Blue-stemmed Goldenrod gets its name from the stem having a dark, blue tone in mature plants. This goldenrod is a woodland species, tolerating shade. It forms attractive loose clumps with arching stems and long, thin leaves. Small clusters of bright yellow flowers form in the leaf axils for about half the stem's length. 

Jewewlweed self-seed with popping pods annually in dense stands. Attracts hummingbird bees and butterflies. The juice in the stem is said to be an antidote to Poison Ivy and Stinging Nettle. The species may be difficult and/or slow to germinate and grow to maturity, double dormancy is required before the seed will germinate. Best luck is to have the right habitat for it to occur naturally. Planting the plant can help ensure the seed bank for possible plants. 

This legume grows low and is a pioneer species in disturbed areas. Like most legumes, it enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation. Showy, small flowers are pink/purple and mature from the bottom up-wards. After flowering, the leguminous seed pods approximately ⅛ inch long and can stick to fur of animals can end up in new locations. 

White Avens is a great choice for moist, shaded gardens. It can tolerate increased sun with increased moisture. It may tolerate temporary dryness. The flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds are eaten by songbirds. The seedheads have curved barbs and may stick to clothing or fur. May have a weedy tendency in an area that is regularly disturbed. 

Silky Dogwood, or Kinnikinnik, is a deciduous shrub that thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate any amount of sunlight, but will require mulch and increased moisture in full sun conditions. This shrub is the host plant for the Azure butterfly, and its nectar is enjoyed by many pollinators. The fruits that follow are attractive, drooping clusters that start white and ripen to a deep blue. These drupes are eaten by birds from late summer to early fall, and are edible to humans. They are more often used in cooking than eaten raw.

Long's Sedge is a grass-like plant found in seasonally wet areas. Their wild populations are considered vulnerable in New York. The flowers begin in late spring, and the following seeds provide important nutrition to waterfowl and songbirds. Best planted in areas that are prone to flooding, but do not stay waterlogged. 

Great Blue Lobelia is a great choice for shaded gardens. It may also be planted in full sun if the soil is kept moist. This wildflower prefers consistent moisture, and is a good choice for rain gardens. The beautiful blue flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Toxic if eaten.

One of the few deciduous members of the Holly family, Winterberry holly still provides some winter interest through its bright red berries. Both a male and a female are required to produce fruit. Flowers and their fruit appear on new growth. Keep this in mind while pruning, as this bush is a good option for hedging. This plant has some resistance to fires, in addition to deer and salt. Planting this shrub in the shade will result in a taller, more open habit that could be considered a small tree. Fruit are toxic. 

One of the few St. John's-worts that have purple flowers, and one of our few native St. John's-worts.  Can be found in bogs, swamps, and wet meadows.  Good for wetter, shady garden areas.

Also known as Woodbine or Devil's Darning Needles, our native clematis is a fast-growing vine which produces many clusters of fragrant white flowers, even blooming in some shade!  Prefers moist soil but can grow in dry conditions as well.  Virgin's bower may spread aggressively but can be easily pruned.  While it is dioecious (male and female plants are separate) and both are needed for seeds, both sexes produce flowers.