Ferns

Adiantum pedatum Maiden Hair Fern One of the more desirable ferns because of its graceful foliage. These will reach a height of 12-24 inches tall. They will clump up nicely and add a delicate look to your shade garden. Must have rich moist soil. Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 12-24 in Tall, Zones 2-8

Asplenium platyneuron Ebony Spleenwort A small evergreen fern. The foliage is dark green and has a shiny dark stem. Does best in shade, will tolerate fairly dry soil. Will take sun if the soil stays moist. Shade to Semi-shade, Rich Soil, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 2-8

Athyrium asplenioides Lady Fern, Red Stem Fern This fern has a feathery texture frond with a red stem. Grows to a height of 18-30 inches. Prefers filtered sun to shade with moist rich soil. The fronds take on a bronze color before turning dark brown for the winter. It is a slow spreading fern, which will make a nice mass in a few years. Shade to Semi-shade, Rich Moist Soil, 18-30 in Tall, Zones 3-8

Athyrium thelypterioides Male Fern This is a medium to tall fern, can reach heights up to 3 feet tall. The fronds are a light green color and 8 inches wide at the widest point. This is a medium spreader making a nice clump in a few years. Shade to Semi-shade, Rich Moist Soil, 2-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Botrychium virginianum Rattlesnake Fern It has a bright green lacey foliage and reaches a height of 6-12 inches. Must have shade but will tolerate drier soils. The fertile frond looks almost like a bloom that stands above the foliage. Shade, Moist or Dry Rich Soil, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 4-8

Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hayscented Fern The quickest spreading fern we grow. Will grow in sun or shade, wet or dry, a very versatile fern. Fronds are light green and turn gold yellow before going dormant for the winter. Sun or Shade, Wet or Dry Soil, 2-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Dryopteris goldiana Goldie Fern One of the tallest ferns, with dark green fronds that turn gold in the late summer. The fronds have a coarse look and can reach 12 inches across at the widest point. Shade, Moist Rich Soil, 3-4 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Dryopteris intermedia Fancy Fern, Toothed Woodfern This fern is usually evergreen except in real cold climates. Its fronds are finely cut giving it a lacey delicate look and they are a dark green. Often used by florist for greenery. The soil must be rich and humus and not allowed to dry out. Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 2-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Dryopteris marginalis Leather Woodfern A dark green leathery looking fern that is evergreen. The fronds come out of the root crown in a circle and then layout somewhat. Needs soil that is rich, humus, and moist. Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 2-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern One of our largest ferns often reaching heights of 5 feet. A very graceful tropical looking fern. The fronds get wider toward the top. Plant in a wet area and it will spread and make a nice mass quickly. If the soil is real wet it can take some sun. Shade to Semi-shade, Wet Soil, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 2-7

Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern This is a coarse looking fern with broad leaves. Grows in wet soils and will take sun or shade. Once established it will spread slowly. Shade or Sun, Wet Soils 9-18 in Tall, Zones 2-9

Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern Probably the most recognized fern. Gets large with yellow green fronds often dropping over. The wetter the soil the taller it will get, often reaching 5 feet. They can tolerate sun if the soil is not real dry. This is a pretty fern that works nicely around shrubs or in your flower garden. Has a cinnamon colored fertile frond in the spring. Shade to Semi-shade, Moist to Wet soil, 3-4 ft Tall, Zones 3-10

Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted Fern This one is similar to the Cinnamon Fern but will tolerate drier soils. The fertile leaflets interrupt the fronds giving it its common name. Has a light green color, which shows up well in the shade. Shade, Dry Soil, 3-4 ft Tall, Zones 4-10

Osmunda regalis Royal Fern, Locust Leaf Fern This is a different looking fern that can get large. Has a coarse foliage that resembles a locust tree foliage. Pick a sunny wet area for this fern and it can reach heights of 6 feet. It will actually grow in shallow water. Sun, Wet Soil, 3-6 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Polystichium acrostichoides Christmas Fern A very hardy evergreen fern. Has thick leathery dark green leaves that are used in the florist trade. This well known fern gives your flower garden some greenery during the winter months. Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 2-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-10

Thelypteris noveboracensis New York Fern Has light green foliage, which grows from a running root system. This is a good spreading fern and will tolerate dry shade. Tends to turn brown in late summer if it gets too much sun. Fronds are tapered at both ends. Shade to Semi-shade, Dry Soil, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 3-8

Orchids

Apelctrum hyemale Puttyroot A very unusual plant in that the solitary leaf appears in fall and lasts throughout the winter. Leaf is dark green with maroon on the backside. In the spring the leaf dies back and the yellowish to green flowers appear on a 6-12" stalk. Prefers a shady place with rich soil. Shade, Rich Soil,6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-9 Cypripedium calceolus Yellow Lady's Slipper This is one of the prettiest and well-known native orchids. This is also one of the easiest orchids to grow in your garden, as opposed to the Pink Lady's Slipper, which is very difficult to grow. The Yellow Lady's Slipper prefers a rich soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. It will reach a height of 1-2 Ft bearing a yellow slipper like flower on top in the Spring. This would make a great addition to your woodland garden. Shade, Rich Soil, 1-2 ft tall, Zones 4-8

Goodyera pubescens Rattlesnake Plantain These are most notable for their evergreen basal leaves, which are streaked with white veins. Blooms in the spring with a white spike flower about 6-12 in. tall. Needs to be in full shade with rich soil, which is moist but well drained. Works well in north facing gardens where the soil stays cool. Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-8 Platanthera ciliaris (Habenaria ciliaris) Yellow Fringed Orchid Called the yellow-fringed orchid although the flowers are orange with fringed tips. Blooms late summer to fall reaching a height of 12-18 in.. Will grow in varied conditions, rich or clay soil, wet or dry soil. Its main requirement is a very acid soil with a pH of 4.0 to 4.5. Sun to Shade, Acid Soil, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 5-9 Galearis spectabilis (Orchis spectabilis) Showy Orchid A small plant reaching a height of 6-12 in.. Has glossy green basal leaves. Flowers are a short raceme, violet purple with white lips, blooming in the spring. Prefers shade and rich soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, moist but well drained. Shade, Moist Rich Soil, 4-10 in Tall, Zones 4-7 Spiranthes cernua Nodding Ladies'-Tresses These have a spike of slightly fragrant white flowers appearing in the fall on a 12-18 in. stalk. The leaves are narrow and mainly around the base. The soil should be wet to slightly moist and acid. Sun - Semi, Moist Soil, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 4-8

Native Trees And Shrubs

Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye A deciduous tree reaching heights of 15-25 feet. Dark lustrous green leaves that drop in the late summer. Red spike flowers appear in the spring. Hummingbirds and bees love the flowers. Sun to Semi - shade, Rich Moist Soil, 15-25 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry This tree makes a beautiful show in the early spring with its white flowers. In the fall it has red berries which really attracts the birds. A slow to medium growing tree, usually seen as an under story tree in the woods. Given more sun it will flower more profusely. Sun to Shade, Rich to Average Soils, 20-45 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub, Bubby Bush An old time favorite with fragrant maroon flowers in the late spring toearly summer. Has large dark shiny green leaves, which make this an attractive plant when not in bloom. Sun to Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet A deciduous twining vine that has pods of orange colored berries in the early fall. Often used for fall decorations. Needs something sturdy to climb. Also you must have a male and female to produce berries. Sun or Shade, Average Soil, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Cercis Canadensis Redbud Tree The pink to purple flowers appear in the early spring before the leaves emerge making this a very showy plant when most other plants are still barren. Has large rounded leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Full Sun, Average Well Drained Soils, Spring, 10-15 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Chionanthus virginicus White Fringe Tree Has drooping sprays of fragrant white flowers in the early summer with dark green glossy leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Once established each tree will produce many flowers which are very fragrant. Sun, Moist Soil, summer, 10-15 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Clethra alnifolia Summersweet Has very fragrant white flowers in the summer. Leaves are dark green, which turn yellow in the fall. A great plant for mid summer flowers and does not get much taller than 4 feet. Sun to Shade, Moist to Dry Soil, summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Cytisus scoparius Scotchbroom This plant really puts on a show in the spring with its bright yellow flowers on the green barked stems. After it flowers the small green leaves appear. It flowers profusely when in full sun often lasting 4-6 weeks. The branches also make good greenery when cut and brought in around Christmas time. Sun, Well Drained Soil, spring, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 6-8

