Many of the same native perennials you see along trails in wild natural areas of New England can be integrated into your own landscape. Just be aware that most wildflowers in wooded areas will require part shade. Although there are exceptions, neither full sun nor dense shade is ideal for growing most New England native woodland flowers. And, be aware that woodland wildflowers in New England are typically spring ephemerals (whose foliage disappears when blooming is finished), so don’t expect an attention-grabbing summer display from these plants. But if springtime is a special season for you, inquire about these 14 beauties at your local certified native plants nursery.  The species native to the eastern U.S. is Hepatica nobilis, with two varieties commonly seen: H. nobilis var. acuta (sharp-lobed hepatica), and H. nobilis var. obtusa (round-lobed hepatica). These are early bloomers, flowering in March and April. In other regions, this plant might be known as Anemone hepatica.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: Purple, white, or pinkSun Exposure: Part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Bloodroot will easily spread with very little attention in your woodland garden or in rock gardens.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: White, sometimes tinged with pinkSun Exposure: Part to full shadeSoil Needs: Tolerates dry soil

In dry soils, this plant is ephemeral, disappearing by early summer but reappearing the following spring.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7 (USDA)Color Varieties: White, often tinged with pinkSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Jack-in-the-pulpit is normally found in wet soils and tolerates fairly deep shade. Its bloom period is April through May. Once established, it does not like to be disturbed.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9 (USDA)Color Varieties: Greenish-purpleSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Fertile, medium-moisture to wet soil

USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–6 (USDA)Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Part shade, dappled sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, acidic soil

Once established, trout lily does not transplant well, so do not attempt to take this specimen (or any wildflower, for that matter) from its native location. This is a good plant for wet areas, but it takes time to spread and to mature enough to flower. Be patient with trout lily.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Moist, humusy, acidic soil

The flower of this plant gives way to an edible fruit that can be used in jellies and preserves.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

In the right conditions, this plant will self-seed in the garden and gradually form small colonies.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9 (USDA)Color Varieties: Rosy pink to purplish-redSun Exposure: Part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Virginia bluebells spread through self-seeding, and the volunteer plants can be transplanted to other locations. Plants growing in the wild should not be harvested, however.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: Pink, gradually turning blueSun Exposure: Dappled sunlight to full shadeSoil Needs: Average to moist, well-drained soil

Thalictrum aquilegifolium is a two- to three-foot tall plant that blooms with lilac-purple flowers in May and June. It is hardy in zones 5 to 8.Spring-Blooming Native Plants for New England Shade GardensThalictrum polygamum (tall meadow rue) is a white-flowering species that blooms from July to September. It can grow very tall—up to eight feet—and is hardy in zones 3 to 8.Thalictrum dioicum (early meadow rue) is a 12- to 24-inch tall plant that produces greenish-white flowers with a purple tinge in April and May. Hardy in zones 4 to 7, it prefers a dappled shade location, though it will survive in full sun. It does not tolerate hot and humid conditions. It is native to the Midwest but is sometimes found growing wild in the Northeast.

Taller plants need staking, especially when growing in shady conditions. The rhizomatous roots can be divided to propagate new plants.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA); varies by speciesColor Varieties: White, greenish-white, or purple, depending on speciesSun Exposure: Full sun to dappled shade, depending on speciesSoil Needs: Moist, humusy soil

Removing the flower spikes after they bloom will improve the look of the foliage. In zones 6 and south, this plant will be semi-evergreen.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9 (USDA)Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained, humusy soil

Interrupted fern can be propagated by collecting and planting the spores. Small volunteer plants can also be transplanted to other locations.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: Non-floweringSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Medium to wet acidic soil; tolerates neutral soils

A light mulch in summer will help keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture. Over time, this plant will spread to form small colonies in the garden. Pieces of the root sections can be transplanted to propagate new plants.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: Rose, blue, or lavenderSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Humusy, well-drained but fairly moist soil

Growing 18 to 30 inches tall, white baneberry produces tiny white flowers in spring followed by unusual white berries on red stems. In the wild, it is found in deeply shaded woody locations. The fascinating berries are extremely poisonous, so be careful with this plant where children or pets are present. Wildlife generally knows to leave this plant alone, so it might be an option in areas where deer are a problem.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil