1. When talking to people about landscaping for wildlife,
T o put a new twist on an old
saying, "the light is always
better in someone else’s yard."
one of the most common laments we hear is that
The same basic gardening
they have too much shade and "can’t grow anything." principles apply to shady spots as
to sunny ones, but you have to
While it’s true that having an abundance of shade on study your site conditions
carefully and choose plants with
your property changes your choices, that doesn’t extra care to be sure you have a
necessarily mean that it limits them. good match.
There can even be advantages to
a less-than-sunny site. Shade
plants generally have more
chlorophyll to take full advantage
of any available light. These
Shade Gardening species will thrive in shade but
may “burn out" in the sun.
Often variegated plants, or
For more nature habitat information those with colorful foliage, will
Visit these helpful websites: appear more brilliant when located
out of direct sunlight.
A Plant's Home Trees will cut heating and cooling
A Bird's Home costs when properly situated
A Homesteader's Home around your home. Today we plant
only one tree for every four that
are lost, yet trees combat global
warming by consuming carbon
dioxide and releasing oxygen, so
the trees used in shade gardens
may become a critical
environmental factor in the years
ahead.
People often use the term
“shade" in a very general manner,
but in fact there are several kinds
of shade. If your garden gets at
least two hours of direct sunlight
during the day, that is considered
“partial shade."
When the sun hits the area only
in the early morning or late
afternoon, it is generally said to
have “light shade."
“Filtered light" occurs under
trees with small leaves, while the
ground beneath large-leafed trees
is in “dappled light."
If the site receives no direct
sunlight, but is open to the sky, it
is in “bright light," and if it is
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 1 A Plant's Home
2. This is especially important to To create a new grove, you may
"The garden of the future consider when you want to create be able to transplant seedling
will be a shade garden, a shade garden by planting trees. trees from more crowded
The amount of cover will also conditions elsewhere on your
for all kinds of reasons – affect the temperature and property. For fastest results,
fiscal, historical, and amount of moisture in the soil, choose those that grow quickly
most of all, which again will influence the and have straight trunks, such as
plants that you choose. ash, tulip tree, and hackberry.
environmental."
Those trees with leaves that are When possible, avoid trees with
– Ken Druse close together and grow in a single shallow root systems, like maple,
The Natural Shade Garden layer towards the outside of the sweet gum, willow, poplar, and
tree crown are called birch. Their surface roots will make
covered completely, perhaps by a “monolayered." This would include planting other things more
deck or next to a north wall in an species such as beech, maple, oak, difficult later on, and they will rob
urban setting, you have “dense and hickory, and each branch will nearby plants of needed moisture.
shade." create a lot of shade.
If you have decided to create or
Other terms may be used by More sun will reach the ground manage an existing woodland area,
different resources, but they will when the trees are “multilayered," it’s a good idea to remove invasive
represent similar characteristics. with smaller leaves arranged in species before starting to plant.
Your geographic location will also layers moving out from the trunk, Leave some saplings of the tree
have some effect, since light is such as you find with elm, walnut, species that you like, because they
more intense as you get closer to and hackberry. will then be ready to replace the
the equator. larger trees if they succumb to
The shape of the crown, the age or disease.
It is important to study your spacing of the trees, and whether
garden location throughout the or not they are deciduous, will also You can also design a shade
day, and during different times of affect the type and amount of garden by planting in the shadow
the year, and make notes on what shade. of an existing building, or creating
light conditions are present. For structures such as arbors which
instance, you may have “partial If there are dead trees in the can be covered with vines or
shade" in the early spring, before area, try to leave them in place shadecloth. Since you won’t have
deciduous trees leaf out, and only because they are valuable sources tree roots to worry about,
“dappled light" in the summer. of food and cover for many birds amending the soil and planting in
and animals, and they will enrich such conditions will be easier than
A site near a building may be in the soil as they decay. in a wooded area.
“light shade" at certain times of
the year, but have “partial shade"
when the sun is higher in the sky.
