Native Plant List for Ohio and Indiana
Last updated: September 4, 2026
This is a “starter” list of native plants for Ohio and Indiana. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.
See Also:
Native Ohio Plants for Landscaping with PicturesIndiana Native Plants for Landscaping with Pictures
Ohio and Indiana Trees
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black maple | Acer nigrum | F-P | A | 60-80 ft | Like Sugar Maple but tolerates alkaline, clay soils |
| Striped Maple | Acer pensylvanicum | P-S | A-W | 16-33 ft | Shade-loving understory tree; striped bark, sex-changing flowers |
| Silver maple | Acer saccharinum | F-P | A-W | 60–75 ft | Lacy leaves with a white bloom on the underside |
| Ohio buckeye | Aesculus glabra | F-P | A | 30–50 ft | Yellow flowers; yellow/orange fall color; abundant nuts |
| Shadblow | Amelanchier canadensis | F | D | 1–20 ft | White flowers bloom in early spring; edible fruit |
| Paw Paw | Asimina triloba | P-S | A | 40 ft | Unique fruit resembles & tastes like bananas |
| River Birch | Betula nigra | F | A-W | 40–70 ft | Modest yellow fall color; seed attracts birds |
| American Hornbeam | Carpinus carolineana | P-S | W-A | 20–30 ft | Good street tree; yellow, orange, scarlet fall color |
| Pecan | Carya illinoinensis | F | A-W | 70-100 ft | Large bottomland tree; needs 2nd tree to pollinate well |
| Red Hickory | Carya ovalis | F-P | A-D | 60-100 ft | Deep taproot; reddish inner bark; sweet nuts; dry uplands |
| Sand Hickory | Carya pallida | F-P | D | 50-70 ft | Deep dry sand only; pale-scaled leaflets; small sweet nuts |
| Black Hickory | Carya texana | F-P | D | 40-70 ft | Dark diamond bark; dry rocky soils; cross timbers tree |
| Mockernut Hickory | Carya tomentosa | F-P | A-D | 50-80 ft | Slow-growing; thick-shelled nuts; very dry-tolerant on uplands |
| American Chestnut | Castanea dentata | F-P | A | 60–100 ft | Chestnut blight-susceptible; mostly stump sprouts now |
| Northern Catalpa | Catalpa speciosa | F-P | A-W | 40–70 ft | Fast grower; huge leaves; long pods; brittle wood; small native range |
| Dwarf Hackberry | Celtis tenuifolia | F-P | D-A | 15-30 ft | Small, rare limestone-loving hackberry; butterfly host |
| Redbud | Cersis canadensis | F-S | A-D | 20–30 ft | In April clusters of rosy pink flowers line branches |
| Fringe Tree | Chionanthus virginicus | F-P | A-W | 15–20 ft | Wispy clusters of white flowers appear in late spring |
| Yellowwood | Cledrastris lutea | F | A | 30–50 ft | Clusters of fragrant white flowers; yellow fall color |
| Stiff Dogwood | Cornus foemina | F-P | A-W | 10–25 ft | Wetland shrub; white spring flowers, blue fall berries |
| Barberry Hawthorn | Crataegus berberifolia | F-P | A | 15-30 ft | Stout thorns; orange-red fruit varies by tree; living hedge |
| Pear Hawthorn | Crataegus calpodendron | F-P | A | 15-25 ft | Late-blooming; pear-shaped fruit persists into winter for birds |
| Fireberry Hawthorn | Crataegus chrysocarpa | F-P | A | 6-20 ft | Drought-tolerant thorny shrub; long-lasting red fruit |
| Scarlet Hawthorn | Crataegus coccinea | F-P | A-D | 20-35 ft | Also sold as C. pedicellata; glossy red fruit persists for birds |
| Kansas Hawthorn | Crataegus coccinioides | F-P | A-D | 13-23 ft | Unusually large showy flowers; pink-crimson fruit, not just KS native |
| Copenhagen Hawthorn | Crataegus intricata | F-P | A-D | 3-10 ft | Dense thorny thicket; variable fruit color; good shelterbelt plant |
| Bigfruit Hawthorn | Crataegus macrosperma | F-P | A-D | 10-23 ft | Early spring bloomer; tolerates clay soils; red fruit for birds |
