Feature: Three Midwest Native Plants that Thrive in Shade

On a clouded morning in Madison, I found myself at the end of a line coiling snakelike through the University of Wisconsin Arboretum into the mouth of a yellow and white pinstriped tent. The line had formed as gardeners lined up to buy over 200 species of native plants, which are sold by volunteers and help support the arboretum’s work and mission. I selected some new additions to my garden and the deciding factor was more “vibes” than “design”, but I can always find room for the favorites. I left with a berry box full of native plants and energized at the sight of other gardener’s who are thinking about the ecology of their garden spaces.

When it comes to the why of using native plants, I find the definition of native in this context from The Living Landscape to be helpful here. “A plant or animal that has evolved in a given place over a period of time sufficient to develop complex and essential relationships with the physical environment and other organisms in a given ecological community.” In essence, this definition by Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy emphasizes that native plants are not just pretty flowers to your garden, but they contribute to the ecosystem in your neighborhood.

At the sale, there was an attractive older man wearing a red bandana around his neck and a tattered chambray shirt. It turns out the bandana signaled that he was a volunteer rather than a cattle rancher. These volunteers were answering questions in the tent about using native plants, and one common question concerned the best plants for shade. As a certified eavesdropper, I decided to take that curiosity and turn it into this letter’s feature on three native plants for shade. These plants are all native to Madison and Chicago, among other Midwest cities.

1. Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris

   These large ferns will spread by rhizome and instantly transform a north facing foundation into a serene environment. Each fern can grow 3-6’ wide and tall, and they spread by rhizome to fill an area. They are a great way to fill a space with little effort.

   Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

   Moisture: Consistently moist; tolerates wet sites

   Native Range: Northeastern and upper Midwestern U.S.; widespread in moist woodlands
   

   

   This house on a wooded lot in my neighborhood floats among a sea of Ostrich Ferns.

2. Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica

   This is an early spring flowering ephemeral bringing a nice form and color to shaded areas. They are about 1’-2’ tall and 12”-18” wide. These grow naturally in clusters under trees and look good in groupings. They will die back by Summer.

   Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

   Moisture: Prefers consistent moisture

   Native Range: Eastern and Midwestern U.S., including southern Wisconsin
   

   

   Spotted this Spring at Lakeview Hill Park in Madison.

3. Pagoda Dogwood, Cornus alternifolia

   The Pagoda Dogwood can ground a space with it’s structural branches. It can grow 20-25’ wide by 20’-25’ tall with a layering effect from which it inherits it’s common namesake. It blooms from late May to June and works well as a understory tree.

   Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil

   Moisture: Evenly moist; not drought-tolerant

   Native Range: Northeastern and central U.S., including Wisconsin

This Weekend in the Midwest Garden

There’s nothing less predictable than Spring weather in the Midwest garden, but here are some suggestions.

Planting: It’s a good time to plant before the Summer heat starts to kick in. A perfect excuse to visit a native plant sale.

Watering: Turn your attention to caring for newly establishing plants in your garden and look for signs of thirsty plants.

Weed aggressively: Take advantage of the rains and weed afterwards when the soil is still wet.

In my garden: I’ll be continuing to plant more since I did not get much done this last weekend. I had two trees cleared out that were growing out of the side of my house, and now I’m able to go ahead and plant Ostrich Ferns, Columbine, and Jack-In-The-Pulpit along the shady side of my house.

What I Loved This Week

• Read: The Living Landscape - Great photos and essays

• Watch: Edges - How to Keep Grass Out of Flowerbeds - Helpful guide

• Listen: Biodiversity & Ecosystem Function - Important topic 👀

• Connect: Teresa Woodard - Enjoyed her talk at Olbrich on garden maximalism

Written for 6 beautiful readers. 💌

Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch

About the Author

Ken Welch is a horticulturist and research professional at UW–Madison. He’s drawn to native ecosystems, community gardens, and helping others grow confidence in their craft.

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