Shade Structures
Sometimes you can add
reflected light by planting near a
light-colored wall or fence. If you
match your lighting conditions to
the plants that you choose, you
can enjoy color and variety – even
in a garden with limited exposure
to sunlight.
Gazebo or Belvedere Pergola or Arbor Summer/Garden House
Most commonly, shady
conditions in a garden are the
result of tree cover. Just as there
are different kinds of shade to
consider, there are also different
types of tree canopies, and they
affect the amount of light that Lath House Casino or Roman Summer House Ramada
reaches the ground.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 2 A Plant's Home
3. two of the most popular shrubs
"Trees provide a sheltering umbrella during hot for shady areas, like a pH closer to
summer days, and mute harsh summer light to a 5.5. There are many inexpensive
kits available to test the pH of
verdant, luminous quality. They create an incomparable your soil, and it’s a good idea to
sense of place and enclosure as well as valuable check it in several spots if your
garden area is large.
habitat for wildlife."
Although tall trees block a
– Brenda Skarphol in Woodland Gardens, Brooklyn Botanic Garden Series certain amount of rainfall, the
water that does reach the plants
Including small trees and shrubs to till in compost or other beneath them tends to stay on
in your plan will enhance the site amendments. Disturbing the soil the foliage longer than in a sunny
as they grow into maturity. or dramatically changing its environment, and this can promote
Planting in containers which can depth will often harm the roots of disease.
then be placed under trees or in mature trees.
other shady locations is another Some careful, modest pruning of
way to grow plants which cannot Returning to the hole that you lower limbs or thinning of the
tolerate full sun. dug, fill it with water and wait six branches (not more than 1/3 per
hours. If the water is still there, year) can increase air circulation,
Dirt is another factor. Yours will you will want to choose plants and you shouldn’t place the plants
be some combination of soil, silt, that thrive in wet conditions. as close together as in a sunny
sand, and clay, but the location.
proportions are very important As a rule, the soil under groups
when deciding which species of of conifers will be dry and lacking It’s a good idea to water plants
plants are likely to thrive. in organic matter, because the with soaker hoses or drip
needles block rainwater from irrigation rather than wetting the
We tend to think of forests as reaching the ground. Similarly, leaves, and it’s better to water
having rich, loamy soil, but there older trees on suburban lots tend deeply and then allow the soil to
are also woodlands which are very to have dry, infertile soil at their dry out somewhat before watering
dry, or so wet that they are base because of their shallow, again. This will encourage deeper
waterlogged much of the time. spreading roots. roots as well as discourage
disease.
To determine the soil Rather than trying to
composition in your site, dig down drastically change the soil and In nature, many plants manage
about 8" and put two cups of dirt moisture conditions, which could to co-exist in limited space
in a jar. Fill it with water, put a top damage the mature trees that because some have deep roots,
on it, shake it hard, and then let it you want to retain, choose plants others are shallow, and still others
sit for 24 hours. The organic in smaller containers so they can use surface rhizomes. By copying
material will now be floating on the be fitted into the spaces between that pattern, you can increase the
top, and underneath it will be shallow roots, add small diversity in your own garden.
layers (in this order) of clay, silt, deciduous trees which will shed
and sand. their leaves and gradually add Plants in natural settings also
organic matter to the soil, and exhibit a variety of growth
Usually the ideal woodland soil mulch with compost. patterns. Some appear early in
has a high percentage of organic the year, before leaves on the
matter and silt. Raking up the It’s a good idea to test the pH trees block the sunlight, and then
leaves under the trees each fall, of your soil. If your site is under go dormant.
as current gardening practices conifers and deciduous trees, it
tend to dictate, interferes with will tend to be more acidic. Others are evergreen, allowing
the natural recycling process. Property near construction sites them to produce food year-round,
or limestone rock formations is taking advantage of whatever light
If you are concerned about the likely to be alkaline. is available.
leaves matting down over the
winter, shred them and then Most of the woodland plants In addition, in nature you will find
return them to the garden bed. that you buy at a nursery prefer a that plants grow in “layers." There
This is a much safer way to more acidic soil, with a pH of 6- are tall trees, then a shorter
improve the soil under trees than 6.5. Azaleas and rhododendrons, understory of smaller trees and
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 3 A Plant's Home
4. shrubs, followed by lower-growing more on texture, shape, and subtle
perennials, and finally ground color variations to create impact. Leaf Textures
covers.