| Frosted Hawthorn | Crataegus pruinosa | F-P | A-D | 7-23 ft | Thorny thicket tree; waxy-coated fruit persists into winter for birds |
| Dotted Hawthorn | Crataegus punctata | F-P | A | 15–30 ft | Thorny, flat-topped crown; red fruit persists, feeds birds in winter |
| Fleshy Hawthorn | Crataegus succulenta | F-P | A-W | 13-26 ft | Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit |
| Green hawthorn | Crataegus viridis | F-P | A-W | 20-35 ft | Small tree, white spring flowers, red fruit holds into winter |
| Spindletree | Euonymus atropurpureus | P-S | A | 8–12 ft | Small purplish flowers become red fruit; red fall color |
| Black Ash | Fraxinus nigra | F-P | W | 40-60 ft | Swamp tree; Critically Endangered due to emerald ash borer |
| Green Ash | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | F-P | A | 50–60 ft | Grows fast; yellow fall color |
| Pumpkin Ash | Fraxinus profunda | F-P | W | 80-100 ft | Largest swamp ash; buttressed trunk; velvety twigs; uncommon |
| Blue Ash | Fraxinus quadrangulata | F-P | A-D | 50-70 ft | Four-angled corky twigs; limestone soils; borer-tolerant ash |
| American Holly | Ilex opaca | F-P | A-D | 20–40 ft | To ensure fruit one male is needed per 2-3 females |
| Butternut | Juglans cinerea | F | A | 40-60 ft | Edible nuts; declining from butternut canker disease |
| Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua | F | W-A | 60–85 ft | Brilliant scarlet-red, red-purple fall color |
| Tulip Poplar | Liriodendron tulipfera | F | A | 70–90 ft | Large tulip-like flowers are yellow, green & orange |
| Bigleaf Magnolia | Magnolia macrophylla | P-F | A-W | 30-40 ft | Largest native leaf & flower; needs shelter from wind, rich moist soil |
| Sweet Crabapple | Malus coronaria | F-P | A | 15-30 ft | Fragrant pink spring blooms; sour fruit feeds birds; forms thickets |
| Black Gum | Nyssa sylvatica | F | A-D | 30–60 ft | Scarlet red autumn color |
| Sourwood | Oxyodendrum | F-P | A | 30 ft | D rooping fragrant white flowers; pink/red fall color |
| Pitch Pine | Pinus rigida | F | D-A | 40–60 ft | Fire-adapted conifer for sandy, rocky, or barren infertile sites |
| Eastern White Pine | Pinus strobus | F | A | 50–80 ft | Bluish-green evergreen needles |
| Swamp Cottonwood | Populus heterophylla | F-P | W | 60-90 ft | Fast-growing obligate wetland tree; heart-shaped leaves; cottony seeds |
| Chickasaw Plum | Prunus angustifolia | F-P | A-D | 6–25 ft | Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit |
| Hortulan Plum | Prunus hortulana | F-P | A | 20–30 ft | Midwest native plum; sweet fruit, good for fresh eating & preserves |
| Mexican Plum | Prunus mexicana | F-P | A-D | 15-25 ft | Fragrant early white bloom; exfoliating bark; plums feed wildlife |
| Wild Goose Plum | Prunus munsoniana | F | A-D | 10-25 ft | Thicket-forming plum; heavy crops of early red fruit |
| Canada Plum | Prunus nigra | F-P | A-W | 15–30 ft | Very cold-hardy thicket plum; fragrant bloom, tart fruit |
| Northern Pin Oak | Quercus ellipsoidalis | F | D | 50-70 ft | Red fall color; dry sandy soil; avoid pruning in summer (oak wilt) |
| Shingle Oak | Quercus imbricaria | F | A-W | 50-65 ft | Willow-like unlobed leaves; tolerates clay/wet soil; avoid spring cuts |
| Overcup Oak | Quercus lyrata | F | A-W | 40-60 ft | Bottomland tree; flood-tolerant; acorn cup encloses most of nut |
| Blackjack Oak | Quercus marilandica | F | A-D | 20–50 ft | Tolerates poor, dry, rocky soil; very slow-growing |
