Plants in family ranunculaceae
Clematis socialis
Clematis socialis is a federally endangered perennial native to northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia. Discovered in 1980, this plant forms a sprawling mass of wiry stems up to 5 feet wide. It thrives in moist alluvial woodland clearings but is extraordinarily drought-tolerant in garden settings. Clematis socialis features thick linear leaves and light lavender bell-shaped flowers that bloom from April through August. Its rarity and adaptability make it a unique addition to conservation-focused gardens.
Hepatica acutiloba
Hepatica acutiloba is a herbaceous perennial native to central eastern North America, often found in deciduous woods. It features greenish-white, white, purple, or pinkish flowers and mottled leaves that turn red in fall. This plant is deer-resistant and prefers consistently wet, rich soils.
Aquilegia nigricans
Aquilegia nigricans is a perennial flower native to mountainous regions of Europe, known for its large dark violet blue flowers that bloom in early spring. It thrives in meadows, woodlands, and high altitudes, preferring sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. This columbine is a beautiful addition to gardens, offering a touch of elegance with its striking blooms.
Delphinium ajacis
Delphinium ajacis is an annual flowering plant native to Eurasia, known for its tall spikes of vibrant flowers in colors like carmine red, lilac, salmon, blue, pink, and white. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it can continue flowering through fall in mild climates. This plant readily reseeds and is grown as an ornamental, though all parts are toxic if ingested. It is introduced in North America and can reach up to a meter in height.
Hepatica americana
Hepatica americana is a charming herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It features shamrock-shaped evergreen leaves with purple markings and blooms from late February with white to blue, occasionally pink flowers. This plant prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is often found in woodland settings.
Aquilegia chaplinei
Aquilegia chaplinei is a dwarf plant native to the southwest, featuring lacy blue-green foliage and buttery yellow flowers in late spring. It prefers dry, well-drained spots and is suitable for rock gardens. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3a to 9b and is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Clematis heracleifolia
Clematis heracleifolia is a non-climbing perennial hybrid of Japanese C. stans and Chinese C. heracleifolia. It grows up to 5 feet long and features dark green tripartite foliage. The plant blooms in early July, producing white flowers with dark lavender-blue petals. It is easy to grow and suitable for semi-shade to part-sun environments, making it a versatile addition to gardens. This clematis is also known for attracting butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological value to its surroundings.
Actaea racemosa
Actaea racemosa, commonly known as black cohosh, is a perennial plant native to eastern North America, thriving in woodland habitats. It is recognized for its tall spikes of small white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, emitting a sweet yet fetid aroma that attracts various insects. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine, particularly for women's health issues, although modern use raises safety concerns. This plant prefers moist, compost-rich soil and is resistant to deer, making it a low-maintenance choice for shaded gardens. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and was named the 2017 wildflower of the year by the Virginia Native Plant Society. Despite its medicinal properties, caution is advised due to potential allergic reactions and liver damage. Black cohosh is a member of the Ranunculus family and is a notable addition to gardens for its unique floral display and historical significance.
Aconitum napellus
Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood, is a highly toxic flowering plant native to Europe. It features dark purple to bluish-purple helmet-shaped flowers and lacy, geranium-like foliage. This herbaceous perennial is cultivated for its spiky inflorescences and attractive foliage.
Clematis integrifolia
Clematis integrifolia is a flowering vine prized for its showy, nodding urn-shaped blue flowers that bloom in summer. Growing only to 3 feet high, it is native to Europe and Asia and is best suited for AHS zones 8 to 1. This plant is ideal for mingling or hanging over cliffs, adding a touch of elegance to gardens.
Helleborus purpurascens
Helleborus purpurascens is a perennial native to Western Europe, known for its finely dissected foliage and purple flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. This plant is hardy and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from part sun to shade. Its early blooming period and unique flower color make it a valuable addition to winter and early spring gardens.
Clematis 'Taiga'
Clematis 'Taiga' is a deciduous climbing plant known for its double purple flowers with yellow-green tips that bloom late into summer and fall. It grows up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide, thriving in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.
Aquilegia coerulea
Aquilegia coerulea, the state flower of Colorado, is native to the Rocky Mountains and grows at elevations of 2,100 to 3,700 meters. It features variable flower colors and nectar spurs that attract various pollinators, thriving in moist woods and open mountain meadows.
Helleborus thibetanus
Helleborus thibetanus is a rare perennial from Southern China, known for its early spring blooms of white to pink flowers. It prefers rich, well-drained woodland soil and a shaded, sheltered position. The plant goes dormant in summer and is susceptible to leaf spot and virus, requiring careful maintenance.
Clematis cirrhosa
Clematis cirrhosa is a Mediterranean native vine known for its glossy evergreen foliage and cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers with dark speckles. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and blooms from October, with seed heads remaining after flowering. This plant is more winter hardy than often indicated and is ideal for adding vertical interest to gardens. Its ability to attract butterflies and birds makes it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Nigella damascena
Nigella damascena, commonly known as Love-in-a-Mist, is an annual flowering plant with unique dual-colored blooms of violet-blue and white, and intriguing deep purple seed pods. Native to southern Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, it grows 8-20 inches tall and features finely divided, thread-like leaves. This plant is drought-tolerant, self-sows readily, and attracts pollinators, making it a favorite for cut flower gardens. Its flowers bloom in early summer, displaying a range of colors including blue, white, pink, and pale purple. The seed pods are large and inflated, adding visual interest even after the flowers fade. Nigella is easy to grow and can thrive in various garden settings, continuing to return year after year. However, the seeds contain a toxic alkaloid called damascenine, so caution is advised around pets and children.
Delphinium elatum
Delphinium elatum is a tall, elegant perennial with spires of large blossoms in shades of pink, violet, and blue. It attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, making it a standout in any garden. This plant is native to temperate Asia and Europe and requires a sheltered position in full sun with deep, rich soil. It is hardy to -4°F and must be securely staked due to its height.
Clematis fremontii
Clematis fremontii is a non-climbing dwarf bush native to the United States, with fuzzy oval green leaves and pinkish-purple bell-shaped flowers. It thrives in dry, sunny spots and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Helleborus lividus
Helleborus lividus is an evergreen perennial native to Majorca, Spain, known for its deep green or bluish-green glossy leaves. It produces light green or pinkish-green flowers from midwinter to early spring. This plant is deer-resistant and may require greenhouse protection in frost-prone areas. It hybridizes with H. argutifolius and is valued for its ornamental foliage.
Thalictrum speciosissimum
Thalictrum speciosissimum, or Mediterranean meadow rue, is known for its airy yellow flowers in summer and blue-green foliage. This plant adds a delicate touch to gardens and is suitable for sunny locations.
Hydrastis canadensis
Hydrastis canadensis, commonly known as goldenseal, is a rare native plant of the United States, found in moist, open woodlands. It is related to hellebores and clematis and is known for its medicinal properties as an anti-inflammatory antiseptic. The plant emerges in early spring with two pleated green leaves and produces white, fothergilla-like flowers. By late summer, it bears bright red berries. Goldenseal seeds well in suitable conditions and is a valuable addition to shade gardens, attracting insects and providing ornamental interest.
Actaea pachypoda
Actaea pachypoda, commonly known as white baneberry or doll's-eyes, is a native plant of eastern North America. It grows in hardwood and mixed forests, reaching heights of 18 to 30 inches. The plant features toothed, bipinnate leaves and produces dense racemes of white flowers. Its most distinctive feature is the white berries with black stigma scars, which are toxic to humans but consumed by birds. This perennial is often cultivated for its ornamental value, adding a unique touch to shade gardens.
Caltha palustris
Caltha palustris, commonly known as marsh marigold, is a native bog plant found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It thrives in marshes and wet woodlands, producing bright yellow flowers from April to August. This perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide, with round, textured green leaves. While its raw form is toxic, it becomes edible when cooked. Marsh marigold is often confused with invasive species but is a valuable addition to bog gardens and wetland areas.
Clematis hirsutissima
Clematis hirsutissima, known as the dwarf bush clematis, is a perennial herb native to the western United States. This unique plant features an erect, non-vining growth habit with hairy stems reaching up to 20 inches tall. Its large, divided leaves and solitary, deep purple-blue flowers make it a striking addition to grasslands and sagebrush plains. The plant's urn-shaped flowers lack true petals, instead showcasing petal-like sepals. It produces hairy achene fruits that are dispersed by the wind. With its deep-reaching roots, it is well-suited for xeriscaping and rock gardening. Often found in prairies, it is valued for its drought resistance and traditional medicinal uses.
Actaea cordifolia
Actaea cordifolia is a rare native plant from Virginia to Tennessee, featuring glossy leaflets and small white flowers on tall spikes. It prefers alkaline soils and grows well in slightly acidic woodland environments. This plant is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies.
Trautvetteria palmata
Trautvetteria palmata is an Asian plant found in cold regions of northern Japan, thriving in wetland areas. It features stoloniferous rhizomes and white frothy flowers, growing well in cool, moist sites.
Helleborus lividus ssp. corsicus
Helleborus lividus ssp. corsicus, also known as the Corsican hellebore, is an evergreen perennial native to Corsica and Sardinia. It is distinguished by its variegated trifoliate leaves, which are speckled with white and have a light pink overlay. The plant grows up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, producing light green, bowl-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and requires good winter drainage. This hellebore is deer-resistant and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Aquilegia caerulea
Aquilegia caerulea, the state flower of Colorado, is an heirloom perennial known for its large, pale violet and white blossoms. This North American native wildflower thrives in part shade to full sun and is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and cut flower arrangements. Its blue-green foliage and long graceful spurs add to its ornamental appeal.
Hepatica nobilis
Hepatica nobilis is a charming perennial native to the Eurasian region, particularly the Spanish Pyrenees. It is known for its three-lobed, mottled green leaves with dark purple undersides and small, button-sized flowers that range in color from white to light bluish-purple. This plant blooms in early spring, adding a splash of color to shaded garden areas. Hepatica nobilis is well-suited for cottage gardens and shade perennials, thriving in light shade and well-drained soils. Its foliage often features a silver mottling, adding visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. This perennial is a favorite among gardeners for its delicate beauty and ability to attract insects. Its adaptability to various garden conditions and its early spring blooms make it a valuable addition to any garden looking to extend the flowering season.
Aconitum alboviolaceum
Aconitum alboviolaceum is a deer-resistant monkshood from South Korea, known for its clumping growth and light green, geranium-shaped leaves. It produces spikes of ivory flowers in late summer and thrives in part sun to light shade conditions.