Trout lilies are currently blooming in south Georgia and leaves are breaking ground in north Georgia. This is dimpled trout lily (Erythronium umbilicatum), so named because of the dimpled fruit capsule. The speckled foliage gives rise to the trout lily name; two leaves mean it should be mature enough to bloom while a single leaf means it is not mature enough or doesn’t have enough resources to bloom. It grows from a small, tan-colored bulb.  

These petite members of the Liliaceae family are exotic-looking spring ephemerals with bright yellow petals and purple anthers.  The yellow blooms are sharply recurved and stand up on single stems. Because the blooms last only a few days, you have to be vigilant in watching for them, or you'll miss them.  Other common names include fawn lily and dog-tooth violet.

Sweet Betsy trillium is a perennial member of the Liliaceae family and is one of 21 different species found in Georgia.  It is one of several sessile (flower sits directly on the leaves) trilliums that have maroon flower petals.  The flowers have three generally erect elliptic-obovate petals, typically 1.5-2.5 in. long and 0.5-1 in. wide, sometimes with a faint fruity or spicy fragrance.  

Trillium cuneatum grows in moist shade under deciduous trees or large shrubs in well-drained, humusy soil.  It has outstanding leaf color and patterns, the flower is long lasting, fading as it ages, and it may be found in spectacular colonies.

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is one of the beautiful spring-blooming shrubs you can see around our neighborhood. Blooms usually appear in March and April in Georgia, which coincides with the spring migration of the ruby throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) - an example of nature’s perfect timing for they love these blooms. 

It grows under the shade of taller trees in rich, acidic, mesic (containing a moderate amount of moisture) woodland areas and river bluffs as a shrub 10 to 15 feet high.  Red buckeye’s glossy, dark green leaves are broad, palmate, and quite attractive. Its long, red, tubular flowers are borne on upright panicles 6 to 10 inches long.  In late summer to early fall, the fruit ripens into a globular light brown seed capsule about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Inside the capsule are 1 to 3 shiny seeds with pale scars, and are called buckeyes because they resemble the eye of a buck. The seeds are toxic and are avoided by most wildlife, although squirrels are able to eat them.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is blooming now. Like most hydrangeas, it's inflorescence is a mixture of showy, sterile flowers (big petals) and tiny, fertile flowers. The buzzing around the flowers and the pollinator activity when those fertile flowers open can be intense! 

It is native to the western edge of Georgia from north to south. It was discovered in Georgia by William Bartram in 1775 in Crawford County; Georgia is home to all four of the native hydrangea species (and none of them have blue flowers).

This large shrub is perfectly happy in the garden and is widely cultivated; there are dwarf forms, double-flowering forms, golden-foliaged forms and many others. The cream-colored spring flowers age to pink once they are done and can remain on the plant for months in that form. The large and handsome leaves can have outstanding fall color, stretching the appeal of this plant to almost year-round.

In spring, it has beautiful flowers; in summer, it has handsome foliage; in fall, it has gorgeous fall color; and in winter, it has beautiful, exfoliating bark.

Fall color can be deep and slightly muted or it can be bright. Often, the dried, blooms of summer remain to offer a bit of lacy décor.  As a landscape plant, it grows throughout Georgia and is readily available in nurseries.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a gorgeous summer-flowering perennial that also supports a lot of wildlife. The flowers provide nectar to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, the foliage is host to caterpillars (providing food to hungry birds), and the tiny seeds are food for songbirds.

These are clump-forming perennials which features erect, terminal spikes (racemes) of large, cardinal red flowers on unbranched, alternate-leafed stalks.

This is considered a short-lived perennial but it propagates itself by offsets and seeds, so you usually also have a few more. The rosettes are usually green all winter (keep mulch and leaves off the plant). Naturally found in moist areas, making this perfect for rain gardens, it does just fine in average garden moisture conditions too.

Butterfly weed is a common, long-lived and striking perennial native to North America from southern Canada and New York to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. The bright orange, yellow, and red flowers of Asclepias tuberosa are, as the name suggests, a butterfly magnet. Other common names are butterfly milkweed, butterfly plant, orangeroot, or orange milkweed.

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed (Asclepiadaceae or Apocynaceae): this family includes plants with milky sap which is poisonous to most insects. Unlike the other milkweeds Asclepias tuberosa contains little or no milky juice. The leaves are two to six inches long, grow closely all the way up the stem and are hairy, dark green on top, lighter beneath. Stems are branched near the top and have flat clusters (umbels) of many very showy quarter-inch flowers in shades varying from pale to deep yellow through vibrant orange to bright red. These flowers usually bloom from June to September, often extending through late fall here in the Piedmont. Appearing in the autumn, the fruit of the butterfly weed is quite distinctive. The seed pod is 4 to 5 inches long, oval-shaped and contains numerous small seeds each with a tuft of long silky hairs or floss, making them easily airborne.  It sends up several erect, stout, round and hairy stems, growing from 2 to 4 feet high. 

Since it is a prairie plant, butterfly weed is an excellent selection for meadow and other naturalized plantings because it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Asclepias tuberosa will perform well in dry conditions, but will also tolerate a wet environment. Due to its long bloom time and other attributes, this ‘weed’ is a wonderful, low maintenance perennial for the sun garden.

Being a milkweed, butterfly weed is a potential host larval plant for the caterpillars of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), although the common milkweed is perhaps a better choice. It is also a favorite nectar-source for a number of butterfly species, including the tiger swallowtail and black swallowtail. As a bonus for your garden, butterfly weed is deer-resistant.

Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum) is a native lily that blooms in July and August.  It grows tall, reaching up to 7 feet tall.  The largest and most spectacular of the native Lilies; up to 40 flowers have been recorded on a single plant.  The inside of the flower has green markings at the base of each petal, often called a green star. The leaves are also in a whorl but their shape is elliptic to lance-shaped.  It grows in wet to well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

The common name is derived from the reflexed shape of the flower petals, which presumably resemble a type of hat worn by early Turkish people.  These wonderful flowers are a great choice for a pollination garden especially if you're fond of hummingbirds.

Jewelweed or Impatiens capensis is a tall, orange-flowering plant that loves a damp low spot and you can find it on roadsides and along streambanks. Since it's an annual, it relies on good seed distribution to return each year, often creating dense stands. It is familiar to many as a “quick fix” for poison ivy exposure because the stems have so much moisture that they help to wash away the ivy’s oily residue. It is also reported to have fungicidal qualities.

It can also sometimes be also known as orange jewelweed, spotted jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not, and orange balsam.  The seed pod is almost spring-loaded – hence the common name “touch me not” because the seeds will burst from the pods when touched.  A fun plant for kids! 

The surface of its leaves is hydrophobic, repelling water. This action forms little droplet "jewels" to hang off the edges of the leaves, and if submerged in water, the leaf retains a silvery film of air trapped on its surface, resembling a leaf of glass or crystal. 
Hummingbirds love the tubular flowers and bees do too, so it’s great to have some for them.

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a dependable, bullet-proof shrub. It loves full sun, it is not picky about soil conditions, and most deer leave it alone. It most often grows 3-5 ft. tall and usually just as wide, It can reach 9 ft. in height in favorable soil and moisture conditions. Although the flowers are pretty modest, the large leaves are handsome all summer.  It has long, arching branches and yellow-green fall foliage, but its most striking feature is the clusters of glossy, iridescent-purple fruit (sometimes white) which hug the branches at leaf axils in the fall and winter.  Birds love its clusters of tiny fruits, especially mockingbirds and catbirds.

This easily propagated shrub is generally available in better nurseries, but be alert to non-native lookalikes. The only native one is C. americana. It has larger leaves (wider and longer) and the flowers and berries are held very close to the stem. 

Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), is a hardy evergreen fern native to most of Georgia and the eastern United States. It is a clumping fern that grows naturally in shaded woodlands even where it might be a bit dry. The Christmas Fern is an accommodating fern for those looking for an easy care native in their woodland garden. It will grow in a variety of situations: shady, rich, poor, rocky, etc. Although, all information about this fern recommends we plant it in moist soil, it tolerates dry, shady soil and can go for weeks without watering. It does occasionally suffer a dried frond but, once established, it seems immune to dryer soils. It’s a beautiful and adaptable fern, wonderful for home landscapes.

It has a height and width from 1 to 3 feet.  This is a great accent plant or groundcover in a woodland garden with good winter interest in an other wise brown winter garden.  It provides erosion control on slopes and is a valuable deer resistant plant.

It got its name because many people in colonial times used this fern to decorate at Christmas, since if is evergreen.

Florida anise (Illicium floridanum) is a native evergreen shrub that has a small native range, but it has gotten a lot of attention in the nursery trade because it is easy to grow, shade tolerant, wet tolerant, deer resistant, and evergreen. It is native to five southeastern states, and just barely in Georgia. It is NOT the source of the anise spice and should not be eaten.