| Chinkapin Oak | Quercus muehlenbergii | F-P | A-D | 40-60 ft | Limestone-loving shade tree; sweet low-tannin acorns feed wildlife |
| Pin Oak | Quercus palustris | P-S | A-W | 60–80 ft | Russett, bronze, red fall color |
| Dwarf Chinkapin Oak | Quercus prinoides | F-P | D-A | 4-6 ft | Clonal shrub oak; sweet acorns; thrives in dry sandy/rocky soil |
| Shumard Oak | Quercus shumardii | F-P | A | 60-100 ft | Fast-growing large shade tree, tolerant of alkaline soil |
| Black Locust | Robinia pseudoacacia | F-P | A-D | 30–50 ft | Fast nitrogen-fixer; suckers freely; toxic parts; Appalachian/Ozark |
| Peachleaf Willow | Salix amygdaloides | F | W-A | 13-66 ft | Largest native prairie willow; streambanks, fast-growing, short-lived |
| Bebb Willow | Salix bebbiana | F-P | A-W | 5-20 ft | Fast-growing wetland shrub; early bee forage; tolerates heavy soils |
| Heartleaf Willow | Salix eriocephala | F-P | A-W | 10-20 ft | Shrubby wetland willow; silky catkins; roots easily from cuttings |
| Black Willow | Salix nigra | F-P | A-W | 50 ft or more | Host plant for butterflies |
| Buckthorn Bumelia | Sideroxylon lycioides | F-P | A-W | 15-30 ft | Thorny, glossy leaves; fragrant late-summer blooms; wet-to-dry |
| American Hemlock | Tsuga canadensis | F-S | A | 40–60 ft | Evergreen with pendulous look; intolerant of drought |
| Slippery Elm | Ulmus rubra | F-P | A | 40-60 ft | Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk |
| Rock Elm | Ulmus thomasii | F-P | A-D | 60-80 ft | Corky-winged bark; dry rocky uplands; tougher wood than American elm |
| Prickly Ash | Zanthoxylum americanum | P-S | A | 6-15 ft | Thorny thicket shrub; host plant for giant swallowtail butterflies |
Ohio and Indiana Shrubs
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Chokeberry | Aronia arbutifolia | F-P | W-D | 5–10 ft | Brilliant red fruit; striking scarlet to orange fall color |
| Black Chokeberry | Aronia melanocarpus | F-P | D-W | 3–5 ft | Dependable showy orange, burgundy, purple fall color |
| Bog Birch | Betula pumila | F-P | W | 2-10 ft | Wetland obligate shrub; calcareous fens & bogs; not for dry sites |
| Sweet Shrub | Calycanthus floridus | F-S | A | 6–10 ft | Interesting red or maroon strawberry-scented flowers |
| Buttonbush | Cephalanthus occidentalis | F-P | W-A | 3–8 ft | Golf-ball like flowers hang and attract butterflies |
| Leatherleaf | Chamaedaphne calyculata | F-P | W | 1-3 ft | Evergreen bog shrub; acidic, saturated soil; early white flowers |
| Sweet Pepperbush | Clethra alnifolia | F-P | W-A | 2–4 ft | Ivory white fragrant blooms in summer |
| Swamp Loosestrife | Decodon verticillatus | F-P | W | 3-8 ft | Wetland shrub for pond margins; tolerates standing water |
| Northern Bush Honeysuckle | Diervilla lonicera | F-P | A-D | 2-4 ft | Suckering shrub for dry rocky sites; yellow flowers age red |
| Trailing Arbutus | Epigaea repens | P-S | A | 4-6 in | Fragrant evergreen groundcover; acidic soil; never dig from wild |
| Swamp Privet | Forestiera acuminata | F-P | W-A | 10-20 ft | Wetland shrub; tolerates standing water; blooms before leaves |
| Witch Hazel | Hamamelis virginica | F-S | A-D | 8–20 ft | Golden yellow flowers in fall |
| Wild Hydrangea | Hydrangea arborescens | P-F | A | 3–5 ft | Large clusters of creamy white flowers bloom in June |
| Winterberry | Ilex verticillata | F-P | W-A | 6–10 ft | Greenish-white flowers bloom in early spring |
| Sweetspire | Itea virginica | F-P | W-D | 3–6 ft | Whte blooms in early summer; red & orange fall color |
| Spicebush | Lindera benzoin | P-S | W-A | 8–15 ft | Yellow blooms in early spring |
