Spring is showtime for forest wildflowers. They emerge as soon as snow melts, painting the woodland floor in bursts of color until midsummer, when subtler displays take over under the cool tree canopy.
Success comes from working with nature, not against it. Identify native plants already thriving in your yard's shaded, uncultivated areas. Consult a local nursery or university extension to confirm IDs, then select desirable natives with similar growing requirements. Stick to species native to your region—plants from other areas often struggle. Since most woodland flowers bloom before trees leaf out, include a few late-season performers like aster, wood lily, and great blue lobelia to extend the show.
Woodland plants love rich, spongy, moisture-retentive topsoil. Till the planting area 12 inches deep and incorporate generous amounts of composted manure, leaf mold, and peat moss. For tucking plants into established beds, amend each planting pocket individually.
Mimic nature's layers. Start with native shrubs—highbush cranberry, witch-hazel, red-osier dogwood—and understory trees like redbud, dogwood, and serviceberry. Plant flowers in casual clusters, not formal rows, grouping at least three of each species with room to spread. Ground covers fill the gaps. Add weathered rocks, logs, and an informal stepping-stone path for access and to protect tender plants.
Once established, a wildflower garden is nearly maintenance-free. Spring rains usually suffice; water during dry spells for the first two weeks. Mulch with shredded bark or leaves to retain moisture. Each autumn, let plants die back naturally and leave fallen leaves as a winter blanket—they decompose and feed next spring's display.
Umbrella-like leaves hide a single white bloom; spring flowers become crabapple-sized fruits by late summer.
Native to aspen groves in mountainous regions. A scarlet-and-yellow species (A. canadensis) grows elsewhere. Learn more about columbines.
Sky-blue trumpet flowers herald spring. Plants die back by midsummer—plant companions to fill the gap. Learn more about Virginia bluebells.
Beloved wildflowers with heart-shaped leaves and blue, yellow, or white blooms. Learn more about violets.
Loose clusters of blue flowers; unlike sun-loving phlox, this thrives in partial shade. Learn more about woodland phlox.
Distinctive white, trousers-shaped blooms. Needs constantly moist but well-drained soil.
Unique clublike spadix (Jack) shielded by a spathe (pulpit). Great as a specimen plant. Learn more about Jack-in-the-pulpit.
Arch stems dangle yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring. Learn more about Solomon's seal.
Maroon flowers hide beneath foliage; 6-inch plants add texture to woodland edges. Learn more about wild gingers.
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