The red star-shaped blooms produced in late spring are truly exceptionally unique, but not everyone enjoys their fragrance.. The crimson blooms standout vibrantly against the glossy evergreen leaves of the plant.  Star-shaped seed pods follow. Several cultivars are available, including variegated forms and different flower colors.

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is also in the Saxifrage family.  Tiarella is partially evergreen over the winter, the leaves often flat against the ground, sometimes with a bronze color. Come spring, new leaves will emerge and delicate wands of tiny flowers will rise up to float above them. Native to the northern half of Georgia but quite adaptable further south.

It is a great native perennial for beginners. It’s not very finicky as to soil, as long as adequate moisture can be had; it’s not very picky about sun/shade, although it doesn’t like the extremes. The flowers are absolutely beautiful and rather long lasting, leaving behind attractive foliage that can stay evergreen almost year-round. When it’s happy, it gradually increases in size and you might even get a few seedlings.

Eastern Redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) are short understory trees with eye-catching purple blooms that are all the more beautiful because the flowers form before the leaves open, making them very conspicuous. They are blooming now, and you will be able to spot them throughout the woods of Georgia.  It has an unusual ability to set flowers directly from the trunk!  Its flowers are treasured by honey bees and the seeds are an important food source for many birds and mammals.

It is one of the early blooming native trees. Found throughout the state (as well as much of the eastern and southcentral US), redbud is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae).  The seeds are contained in slim pods that form after the flowers are pollinated. It has heart-shaped leaves and a pleasing vase-shaped form.

Iris fulva is commonly called copper iris because of the unusual copper color of its flowers. It is a beardless, crestless iris that is native to swamps and wetlands of the deep South and of the lower Mississippi Valley from Louisiana north to southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. It is often found growing and blooming in standing water in spring-flooded areas that typically dry up as the summer progresses. Terra cotta or copper colored irises appear in late spring atop flower scapes typically growing 2-3’ tall. Flowers are reportedly pollinated by hummingbirds. Sword-shaped, linear, bright green leaves. 

This is Stokes’s aster (Stokesia laevis), one of our true blue perennials. Flowers bloom from early to mid-summer (sometimes with a fall rebloom) atop generally erect, leafy stems that rise from a basal rosette of lanceolate to elliptic, medium green leaves (to 6" long). Stem leaves are stalkless and smaller than basal leaves.  It keeps a tight rosette of green leaves all winter that are long, thick and straplike. This perennial has a small native range in south Georgia but has been a garden favorite throughout the state for generations. Give it sun and good moisture and the pollinators will love your place.

This is purple passionflower, Passiflora incarnata, a native, herbaceous vine, 25 foot long, which climbs with axillary tendrils or sprawls along the ground.  It is host to the Gulf fritillary butterfly.  It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.  Passiflora incarnata is a rapid-growing, tendril-climbing vine which is woody in warm winter climates and herbaceous (dies to the ground) in cold winter climates.

A native of the Southeastern U.S., it features three-lobed, dark green deciduous leaves and showy, 2.5" diameter, fringed flowers having white petals and sepals and a central crown of pinkish-purple filaments. The intricate lavender flowers are short-stalked from leaf axils. The petals and sepals subtend a fringe of wavy or crimped, hair-like segments. The pistil and stamens are also showy. The flowers bloom from June to September and are fragrant.

Fleshy, egg-shaped, edible fruits called maypops appear in two to three months after flowering and mature to a yellowish color in fall. Ripened maypops can be eaten fresh off the vine or made into jelly. Maypop is also a common name for this vine. Maypop name refers to the loud popping sound made when fruits are stepped on.

This unusual flower is widely distributed in the Southeast, especially from Florida to Texas. The plants were given the name Passionflower or Passion vine because the floral parts were once said to represent aspects of the Christian crucifixion story, sometimes referred to as the Passion. The 10 petal-like parts represents the disciples of Jesus, excluding Peter and Judas; the 5 stamens the wounds Jesus received; the knob-like stigmas the nails; the fringe the crown of thorns.

A sun loving plant, Georgia aster was once widespread across southeastern meadows and prairies, but is rare today because of habitat destruction and wildfire suppression.  The Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) is currently finishing blooming for this year. This rare species is found only in a few states and we are so glad that Georgia is one of them! It has the largest blooms (up to 2 inches across) of any of our native asters. 