| Bayberry | Myrica pennsylvanica | F | D-W | 5–8 ft | Semi-evergreen; transplants well |
| Roseshell Azalea | Rhododendron prinophyllum | F-P | A-D | 4-8 ft | Fragrant pink azalea; disjunct range, tolerates drier rocky sites |
| Clove Bush | Ribes odoratum | F-P | A | 6–12 ft | Yellow flowers with strong clove scent; birds eat berries |
| Northern Dewberry | Rubus flagellaris | F-P | D-A | 6-12 in (trails 3-8 ft) | Trailing bramble, roots at tips; prickly stems; spreads readily |
| Black Raspberry | Rubus occidentalis | F-P | A | 3-6 ft | Fast-spreading edge bramble; cut spent canes after fruiting |
| Elderberry | Sambucus canadensis | F-P | W-A | 5–10 ft | Pinnate leaves; blooms early summer |
| Poison Sumac | Toxicodendron vernix | F-P | W | 6-30 ft | Severely allergenic wetland shrub; identification only, do not plant |
| Maple Leaf Viburnum | Viburnum acerifolium | F-P | A-D | 6 ft | Pie-shaped clusters of white flowers; beautiful fall color |
| Northern Arrowwood | Viburnum dentatum | F-P | D-A | 5–9 ft | Flowers May-Jun; small blue-black berries in fall |
| Nannyberry | Viburnum lentago | F-P | A-D | 18 ft | White flat-topped clusters up to 5" across in May |
| Blackhaw | Viburnum prunifolium | F-P | A-D | 8–15 ft | Creamy white flowers in spring |
| Downy Arrowwood | Viburnum rafinesqueanum | F-P | A-D | 4–8 ft | Compact native viburnum for dry shade; fall color |
| American Cranberry | Viburnum trilobum | F-P | A-W | 8–12 ft | White flowers & edible, bright red fruit attracts birds |
Ohio and Indiana Flowering Perennials
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Yarrow | Achillea millifolium | F | D | ⅔–5 ft | 2-6" clusters of pink, white or yellow flowers Jun & Sept |
| Sweetflag | Acorus calamus | F | W | 12–36 in | This grass is a nice vertical long-leaf garden feature |
| Doll's Eyes | Actea pachypoda | P-S | A | 12–30 in | Small bright white flowers; poisonous white berries |
| White Snakeroot | Ageratina altissima | P-S | A-W | 1-4 ft | Toxic woodland perennial; part shade, moist soil; spreads by rhizome |
| Nodding Wild Onion | Allium cernuum | F-P | A-D | 8–20 in | Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant |
| Wood Anemone | Anemone quinquefolia | P-S | A | 4–8 in | Spring-ephemeral groundcover; toxic sap, disappears by early summer |
| Field Pussytoes | Antennaria neglecta | F-P | D-A | 2–12 in | Drought-tolerant mat-forming groundcover; host plant for American lady |
| Mountain Death Camas | Anticlea elegans | F-P | A-D | 1-2.5 ft | HIGHLY TOXIC bulb/foliage; do not confuse with edible Camassia |
| Wild Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis | P-S | A-D | 12–30 in | Unique red & yellow flowers attract hummingbirds |
| Wild Sarsaparilla | Aralia nudicaulis | P-S | A | 1-2 ft | Rhizomatous woodland ground cover; white umbels, dark berries |
| Jack-in-the-pulpit | Arisaema triphyllum | P-S | A | 12 in or more | Spathe appears Mar-May; red berries late sum-fall |
| Goat's Beard | Aruncus dioicus | P-S | A | 4–6 ft | 6-10" plumes of small cream-colored flowers |
| Ginger | Asarum canadense | P-S | A | 6 in | Evergreen groundcover; glossy heart-shaped leaves |
| Common Milkweed | Asclepia syriaca | F-P | A | 2–4 ft | Pink clusters of fragrant flowers; food of larval Monarch |
| Butterfly Weed | Asclepia tuberosa | F | A-D | 24–36 in | Brilliant orange flowers; butterfly host plant |
| New England Aster | Aster novae-angliae | F | A | 3–7 ft | Bright lavender flowers with yellow centers late sum-fall |