Strive for differences in leaf
If you choose plants that characteristics. Combine feathery
replicate this pattern, you’ll create ferns with plants having wide, large
a garden that looks natural, allows leaves. Look for variegated leaves
for a greater variety of species, and light-colored or peeling bark to
and is the most useful for wildlife. add interest.
At the same time, strive to Glossy leaves will have more – Woodland Gardens,
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Series
include plants with different bloom impact than dull ones, and
times, different leaf types and rounded or weeping forms create a
growth habits for cover, some that greater sense of space. Plants
are evergreen and others that are that are columnar in shape are While it is very likely that your
deciduous, and some that provide good for accents. garden will ultimately include
food sources for wildlife, including plants which are not native to your
nectar, nuts, and berries. Suitable ground covers will fill area, awareness will help you make
the visual gap between the early informed decisions and will
Some fruits are eaten as soon spring perennials and bulbs and encourage you to be sure that
as they ripen, while others become later flowers. Choose ground native plants are also part of your
palatable only after a succession covers which are hardy but not so design.
of freezing and thawing, making vigorous that they will choke out
them good late-winter food neighboring plants. As long as Perennial plants will be the
sources when most other things they don’t form dense root mats, mainstay of your shade garden,
have disappeared. spring bloomers will grow right up but you can also add extra color
through them. with shade-loving annuals. Garden
There are a few general design catalogues, Internet sources, and
tips that will help you create a As with any wildlife habitat your local nursery will offer many
shade garden that is pleasing to landscaping, provide a water suggestions, and will give you
the eye. Because shade plants source if possible. This may be a further information on the amount
tend to produce flowers that are bird bath, a shallow container of shade tolerance and soil
more subtle in color, you will rely imbedded in the ground, or a more requirements for each species.
elaborate pond system. In addition
to providing needed water for
Vertical Layers of the Forest wildlife, it will reflect light and
brighten a shady garden.
CANOPY This article was written by
Other structural elements to Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
consider are dead logs, which will Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
enrich the soil as they decay and
provide a growing medium for For more information or for the
lichens and fungi; and interesting name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area, please
rocks among which small plants contact:
UNDERSTORY can nestle and tumble.
WindStar Wildlife Institute
Shade gardens seem to inspire
feelings of peace and relaxation,
so plan to include a place to sit E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
and enjoy your surroundings. http://www.windstar.org
SHRUB LAYER
GROUND LAYER At last it’s time to choose your
plants! There are many books WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
national, non-profit, conservation
available on shade gardening, a lot organization whose mission is to
of resources on the Internet, and help individuals and families
various other sources of establish or improve the wildlife
ROOT ZONE
information, including your local habitat on their properties.
– Woodland Gardens
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Series County Extension Office.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 4 A Plant's Home
5. PLANTS FOR SHADE GARDENING
Bulbs NOTE:
Camassia For these lists, we have concentrated on
Fawn Lily (Erythronium oregonum, E. revolutum, species which not only thrive in lower-light
E. tuolumnense) conditions, but are also native and useful for
Fritillaria wildlife.
Groundcovers There are many others which could not be
Green-and-Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) included because of limited space.
Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)
Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) The benefits of using native plants are
Downy Yellow Violet (V. pubescens) discussed more fully in other WindStar
Blue Woods Violet (V. sororia) publications, but they include the fact that
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginiana) they are hardier and more disease resistant,
Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra) they offer less risk of growing invasively, and
Wild Ginger (A. arifolium, A. canadense, A. caudatum) they have evolved with local wildlife species to
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) best meet those species’ needs for food and
Crested Iris (I. cristata) cover.
