Aconitum krylovii    An outstanding monkshood with numerous sprikes covered with creamy white flowers that rise above large, deep green leaves. Blooms mid to late summer. After flowering, the mounded foliage continues to look spectacular. Rare. Native to the Altai Mountains of Russia. Zone 3.

Actaea pachypoda (alba) Doll’s Eyes New     Creamy white flower clusters in spring transform over summer into impressive clusters of pea-sized white fruits, each with a prominent dark spot,(eye), on top. Adding to the display is the eye-catching contrast between the white fruits and the deep purple pedicels to which they are attached. Fruits mature by mid to late summer and remain effective into fall, conspicuously presented well above the attractive, finely dissected foliage; overall height is 30”. Long lived and effective as a specimen and especially striking when massed. Grow in shade in rich, moist soil. A choice woodland native. Zone 3.

Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry)    Bright shiny red berries held over dark green foliage add needed color to the mid to late summer shade garden. Zone 2.

 rubra ‘White Form’    This is the white-berried form of the Red Baneberry. It has shiny porcelein berries. Very attractive plant for mid to late summer color in the shade garden. Zones 2-8. 16-30 in. Part sun to shade, moist soil.

Anemone nemorosa    A welcome harbinger of spring that blooms in April/May with masses of starry, double white flowers that float just above dark green, deeply-cut, foliage. At 4" tall, it’s perfect for underplanting spring-blooming shrubs or taller bulbs such as daffodils. Given dappled shade and rich soil, they will multiply happily, but mark their spot, as they tend to go dormant in summer. Native throughout much of Europe and into Eastern Asia. Zones 5-9,  

Anemone nemorosa ‘Alba Plena’    Double white flowers. See general describtion above for more information.

Anemone nemorosa ‘Ginny’    light blue flowers. See general describtion above for more information.

Anemone nemorosa ‘Seemonii’    Orange-yellow flowers. See general description above for more information.

Anemone nemorosa ‘Wilkes Giant’ New     Extra large white flowers.

Anemonella thalictroides (Rue Anemone)      One to five upward-facing white to light pink flowers over fine fern-like foliage, 6-9" high.  Will form tidy clumps and self-sow to form sizable colonies that will carpet the woodland garden with charming white blooms for many weeks in spring. Grow in part to full shade in reasonably fertile as well as moist soil. Zone 4.. 

Anemonella thalictroides ‘Cameo’      Fully double light pink flowers that slowly fade to white. They can last from 4 to 8 weeks in April-June. This is one of the easiest to grow, it tends to multiply faster than most of the other double forms. Zones 4-8. 12 in. Moist well-drained soil. Shade to part shade. We are offering flowering size plants from divisions.

Anemonopsis macrophylla      One of the Japanese aristocrats. This hard to find woodlander forms clumps of cimicifuga-like foliage topped with nodding, waxy lilac flowers in late summer. Likes a cool moist position. Zones 4-7. 3 ft. Shade to part shade, moist rich soil.

Arisaema fargessi (Chinese Cobra Lily)   A Chinese species, this plant has very large tripartite leaves and large maroon striped flowers that look like a cobra's head. It comes up late and blooms in late June to July. Will offset quite freely, forming a nice clump. Zone 5.

Arisaema ringens (Japanese Cobra Lily)     An easy-to-grow clump forming plant with large, glossy, tropical-looking leaves and a dark purple spathe that looks like the head of a cobra. Spring blooming. Zone 5.

Arisaema sikokianum    Best known of the Japanese cobra lilies, with whie golfball-sized spadix inside a purple spathe. Mid-spring bloom. Cold hardy but needs good winter drainage. Zone 4. 20ins. tall. Part to full shade.

Arisaema urashima    This species has broad, multi-divided leaves and a dark brown, whip-like spadix that snakes out of the maroon and white striped spathe. An easy plant to grow that will offset freely. Blooms in mid- May . Zone 5.

Asarum europeum (European Ginger)     See under perennials.

Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)     An early spring flowering native with large, bright yellow flowers above shiny, deep green leaves. Frequents wet places but will adapt to rich, reasonably moist garden soil. Grows well in full sun if ample moist is present, otherwise, part shade is best. Zone 3..

Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh)    The unfurling redish-purple leaves of this native are beautiful to behold in early spring. Once expanded, the foliage turns blue-green and provides handsome texture. In spring, whitish, yellow-centered flowers appear above the foliage and give way in late summer to marble-sized berries that change from green to waxy blue-black. Grows 1-2ft. tall and prefers moist, rich soil. Full sun to light shade. Zone 3.