| White False Indigo | Baptesia lactea | F-P | A | 3–5 ft | Vivid stalks of white flowers grow rapidly |
| American Sea Rocket | Cakile edentula | F | D | 6-18 in | Annual beach dune pioneer; salt-tolerant; not native on Pacific coast |
| Wild Calla | Calla palustris | P-S | W | 6-12 in | Bog/pond-margin arum; needs saturated soil or shallow water |
| Marsh Marigold | Caltha palustris | F | A | 12–24 in | 1-1.5" bright yellow flowers in spring & summer |
| Creeping Sedge | Carex laxiculmis | P-S | A-D | 0.3–1.5 ft | Evergreen dry-shade sedge; slow clumping groundcover, deer resistant |
| Seersucker Sedge | Carex plantaginea | P-S | A | 8–12 in | Puckered-leaf shade sedge; rich moist soil, slow clump, deer resistant |
| Blue Cohosh | Cauloph. thalictroides | P-S | A | 12–24 in | small yellow flowers, blue berries in grape-like clusters |
| Turtlehead | Chelone glabra | F-P | A | 12–36 in | White to pink 1-1.5" flowers summer into fall |
| Rose Turtlehead | Chelone obliqua | F-P | A-W | 2-3 ft | Late-summer hooded pink flowers; bumblebee favorite for moist soil |
| Green and Gold | Chrysogonum virginianum | P | A | 4–10 in | Long-blooming spreading groundcover; part shade; woodland edges |
| Water Hemlock | Cicuta maculata | F-P | W | 3-6 ft | Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens |
| Bugbane | Cimifuga racemosa | P-S | A | 3–8 ft | Long slender candle-like clusters of white flowers |
| White Clintonia | Clintonia umbellulata | P-S | A-W | 6–16 in | Shade woodland groundcover; speckled white flowers, blue-black berries |
| Atlantic Pigeonwings | Clitoria mariana | F-P | D | 1–2 ft | Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers |
| Whorled Tickseed | Coreopsis major | F-P | D-A | 2–4 ft | Whorled leaves, bright yellow summer blooms, pollinator favorite |
| American Dittany | Cunila origanoides | F-P | A-D | 8-18 in | Fragrant, late-blooming; needs lean rocky soil, not rich beds |
| Squirrel Corn | Dicentra canadensis | P-S | A | 6–10 in | Spring ephemeral woodland wildflower; toxic, deer resistant |
| Dutchman's Breeches | Dicentra cucullaria | S | A | 12 in | White & yellow flowers resemble a pair of pantaloons |
| Shooting Star | Dodecatheon meadia | F-P | A | 12–24 in | Delicate white/pink petals, red & yellow center |
| White Trout Lily | Erythronium albidum | P-S | A | 4–10 in | Spring ephemeral; slow to establish, never dig from the wild |
| Joe-pye-weed | Eupatorium fistulosa | F-P | A | 5–8 ft | Purplish-pink flowers explode attracting butterflies |
| White Boneset | Eupatorium perfoliatum | F-P | A-W | 2–4 ft | Flat-top clusters of small white flowers in fall |
| Flowering Spurge | Euphorbia corolatta | F | A-D | 2–4 ft | "Baby's breath of the Prairie" blooms in Aug |
| Queen-of-the-Prairie | Fillipendula rubra | F | A | 4–5 ft | Show-stopping large pink plumes in Jun-Jul |
| Sweet-scented Bedstraw | Galium triflorum | P-S | A | 6-24 in trailing groundcover | Fragrant shade groundcover for rich, consistently moist soil |
| Wild Geranium | Geranium maculatum | F-S | A | 12–24 in | 1" lavender-purple flowers in spring |
| Indian Physic | Gillenia stipulata | P-S | D-A | 2-3 ft | Airy white flowers; dry shade perennial; root historically emetic |
| Woodland Sunflower | Helianthus divaricatus | F-P | A-D | 2½–6 ft | Rhizomatous colonizer for dry shade; yellow blooms July–Sept |
| Western Sunflower | Helianthus occidentalis | F-P | A-D | 2–4 ft | Naked flower stalk above basal rosette; dry sun, not aggressive |