Regarded as the aster with the brightest and most vividly bluish-purple flowers, Georgia aster blooms from late-September through November. The composite flowers are 2 to 2 ¾ inches wide, consisting of both small disk flowers in the center and long ray flowers that radiate from the center. The disk flowers are white at first and become reddish-purple as the bloom ages, the ray petals are bluish-violet, and the purple-tipped stamens produce white pollen. Its leaves, often seen in the middle part of the stem, clasp the stem. The stems grow 20 to 40 inches or taller, and the plant spreads by underground roots at a moderate rate to form a clump.

Georgia aster is not a particularly tidy plant and looks best in a plant community of native grasses, goldenrods, and other perennials so the large flowers can mix and mingle among the stems of the other plants. Plants can increase in size over time through roots or via seed.

Heartleaf ginger (Hexastylis arifolia) is also widely known as little brown jug because of the small flowers that hide under the leaves in early spring. The leaves are present all winter and replaced in spring by new ones. All the evergreen gingers (not related to edible ginger) were moved to the Hexastylis genus some years ago; the non-evergreen ones are still Asarum. This species is found throughout the state, although a little less frequently in the lower Coastal Plain. Look for the leaves trying hard to stay above the thick leaf litter in deciduous woodlands and gently pull away the leaves to find the flowers.

Hexastylis arifolia can be a very adaptable plant in the garden.  When given adequate morning sun, a single plant can grow into a handsome clump and can serve as a ground cover in sufficient quantities.  Dry conditions may cause it to wilt, but it rebounds nicely when watered.

Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is an early flowering, evergreen native vine that is flowering in the southern part of the state now. Glossy leaves can create a thick cover when this vine is happy, and you can see it scrambling over highway walls in places. Native throughout the state, it is generally available in nurseries because it is attractive and easy to grow. The trumpet-shaped bright yellow flowers are a beautiful addition to late winter landscapes.

It prefers sun to part-shade and moist well-drained soil. A tenacious and adaptable vine with no serious disease or insect problems, it is deer resistant and attracts hummingbirds and Spicebush Swallowtail Butterflies!

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is our earliest native tree to bloom in the Atlanta metro area and marks the arrival of spring.  Red flowers emerge in clusters along the branches in mid-February before the leaves appear.  Red maple also marks the endof the growing season with fiery red leaves that stand out beautifully against the yellow leaves of the tulip poplar and the green needles of evergreen trees.  A red maple is an excellent choice for a landscape specimen shade tree.  It grows fast, but it does not have brittle wood or a weak limb structure.  This makes it useful for saving energy, as well - the tree shades your home in summer, but allows warm sunshine into windows in winter.  It matures to 40-60' high with a 30-50' spread.

Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are uncommon spring ephemerals native only in a few counties in NW Georgia. There are actually 18 species of Mertensia in North America, but this species is the only eastern one. The rest are found in the west and a couple are only found in Canada.  Bluebells are a member of the Borage (Boraginaceae) family which includes a few other genera with native members such as forget-me-not and comfrey.

Extra special is having the flower color change over time: flowers start out pink and then change to blue. The plant produces clusters of pastel sky blue trumpet-shaped flowers that form from pink buds. Each individual flower is about one inch long and is formed from 5 fused petals. The flower calyx and the sepals are very short. At first the flowers are held erect, but often they often droop due to their weight as blooming continues.  Butterflies serve as the primary pollinators of this species.

Virginia bluebells thrive in moist, part-shade conditions with rich soil. They multiply well when happy, and they fade away when they're not. They mix well with ferns and other perennials that fill in the spaces once they go dormant. 

Mouse-eared coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata) is a spectacular mid-spring blooming perennial. Its bright blooms light up a part-shade area or hold their own against other perennials in the sunny bed. It keeps foliage year-round in sunny areas. Long, leaf-less stems rise above small leaves that may or may not be lobed to resemble a mouse’s head with two ears.

It is a southeastern native member of the sunflower family. In the wild, this hardy perennial is found in woodlands and moist slopes. In a garden, it does best in full sun, where it forms these beautiful clouds of flower heads.  It slowly spreads when it’s happy so plant it where it can expand a bit. It does well in large pots too.

Helenium autumnale ‘Red Jewel’ is a cultivar of a late summer-blooming perennial that is esteemed for its long blooming period and the consistent color it maintains throughout the season.  Helenium is a genus of about 40 species of annuals and deciduous herbaceous perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the Americas.  A number of these species (particularly Helenium autumnale) have the common name sneezeweed, based on the former use of their dried leaves in making snuff, inhaled to cause sneezing that would supposedly rid the body of evil spirits.

The red and orange colors of this variety are unique, as the native is usually yellow. Because the flower stems are long, Helenium autumnale, also known as sneezeweed or Helen’s flower, can be used as a cut flower. It grows 30 to 36 inches tall.

Like other daisy-like flowers, Helenium attracts butterflies. It grows best in full sun and in average soil situations, avoiding extremely dry or wet conditions.

Rambunctious blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), once known as a Eupatorium and also known by the common name hardy ageratum, has been a favorite pass-along plant for many generations. The gift lives on in ditches where old homesites used to be. It mixes well with fall-blooming yellow plants but make sure you are ready for it to pass itself along to other parts of your yard!

Vernonia spp. commonly called Ironweed is a tall herbaceous perennial. Many species are native to Eastern and southeastern United States. This flowers can vary from light pink to the more commonly bright purple flowers. Varying species of Vernonia can grow between 6 – 10 feet tall. Ironweed thrives in full sun and moist soils and the stems are strong and are not prone to falling over.

Ironweed is a plant that deserves more usage in the garden and more preservation in wild spaces. This tall perennial is fairly unremarkable until deep purple clusters of tiny flowers burst open, usually in mid to late summer (there are some earlier blooming ones). What appears to be a single flower is actually about a dozen blooms, typical for a plant in the Asteraceae family. Bees and butterflies benefit from ironweed’s nectar and pollen and small birds eat the seeds later. It is also a larval host plant for the American painted lady butterfly.

If you’re looking for beautiful red berries, Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is your best native alternative to the invasive Nandina.  This deciduous shrub produces plentiful berries in late summer that last all through the winter– excellent for your garden’s winter interest.  It is a native shrub and is quite showy in the winter when the leaves fall off, revealing stems laden with bright red fruits. Birds are readily attracted to them. 

The leaves of Common winterberry are not shaped with sharp teeth like other hollies and are not evergreen.  Winterberry is a globular, upright, medium-sized shrub, typically 6-10 ft. tall.  

Hollies are dioecious (having male and female flowers on separate plants) so be sure to have a mix of both for best fruit set on the females.  You can purchase cultivars such as ‘Winter Red’ and ‘Red Sprite’ (both females) and the corresponding males that work best with them (‘Southern Gentleman’ and ‘Jim Dandy’, respectively); one male will work for several females.  Winterberry will also greatly increase the wildlife benefit of your garden– providing year-round food for birds, as a host for pollinator species, and providing special value to honey bees.

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is one of our most familiar native evergreen trees, and large old trees can be found in many landscaped areas. However, its natural range in Georgia is primarily in the Coastal Plain. It is adaptable and thrives well outside its range, occasionally naturalizing in areas thanks to wildlife transporting the seeds.

It is noted for its attractive dark glossy green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers.  Flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout the summer. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters that mature in late summer to early fall.  Mature trees reach up to 80 feet tall.  Many cultivars are available with dwarf forms like ‘Little Gem’ being especially popular in today’s smaller landscapes. 

Galax (Galax urceolata) is an evergreen perennial that has been used for years in the floral trade because the thick, glossy leaves are attractive in arrangements. In some areas it has been overharvested because it is easier to pull up the whole plant rather than just pick the leaves. The leaves sometimes take on a bronze hue in late winter. New leaves emerge in the spring. The bloom is a long thin stalk of small white flowers; other common names include wandflower and beetleweed. It is largely native to the northern half the state with just a few areas in the upper Coastal Plain. 

Leucojum aestivum, although called 'Summer Snowflake', flowers in mid spring and then goes dormant during summer. It features 4 to 8 white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers with green-tipped tepals, dangling from each long, fairly sturdy flower stem. The ensemble is nicely complemented by clumps of dark grassy green leaves. As an added bonus, the flowers are softly chocolate-scented!

Rising up to 14 - 18 inches tall, this white beauty is an easy grower, naturalizes well and will multiply over time. It tolerates boggy spots and will do well on the edges of natural ponds. It is easily grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Native to western Asia and Europe.

Asclepias incarnata, commonly called swamp milkweed (pictured above with Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies), is an erect, clump-forming, native plant which is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows throughout the state. It typically grows 3-4' tall on branching stems. Small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers (1/4" wide), each with five reflexed petals and an elevated central crown, appear in tight clusters (umbels) at the stem ends in summer. Narrow, lance-shaped, taper-pointed leaves are 3-6" long. Stems exude a toxic milky sap when cut. Flowers are followed by attractive seed pods (to 4" long) which split open when ripe releasing silky-haired seeds easily carried by the wind. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies as a nectar source. In addition, swamp milkweed is an important food source for the larval stage of Monarch butterflies.