Cimicifuga japonica (Cheju Island form)   This superior form comes from Darrell Probst and offers compact foliage and prolific flowering. In early spring, the foliage often emerges with a purple hue before turning green. In late summer, a single mature plant can produce 12-15 graceful white flowers spikes of, 4-5ft. tall. Very resistant to leaf spot. Zone 4.

Cornus canadensis BUNCHBERRY    A slow spreading ground cover with white upfacing flowers over overlapping whorled leaves. Red berries in late summer. Best grown in a deep cool mulch. Circumboreal. Zones 2-6. 6-8 in. Shade to part shade, moist acid soil.

Cypripedium pubescens YELLOW LADY-SLIPPER    Probably the easiest native orchid. First to bloom in late April into May. Will form large clumps and persist for years when happy. This year we're offering four-year-old blooming size plants. Zones 3-7. 14-24 in. Part shade, moist rich well-drained soil with some lime.

Cypripedium ‘Michael’     This is a hybrid between the purple flowered C. macranthos and the yellow tri-flowered C. henryi. Most of these have bloomed for the first time this spring. They were mostly all bi- and tri-flowered in colors of soft creamy yellows to light pinks and mixed pink and yellow—all were lovely. Zones 5-6. 12-16 in. Light shade, cool moist well-drained soil with lime added and a mulch cover.

Cypripedium ‘Philipp’ New      The flowers of this cultivar are the shape and size,(large), of C. kentuckiense but the color is a soft pink to light purple, (darker in cold weather, lighter in warmer weather). The sepals and petals tend to be a rich burgundy. Very heat tolerant and easy to grow. 24" tall, and large leafed. Blooms mid-season. Zone 3.

Deinanthe caerulea New      A Hydrangea relative with nearly woody rootstocks and herbaceous stems bearing large, glossy, hydrangea-like leaves and whitish flowerheads in the form of loose umbels with small, outer, infertile flowers and larger fertile flowers, (remotely resembles a Hydrangea Lacecap flower). 18-24” tall. Requires shade to part shade and rich, evenly moist soil. Native of E. Asia. Zone 4. I’m not 100% sure of the species of the plant we’re offering. It could be D. bifida or a hybrid of caerulea and bifida. 

Disporopsis perneyi (Evergreen Solomon's Seal)    With attractive purple spotting on the arching stems and leathery evergreen foliage, this plant makes a terrific groundcover. The creamy white, tubular, bell-shaped flowers dangle from leaf asxils in late spring. Has wintered here in zone 5 for three years without a problem. 15ins. tall. Zone 5.

Disporum flavum (Korean Fairy Bells)     A rarely seen but easy-to-grow shade loving plant that, when happy, forms sizable clumps of tall, 30” stems carrying large, dangling, yellow bells in spring followed by pea-sized, blue berries in the fall. Makes a choice addition to any woodland garden. Zone 3.

Disporum sessile ‘Cricket’ New      Central yellow leaf markings are so broad that the foliage appears mostly yellow with green edging. The variegation changes throughout the season, ranging from whitish cream to yellow to light green, always remaining bright and eye-catching. This is a plant that will appeal especially to those gardeners who seek out variagated foliage. Very cute at only 5-10" high. Grow in part to full shade with adequate moisture. Zone 4.

Epigaea repens Trailing Arbutus / Mayflower New     Low, woody branches clothed in evergreen, leathery, olive-green, oval leaves that spread slowly, eventually forming sizable mats. Charming small, pink, fragrant flowers are clustered at the stem tips in spring. In the nineteenth century, plants were heavily collected for use in seasonal decorations to the extent that their survival became threatened. Efforts to protect the Mayflower eventually led to the founding of the New England Wild Flower Society. Prefers acid moist, but well drained soil, becoming more drought tolerant as they become established. Zone 3.

Gaultheria procumbens WINTERGREEN    Shiny evergreen leaves, white bell flowers in spring, followed by deep red berries that stay on the plants all winter in to spring. Can form a nice groundcover even in dry shade. Native to eastern North America.  Zones 2-8. 4-6 in. Part sun to shade, moist to dry soil.

Gentiana andrewsii(Bottle Gentian)    An Eastern North American native with erect stems, 24-30ins. high and dark blue flowers, 1½ ins. long, completely closed. Blooms late summer. Grow in evenly moist soil, in sun to very light shade. Zone3.