| Jerusalem Artichoke | Helianthus tuberosus | F-P | A-D | 7 ft | Attracts butterflies |
| Cow parsnip | Heracleum maximum | F-P | A-W | 4-8 ft | Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun |
| Hairy Alumroot | Heuchera villosa | P-S | A-D | 8-12 in (to 3 ft bloom) | Rock-dwelling native parent of 'Bronze Wave' & other cultivars |
| St. John's Wort | Hypericum spp. | F-S | A-D | 1–4 ft | 3" yellow flowers; dark green foliage(groundcover) |
| Zigzag Iris | Iris brevicaulis | F-P | A-W | 8-20 in | Shade-tolerant wild iris; violet-blue blooms; rhizomes toxic |
| Dwarf Crested Iris | Iris cristata | P-S | A-D | 4–8 in | Pale lavender-blue crested flowers Apr-May |
| Yellow Water Iris | Iris pseudoacorus | F-P | A-W | 36 in | NON-NATIVE and invasive in multiple U.S. states; not for native planting. Source |
| Tall Blue Lettuce | Lactuca biennis | F-P | A-W | 3–8 ft | Biennial; milky sap can irritate skin |
| Wood Nettle | Laportea canadensis | P-S | A-W | 1-5 ft | Stinging hairs; moist shade; red admiral butterfly host |
| Spiked Gayfeather | Liatris spicata | F | A | 2–5 ft | Bright pinkish-purple stalks of interesting flowers Aug |
| Great Blue Lobelia | Lobelia siphilitica | P-S | W | 12–36 in | Elongated cluster of pale to dard blue flowers late sum |
| Lanceleaf Loosestrife | Lysimachia lanceolata | P-F | A-W | 1-2 ft | Nodding yellow blooms on prairie perennial; needs consistent moisture |
| Moneywort | Lysimachia nummularia | F-P | A | 3–6 in | Nonnative in OH/IN; potentially invasive. Avoid in native plantings. Source |
| Yellow Loosestrife | lysmachia punctata | F-P | A | 36 in | NON-NATIVE (Europe/Asia); not recommended for native planting. Source. |
| Starry False Lily | Maianthemum stellatum | P-S | A-D | 8-18 in | Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible |
| American Wild Mint | Mentha arvensis | F-P | W-A | 6in-2ft | Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints |
| Virginia Blue Bells | Mertensia virginica | P-S | A | 12–24 in | Pink flower buds open to sky blue Mar-Apr |
| Winged Monkeyflower | Mimulus alatus | P-S | W-A | 1-3 ft | Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade |
| Bee Balm | Monarda didyma | F-P | A | 3–4 ft | Edible leaves; flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds |
| Spotted Beebalm | Monarda punctata | F | D | 1-3 ft | Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees |
| Indian Pipe | Monotropa uniflora | S | A-W | 3-10 in | Non-photosynthetic; parasitizes fungi; never dig or transplant |
| Eastern Prickly-pear | Opuntia humifusa | F | D | 4–12 in (spreads 2–6 ft) | Native cactus, yellow flowers, sharp glochids, sandy/rocky soil |
| Yellow wood sorrel | Oxalis stricta | F-S | W-A | 4-12 in | Weedy native groundcover; oxalate leaves, not for eating |
| American Ginseng | Panax quinquefolius | P-S | A | 8-24 in | Shade woodland herb; wild roots scarce/protected, buy nursery stock |
| Wild Quinine | Parthenium integrifolium | F-P | A-D | 2-4 ft | Long-blooming white prairie forb; handle foliage with gloves |
| Sand Phlox | Phlox bifida | F-P | A-D | 4–12 in | Mat-forming; deeply notched lavender flowers; needs sharp drainage |
| Blue Phlox | Phlox divaricata | P-S | A | 10–20 in | Covered with 1.5" lavender to pink flowers in spring |
| Spotted Phlox | Phlox maculata | F-P | A-W | 2-3 ft | Fragrant pink wet-meadow perennial; blooms June-Aug |
| Pokeweed | Phytolacca americana | F-P | A | 4-10 ft | Poisonous perennial; exceptional fall bird food; self-sows |
| Jacob's Ladder | Polemonium reptans | P-S | A | 12 in | Terminal clusters of light blue, bell-shaped flowers Apr |
