Native Plants

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.

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
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
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
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
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
Chickasaw Plum	Prunus angustifolia	F-P	A-D	6–25 ft	Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Mexican Plum	Prunus mexicana	F-P	A-D	15-25 ft	Fragrant early white bloom; exfoliating bark; plums feed wildlife
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
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
Black Willow	Salix nigra	F-P	A-W	50 ft or more	Host plant for butterflies
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

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
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
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
Wild Petunia	Ruellia humilis	F-P	D-A	6-18 in	Low bushy prairie/glade native; drought-tolerant, butterfly host plant
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
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
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
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
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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