For those living in Missouri that would like to incorporate more native plants into your garden, there are many to choose from. These wildflowers are all good in shady areas in the landscape. They have been categorized by the soil conditions, so you can find something no matter what soil you have in your shaded area. Try something new this gardening season and plant a couple of these selections. Make your neighbors ask what you have growing, be different from the rest.
Missouri Shade Wildflowers for Wet Soils
These wildflowers require a wet soil that does not dry out.
Arisaema dracontium (Green Dragon) – This wildflower grows one to four feet high with a green-yellow flowers. It blooms April to May and needs a light shade.
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit) – This flower grows 6 to 24 inches tall with a pale green or purplish flower. It blooms April to May and needs mulch to grow well.
Missouri Shade Wildflowers for Moist Soils
These wildflowers need a moist soil that is not waterlogged or dried out.
Uvularia grandiflora (Bellwort) – These wildflowers grow 12 to 14 inches tall with yellow flowers that bloom April and May. It needs mulch to grow well.
Stylophorum diphyllum (Celandine Poppy) – This plant grows 10 to 18 inches tall with yellow blooms from Larch to May. It needs to stay moist and prefers to be mulched.
Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal) – This flower grows 12 to 15 inches tall with white flowers that bloom April and May. It is endangered.
Missouri Shade Wildflowers for Dry Soils
These wildflowers need a dry soil that drains well so that it does not retain water.
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) – These grow six to ten inches tall with white flowers between March and April. It will need some sunlight.
Silene virginica (Fire Pink) – These grow two feet tall with red blooms between April and May. They are quite fragrant and will need some sunlight. Fire pinks require mulching for best growth.
Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells) – These grow 12 to 20 inches tall with light blue blooms from March to April. It does best with some mulching.
Missouri Shade Wildflowers for Rich Humus Soils
These wildflowers need a rich humus soil with plenty of nutrients to grow.
Aquilegia canadensis (Columbine) – These flowers are two feet tall with red and yellow blooms that arrive April and May. They don’t take well to transplanting but self-sow easily.
Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon’s Seal) – This wildflower grows one to three feet tall with white flowers that bloom April and May. There are red berries on this plant that make for a nice visual.
Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) – These grow one to three feet high with blue flowers in August and September. It should be mulched well.
Source:
University of Missouri Extension: Wildflowers in the Home Landscape
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