| Solomon's Seal | Polygonatum biflorum | P-S | A | 18–30 in | Small creamy white to green bells hang from leaf axils |
| Common Cinquefoil | Potentilla simplex | F-P | A-D | 4-10 in | Mat-forming groundcover; tolerates mowing, poor soil; deer resistant |
| Rabbit Tobacco | Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | F-P | A-D | 1-3 ft | Annual/biennial; dry poor soils; cream everlasting flowers fall |
| Gray-headed Coneflower | Ratibida pinnata | F-P | A-D | 3-5 ft | Long-blooming prairie perennial with drooping yellow rays, anise scent |
| Orange Coneflower | Rudbeckia fulgida | F-P | A-W | 18-36 in | Long-blooming rhizomatous native; good pollinator & finch food plant |
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | F | A-D | 24–36 in | 2-4" flower heads with 10-20 bright yellow petals |
| Sweet Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia subtomentosa | F-P | A-W | 3-6 ft | Fragrant foliage, long bloom; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Brown-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia triloba | F-P | A | 24–36 in | Hundreds of small deep gold daisy-like flowers |
| Carolina Wild Petunia | Ruellia caroliniensis | P-F | A-D | 1–2 ft | Dry-shade wildflower; daily lavender blooms, buckeye butterfly host |
| Wild Petunia | Ruellia humilis | F-P | D-A | 6-18 in | Low bushy prairie/glade native; drought-tolerant, butterfly host plant |
| Smooth Ruellia | Ruellia strepens | P-S | A-W | 1–3 ft | Shade-tolerant bottomland wildflower; long bloom, buckeye host |
| Lyreleaf Sage | Salvia lyrata | F-P | A-D | 0.5-2 ft | Flat lobed rosette; lavender spikes; tolerates mowing, self-seeds |
| Bloodroot | Sanguinaria canadensis | S | A | 6–10 in | 2" white flowers with yellow centers; roots have red sap |
| Purple Pitcher Plant | Sarracenia purpurea | F-P | W | 4-12 in (rosette) | Carnivorous bog obligate; needs sphagnum/peat & rainwater |
| Widow's Cross | Sedum pulchellum | F | A-D | 4-8 in | Winter annual on limestone glades/outcrops; pink-white star flowers |
| Sedum | Sedum ternatum | F-P | A | 2–4 in | Fleshy evergreen foliage; white star-like flowers spring |
| Royal Catchfly | Silene regia | F | A | 2-5 ft | Scarlet prairie flower; hummingbird magnet; rare, use nursery stock |
| Roundleaf Catchfly | Silene rotundifolia | P-S | A-D | 1-2 ft | Scarlet fringed flowers May-Aug; shaded sandstone cliffs/rock gardens |
| Prairie Dock | Silphium terebinthinaceum | F | A | 4-10 ft | Giant basal leaves; bare flower stalk; deep taproot, drought-tough |
| Tall Goldenrod | Solidago altissima | F-P | A-D | 3–7 ft | Spreads by rhizome; vital late-season pollinator nectar source |
| Canada Goldenrod | Solidago canadensis | F-P | A | 2-5 ft | Fast-spreading fall bloomer, superb for pollinators; needs room |
| Zigzag Goldenrod | Solidago flexicaulis | P-S | A | 1–3 ft | Shade-loving goldenrod with zigzag stem; blooms late summer-fall |
| Smooth Hedgenettle | Stachys tenuifolia | P-F | A-W | 1-3 ft | Pink mint flowers Jun-Aug; wet meadows/rain gardens; spreads rhizome |
| Celadine Poppy | Stylophorum diphyllum | S | A | 18 in | 2" wide lemon-yellow flowers |
| Aromatic Aster | Symphyotrichum oblongifolium | F | D-A | 1-2.5 ft | Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold |
| Skunk Cabbage | Symplocarpus foetidus | P-S | W-A | 1–2 ft | Deep-shade wetland forb; thermogenic spring bloom; toxic raw |
| Tall Meadow-rue | Thalictrum pubescens | F-S | A-W | 3-6 ft | Airy white summer bloom; moist to wet soil; sun to shade |
| Foam Flower | Tiarella cordifolia | P-S | A | 6–12 in | Evergreen groundcover; feathery white flowers Apr-Jun |
| Virginia Spiderwort | Tradescantia virginiana | F-P | A-W | 1-2 ft | Grass-like clumps; purple flowers close by afternoon |
| Trillium | Trillium spp. | S | A | 6–12 in | White/pink flowers have 3 broad petals, spring bloom |
| American Stinging Nettle | Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis | P-S | A-W | 3–7 ft | Stings on contact, wear gloves; native butterfly host plant |
| White Vervain | Verbena urticifolia | F-P | A | 2-5 ft | Airy white spikes; moist soil; native alt to V. bonariensis |
| Wingstem | Verbesina alternifolia | F-P | A-W | 3-8 ft | Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms |
| Ironweed | Vernonia noveboracensis | F-P | W | 4–6 ft | Purple flowers attract butterflies in summer |
| Blue Wood Violet | Viola papilionacea | P-S | A | 6–10 in | Purple violet blooms in spring; spreads readily |
| Walter's Violet | Viola walteri | P-S | A-W | 2–4 in | Trailing groundcover for shaded, lime-rich woodland soil |
| Barren Strawberry | Waldsteinia fragarioides | P-S | A | 3-6 in | Evergreen woodland groundcover; yellow flowers; fruit not edible |
| Yellow Root | Xanthorhiz. simplicissima | F-P | A-W | 24 in | Plum-colored flowers(spring); orange & purple fall color |
| Soapweed | Yucca glauca | F | D | 12–36 in | Stiff, narrow leaves; white bell-shaped blossoms |
Ohio and Indiana Perennial Ferns
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maidenhair Fern | Adianthum pedatum | S | A | 18–36 in | Fan-shaped blue-green fronds; delicate black stems |
| Lady Fern | Athyrium felix-femina | S | A-W | 18–24 in | Delicate & lacy arching fronds; dark red stems at matur |
| Goldie Fern | Dryopteris goldieana (syn. D. goldiana) | P-S | A-W | 3–4 ft | Moist rich woodland soil; avoid stagnant water; broad deciduous fronds. |
| Leatherwood Fern | Dryopteris marginalis | S | A | 24–36 in | Deak green leathery-looking evergreen fern |
| Scouring Rush | Equisetum hyemale | F-P | W-A | 2-5 ft | Evergreen, jointed stems; spreads by rhizome; toxic to livestock |
| Oak Fern | Gymnocarpium dryopteris | P-S | W-A | 6-14 in | Spreading colony fern for cool, moist deep shade |
| Sensitive Fern | Onoclea sensibillis | F-P | A-W | 12–24 in | Deeply pinnate leaves; poisonous to livestock |
| Cinnamon Fern | Osmunda cinnamomea | F-P | A-W | 2–4 ft | Circular cluster of arching fronds; brown fertile fronds |
| Royal Fern | Osmunda regalis | P | A-W | 2–6 ft | Bi-pinnate blade; pinnae resemble locust tree leaves |
| Purple Cliffbrake | Pellaea atropurpurea | F-P | D | 4-12 in | Evergreen rock fern; needs limestone crevices, not garden soil |
| Broad Beech Fern | Phegopteris hexagonoptera | P-S | A-W | 8-20 in | Deciduous colonial fern, winged rachis; spreads by rhizome in shade |
| Resurrection Fern | Pleopeltis michauxiana | P-S | D | 2-10 in fronds | Epiphytic fern on bark; shrivels when dry, greens up after rain |
| Christmas Fern | Polystickum acrostichoides | S | A | 12–36 in | Stiff deep green fronds are once-pinnate |
| Marsh Fern | Thelypteris palustris | F-P | W | 1-2.5 ft | Spreads by rhizome; wetland fern, tolerates more sun than most ferns |
| Sun Exposure | Soil Moisture | Drought Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| F = Full Sun | W = Wet | E = Excellent |
| P = Part Sun | A = Average | G = Good |
| S = Shade | D = Dry | M = Moderate |
| P = Poor |
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