Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Thursday - April 10, 2014
From: Muncy, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Lists, Shade Tolerant
Title: Full Shade Plants for Muncy PA
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I need a suggestion for almost full shade plants for central Pennsylvania.ANSWER:
You have lots of choices! This question is a perfect application for one of the Wildflower Center websites slickest features.
If you look to the left of the webpage, one of the links available is to “Recommended Species”. Within that link, you can choose the different plant lists by state, province, ecoregion or a few other popular choices.
If I choose Pennsylvania, the full list of native plants found in Pennsylvania is presented in this link. But that is not all! On the right side of this webpage there is the capability to reduce the listing by sorting for several key aspects. These include general appearance, light requirement, water requirement, bloom color and height. You can sort that list by any or all of these criteria. Simply choosing “Full Shade” results in the list at this link. There are 68 different species!
Here’s a small selection of the plants native to Pennsylvania that are on this list:
Wildflowers (Herbs): Actaea rubra (Red baneberry), Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf coreopsis), Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox)
Shrubs: Ceanothus americanus (New jersey tea), Gaylussacia baccata (Black huckleberry), Vaccinium angustifolium (Late lowbush blueberry)
Trees: Acer saccharum (Sugar maple), Ilex opaca (American holly), Larix laricina (Tamarack)
This is only a start at the information available in the website and in the various references; If you dig just a little deeper there is a wealth of information available for your consideration. For instance, if you want to REALLY focus down on plants native to Muncy, the USDA link will show whether a plant is native to a county level.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Native Backyard for Lakewood OH
December 24, 2013 - I would like to do away with the lawn in my backyard in favor of native plants that would require minimal maintenance, including flowering plants that would encourage pollinators.
view the full question and answer
Vines for a Chicago Pergola in Zone 5
November 28, 2015 - I'm looking for some recommendations of vines for my south-facing pergola. I live in a northwest suburb of Chicago, in Zone 5 with heavy clay soil.
view the full question and answer
Windbreaks for Monterey County, CA
May 31, 2013 - I am trying to find good wind breakers for Monterey County area, very windy in the valley.
view the full question and answer
Specifications for a property in Corning CA
March 29, 2012 - Drought resistant, deer resistant, low growing (ground cover), and shade tolerant request:
I am looking for a variety of species that not only fit the above preferences, but also a few other things. ...
view the full question and answer
Trees and wildflowers for Matagorda County, Texas
January 06, 2012 - My family has a fish farm in Palacios, Matagorda county. I would like to plant trees and wild flowers on the property. Can you suggest the appropriate kind that can withstand the salt water around an...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |