Episode 106: Spring Natives

Even though there’s still snow on the ground for many of us, warmer weather is most definitely on our brains. So today we’re going to be talking about native plants that put on a spectacular show in spring. And, although we’re a podcast based out of New England, the plants we decided to talk about have an extensive native range (even into Texas!). There is an exquisitely fragrant perennial, a self-sowing ephemeral, a delicious edible, and several trees and shrubs that bloom so prolifically in April, May, and June you’d think it was their only job. Want a list of nearly a dozen native plants that are show-stoppers? Then press play now!

Special guest: Nancy J. Ondra is a garden photographer, author, freelance editor, and licensed seed seller who lives and gardens on four acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Carol’s Plants

Bowman’s root
Bowman’s root

Bowman’s root (Porteranthus trifoliatus, Zones 4–8)

'American Goldfinch' baptisia
‘American Goldfinch’ baptisia

‘American Goldfinch’ baptisia (Baptisia ‘American Goldfinch’, Zones 4–9)

‘May Breeze’ woodland phlox
‘May Breeze’ woodland phlox

‘May Breeze’ woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’, Zones 4–8)

‘Henry’s Garnet’ Virginia sweetspire
‘Henry’s Garnet’ Virginia sweetspire

‘Henry’s Garnet’ Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’, Zones 5–9)

Danielle’s Plants

Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis, Zones 3-8)
Eastern red columbine

Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis, Zones 3-8)

Pink lady’s slipper
Pink lady’s slipper

Pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule, Zones 2-9)

Mountain laurel
Mountain laurel

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia, Zones 4-9)

Wild ramp
Wild ramp

Wild ramp (Allium tricoccum, Zones 4-7)

Nancy J. Ondra
Photo: Nancy J. Ondra

Special guest

Nancy J. Ondra is a garden photographer, author, freelance editor, and licensed seed seller who lives and gardens on four acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Golden Alexander (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Golden Alexander (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea, Zones 3–8)

Spicebush flowers (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Spicebush flowers (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Spicebush fruit (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Spicebush fruit (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9)

Blue-eyed Mary (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Blue-eyed Mary (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Blue-eyed Mary (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)
Blue-eyed Mary (Photo: Nancy J. Ondra)

Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna, Zones 2-11)

Published at Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:53:38 -0500

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