Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea):

Cinnamon Ferns have two types of fronds. Narrow, erect fertile fronds begin green, but soon wither and turn to a cinnamon-brown as the spores form. Sterile fronds are wider and longer (up to 3 feet long), arching outward and remain green through the summer. Superior growth results are achieved when planted in moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils, and partial to full shade. They can tolerate sun if planted in soil that remains moist. This is a very pretty fern and an excellent selection for wet areas near ponds, streams, and water gardens. It also grows well in shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana):

Leaves are large, coarse, oblong and oval, broadest at middle. Leaves grow in an arching form from a central core. These ferns are found along roadsides and woodland ridges. Interrupted ferns prefer stony, dry soil, however they are rugged and persistent in almost all kinds of soil locations. This is the earliest fern to appear in spring.

Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum):

Who doesn't know and love this superb woodland plant? No woodland garden is complete without "Jack." For a truly stunning effect, plant in groups of five or more, one foot apart. After the classic spring flowers have gone by, the bright red berries that appear in early autumn are as showy as any flower. Highly adaptable, Jack in the Pulpit grows in almost any rich woodland soil, even in wet, swampy soils. Grows one to two feet tall.

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina):

Lady Fern is a deciduous, perennial fern about 24 to 36 inches tall.  Its light green, lacy leaves are about 24 to 30” long and 6 to 9” wide and tapered at both ends.  In the wild, Lady ferns can be found growing in meadows, open thickets, moist woods, and along stream beds.  They can also be grown pots in your home.  Many people use them to decorate their homes.  They will grow in most semi-shaded areas. 

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum):

This low maintenance deciduous fen typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall in the proper environment and displays finely-textured and frilly fronds with curved stalks which are palmately-divided. Its wiry stems are reddish-brown to black and coiled young fiddleheads emerge pink in spring. Superior growth results are achieved when planted in organically rich, acidic, medium-wet, well-drained soil, and in partial to full shade. It has also shown acceptable performance in lesser conditions and can tolerate average soil. Excessive summer heat may turn fronds brown by mid to late summer if proper moisture is not maintained or if exposed to excessive sunlight.

Ostrich Plume Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris):

This large graceful tropical looking deciduous fern requires a medium degree of maintenance and typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall, but may reach heights of 6 feet in moist cool climates. It displays medium-green, sterile fronds which exhibits the feathery appearance of long ostrich plumes. Superior growth results are achieved when planted in average medium wet to wet, rich soils, and partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sun if planted in soil that remains very wet. It thrives in cool climates when planted in rich soil with constant moisture and never allowed to dry out. It is generally intolerant of the hot and humid summers of the deep south. When planted in wet soil it will spread and fill in quickly. This is an excellent selection for wet areas near ponds, streams, and water gardens. It also grows well in shaded borders and in shaded borders.

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum):

Wild Geranium is popular not only for its lovely pink spring blooms, but also for its ruggedness and versatility. An excellent garden plant, it retains its attractive foliage all season long, unusual for a spring-blooming flower. Reaching one to two feet tall, it multiplies to form nice clumps. Grows in light to medium shade, in dry and moist soil. Also thrives in full sun in rich soil.

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense):

Large, heart-shaped leaves help make Wild Ginger easy to identify in its woodland habitat. It prefers soils rich in nutrients. Its unusual flowers are quite inconspicuous at the base of the plant and can be observed only by pushing the leaves aside. Wild Ginger is often used in shade landscapes of home gardens.

White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum):

This best-loved of the woodland wildflowers signals that spring has truly arrived. The pure white flowers mix well with many other spring-blooming wildflowers. Trillium flowers often fade to a pastel pink as they age, adding a touch of extra interest to the shade garden. Grows one to two feet high in rich, well-drained soil, in medium to full shade. Not recommended for planting in dry acid soils or under evergreens. Long-lived, your Trilliums will return year after year to brighten your spring garden.