It’s hard to miss the flowers of scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) when they are screaming red and up to 6 feet tall. Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea and bergamot, is native to eastern North America where it typically occurs in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and along streambanks from Maine to Minnesota south to Missouri and Georgia. It is a somewhat coarse, clump-forming, mint family member that features tubular, two-lipped, bright scarlet-red flowers crowded into dense, globular, terminal flowerheads (to 3-4” across) somewhat resembling unkempt mop-heads. Flowerheads bloom atop 2-4’ tall square stems clad with opposite, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, medium to deep green leaves (3-6” long) with serrate margins. Leaves emit a minty fragrance when bruised or crushed. Each flowerhead is subtended by a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. Long summer bloom extends for about 8 weeks from early/mid-summer to late summer. Plant foliage declines after bloom, particularly if infected with mildew. Hummingbirds and bees adore this plant, of course, and it makes a colorful back of the border plant (where it can have room to expand).

Maryland goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana) is native throughout Georgia.  This perennial can be found in dry rocky soils such as roadsides and meadows/fields. The deep green foliage is attractive even when the plant is not blooming, topped in late summer/early fall by clusters of bright yellow flowers. It is resistant to deer and drought and attracts butterflies, bees and pollinators.

Hellebores (sometimes known as the Christmas or lenten rose) are evergreen members of the buttercup family. These plants flower in late winter or early spring and are hardy in Zones 4 to 9. The native range of hellebores is Greece, Turkey and Russia. Hybridizing has increased the flower color palette, which includes white, green, pink, maroon or spotted flowers. Most varieties will re-seed readily. Because the plants are already hybrids new color flowers will appear as the plants reproduce themselves.

Hellebore plants are 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall so the flowers are close to the ground drooping down on a 45 degree angle for an extended bloom cycle. Flowers droop as a survival mechanism to snow, sleet and rain. 

Hellebores are evergreen perennials which prefer partial to full shade. The foliage is attractive with large shiny dark green leaves. Plant hellebores in well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Plants prefer filtered sunlight. Planting them under deciduous shade trees where they get some morning sun will provide shade during the hot summer months. 

Most species bloom somewhere between December to April and will stay in bloom for a month or longer. The foliage remains attractive into summer, so mass plantings are appropriate. These plants are ideal for woodland gardens. Rich moist soil is desirable. Hellebores have relatively few pest or disease problems.  Once established, hellebores are extremely cold hardy and very drought tolerant.

Sharp-lobed hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba) is blooming in the mountains now. A trip to the Pocket at Pigeon Mountain (Walker County) found them in bloom, most in white but with a few purple ones here and there. The leaves are usually present all winter, usually darkened; new ones will emerge after the flowers.

Hepatica acutiloba has no nectar, but insects forage the plant and carry pollen from one flower to another. Since butterflies, moths and other common pollinators are not active at the time these bloom, they are mostly pollinated by small carpenter bees, sweat bees, and occasionally mining bees.

Once the blooms fade, the plant will produce 'seeds' that are hydrophilic, meaning they need to be kept moist and planted right away after harvest. Since the swollen seed pods droop, they are often covered by the leaves. If you want to collect the seeds, tie a collection bag around the pods and keep an eye out for them as they drop into the bag. Plant them immediately.

If allowed to drop to the ground, they may be collected by ants who will take it to their net to feed their babies. The seed has a fleshy coating called and elaiosomes, which are very nutritious. Once the elaiosome has been cleaned form the seed, the adult ant will toss it out onto the ground, assuring that the seeds are scattered to prevent overcrowding. 

Tiny rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is one of our spring ephemerals in Georgia. Native to woodlands, this member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) bravely rises above the leaf litter to about 8 inches. The flowers can be white or light pink and the foliage color is green to reddish-brown. It does very well in a shade garden, often developing into a more robust clump than in the wild. Small bees visit the flowers to collect pollen.

American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) blooms in May – one of the ways that you can distinguish it from the non-native wisteria that have finished blooming by then. The native species blooms after the leaves have emerged and its seedpods are smooth, not fuzzy. It is also not as aggressive as the two Asian species (W. floribunda and W. sinensis). In Georgia, the range of the native species is mostly in the southern half of the state but it grows well throughout and the cultivar ‘Amethyst Falls’ is often sold. Always check for the botanical name when purchasing; there are some nurseries that are still selling the non-native ones. Photo is by GNPS member Sheri George.

Milkweeds are up and starting to bloom by June.  Ready for Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs, milkweed is the host plant for the Monarch caterpillars.  One variety, Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a drought tolerant milkweed that has a large range in the eastern US and in much of Georgia. It has narrow leaves in whorls of 3-6 per node. It appreciates well-drained soil, tolerates part shade and will increase its presence in the landscape if conditions are right. The flowers are lightly fragrant. This one was photographed in the Coosa Valley prairies of Floyd County. 

American bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum) is a tall member of the bellflower family and it is an annual (or sometimes a biennial). Did you know we have some beautiful annual native plants? Native mostly to north Georgia, these beautiful flowers pair well with other tall summer native plants like scarlet beebalm and cardinal flower, both plants that do well in the same conditions: moist soil with light shade.

Solidago rugosa is called wrinkle-leaf goldenrod. It is most often sold as the cultivar ‘Fireworks.’ A compact, mildly-spreading selection, it has especially showy panicles of flowers and has become very popular in landscape design where it has helped champion the cause of using native plants in garden design. Grows to 3-4' tall and wide and likes full sun to light shade.  Yellow spikes of flowers appear in early fall. 

This cultivar was propagated by Niche Gardens nursery after it was discovered at North Carolina Botanical Garden. Since the foliage and blooms were not altered with this cultivar (it was selected for form), insects should find it just as tasty as the species.

One of the most used Georgia native grasses in professional landscaping is pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris). Landscapers love to use it in great sweeps and it is looking fabulous right now, like pink cotton candy. Some people say that some of what is sold as M. capillaris is really M. filipes, a later blooming, more coastal species known as purple muhly. M. capillaris is mostly native to the Coastal Plain, but USDA reports a few populations even in the Piedmont region. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Pink Muhly is long-lived and has no real insect or disease problems and is highly resistant to deer grazing. It tolerates heat, humidity, drought, poor soil and is salt tolerant.

Ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) is a small evergreen fern native throughout Georgia and the eastern half of the US. It has slender fronds with a black rachis (the part in the middle of the frond). It loves to grow next to rocks and trees, nestled inside mossy areas, or on slight mounds in part shade. By the time that the tiny new fronds are unfurling, the old fronds are beaten down, broken, and tinged with brown. Look for these ferns in woodlands and partly sunny edges, often near rocks. Occasionally they appear in sunnier places, remnants perhaps of the woodlands that were there before. It is one of dozens of spleenwort ferns native to the US, named for the spleen-shaped sori on the back of the frond (and the belief that they could be used to treat spleen ailments).

(Georgia Native Plant Society)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a perennial wildflower is native throughout most of Georgia and the eastern half of the US, as far north as Canada and south to Texas and Florida. It is a welcome early flower to humans and bees who gather pollen from it. The common name comes from the reddish juice that flow from cut rhizomes.

The flower bud is often pinkish, but there is usually no sign of pink once the flower opens. A single, lobed leaf is often wrapped around the flower stem, as if to protect it from the chilly mornings. The pure white petals and showy stamens with prominent yellow anthers rise above a gray-green leaf that often wraps protectively around the stem.  Even after the flowers are done, this plant makes a handsome groundcover for several months in good moisture conditions. Ants carry the seeds to their babies, who eat the fleshy coat from the seed. Then the parent ant tosses the seeds out of the nest, scattering them around. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) is one of 13 species native to Georgia.  This perennial native phlox is found in scattered areas of Georgia and most of the Eastern US. It is popular in cultivation, does well in a shade garden and will spread when happy. Another common name is wild sweet William. The blooms are lightly fragrant.  They bring welcome color to shaded woodlands in early spring. Look for woodland phlox growing in state parks like Cloudland Canyon or on the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. This species can found at native plant sales (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a fairly common woodland plant with an uncommon name. Jack-in-the pulpit was given its common name by its flower, which resembles a church pulpit. This plant is also known as “Indian turnip,” from its underground corm, a bulb-like structure, which is actually part of the stem. Jack-in-the-pulpit prefers shady, moist sites, and it does not tolerate influx of invasive species very well. This plant tends to thrive in forests that have mostly native vegetation. A perennial that appears in late spring and flowers soon there afterward, boasts striped flowers containing various shades of green and purple. The leaves arise in groups of three along a long stem. In the fall, bright red seeds form on this plant, making it very distinct in a forest setting or landscape. 

Purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) has a large native range, and confirmed populations in Georgia have been recently discovered. It is a popular and showy species for gardens and people do grow it in Georgia. It grows to a maximum height of about three feet. Leaves are oval and arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaves are large and may be eight inches long and four inches wide. Flowers develop in spherical clusters at the top of the plant. Each flower has its own stalk. The flowers are red-purple with five reflexed petals and five hoods per flower. The fruits are smooth pods, up to six inches long and less than one inch wide.

Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) is a tall yellow roadside flower that you might see in wet ditches. This perennial can grow up to 8 feet tall and have thick, winged stems. Flowers are daisy-like and occur at the top of the plant. It is a late summer bloomer, similar to other wet roadside bloomers like ironweed (Vernonia). It is popular with bees and skippers and is the host plant for several butterflies including the Silvery Checkerspot.

This is possumhaw, Viburnum nudum, a moisture-loving shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of small, cream-colored flowers.  These flowers are enjoyed by small beetles such as longhorn beetles as well as small bees.  The flowers then turn into pink berries that age to blue (if the birds let them). The prettiest bunches are a mix of colors. After the berries finish, the deciduous foliage will glow with color in the late fall.  

This shrub is native throughout Georgia, thriving on wet edges of ponds and streams as well as in gardens all over. Nurserymen have taken notice of these beautiful shrubs: popular cultivars include ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Winterthur.’ (GNPS)

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Coastal Plain that, like many good evergreen plants that grow well in propagation, has been introduced to other areas. It grows fairly well throughout the state, especially in moist, part-shade conditions. Several cultivars are available, including ‘Shamrock’ and ‘Compacta.’ Like other holly relatives, there are male and female plants so if you want the inky blue-black fruit, make sure you have some of each. A similar but slightly larger species is the native gallberry, Ilex coriacea. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Catesby’s trillium (Trillium catesbaei) is a medium sized trillium found in woodlands throughout north Georgia and into the upper Coastal Plain. This small woodland resident has a nodding flower, the white bloom hangs below the leaves and gradually fades to pink over time.  Another common name is the bashful wakerobin and it seems appropriate for such a sweet, shy flower. The species name honors Mark Catesby (1679-1749), an English naturalist who explored Georgia and the Carolinas from 1722-26. (GNPS)

Beardtongues (Penstemon spp.) are tough native perennials. While the white-flowered P. digitalis is very popular (think ‘Husker Red’), there are quite a few others that are native to Georgia, including this soft purple one, Penstemon smallii, which blooms in April. In general, beardtongues love full sun and they are happy to mix with other perennials such as native Coreopsis and red columbine. This species is a short-lived but re-seeding perennial, blooming for about 3 years before yielding the floor to its offspring. Bees are very fond of beardtongues and will visit the flowers over and over. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

This bright and cheery member of the primrose family is known as sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa). It is perennial and is native throughout Georgia. It thrives in average soils and will grow even in poor soil. Full sun to light shade tolerant, it grows up to 2 feet with a modest spread. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Blooming now on roadsides throughout the state, trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) is a gorgeous, tough vine that most humans would prefer to admire outside of their own yard. This rambunctious woody vine is related to the spring-blooming crossvine (both are in the Bignoniaceae family) but doesn’t get nearly the love. Hummingbirds love it and it also supports sphinx moths and some bees, but most homeowners don't have a big enough space for it.  If you’ve got a spare tree or pole, please give this one a home! The cultivar ‘Indian Summer’ is a supposed to be more compact and manageable. (Georgia Native Plant Society)

Joe pye weed is a common name for several members of the Eutrochium genus (formerly they were Eupatorium). Most Joe pye weed species are tall perennials that love good moisture. These summer-blooming native perennials are pollinator magnets! Rarely is this plant without some insect on it.

Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) is sometimes called trumpetweed or hollow-stem Joe Pye weed. In sunny, moist areas it can reach up to 11 feet tall. The inflorescence is a tall, dome-like arrangement of small flower heads composed of many small florets. Joe Pye weeds are members of the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family, but instead of having showy ray flowers, they have just the modest disk flowers. Insects don’t mind, however, and you’ll find a number of bees and butterflies visiting their tiny flowers. Natural range in Georgia is mostly in the northern half of the state. (Georgia Native Plant Society)