Halesia carolina Great Silverbell Has white bell shaped flowers in the summer. The bark is striped with gray, more prominent when the tree is young. Will grow in shade but blooms much better in the sun. Has an open type growth habit. Sun to Semi - shade, Summer, 20-40 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel Has yellow flowers in the late fall to early winter after the leaves have fallen off. The leaves are heart shaped with wavy borders, and then turn yellow in the fall. Semi - shade, Rich Soil, Fall, 10-20 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora Large Hydrangea Hardy shrub with creamy white flowers in the late summer then turning pink towards fall. These make great cut flowers when cut and dried. Can be trimmed in about any manner as it blooms on the new growth. Sun to Semi - Sun, Average Soil, Summer to Fall, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Hydrangea quercifolia Oak Leaf Hydrangea Has white flowers in the summer, which fade to a light pink. The foliage is dark green deeply lobed leaves, which turn red in the fall. Will tolerate the shade in rich moist soil. Semi- shade to Shade, Rich Moist Well Drained Soil, Summer, 6-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Hypericum densiflorum St. Johnswort Has numerous small yellow flowers in the summer, which really attract the bumblebees. Will tolerate varied conditions, from sun to semi - shade and dry soil to wet sunny areas. This shrub keeps a uniform look without any pruning. Will spread by underground roots. Sun to Semi - shade, Moist to Dry Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Ilex verticillata Winterberry Most noted for its bright red berries which will hang on for most of the winter. Has oval shaped bright green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Semi- shade, Moist Soil, Winter, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire A very attractive shrub with white fragrant flowers appearing in the spring. It stays under 5 feet tall making it a good foundation shrub. The foliage turns a bright red in the fall and the stems have a slight red tinge during the winter. With all of these qualities this plant is quite attractive year round. Semi - shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 3-6 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel This shrub is evergreen, leaves are dark green and shiny, and much smaller than that of the Rhododendron. Has numerous small pink flowers in the late spring. Will grow in varied conditions, sun in cooler climates and shade in warmer climates. Soil should be rich and slightly acid. Sun to Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Leucothoe fontanesiana Drooping Leucothoe An evergreen shrub with dark green shiny leaves which turn maroon in the winter, in sunny locations. They are often cut and brought in for greenery during the winter. Has numerous white flowers in the spring that hang down beneath the stems. Does best in a moist shady location with rich soil. Stays low only reaching heights of 3-5 ft tall. Great for mass plantings. Shade to Semi - shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar Large deep green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Orange marked flowers in the spring that really attract the hummingbirds. Full Sun, Average Well Drained Soil, Spring, 75-100 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood Tree By far one of the showiest native trees we offer. Has slightly fragrant white flowers in the summer, they resemble Lily-of-the-valley. The green leaves turn a bright red in the fall, usually turning before any other trees. This tree is a must for your landscape. Sun to Semi-shade, Average Soil, Summer, 20-30 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Philadelphus coronarius Mock Orange This is a loose growing deciduous shrub, which bears creamy fragrant white flowers in the summer. The leaves are oval shaped and light green. Can be pruned to suit location. Semi - Shade, Rich Well Drained Soil, Summer, 5-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Fast growing deciduous tree reaching heights of 50 feet. Has rounded finely toothed leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. The leaves flutter in the lightest breeze giving it its common name. These spread by underground runners often forming large colonies. Sun, Average Soil, 25-50 ft Tall, Zones 2-9

