Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_32.gif)
Monday - June 22, 2009
From: Milwaukee, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Plants for a shady garden in Wisconsin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a shady garden in southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee) and am interested in introducing more native plants of all sizes and heights, hopefully with lovely flowers. I would love to know what you might suggest. Thank you.ANSWER:
Please see our Recommended Species page and choose Wisconsin from the map or the pull-down menu. This will give you a list of more than 170 native plants that are commercially available for landscaping in Wisconsin. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to find plants suitable for the shade by selecting 'Shade - 2 hrs or less' under Light Requirement. You can also make selections under Soil Moisture and General Appearance. Here are a few suggestions from the list:Aquilegia canadensis (red columbine)
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit)
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)
Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood)
Dicentra cucullaria (dutchman's breeches)
Dryopteris cristata (crested woodfern)
Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Lilium philadelphicum (wood lily)
Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells)
Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam)
There are many more choices from the Recommended Species list for Wisconsin.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Plants for oak shade from Whitney TX
December 24, 2012 - I live in Whitney, Texas and have a number of beautiful Live Oak trees in a portion of my yard providing deep shade. Asian Jasmine grows in about 5 ft circle around them and then nothing! I have walk ...
view the full question and answer
Shady Container Plant for Austin
August 20, 2014 - I am looking for a tall plant/small shrub/ornamental grass for a very large pot that is placed against the north wall of our Austin home. That spot gets some morning sun in the summer, but virtually ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen Vine for San Antonio Trellis
November 23, 2011 - I have a new trellis at the end of my patio on which I want to grow an evergreen vine. The area is fairly shady. I had settled on Carolina Jasmine, but read that it is very toxic which is worrisome ...
view the full question and answer
Low evergreen shrubs for shade in Spring TX
February 19, 2009 - I am looking for an evergreen plant that grows no taller than 2 feet and will grow in shade. I would love to have one that would also produce flowers. Please help and thanks.
view the full question and answer
Low maintenance, shade tolerant groundcover for Pacific Northwest
August 09, 2012 - What's a good low maintenance, shade tolerant ground cover for the Pacific Northwest? It needs to have good erosion control, too.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |