fall		Recommended for gardening. good in wet meadows
Helianthus decapetalus	Ten-Rayed Sunflower	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Open moist woods; Can spread
Helianthus divericatus	Woodland Sunflower	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Summer		Can be weedy. agressive
Heliopsis helianthoides	False Sunflower Ox-Eye Sunflower	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. aggressive
Hepatica acutiloba	Sharp-Lobed Hepatica	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Lime Loving	Early Spring		"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. deeply colored forms may not be native. slow growing
Hepatica americana	Round-Lobed Hepatica	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Spring		"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Slow growing but lovely. Deeply colored forms may not be native. Possibly more color seen with higher pH.
Hibiscus moscheutos ssp moscheutos	Swamp Rosemallow	Moist, Wet Sun	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. very late to emerge in spring
Houstonia caerulea	bluet Quaker ladies azure bluet	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Summer
Hydrastis canadensis	Goldenseal	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Mid Spring, Late Spring	Threatened NYS (S2)	Showy fruit. Slow growing; cool, slightly acid-neutral soil
Hydrophyllum canadense	Broad-Leaved Waterleaf	Moist Part Shade, Shade Lime Loving	Early Summer		Groundcover. Variegated leaves in sun, can spread
Hydrophyllum virginianum	Virginia Waterleaf	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Early Summer		Can be weedy. Groundcover. can spread
Hylodesmum glutinosum	Pointed-Leaved Tick-Trefoil	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Summer
Hypericum punctatum	spotted St. John's-Wort	Dry, Moist Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Hypoxis hirsuta	Yellow Star Grass	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Summer
Impatiens capensis	Orange Jewelweed,	Moist, Wet Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Can be weedy.
Impatiens pallida	Pale Jewelweed Yellow Jewelweed	Moist, Wet Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Can be weedy.
Iris versicolor	Blue Flag	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Can take standing water
Jeffersonia diphylla	Twinleaf	Dry, Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Mid Spring	Threatened NYS (S2)	Showy fruit. Groundcover. Great foliage; flower short-lived; easy from fresh seed. Do not collect wild seed.
Lilium canadense	Canada Lily	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Deer love it
Lilium philadelphicum var philadelphicum	Wood Lily	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Sandy Acidic	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Difficult. Acidic, well-drained sand/soil.
Lilium superbum	Turk’s Cap Lily	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Fussy about site; may refuse to bloom or the bulb splits into non-blooming scales.
Lithospermum latifolium	Broad-Leaved Gromwell Puccoon	Dry, Moist Shade Lime Loving	Late Spring, Early Summer	Threatened NYS (S2)	Not showy but neat if you happen to have it
Lobelia cardinalis	Cardinal Flower	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer	Scarce	Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Very showy species - some odd cultivars
Lobelia inflata	Indian Tobacco	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer		Can be weedy. Not very showy
Lobelia siphilitica	Great Blue Lobelia	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade Lime Loving	Late Summer, Fall		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Short lived – spread seeds
Lupinus perennis	Wild Lupine	Dry, Moist Sun Sandy Acidic	Late Spring, Early Summer	rare in NYS	Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. Well-drained, acid; goes dormant after flowers. Horticultural sources quite often hybrids!
Lysimachia ciliata	Fringed Loosestrife	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Recommended for gardening.
Maianthemum canadense	Canada Mayflower	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Mid Spring		Ephemeral. Groundcover. No alkalinity
Maianthemum racemosum	False Solomon's Seal Solomon's plume	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. previously Smilacina
Maianthemum stellatum	Starry False Solomon's Seal	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Showy fruit. Moist meadows; Requires 2 different clones to fruit
Mentha canadensis	American wild mint	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. Best contained.
Mertensia virginica	Virginia Bluebells	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Ephemeral. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Soil can be dry in summer when dormant.
Mimulus ringens	Monkey Flower	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Short-lived, but can naturalize & persist.
Mitchella repens	Partridgeberry	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Summer, Mid Summer		"green" in winter. Showy fruit. Groundcover. Slow growing, keep free of much leaf litter
Mitella diphylla	Miterwort Mitrewort Bishop's-Cap	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Inconspicuous until bloom, use several in clumps
Monarda didyma	Oswego Tea Bee Balm	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Can spread a lot in sun & moist soil.
Monarda fistulosa	Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Neutral	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Self sows and runs; keep in check.
Myosotis laxa	Wild Forget-Me-Not Small-Flowered Forget-Me-Not	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer		Very small flowers; edge of water
Nabalus altissimus	Rattlesnake Root White Lettuce	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer		Looks very weedy once flower stalk elongates, but it doesn't spread.
Nymphaea odorata	white water lily	Wet Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Can be weedy. nice for ponds
Oenothera biennis	Evening Primrose	Dry, Moist Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Fall		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. night flowering; aggressive biennial
Oenothera guara	biennial gaura	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. Biennial, allow to self sow.
Oenothera parviflora	small flowered evening primrose	Dry, Moist Sun	Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. Biennial
Oenothera perennis	Small Sundrop	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Biennial
Osmorhiza longistylis	Long-Styled Sweet Cicely smooth sweet cicely	Moist Part Shade, Shade Lime Loving	Mid Spring, Late Spring		swallowtail host, wild garden
Oxalis montana	northern wood sorrel	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer
Oxalis stricta	Yellow Wood Sorrel	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall		Can be weedy. Very weedy!
Packera aurea	Golden Ragwort	Dry, Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring		"green" in winter. Attracts butterflies. Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. good groundcover, best in large groups (syn: Senecio aureus)
Panax quinquefolia	American Ginseng	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Mid Spring	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Well-drained. Showy fruit. Difficult. Not recommended and illegal to collect (even seed).
Panax trifolius	Dwarf Ginseng	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Ephemeral.
Penstemon hirsutus	Hairy Beardtongue	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. Prefers rocks or sandy soil; easy from seed, prolific self-seeder
Phlox divaricata	Wild Blue Phlox	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Attracts butterflies. Groundcover. Recommended for gardening.
Phlox maculata	wild sweet william spotted phlox	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer	Threatened NYS (S2)	Attracts butterflies. blooms earlier than garden phlox P. paniculata
Phlox subulata	Moss Phlox	Dry, Moist Sun Rocky/Stony	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Rocky or sandy soil but must be well drained; some highly colored cultivars are hybrids
Phryma leptostachya	Lopseed	Moist Part Shade Lime Loving	Mid Summer, Late Summer	Scarce	Can be weedy. Rich, moist woods. Not showy.
Physostegia virginiana	obedient plant	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Can be weedy. Many cultivars available. Weedy in moist soils. Behaves in dry but watered beds.
Phytolacca americana	Pokeweed	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer		Can be weedy. Showy fruit. Large, with poisonous fruit.
Platanthera blephariglottis	White Fringed Bog Orchid	Moist, Wet Sun Acidic	Mid Summer, Late Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Bogs & sphagnum meadows
Platanthera dilatata	Bog Candles	Moist Part Shade Acidic	Mid Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	fragrant, bogs
Platanthera grandiflora	Large Purple Fringed Orchid	Moist, Wet Part Shade Acidic	Mid Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	bogs
Platanthera psycodes	Small Purple Fringed Orchid	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Summer		Used in traditional 19th century gardens. difficult in cultivation
Podophyllum peltatum	Mayapple	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring		Ephemeral. Showy fruit.
Pogonia ophioglossoides	Rose Pogonia	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Early Summer	exploitably vulnerable - protected	easiest bog orchard to grow if you have a bog
Polemonium reptans	Jacob's Ladder	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer		Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Semi-dormant in summer.
Polygonatum biflorum	Smooth Solomon's Seal	Moist Shade	Late Spring		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Polygonatum pubescens	Hairy Solomon's Seal	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Porteranthus trifoliatus	Bowman’s Root	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Potentilla canadensis	Common Cinquefoil Old-Field Cinquefoil	Dry Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Mid Spring
Prosartes lanuginosa	Yellow Mandarin	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Spring	Scarce	Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening.
Pycnanthemum incanum	Hoary Mountain Mint	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Can be weedy. fragant
Pycnanthemum muticum	short-toothed mountain mint	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer	Threatened NYS (S2)	Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. use local genotype if at all possible
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium	narrow-leaved mountain mint	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Well-drained. Attracts butterflies.
Pycnanthemum virginianum	Virginia mountain mint	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. An insect magnet! Very tolerant of varied soil moisture.
Ranunculus septentrionalis	Marsh Buttercup	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer		Consistently moist, slightly acidic soil preferred; endangered-do not import genotype
Rudbeckia laciniata	cut-leaved coneflower	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Spreads. “Golden Glow” is a double form
Sagittaria latifolia	Arrowhead	Wet	Late Summer		wetlands
Sanguinaria canadensis	Bloodroot	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Lime Loving	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. sterile double forms available
Sarracenia purpurea	Pitcher Plant	Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Late Spring, Early Summer		Showy fruit. Acid bogs. Half sphagnum, half sand, only well, rain, or distilled water.
Scrophularia marilandica	Figwort	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer		not showy, but tolerates dry shade
Sedum ternatum	woodland stonecrop	Dry, Moist Part Shade Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	Late Spring		Well-drained. "green" in winter. Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. A low growing, spreading plant for between rocks.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium	Blue-Eyed Grass	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer		large flowered cultivars in horticulture are probably hybrid
Sisyrinchium montanum	mountain blue eyed grass	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Very similar to S. angustifolium. Nice in meadows.
Solidago altissima	Tall Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Fall		Can be weedy.
Solidago arguta	Sharp-Toothed Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Fall		Can take dry shade, med height; woodland edge
Solidago bicolor	Silverrod White Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall		Not very showy, but tough
Solidago caesia	Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod Wreath Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Early Fall, Mid Fall		Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. takes dry shade & woodland, under 3 ft
Solidago canadensis	Canada Goldenrod	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Fall		Can be weedy. Very aggressive - avoid planting it. Chemically discourages neighboring plants!
Solidago flexicaulis	Zig-Zag Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer, Fall, Early Fall		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. woodland, under 3 ft; showy; spreads
Solidago gigantea	Early Goldenrod Smooth Goldenrod	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Can be weedy.
Solidago juncea	Early Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun	Early Fall
Solidago nemoralis	Old-Field Goldenrod	Dry Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Mid Fall		Drought tolerant; poor soil best
Solidago patula	Rough-Leaved Goldenrod	Moist, Wet Sun	Early Fall, Mid Fall		Very large, spreads
Solidago rugosa	Rough Goldenrod Tall Hairy Goldenrod	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Fall, Mid Fall		Can be weedy. spreads rapidly, pulls easily; cultivar Fireworks less aggressive (but still IS)
Spiranthes cernua	nodding ladies' tresses	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer		FLNPS does not recommend orchids for gardens. Specialists who can provide the exacting conditions & care, and who obtain ethically propagated plants, are able to grow some native orchids.
Spiranthes lucida	shining ladies' tresses wide-leaved ladies' tresses	Wet Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving	Early Summer, Mid Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	FLNPS does not recommend orchids for gardens. Specialists who can provide the exacting conditions & care, and who obtain ethically propagated plants, are able to grow some native orchids.
Streptopus lanceolatus	rose twisted stalk	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Showy fruit. Not easy to grow from seed, may need neutral to acidic soil
Streptopus rosea	Rosy Twisted Stalk	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Mid Spring		Showy fruit. Difficult? Evenly moist, cool location
Symphyotrichum cordifolium	heart-Leaved aster blue wood aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Fall, Late Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. (Aster cordifolius)
Symphyotrichum laeve var laeve	Smooth Blue Aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving	Fall		Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. (Aster laevis)
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum ssp lanceolatum	White Aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Fall		Attracts butterflies. Weedy (Aster lanceolatus)
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum	white aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Fall		Can be weedy. Attracts butterflies. (Aster lateriflorus)
Symphyotrichum lowrieanum	Lowrie's Aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Fall		(Aster lowrieanus) Similar to S. cordifolium
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	New England aster	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Fall		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Attracts butterflies. (Aster novae-angliae) may need staking unless cut back mid-summer
Symphyotrichum pilosum var pilosum	hairy white old-field aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Fall, Late Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. (Aster pilosus) prostrate cultivar available
Symphyotrichum prenanthoides	zig-zag aster	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. (Aster prenanthoides)
Symphyotrichum puniceum	swamp aster	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall		Attracts butterflies. (Aster puniceus)
Symphyotrichum undulatum	wavy leaved aster	Dry Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Summer, Fall		Can be weedy. Attracts butterflies. 1-3', very pale petals appear pinkish-lilac to blue depending on light. More floriferous in sun.
Symphyotrichum urophyllum	arrow-leaved aster	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Fall		Can be weedy. Attracts butterflies. (Aster sagittifolius)
Symplocarpus foetidus	Skunk Cabbage	Wet Part Shade, Shade	Very Early Spring		Groundcover. Interesting flower; seasonally inundated
Tephrosia virginiana	Goat’s Rue	Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Sandy Acidic	Early Summer	Rare in Finger Lakes	Well-drained. Difficult, resents transplant/dividing; rocky or sandy soils
Thalictrum dioicum	Early Meadow Rue	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Rocky/Stony	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Well-drained. Flowers not showy; dioecious; drier in summer OK
Thalictrum pubescens	Tall Meadow Rue	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Thalictrum thalictroides	rue anemone	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Well-drained, slightly acid to slightly calcareous; Double & pink cultivars available.
