Native Plants for Northern Exposure Clay Soil in Western Massachusetts

For clay soil in shade: Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina, 2'x3'), foam flower (Tiarella, blooms May-July), native bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), and celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum, yellow spring flowers, self-sows). Shrubs: summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, fragrant July bloom, yellow fall color, 5' or dwarf 'Sixteen Candles'), Fothergilla (white spring flowers), and 'Pee Wee' oakleaf hydrangea (compact).

All are indigenous, clay-tolerant, and shade-adapted for western Massachusetts gardens.