Plants for Very Dry Soil and Shade
E = evergreen; N = native to Maine
| Trees: | |
|---|---|
| Celtis occidentalis | Common Hackberry |
| Nyssa sylvatica N | Black Gum |
| Ostrya virginiana N | American Hophornbeam |
| Ptelea trifoliata | Common Hoptree |
| Shrubs: | |
| Cornus racemosa N | Gray Dogwood |
| Corylus americana N | American Hazel |
| Corylus cornuta N | Beaked Hazel |
| Diervilla lonicera N | Dwarf Bush-honeysuckle |
| Physocarpus opulifolius | Common Ninebark |
| Rhus aromatica | Fragrant Sumac |
| Sambucus pubens N | Scarlet Elder |
| Symphoricarpos albus | Snowberry |
| Viburnum nudum (cassinoides) N | Witherod Viburnum |
| Viburnum dentatum N | Arrowwood Viburnum |
| Viburnum lantana | Wayfaringtree Viburnum |
| Groundcover: | |
| Asarum canadense N | Canadia Wildginger |
| Bergenia cordifolia E | Pigsqueak |
| Microbiota decussata E | Russian Cypress |
| Waldsteinia fragarioides N | Barren Strawberry |
| Vine: | |
| Celastrus scandens N | American Bittersweet |
| Clematis virginiana N | Virgin’s Bower |
| Parthenocissus quinquefolia N | Woodbine |
| Herbaceous Perennials: | |
| Alchemilla mollis | Lady’s Mantle |
| Anemone canadensis N | Canada Anemone |
| Aquilegia canadensis N | Columbine |
| Aquilegia x hybrida | Columbine |
| Aruncus dioicus | Goatsbeard |
| Athyrium filix-femina N | Lady Fern |
| Brunnera macrophylla | Siberian bugloss |
| Dennstaedtia punctilobula N | Hay-scented Fern |
| Dryopteris marginata N | Marginal Wood Fern |
| Epimedium species | Barrenwort |
| Eurybia (Aster) divaricatus N | White Wood Aster |
| Galanthus nivalis | Snowdrops |
| Geranium species | Cranesbill |
| Lilium philadelphicum N | Wood Lily |
| Polygonatum biflorum N | Solomon’s Seal |
| Sanguinaria canadensis N | Bloodroot |
| Scilla sibirica | Siberian Squill* |
| Viola pedata | Bird’s-foot Violet |
| Annuals: | |
| Myosotis sylvatica | Annual Forget-me-not |
| Nemophila maculata | Five-spot |
| Nemophila menziesii | Baby Blue Eyes |
*Considered invasive in Minnesota; see Squill for more information.
NOTES:
In shady sites with dry soil, plant choices are very limited. And, because shaded sites are often under trees, root competition limits space for planting and provides competition for the limited water in the soil.
Consider alternatives to plants in these sites:
- Allow natural processes to proceed, especially if the site’s canopy is evergreen trees. The needles that accumulate over the years form a duff layer that is attractive, prevents loss of water, reduces weed growth, and contributes to the organic matter in the soil over time. This organic matter allows the soil to hold more water.
- Plant at the sunnier edges of woodlands. Woodland edges are very productive in terms of plant growth and support of pollinators and other wildlife.
From the GardenPro Answer Book; revised and updated by Lois Berg Stack, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.