Tiarella cordifolia var. cordifolia	Foam Flower (Running)	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Stoloniferous; var collina (Wherry’s, clumping) blooms longer but is native further south. Cultivars often Wherry’s or hybrids.
Trientalis borealis	Starflower	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Spring		Ephemeral. woodland or bog
Trillium erectum	Wake Robin stinking benjamin	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Mid Spring		Recommended for gardening. Has an off-white form; grow from seed.
Trillium grandiflorum	White Trillium Large-Flowered Trillium	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. grow from seed
Trillium undulatum	Painted Trillium	Moist Part Shade Acidic	Late Spring		Difficult; cool, moist, acid, well drained; extremely difficult to propagate-get proof prior to purchase
Triosteum perfoliatum	Tinker's-Weed Wild Coffee Horse Gentian	Moist Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Spring, Early Summer		Showy fruit. Interesting orange seeds; hard to germinate
Uvularia grandiflora	Large-Flowered Bellwort	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Neutral	Early Spring, Mid Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. May go dormant in summer if dry; neutral to limey
Uvularia perfoliata	Perfoliate Bellwort	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring	Believed extirpated	Well-drained. Showy fruit.
Uvularia sessilifolia	Sessile-Leaved Bellwort Wild Oats	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Spring		Showy fruit.
Veratrum viride	False Hellebore	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Summer		Ephemeral. seasonal inundation good
Verbena hastata	Blue Vervain	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer
Verbena urticifolia	White Vervain	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Can be weedy. Not very showy
Vernonia noveboracencis	New York ironweed	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Fall		Recommended for gardening. Attracts butterflies. Very tall, late blooming composite. Questionably native in the Finger Lakes region, but lovely in the garden.
Veronicastrum virginicum	Culver's Root	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Recommended for gardening.
Viola canadensis	Canada Violet	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Recommended for gardening.
Viola cucullata	Marsh Blue Violet	Moist, Wet Part Sun			Wet meadows & bogs
Viola labradorica	Dog Violet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Heat tolerant woodlander; purple leaved plant is a northern form
Viola pallens	Northern White Violet	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Spring
Viola palmata	Palmate Violet	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring	Scarce
Viola pubescens	Downy Yellow Violet	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Mid Spring		Recommended for gardening.
Viola rostrata	Long-Spurred Violet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring		Well-drained. Heat tolerant woodlander
Viola sagittata var.ovata	Ovate-Leaved Blue Violet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Rocky/Stony	Spring		True blue flowers; dry, poor or rocky soils
Viola sororia	Common Blue Violet	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade			Attracts butterflies. Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. various colors, but spreads! Rhizomes! Even in dry spots
Viola striata	Creamy-White Violet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer	Scarce	Happiest in rich, moist, but can take dry
Waldsteinia fragarioides	Barren Strawberry	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Too aggressive in mixed beds; not edible
Zizia aptera	Heart-leaved Alexanders	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Takes only moderately dry
Zizia aurea	Golden Alexanders	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer, Fall		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Self-sows too freely, but 2 bloom seasons

Ferns & Fern Allies
Species	Common Name	Culture	Status	Note
Adiantum pedatum	maidenhair fern	Moist, Wet Shade		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Asplenium platyneuron	ebony spleenwort	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Rocky/Stony Lime Loving		"green" in winter. Well-drained. Loves to grow in rock walls, especially in cracks in cement. Needs excellent drainage.
Asplenium trichomanes	maidenhair spleenwort	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade Rocky/Stony	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Will grow in shade if placed between two rocks to ensure sharp drainage and crown protection.
Athyrium angustum	Lady Fern	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Cystopteris bulbifera	Bulblet Fern	Dry, Moist, Wet Shade Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. spreads nicely, particularly down slopes
Cystopteris fragilis	fragile fern	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade Rocky/Stony Neutral		Recommended for gardening. Well-drained.
Dennstaedtia punctilobula	Hay-scented Fern	Moist Part Shade Acidic	Not protected in NY	Can be weedy. Weedy
Deparia acrostichoides	silvery glade fern	Moist Part Shade, Shade	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Recommended for gardening. mid size structural fern for limey soils
Diplazium pycnocarpon	Narrow-Leaved Glade Fern	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Scarce	Prefers slopes and lime.
Dryopteris carthusiana	Spinulose Wood Fern	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Dryopteris goldiana	Goldie's Fern	Moist Shade	exploitably vulnerable - protected	Recommended for gardening. Easy to propagate from spores
Dryopteris intermedia	evergreen wood fern intermediate wood fern	Moist Shade	exploitably vulnerable - protected	"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening.
Dryopteris marginalis	Marginal Wood Fern	Dry, Moist Shade Acidic	exploitably vulnerable - protected	"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. tolerates lime
Matteuccia struthiopteris	Ostrich Fern	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Spreads into dense thickets in moist soil
Onoclea sensibilis	Sensitive Fern	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Not protected in NY	Showy fruit. Spreads
Osmunda claytoniana	Interrupted Fern	Moist, Wet Part Shade		Recommended for gardening. Elegant, can take drier soil than other Osmundas
Osmunda regalis	Royal Fern	Wet Part Shade, Shade		wetlands
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum	Cinnamon Fern	Wet Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic		wetlands
Phegopteris hexagonoptera	Broad Beech Fern	Moist Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Scarce	Groundcover.
Polypodium virginianum	Common Polypody Rock Cap Fern	Moist Shade Rocky/Stony Lime Loving		Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Prefers thin soil on top of rocks
Polystichum acrostichoides	Christmas Fern	Dry, Moist Part Shade, Shade Neutral		"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. easy in garden, can take fairly dry sites
Pteridium aquilinum	Bracken Fern	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Not protected in NY	Can be weedy.
Thelypteris noveboracensis	New York Fern	Moist, Wet Part Shade		Can be weedy.

Grasses, Sedges, Rushes
Species	Common Name	Culture	Blooms	Status	Note
Andropogon gerardi	big bluestem	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Very large.
Bromus ciliatus	Fringed Brome Grass	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Summer		Cool season; nice seeds
Bromus latiglumis	earlyleaf brome flanged brome	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Summer		Can be weedy. Cool season; early greening, nice seed heads
Carex appalachica	Appalachian sedge	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring		Groundcover. Very narrow leaved sedge for well drained, medium moist sites
Carex aquatilis	northern water sedge	Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Early Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	for wetland gardens
Carex comosa	bottlebrush sedge	Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer		Showy fruit. wet ditches or rain gardens
Carex grayi	Asa Gray's sedge	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Early Summer	Rare in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. fruits are large spiked balls. forms attractive clumps
Carex hirtifolia	Hairy Sedge	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer
Carex intumescens	Swollen-Fruited Sedge Bladder sedge	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer
Carex pensylvanica	woodland sedge	Dry, Moist Part Shade	Spring		Groundcover. Recommended for gardening. Well-drained. Can form a grass-like groundcover in wooded areas.
Carex plantaginea	plantain-leaved sedge seersucker sedge	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. short, wide leaves, woodland
Carex platyphylla	broad-leaved sedge	Moist Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. short, wide leaves, woodland
Carex prasina	swamp sedge drooping sedge	Moist, Wet Part Shade	Late Spring, Summer		Showy fruit. interesting drooping seedheads, along streams
Carex vulpinoidea	foxtail sedge	Wet Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer		clumping species suitable for the bottom of rain gardens
Danthonia sp.	oatgrass	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer		Groundcover. D. spicata, D. compressa are short and tolerate being walked on.
Dichanthelium clandestinum	Panicum clandestinum deertongue	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Groundcover. Mid-height, erect, clumper.
Elymus canadensis	prairie wild rye	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Blue tinged leaves; great in meadows
Elymus hystrix	bottle-brush grass	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Elegant for shade, particularly backlit or with dark background
Elymus riparius	riverbank wild rye	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Summer		Can be weedy. Showy fruit. good for naturalizing along creeks
Elymus villosus	hairy wild rye silky wild rye	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes
Elymus virginicus	Virginia wild rye	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall
Equisetum arvense	common horsetail	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun			Can be weedy.
Equisetum hyemale	scouring rush	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving			"green" in winter. Can be weedy. Interesting in bogs, spreads
Eragrostis spectabilis	purple love grass	Dry, Moist Sun Sandy	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Well-drained. Can be weedy. Showy fruit. Available in the horticultural trade; undistinguished until it flowers.
Juncus tenuis	path rush	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Can be weedy. initially cute, but very weedy
Panicum virgatum	switch grass	Moist, Wet Sun Sandy	Mid Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. fall color; poor soil & sun keep it erect
Schizachyrium scoparium	little bluestem	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall		Recommended for gardening. golden fall color
Scirpus atrovirens	common bulrush	Moist, Wet Sun	Early Summer		flops
Sorghastrum nutans	indian grass	Dry, Moist Sun	Late Summer, Early Fall, Mid Fall	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit.
Sporobolis heterolepis	prairie dropseed	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Sandy	Summer	Threatened NYS (S2)	Showy fruit. Groundcover. Slow growing and not easy to establish. Beautiful structural groundcover.

Vines
Species	Common Name	Culture	Blooms	Status	Note
Adlumia fungosa	Allegheny vine	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Summer	Rare in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Climbing Bleeding Heart
Amphicarpa bracteata	hog peanut	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Summer		Well-drained. Annual; can overgrow neighbors
Apios americana	groundnut hopniss wild bean	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall		Well-drained. Edible seeds & tubers.
Celastrus scandens	American bittersweet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Fruits terminal- the more aggressive oriental bittersweet has axial fruit
Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis	purple clematis	Dry, Moist Part Sun Rocky/Stony Neutral	Spring	Rare in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. Rocky woods & ledges, gorges
Clematis virginiana	virgin's bower	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Summer, Fall		Attracts butterflies. Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Can spread aggressively in moist sun, otherwise OK, large vine. Shade at base, sun at top.
Echinocystis lobata	wild cucumber	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Late Summer, Early Fall		Can be weedy. Showy fruit. can overgrow neighbors
Lonicera hirsuta	hairy honeysuckle	Moist Part Sun Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Mid-size vine with bright yellow flowers. Flowers bloom in June, maturing into red berries.
Menispermum canadense	Canada moonseed	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. grape-like fruits mildly toxic; survives but fails to bloom in shade. Dioecious - need both genders.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Virginia creeper	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Summer		Can be weedy. Groundcover. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. scarlet fall color, large climber, rampant, can overwhelm competition
Vitis spp.	wild grape	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Summer		Showy fruit. Vitis aestivalis, V labrusca, V riparia, V vulpina; Rampant, hard to control, wildlife value

Shrubs, Trees
Species	Common Name	Culture	Blooms	Status	Note
Acer negundo	black maple	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Spring		Can be weedy. weedy
Acer pensylvanicum	striped maple moosewood	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Cool acidic soil; nice bark
Acer saccharum	sugar maple	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Neutral	Very Early Spring		Recommended for gardening. Day-glo orange fall color
Acer spicatum	mountain maple	Moist Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Late Spring		cool, acidic soil
Amelanchier amabilis	lovely shadbush	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. wildlife value
Amelanchier arborea	downy serviceberry	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Spring		Showy fruit. tough, wildlife value
Amelanchier laevis	Allegheny serviceberry shadbush shadblow	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Very Early Spring, Early Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. tough plant, wildlife value
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	bear berry	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Sandy Acidic	Mid Spring	Rare in Finger Lakes	"green" in winter. Groundcover. Showy fruit. Difficult to establish and very slow growing.
Aronia arbutifolia	red chokeberry	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Mid Spring	Scarce	Showy fruit. prefers bogs and swamps. good fall color.
Aronia melanocarpa	black chokeberry	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Mid Spring, Late Spring	Scarce	Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Can survive dry soil, but not happily. Suckers in wet conditions. Good fall color.
Betula alleghaniensis	yellow birch	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. An attractive feature in a moist-wet situation.
Betula papyrifera	paper birch	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Mid Spring	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Difficult; short lived; cool moist soil
Carya ovata	shagbark hickory	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Large tree. Can take moderately dry soil; peeling bark; wildlife value. Edible nut.
Cephelanthus occidentalis	buttonbush	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. often in standing water. good for rain gardens
Cornus alternifolia	alternate-leaved dogwood pagoda dogwood	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. bird food source, tolerant of black walnut trees, shallow roots
Cornus amomum	silky dogwood	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Wildlife value, tolerates black walnut
Cornus canadensis	bunchberry	Moist Part Shade, Shade Humus-rich Woodland Acidic	Late Spring, Early Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Groundcover. Showy fruit. wants a cool site
Cornus florida	flowering dogwood	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. prone to anthracnose, great red fall color
Cornus racemosa	gray dogwood	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. spreads by stolons
Cornus rugosa	round-leaved dogwood	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Rocky/Stony	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. gravelly slopes; wildlife value, fall color
Cornus sericea	red-osier dogwood	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Neutral	Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Spreads (stoloniferous); only moderate dryness, prefers wet
Corylus americana	American hazelnut American filbert	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Very Early Spring		Showy fruit. Suckers, so best in wilder areas or if suckers are promptly removed. Edible fruit if you can harvest it, but excellent wildlife value. Catkins in spring and nice fall color.
Crataegus sp.	hawthorn	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Well-drained. Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Thorns! Wildlife value. Numerous hard-to-distinguish species in our area. Avoid the introduced species if you can.
Dasiphora fruiticosa	shrubby cinquefoil potentilla	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving	Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Well-drained. Nurseries sell sterile European cultivars; pure species and local genotype hard to find.
Diervilla lonicera	northern bush honeysuckle	Dry, Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Rocky/Stony	Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer		Spreads via stolons but nice if room is available.
Dirca palustris	leatherwood	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Lime Loving	Mid Spring		rich soil, found in calcareous soils but tolerates acid, slow grower
Euonymus atropurpureus	American wahoo	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland Lime Loving	Early Summer		Showy fruit. Red-pink berries and red fall color (not bright). Tolerates black walnut trees. Can reach 20 ft.
Fagus grandifolia	American beech	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Spring		Can be weedy. root suckers!
Fraxinus americana	white ash	Moist Sun, Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland	Spring
Fraxinus pennsylvanica	red ash	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Spring	Believed extirpated	Moist-wet woods; early fall color; cultivars available; believed to be extirpated in the wild in Cayuga Lake Basin
Gymnocladus dioicus	Kentucky coffee tree	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring, Early Summer	Critically imperilled (S1)/endangered NYS	Showy fruit. rich alluvial soils; large pods on females can be messy
Hamamelis virginiana	witch-hazel	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Fall, Late Fall		Recommended for gardening. OK in seasonally wet-moderately dry conditions
Hypericum prolificum	shrubby St. John's wort	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Rocky/Stony Lime Loving	Mid Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall	Threatened NYS (S2)	Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Floriferous in sun. Spreads slowly into wide shrub. Easy from seed.
Ilex verticillata	winterberry	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Spring		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. only female has berries, needs nearby male
Juglans cinerea	butternut	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun			Well-drained. Showy fruit. needs ground water, not really dry
Juglans nigra	black walnut	Moist Sun, Part Sun Lime Loving	Early Summer		Rich soil; not much will grow underneath it
Kalmia latifolia	mountain laurel	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Early Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. Must have acidic soil and a somewhat protected location.
Lindera benzoin	spicebush	Moist, Wet Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Mid Spring		Attracts butterflies. Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. only female has berries, needs nearby male; fall color, tolerates wide pH range
Liriodendron tulipifera	tulip poplar	Moist Sun, Part Sun Humus-rich Woodland	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening.
Lonicera canadensis	fly honeysuckle	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring		running understory shrub
Magnolia acuminata	cucumber magnolia	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Humus-rich Woodland	Spring		Recommended for gardening. Large tree with white flowers and interesting seed "cones".
Malus coronarius	crabapple	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening.
Nyssa sylvatica	tupelo black gum	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun		Scarce in Finger Lakes	good fall color, slow growing, tap root - very difficult to transplant
Physocarpus opulifolius	ninebark	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Attracts butterflies. Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Stick to straight species for pollinators. Prune to shape if scraggly.
Pinus resinosa	red pine	Dry, Moist Sun			Well-drained. "green" in winter. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Reddish bark, good specimen tree
Pinus rigida	pitch pine	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun Acidic		Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. If leader destroyed, forms twisted shrub
Platanus occidentalis	Sycamore	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Spring		Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. Winter bark interest; messy
Prunus americana	wild plum	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Spring	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. best in naturalized groups; colonizes
Prunus serotina	black cherry	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Spring		Well-drained. Attracts butterflies. Showy fruit. Attracts tent caterpillars, disease prone, allelopathic to some garden plants
Prunus virginiana	choke cherry	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Attracts butterflies. Showy fruit. shrubby, army caterpillars love it
Quercus alba	white oak	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun			Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. wildlife value
Quercus coccinea	scarlet oak	Dry Sun, Part Sun Sandy Acidic	Early Spring		Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. excellent fall color
Quercus rubra	red oak	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Spring		Attracts butterflies. Showy fruit. Recommended for gardening. fast growing
Rhododendron maximum	great laurel rosebay	Moist, Wet Part Shade, Shade Acidic	Early Summer, Mid Summer	Rare in Finger Lakes	"green" in winter. Recommended for gardening. Poisonous, but good cover for birds
Rhododendron periclymenoides	pinxterbloom azalea pinkster flower	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Acidic	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Well-drained. Recommended for gardening. best in well drained but moist soil in dappled shade
Rhododendron prinophyllum	rose shell azalea	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade Neutral	Spring		Recommended for gardening. deciduous, fragrant bloom, can tolerate less acidic soils
Rhus aromatica	fragrant sumac	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer		Can be weedy. Well-drained.
Rhus typhina	staghorn sumac	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer		Showy fruit. good fall color, spreads, short lived
Rosa blanda	smooth rose	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. thornless, can be trained as a climber
Rosa carolina	pasture rose	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. short, suckers
Rosa pallustris	swamp rose	Moist, Wet Sun	Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. best color, longest bloom; suckers
Rosa setigera	prairie rose Ozark rose	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Summer, Early Fall	Rare in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Long bloom, good color, climber; possibly introduced to Finger Lakes from slightly further west
Rubus odoratus	purple flowering raspberry	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer		Can be weedy. Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Large, showy flowers plus edible fruit! Typical Rubus aggressiveness
Salix discolor	pussy willow	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Very Early Spring		Recommended for gardening. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Salix nigra	black willow	Moist, Wet Sun	Early Summer		Attracts butterflies. Erect tree, grows fast
Sambucus canadensis	American elderberry American black elderberry	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. edible
Sambucus pubens	red-berried elder	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens.
Sassafras albidum	sassafras	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring		Attracts butterflies. Good bird tree, fall color; borderline hardy in Finger Lakes
Shepherdia canadensis	buffaloberry	Dry, Moist Part Shade Lime Loving	Mid Summer		Showy fruit. berry mildly poisonous
Sorbus americana	American mountain ash	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. short-lived, food for birds
Spiraea alba var. alba	narrow leaved meadowsweet	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. spreads
Spiraea alba var. latifolia	broad leaved meadowsweet	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Mid Summer, Late Summer		Attracts butterflies. Spreads; takes drier soils and has wider leaves than var. alba.
Spiraea tomentosa	steeplebush	Wet Sun, Part Sun Acidic	Late Summer		Recommended for gardening. Low shrub, 2-4 ft high; requires moist, acidic soil in at least part sun.
Staphylea trifolia	bladdernut	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Mid Spring, Late Spring	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Showy fruit. striped bark; in sun can sucker to large size
Symphoricarpos albus var. albus	snowberry	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Summer	Scarce in Finger Lakes	Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. Nurseries mostly carry var. laevigatus, a western U.S. native
Thuja occidentalis	eastern white cedar arborvitae	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun			Recommended for gardening. Evergreen, many cultivars available. Deer love the foliage.
Tilia americana	basswood	Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Summer, Mid Summer		fragrant
Tsuga canadensis	eastern hemlock	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade			Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Wooly adelgid is fatal; little grows beneath hemlocks
Ulmus rubra	slippery elm	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun	Early Spring
Vaccinium angustifolium	low bush blueberry	Moist Part Sun, Part Shade Rocky/Stony Acidic	Summer		Groundcover. Edible fruit.
Vaccinium corymbosum	high-bush blueberry	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun Acidic	Mid Spring, Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. edible fruit
Vaccinium macrocarpum	large cranberry	Wet Sun Acidic	Summer		Requires an acidic bog area to grow. Edible fruit.
Vaccinium myrtilloides	velvet leafed blueberry Canadian blueberry velvetleaf huckleberry	Dry Sun, Part Sun Sandy Acidic	Summer		Showy fruit. Reputed to have the sweetest blueberry fruits.
Viburnum acerifolium	maple-leaved viburnum	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Shade	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Cream & pink fall color; Viburnum leaf beetle & deer problems
Viburnum cassinoides	witherod	Dry, Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Attracts butterflies. Viburnum leaf beetle (Viburnum nudum var cassinoides)
Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum	northern arrowwood	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Early Summer		Showy fruit. Viburnum leaf beetle
Viburnum lantanoides	hobblebush	Moist Shade	Early Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Viburnum leaf beetle; needs cool soil (Viburnum alnifolium)
Viburnum lentago	nannyberry	Dry, Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. large shrub, edible
Viburnum opulus var. americanum	cranberry viburnum	Moist, Wet Sun, Part Sun	Late Spring, Early Summer		Recommended for gardening. Showy fruit. Used in traditional 19th century gardens. viburnum leaf beetle (Viburnum trilobum)
Zanthoxylum americanum	prickley ash	Moist Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade	Late Spring	Scarce in Finger Lakes	fragrant; thorns

Status

NY State or Finger Lakes population status – not necessarily legal status. "Exploitably vulnerable" plants are not indicated if populations are OK in the Finger Lakes. (This status includes all clubmosses, nearly all ferns, gentians, and orchids; collection is prohibited.) Please review legal status (http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/15522.html) and observe all guidelines for ethical, sustainable harvest prior to collecting any seed/spores from the wild. Never collect/dig entire plants.

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Native Plants Suitable for Wildflower Gardens & Meadows or Traditional Gardens in the NY Finger Lakes

I. Native Plants Suitable for Wildflower Gardens & Meadows or Traditional Gardens in the NY Finger Lakes

Status