Gentiana crinita (Fringed Gentian)    A prized native wild flower with breathtakingly beautiful, large, tubular flowers of a perfect shade of blue. In fall, delicately fringed petals fold open on large flowers clustered at the ends of sturdy, 24-30in. stems. Grow in sun with consistently moist but well drained soil, or, grow in part shade where moisture requirements are somewhat reduced. Zone 3.

Gillenia stipulata(American Ipecac)    Virtually indistinguishable from G. trifoliata though with a slightly more lacey, delicate look. Zone 4. See description of Gillenia trifoliata.

Gillenia trifoliata BOWMAN'S ROOT    Large numbers of one-inch star-shaped white flowers on wiry red branches. Flowers freely late May through June. This under-used plant not only adds shape and texture, but it also thrives in dry, shady sites. Eastern U.S. native. Zones 4-8. 2-3 ft. Part shade, garden soil.

Gillenia trifoliata ‘Pink Profusion’    With this new introduction, Bowman's Root is now available in a pink form. Both the pink and the white forms are everything one could ask for in a hardy perennial; sturdy, upright, lacquered burgundy stems, handsome, dark green, red-tinted leaves and loads of delicate flowers that gently stir on every summer breeze, and, a preference for part to heavier shade. Zone 4.

Glaucidium palmatum   This rare Japanese woodlander has large silky purple-pink flowers over full maple-like leaves. Blooms for up to three weeks in spring. We offer a selected form that is strong growing. It can in time produce large two-foot round clumps covered with flowers, often with two blooms per stem. Zones 3-8. 14-24 in. Shade to part shade, rich moist well-drained soil.

Hepatica nobilis (blue flowered form) New      This is the European form of Hepatica with deep blue flowers that emerge in early spring, followed by tri-lobed leaves. Hepaticas are among the loveliest of early spring blooming, woodland plants. Without peers in the charm department! Grow in light to full shade in rich, moist but drained soil with a neutral or higher pH. Zone 4.

Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)      A resident of the forest floor where it thrives in rich, moist, slightly acid to neutral soil. Valued for both medicinal and ornamental attributes. Its medicinal uses are thought to be extensive and bear looking into if one is interested in herbal remedies. As an ornamental, it features a short, tidy habit, 8-10" high, with attractive, paired, maple-like leaves and small, bright red fruits bound in raspberry-like clusters nestled snugly at the base of the top leaf. Fruits mature in late summer and remain effective for several weeks. Flowers are white, in panicles in spring. Requires shade, with deep, moist soil and can spread moderately fast to form dense colonies with definite shady groundcover potential. Zone 4.

Iris cristata See under Perennials.

Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris)    Native, most often found growing in wet places, where it blooms in spring with blue flowers that possess an unassuming grace. Tall growing, to 3ft. Adapts well to garden conditions but should be restricted to the woodland or naturalized garden where its starkly elegant flowers can unfold free of comparison with the multitude of fancy hybrid Iris bred for "shock and awe" effect. Zone 4.

Iris versicolor ‘Gerald Darby’    Similar to the species in general appearance and cultural requirements but differing in having purple-maroon flowers and, especially distinctive in having dramatic purple-black fronds that add considerable ornamental appeal beyond the more familiar, plain green forms.

Jeffersonia diphylla Twinleaf    White flowers in May followed by interesting pipe-shaped seed pods over large, twin, kidney-shaped dusty blue-green leaves. Forms nice clumps and is useful both as a specimen plant and planted in mass. Best in a moist site, but tolerant of both drought and root competition once established. Eastern U.S. native. Zones 3-8. 10-12 in. Full or dappled shade, moist humus soil.

Jeffersonia dubia Asian Twinleaf   Older plants can have up to 50 upward-facing blooms of a blue to lavender-blue that can be seen from hundreds of feet away. It's one of the first plants to bloom here every year. The leaves form after the plant has flowered. Easy in the garden, this highly-sought-after plant is suitable for even the beginning gardener. Native to Japan, China, and Korea. Zones 4-7. 10-16 in. Shade to part shade, garden soil.

Mertensia virginica VIRGINIA BLUEBELLS    Shoots rise in early spring as the ground thaws. Flowers start as clusters of pink buds, then open up to bright blue bells. After blooming for several weeks, seeds ripen, and the plant begins to fade, going dormant in early July. Native to eastern woodlands. Zones 3-8. 12 in. Part shade, moist humus soil.

Paeonia japonica JAPANESE WOODLAND PEONY    I’m pleased to have this rare peony for the shade garden back on the list. It is a strong growing plant with gray-green foliage and single white flowers with yellow stamens. It blooms in May followed in late summer by bright red seed heads with dark blue seeds. These are 3 and 4-year-old plants. Zones 4-8. 18-24 in. Part sun to light shade, good rich soil.

