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Claytonia virginica

Spring Beauty is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in the spring. Its small, star-shaped, white to light pink flowers, striped with pink, bloom in April. The nectar provides an important early spring food source for native bees. The small, underground, bulb-like corms are edible; they were consumed by early Americans, and their chestnut-like flavor is still enjoyed by edible wild plant enthusiasts. The entire plant goes dormant by late spring, similar to spring crocuses. It prefers moist, organic soils. Use Spring Beauty massed in woodland gardens, rock gardens, or for naturalizing.

Actaea racemosa

The showy, fragrant, bottlebrush-shaped, white flowers of Black Baneberry bloom on long stalks above the foliage, June-July. This plant’s dark green, lacy foliage adds texture to the garden. Black Baneberry is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Spring Azure (Celastrina “ladon”). It needs consistent moisture and organically-rich soil. The tall flower spires may need some support. Plant Black Baneberry in masses in partly shady sections of borders, shade gardens, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.

Chrysogonum virginianum

Green and Gold is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial, which spreads by rhizomes (underground stems). The bright yellow, star-shaped flowers on erect, “hairy” stems bloom in spring and sometimes again in fall. This plant’s tolerance for shade makes it a good groundcover for moist, shady areas. Use in rain gardens, woodland gardens, shady border-fronts, and rock gardens.

Anthemis tinctoria

Golden Marguerite is an easy-to-grow, long-blooming perennial. The finely cut, fern-like, aromatic foliage grows in a rounded mound. Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom on erect stems from June-September; the flowers are good fresh-cut. This plant can spread aggressively by self-seeding. Removing the spent flowers extends the bloom time and prevents seed formation. The foliage should be cut back after blooming to encourage basal growth. Plants can be divided every 2-3 years. Golden Marguerite requires good drainage, and does not grow well in clay soils. It will tolerate dry soil and droughty conditions. Use Golden Marguerite as an accent plant, in massed plantings, or in containers.

Anemone quinquefolia

Wood Anemone is a delicate, early-spring perennial. It features a whorl of deeply-cut, dark green leaves and a solitary white flower that blooms atop a 4 to 8-inch stalk, April-May. The graceful movement of the slender flower stalks in the wind led to its other common name, Wind Flower. Wood Anemone is a spring ephemeral — the plants die back in mid-summer. This plant forms colonies and makes a good spring groundcover for shady areas. It will re-seed itself; seedlings flower after 3-4 years of growth. It prefers moist to wet soil conditions. Use Wood Anemone in masses in woodland gardens or along shady edges of ponds or streams.

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Eastern Bluestar is an easy-to-grow, clump-forming perennial. Clusters of light blue, star-shaped flowers bloom at the top of stems in late spring to early summer. Eastern Bluestar prefers moist, well-drained soils, but will tolerate some drought once established.

Amaranthus tricolor

Joseph’s Coat is a bushy annual grown for its vibrantly colored foliage. A variety of cultivars are available with leaves in shades of greens, yellows, reds, and browns. This plant is sometimes grown for culinary purposes, as the leaves are edible. The tiny, red-green flowers are inconspicuous. Tall plants may need to be staked. Use massed in beds and borders, or as an attractive accent along paths or edges.