If you are looking for the perfect groundcover for a shady spot, Big-Leaved Aster is an exceptional choice. Named for its oversized, heart-shaped basal leaves that can grow up to 6 inches wide, this native perennial creates a lush, low-growing carpet of green that effectively suppresses weeds. In late summer and early autumn, it sends up sturdy stems topped with delicate, star-like flowers that range from white to pale violet-blue. This plant is a powerhouse for the woodland garden, thriving in the dappled light and dry shade where many other plants struggle.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Moderate; once established, it is notably drought-tolerant
Soil Type Will grow in Muck, Clay, Loam or Sand
Mature Height 1 to 2 feet (when in bloom)
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time August – October
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 2 to 3 feet
Foliage: The large, "big-leaved" base provides excellent texture and ground coverage even before the flowers appear.
Late Season Color: Offers beautiful, cooling lavender or white blooms just as the rest of the summer garden begins to fade.
Potentially Aggressive Groundcover: Spreads via rhizomes to form a dense, maintenance-free colony over time. Could overwhelm small landscapes so keep in mind when picking your planting site.
Pollinator Support: Provides a vital late-season food source for native bees, honeybees, and butterflies.
Host Plant: Serves as a larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and several species of moths.
Seeds for Birds: The dried flower heads provide small seeds that are enjoyed by goldfinches and other songbirds in the fall.
Unlike the sun-loving goldenrods of open fields, Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (also known as Wreath Goldenrod) is adapted for the forest floor. It is easily identified by its distinctive, arching stems that take on a unique dark, somewhat bluish tone. Rather than a large plume at the tip, this species produces dainty clusters of bright yellow flowers tucked into the leaf axils along the length of the stem. This gives the plant a graceful, wand-like appearance that brightens up the deep shade of a woodland garden in the late fall.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Medium; well-drained
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Mature Height 2 to 3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time August – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 2 to 3 feet
Non-Aggressive: Unlike some of its cousins, Blue-stemmed Goldenrod is well-behaved and clump-forming, making it safe for smaller garden beds.
Distinctive Color: The smooth, wiry stems provide a beautiful dark contrast to the vivid yellow flowers.
Fall Brightness: It provides a necessary pop of "golden hour" color to shady corners when most other shade plants have finished blooming.
Critical Pollinator Resource: Provides essential nectar and pollen for late-season bees and migrating Monarch butterflies.
Specialist Bees: Supports several species of specialist bees that rely solely on goldenrods for their survival.
*Goldenrods are often blamed for the cause of hayfever, but this is not the case. Their pollen is large and sticky and cannot become airborne to make it into your sinuses. The large, sticky pollen is great for adhering to the bodies of visiting insects and are a vitally important to be included in landscapes.
While many woodland plants go dormant by late summer, this native perennial erupts into a cloud of small, starry blossoms that range from sky blue to rich lavender with creamy yellow centers. It is easily recognized by its attractive, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves at the base, which give way to airy, branching stems as it reaches for the autumn sun. It is a tough, versatile plant that bridges the gap between the end of summer and the first frost, providing a soft, cooling aesthetic to the woodland edge.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Moderate; can handle dry shade once established
Soil Type Clay, Loam, or Sand
Mature Height 2 to 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time September – October
Bloom Color light blue to lavender
Plant Spacing 1.5 to 2 feet
Shade Brilliance: One of the most prolific bloomers for shaded areas
Textural Foliage: The basal leaves provide a lovely, dark green groundcover early in the season before the flowering stalks emerge.
Adaptable & Hardy: Thrives in the difficult "dry shade" found under established deciduous trees where other perennials might wilt.
Potentially Aggressive Spreader: Could overwhelm small landscapes. Choose planting sites with this in mind.
Pollinator Magnet: An absolutely vital nectar source for late-season bees and butterflies
Bird Support: Like many asters, the small seeds are a favorite for foraging songbirds during the late autumn and early winter months.
Biodiversity: Acts as a host plant for several species of checkerspot butterflies and moths.
Unlike many of its sun-loving relatives, this native perennial thrives in the cool, dappled light of the forest floor. It earns its name from its unique, wiry stems that "zig-zag" back and forth between the leaves. Starting in late summer and continuing through autumn, the stems are adorned with delicate, bright yellow flower clusters that seem to burst from the leaf axils. The leaves themselves are broad, ovate, and sharply toothed, providing a coarse texture that contrasts beautifully with finer ferns or sedges.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry spells
Soil Type Average, well-drained Loam or Clay-loam
Mature Height 2 to 3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time August – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 1 to 2 feet
Black Walnut Tolerant
Shade-Loving Brilliance: One of the few goldenrods that will bloom in shade, making it essential for brightening dark corners.
Pollinator Powerhouse: A critical late-season nectar source that helps bees and butterflies stock up for winter.
Potentially Aggressive spreader: May not be suited for small landscapes because of spreading. Keep this in mind when picking a planting location.
Butterfly Favorite: Highly attractive to migrating Monarchs and resident hairstreak butterflies.
Bird Food: The seeds are often consumed by goldfinches and other small songbirds during the winter months.
Host Plant: Supports several species of specialized moths including the Wavy-Lined emerald and Green Leuconycta.
*Goldenrods are often blamed for the cause of hayfever, but this is not the case. Their pollen is large and sticky and cannot become airborne to make it into your sinuses. The large, sticky pollen is great for adhering to the bodies of visiting insects and are a vitally important to be included in landscapes.