Podophyllum hexandrum 'Majus HIMALAYAN MAYAPPLE     A clump-forming mayapple with pink upward-facing cup-shaped flowers in early spring, before the brown, marbled leaves are fully developed. Followed by four-inch egg-shaped seed pods. Zones 4-8. 16-20 in. Part shade, moist rich soil.

Podophyllum peltatum Mayapple    Large white flowers under umbrella-like leaves. Spreads vigorously. Blooms in May. Eastern U.S. Zones 3-8. 12-15 in. Full or part shade, moist rich soil.

Polygonatum (Chinese species)    A standout among the Solomon's Seals with white and green bellflowers along the leaf axis, on zigzagging red-tinted stems. A strong spreading colonizer. Originally from a collection obtained in Tu Man Ling, Jilin Province, China, in 1989 by James Waddick, this form has never been clearly identified. Zones 5-8. 12-14 in. Part sun to shade, garden soil.

Polygonatum commutatum Giant Solomon’s Seal    The majestic arcs of P. commutatum grace the shade garden, and feature white bell-shaped flowers followed by attractive blue berries. Blooms in spring. A large natural tetraploid form. Eastern U.S. Zones 3-8. 4-6 ft. at maturity. Full or part shade, good loam.

Polygonatum cryptanthum Hidden Flower Solomon's Seal    One of the more unique and coveted forms of Solomon's seal. The white flowers are set under a pair of yellow-green bracts, hence the name 'hidden flowers'. The arching stems are 12-15 inches long. Zone 4.

Polygonatum humile Dwarf Solomon’s Seal     A very appealing miniature Solomon’s Seal that makes a great ground cover, especially under other Solomon’s Seals. Petite, arching stems with paired leaves and dangling white bell-shaped flowers followed by blue berries. Grows only 8-10” high, blooms in spring. Tolerates dry conditions in late summer. Native to northeast Asia. Zone 4.

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' VARIEGATED SOLOMON'S SEAL    This plant has arching stems with paired leaves, white bell-shaped flowers followed by blue berries. Blooms in spring. The white and cream striping on this strong-growing form are what makes this one so popular. Native of Europe. Zones 3-8. 20 in. Full or part shade, good loam.

Rubus odoratus (Purple-Flowering Thornless Raspberry) New     This native raspberry offers showy, deep purple, rose-like, 1-2” fragrant flowers over large, fuzzy, maple-like leaves on thornless stems. Flowers appear June-July, followed by small, but edible fruit. Bark exfoliates in winter adding winter interest. Though primarily clump forming, plants do send out the occasional runner which is easily dug out. In the wild, plants often find a favorable spot to grow beside a country road and, more than once, I’ve found myself stopping to admire their unexpected touch of color in the otherwise green landscape. 4’ tall with an open vase shape. Grow in part shade in reasonably moist soil. zone 3. 

Sanguisorba canadense (Wild Burnet)   In early spring, pure white, rayed flowers appear, last for a few days, and then are gone. This brief display is enough, for the blossoms are precious beyond description while they last. After bloom is finished, attractive round, gray/green, leaves increase, sometimes up to 10ins, across, forming tight, gradually spreading colonies suitable as modest woodland ground covers. 9-12ins. high.     

Saruma henryi    A ginger relative with downy heart-shaped leaves and bright, lemon- yellow flowers most heavily produced in spring and then intermittently through summer, 2ft. tall. Grow in shade with reasonable moisture. Easy to grow and a willing self-seeder. Zone 5.

Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal)      Bold, easy to grow woodland plants with graceful, arching stems similar to true Solomon’s Seal. Stems are lined with large, deeply veined, light green leaves and topped with showy creamy-white flower plumes in spring. Flowers are followed by equally showy, large clusters of berries that begin white and eventually mature to red.  The 3’ tall stems spread moderately slowly and do not present a maintenance problem. Extras are easily removed. Grows in moist, acid soil in part to full shade, native. Zone 3.

Spigelia marilandica     Long, narrow crimson buds peel back to reveal bright yellow interiors,(also cream and chartreuse). One of natures fireworks displays, stunning. Blooms in July from bushy clumps 12-16ins. tall and wide. Grow in moist, light shade. Zone 4.   

Streptopus amplexifolius (Claspleaf Twisted Stalk)   This graceful woodland lily is native to cool forests across North America. Small, whitish-green, bell-shaped flowers hang on zig-zag stems with alternating leaves. /The dangling bright red berries in late summer are very ornamental. 20-30ins. tall. Zone 2.

Streptopus roseus (Rose Twisted Stalk) New     Very similar to S. amplexifolius but with little pink flowers dangling from zig-zag stems.    

Stylophorum diphyllum WOOD POPPY    Mounds of deeply cut leaves. Two-inch yellow flowers, late spring. Very popular and easy to grow plant, great with Virginia Bluebells. Eastern U.S. Zones 4-8. 24-30 in. Full to part shade, moist humus soil.

Syneilesis aconitifolia SHREDDED UMBRELLA PLANT    A large clump or colony of these is a real standout in the shade garden. The umbrella leaves are striking as they come up in the spring. Easy to grow, native of China. Zones 4-8. 18-24 in. Part sun to shade, garden soil.

Trautvetteria carolinensis (Tassel Rue) New     A quietly attractive native plant for filling a vacancy in the woodland garden. Round, fuzzy, white flowers bloom over mounds of deeply dividved, maple-like leaves in summer. Will spread to form a sizeable patch in moist shade. 12-16” tall. Zone 5.

sold out for 2010

Trillium grandiflorum (Great White Trillium)      To come upon a drift of glistening Great White trillium is to understand why it is perhaps the most admired of all native wildflowers. In spring, large, pure white flowers are carried well above the foliage on sturdy stems. Their simple elegance imparts a sense of tranquil beauty unmatched in the spring woodland or in the spring wildflower garden. The white flowers eventually turn pink before giving way to the large seed pods. Plants grow 12-18ins. tall and require reasonably moist, organic soil with a pH around neutral or slightly acid. Easy to grow under favorable conditions, and reasonably quick to establish colonies through self sowing. Zone 3.  Limited availability.

Trillium grandiflorum multiplex Double-flowered White Trillum   This is the rarely offered, fully double-flowered form. Its exquisite blooms have multiple rows of white overlapping petals. It will offset freely, once established. Blooming-sized divisions. Zones 3-8. 12-14 in. Plant in light to quite deep shade, in moist, rich, well-drained neutral soil. A yearly dusting of lime is beneficial.

Trillium sessile (Toad Trillium) New This is a sessile type Trillium, (flowers have no petioles) with attractively mottled leaves, and flowers whose petals sit atop the leaves in tight, upright clusters, never fully separating widely, even at peak bloom. Short at only 1' tall. Requires rich, moist, but drained soil in part shade. Considered reliable and easy to grow. Zone 5.  Limited availability.

Triosteum himalayanum New       Though shrub-like in appearance, it is nevertheless an herbaceous member of the honeysuckle family. The large, rounded, fuzzy leaves provide a soft backdrop for the eye-catching clusters of gumball-sized red fruits that hold from late summer into autumn. 24” tall. Native to China. Grow in shade in garden soil of even moisture. Zone 5.

Uvularia grandiflora      Soft yellow, elongated, bell-shaped flowers dangle from the upper portion of tightly clumped, gently arching stems. Blooms in spring, fragrant. Leaves are long and narrow, blue-green in season turning yellow in autumn. 16" high. Adapted to part and full shade with moist, neutral soil.  A no-fuss, choice woodland gem that delights with charming, fragrant flowers in spring and then continues to catch the eye with its attractive habit and foliage. The overall appearance is reminiscent of the smaller Solomon's Seals. Zone 4. 

Vancouveria hexandra (White Inside-out Flower) New       Plants bear a resemblance to Epimedium with dense, Thalictrum or Aquilegia-like foliage on moderately fast spreading rhizomes. Curious, small, white flowers that are best appreciated close up bloom in spring. Requires shade and soil that's moist in spring and either continued moist or drying out somewhat in summer. Not often seen in Northeastern gardens. Makes an excellent shady groundcover that is easily kept in bounds if needed with an annual digging around the edges. Zone 5.

Veratrum nigrum (Black False Hellebore) New  This large, striking plant is frequently used in European gardens but seldom offered in the US. The stems carry large, wide, ovate, deeply veined leaves that resemble those of Smilacina. Tall, sturdy flower stalks rise high above the foliage carrying 12-24" long, slender, open panicles of an unusual black-purple color and, I regret to report, with a somewhat unpleasant scent. Bloom period is July-August. Overall height is anywhere from 2-4' high. Requires deep, fertile, moist soil, in sun to part shade. A large, architecturally impressive plant suitable for specimen use and very effective when massed for bold impact. Native to Southern Europe and Asia.