Rhododendron arborescens Smooth Azalea This is by far one of the best of the deciduous native azaleas. Has white very fragrant flowers in the summer when other azaleas are long gone. This would prefer to have a little extra moisture. Semi - shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron calendulacea Flame Azalea This is probably the most commonly seen Azalea in the mountains of N.C. It is deciduous and has bright orange flowers, which appear just after the leaves appear in the late spring. The flower shades will vary from yellow to red depending on soil,sun,exposure, and many other factors. It puts on a beautiful show in a semi- shaded area. Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron carolinianum Carolina Rhododendron, Punctatum This is an evergreen variety that has light pink flowers early in the spring. Usually the first of this family to bloom. The leaves are dark green and are smaller than the other evergreen Rhodo's. Like wise the blooms are smaller but are very numerous and make a real show in the early spring. Semi- Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron catawbiense Red Laurel, Red Rhododendron This is an evergreen variety that blooms late spring to early summer. The blooms are not red contrary to the common name, they are lavender. Do not try to grow this one in hot climates, it will not survive. It does love cold weather and will withstand harsh winter winds. Will tolerate some sun in cool climates. Must have very rich moist, but well drained, soil. Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 6-15 ft Tall, Zones 3-7

Rhododendron maximum Rose Bay Rhododendron The largest and hardiest of the Rhodo's. It is evergreen and can reach heights of 10-25 ft Tall. Has beautiful white, sometimes tinged with pink, flowers in the summer. When these bloom here in the mountains you know summer is half over. Does like the shade but will tolerate some sun in cooler climates. Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Rhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter Flower Azalea This is a deciduous variety with pink flowers early in the spring before the leaves appear. More commonly seen in the piedmont sections, but will survive in cold climates. The bloom resembles that of a honeysuckle except it is pink. This variety will spread somewhat by underground runners. Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-15 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron vaseyi Pink Shell Azalea This too is a deciduous variety with the blooms appearing before the leaves do, which make the pink flowers really stand out. It does well in cold climates as well as warm. This is a very adaptable plant. Foliage turns red in the fall. Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 4-7

Robinia hispida Fuzzy Locust A very pretty low growing tree that has purple flowers in the summer. Does not have sharp thorns as regular Locust Trees do. It will spread by underground runners so give this tree some room to naturalize. Sun, Average Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rubus odoratus Flowering Raspberry Has large light green leaves that resemble a maple leaf. The flowers are purple and appear in the summer and the bumblebees love them. Has a light red fruit that is edible, but maybe a little tart tasting, Will spread and make a large colony. Will tolerate quite a bit of shade. Shade to Semi - Shade, Rich Soil, Summer, 3-6 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Sambucus Canadensis Elderberry Deciduous shrub, which spreads by underground runners. Has creamy white flowers in the summer, which turn into a dark purple fruit in the late summer. Will tolerate wet soils. Shade to Semi- Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 3-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Syringa vulgaris Common Purple Lilac This is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 8-12 feet. Has an extremely fragrant purple flower during the summer. This plant is an old time favorite. Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 8-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Vaccinium vacillans Blue Ridge Blueberry This variety has small blueberries that have a great taste. It must have very acid soil to thrive, pH should be around 4.5, and give it full sun to produce more berries. Sun, Acid Soil, Summer, 2-7 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Viburnum dentatum Arrowood Viburnum A deciduous shrub that has beautiful white flowers in the spring and blue berries in the fall. The berries are good for attracting wildlife. The dark green leaves turn yellowish to red in the fall. Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 5-15 ft Tall, Zones 2-8

Xanthoriza simplicissima Yellowroot A small shrub that spreads readily by underground runners. Flowers are a brownish color that droop. Works well in shady wet spots where it will naturalize quickly. Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 1-3 ft Tall, Zones 5-9