The Ark Native Plants

Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercups)

Though the Canada Anemone likes moist meadows and prairies under full sun, it also does very well in shaded woodland gardens. In full sun, it can tend to be more aggressive.

Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercups)

Columbine is a beautiful red and yellow late spring bloomer requiring dappled sunshine. It does well around the edges of a shaded garden or at the edges of a forest clearing. This plant is an excellent source of nectar, so it's a favourite (and important) food source for hummingbirds.

Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum

Family: Geraniaceae (Geraniums & Cranesbills)

Another plant requiring partial sun, the Wild Geranium has pink flowers from April to June, and very attractive, deeply lobed foliage. Bees, moths, and butterflies frequent these flowers for their nectar.

Zig-Zag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis

Family: Asteraceae/Compositae (Asters, Composites)

The only goldenrod that can grow in full shade, Zig-Zag Goldenrod can grow in partial shade as well. In optimum conditions it will spread readily. Its long spike of flowers, deeply toothed leaves, and of course, its crooked stem make this a very interesting native woodland plant.

Wood Poppy Stylophorum diphyllum

Family: Papaveraceae (Poppies)

Considered "endangered" in the wild under the SARA and COSEWIC, the wood poppy is a bright yellow spring-flowering plant that can grow in full shade.