1. Native Perennials for Shade
Iowa State University Horticulture Extension
Some individuals consider shady sites to be problem areas in the landscape. However, shady sites provides opportunities for home gardeners as many perennials can be successfully grown in the shade. When selecting perennials for shady sites, don’t neglect native woodland plant species. The following native plants are excellent additions to the home landscape.

2. Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis
Height: 1-3 feet
Part shade/sun
Zones 3-9
Wild columbine is found in woodlands throughout the state. Plants producing nodding, red and yellow flowers in early spring. Wild columbines are short-lived perennials. However, plants freely reseed themselves. Since it freely reseeds itself, the wild columbine is best suited to natural areas rather than maintained landscapes.

3. Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum
Height: inches
Part shade/ shade
Zones 3-8
Jack-in-the pulpit is typically found in moist, woodland sites. Plants produce 1 or 2 three leaflet leaves. The flower stalk consists of a club-like spadix (the preacher or “Jack”) and a leaf-like spathe (pulpit) which curves up and over the spadix. The spathe may be green, purple-brown, or striped. Jack-in-the-pulpit flowers in spring.

4. Wild Ginger Asarum canadense
Height: 4-8 inches
Shade
Zones 3-7
Wild ginger is found throughout the state in cool, moist woodlands. Plants produce urn-shaped, maroon to brown flowers in early spring. The flowers are often to difficult to see as they are often covered by forest debris. The plant’s roots produce a spicy, ginger-like aroma when crushed, hence the common name. Early European settlers in Iowa used the roots as a substitute for true ginger. Native Americans also used the plant for seasoning. Because of its tendency to spread and form colonies, wild ginger can be used as a groundcover in shady locations.

5. Dutchman’s Breeches Dicentra cucullaria
Height: 6-12 inches
Shade
Zones 3-7
Dutchman’s breeches is found throughout the state in moist woodlands. Plants flower in early spring. The white, pant-shaped flowers hang from an arching stem. The flowers have a yellow area near their “beltline.” The delicate, fern-like foliage is blue-green to gray-green in color.

6. Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia
Height: 6-12 inches
Part shade
Zones 4-8
Shooting star can be found in prairies and open woods. In early spring, plants produce a cluster of leaves near the ground. Separate flower stalks arise from the center of the leaf cluster. White to pink to pinkish purple flowers are borne atop a 6- to 12-inch-tall stalk. The flower petals sweep backwards, giving the flower a distinctive shape. The flower resembles a shoot star or badminton shuttlecock or “birdie.” Plants typically die back by early summer. The shooting star performs best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade.

7. Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis
Height: 3-4 feet
Part shade/ sun
Zones 3-9
The cardinal flower is typically found in moist, open woodlands. Cardinal red flowers are produced on 3- to 4-foot-tall plants in mid to late summer. Plants perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. The cardinal flower is relatively short-lived.

8. Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica
Height: 1-2 feet
Part shade/ shade
Zones 3-8
Virginia bluebells are typically found in moist woodland sites. Plants bloom in early spring. The flowers are borne in nodding clusters. Pink buds develop into light blue flowers. After flowering, Virginia bluebells produce seeds and then quickly die back to the ground. Plants usually disappear by early to mid-June in Iowa. Virginia bluebells perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. In favorable sites, Virginia bluebells freely reseed themselves and will cover an area in early spring.

9. Woodland Phlox Phlox divaricata
Height: inches
Part shade/ shade
Zones 3-8
Woodland phlox blooms in April and May in Iowa. Flowers vary from white to purple, but are most commonly a light blue. Woodland phlox performs best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. It freely reseeds itself. In favorable sites, woodland phlox often forms attractive drifts or patches.

10. Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Height: 3-6 inches
Shade
Zones 3-9
Bloodroot flowers in early spring. As the plant emerges, the leaf is tightly coiled around the flower stalk. The single, white flower contains 8 to 16 petals. Individual flowers last only a short time. After flowering, the leaf unfolds. The leaf is multi-lobed and may be 8 to 12 inches across. Bloodroot’s tuber-like roots produce a dark red liquid when cut, hence the common name. Native Americans used the dark red liquid to dye articles.

11. Trillium Trillium grandiflorum
Height: inches
Shade/part shade
Zones 4-9
Several species of Trillium are native to Iowa. Most bloom in early spring. Flowers may be white, pink, dark red, or green. A plant consists of a single stem with 3 leaves and a single flower with 3 petals. Leaves and flower petals occur in units of three, hence the name Trillium. Trilliums perform best in moist, well-drained soils that are high in organic matter.

12. Woodland Natives
Gardening in the Zone clip, 2007, by Cynthia Haynes

13. Other Plants of Interest
Goat’s Beard, Aruncus dioicus
Pink Turtlehead, Chelone lyonii
Black Snakeroot, Cimicifuga racemosa
Trout Lily, Erythronium americanum
Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii
Great Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica
Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum
Solomon’s Seal, Polygonatum biflorum
False Solomon’s Seal, Smilacina racemosa
Spiderwort, Tradescantia spp.
Other native perennials that can be planted in the home landscape include black snakeroot, pink turtlehead, goat’s beard, Solomon’s seal, trout lily, mayapple, false Solomon’s seal, spiderwort, great blue lobelia, bottle gentian and others.
It’s unwise and unnecessary to dig up plants growing in the wild. All of the aforementioned wildflowers can be purchased at garden centers and mail-order nurseries.

14. For More Information Iowa State Extension Publications
Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm
Publications of Interest
Perennials for Shade (PM 1913)
Perennials for Shady Areas (RG 602)
Iowa’s Spring Wildflowers (IAN 301)
Iowa’s Summer & Fall Wildflowers (IAN 302)
The publication “Perennials for Shade” lists native and introduced perennials that can be successfully grown in Iowa. A brief description of the plant, size, hardiness, and preferred habitat is provided for each plant. Lists of plants for specific environments can also be found in the publication. This publication and others can be obtained at your local county extension office or purchased at the Iowa State University Online Store.

15. For More Information Yard and Garden Online Hortline phone:
Hortline phone:
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Additional horticultural information can be found at the Yard and Garden web site. Gardening questions can also be directed to the ISU Hortline. Individuals can call (515) from 10 to 12 and 1 to 4:30, Monday to Friday. s can be sent to