Creeping Holly Grape (Mahonia repens)
Wild lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum canadense) In addition, planting native plants is an
May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum) investment in the future. Many are
threatened – and thus the birds, insects, and
Ferns
(rarely eaten by deer) animals that depend on them are also at risk
Maidenhair (Adiantum aleuticum, A. pedatum) – by land development, invasive alien plant
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) species, and gardening practices which tend
Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant) to limit natural genetic diversity.
Walking Fern (Camptosorus rhizophyllus)
Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-max)
Marginal Shield Fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Shrubs & Small Trees
Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana) Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
Rock Polypody (Polypodium virginianum) Dogwood (Cornus florida, C. racemosa, C. sericea,
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) C. alternifolia)
Broad Beech Fern (Thelypteris hexagonoptera) Viburnum (V. dentatum, V.acerfolium, V. lentago,
V. pruifolium)
Grasses Highbush Cranberry (V. trilobum)
Sedge (Carex muskingumensis, C. stricta, Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
C. tumulicola, C. plantaginea) Summersweet (Clethra alternifolia)
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Beardless Wild Rye (Elymus tritichoides) Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)
Gamma Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
Vines Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Allegheny Vine (Adlumia fungosa) Rhododendrons and Azaleas (many native selections)
Climbing Aster (A. carolinianus) Aromatic Sumac (Rhus canadensis)
Clematis (native varieties) Fothergilla (F. major)
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 5 A Plant's Home
6. “Consider that shady spot in your garden RESOURCES
as a challenge and an asset,
learn the special needs of shade-loving Books
Some of the many books you may find useful are
plants, and your former problem spot Easy Care Native Plants by Patricia Taylor,
becomes a cool, attractive, and refreshing Landscaping with Native Trees by Guy Sternberg and
haven to enjoy on a summer day." Jim Wilson, and Taylor’s Guide to Natural Gardening.
– Shade Gardening, Ortho Books Internet
These are just a few to get you started. You can
find many more sites using any search engine. Please
note that these sites do not necessarily concentrate
Perennials on native plants.
Wild Ageratum (Eupatorium coelestinum) http://www.chicago-botanic.org/PlantFacts.html
s
Windflower (Anemone patens) (good site from the Chicago Botanic Garden)
Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea, A. canadensis,
A. chrysantha) s http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) hort/g06911.htm
Astilbe (A. biternata) (Missouri Dept. of Horticulture; general info and
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) plant lists)
False Goatsbeard (Astilbe biternata)
s http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/
White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus)
horticulture/DG1428.html
Buff Goldenrod (Solidago sphacelata)
(Minnesota Extention Service; general info and
White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum)
plant lists)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Hepatica (H. acutiloba) s http://www.gardenweb.com/forums/woodland/
Bloodroot (Snaguinaria canadensis) (forum for woodland and deep shade gardening)
Celandine Poppy (Chelidonium majus)
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) s http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/wwwac/parish/ebr/
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) mgsgar.htm
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia) (master gardener site)
Dutchmen’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) s http://www.finegardening.com/kg/features/growing/
Phlox (P. divericata) 16shadeprint.htm
Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea, H. americana) (charts of amounts of required sunlight)
White Woodland Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)
Turtlehead (Chelone) s http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/
Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) Garden/shadegar.htm
Allegheny Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) (Denver Cooperative Extension Service)
Miterwort (Mitella diphylla) s http://www.aplantshome.com/store.html/
American Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) The definitive website on plants & horticulture
False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa) (list of plants from A Plant's Home)
Big Merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora)
s http://www.gifted-gardener.com/giftedgardener/
shadegarden.html
(Gifted Gardener horticulturalist; general info and
“Imagine the possibilities: a new plant lists)
landscape in which biodiverse gardens link
s http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe.SL1=
up to form a network of corridors that SHADEGARDENS&H=MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
crisscross the continent, connecting (a list serve devoted to shade gardening)
nature preserves so that animals can
s http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/
move freely and plant seeds can disperse. shade_gardening
Planting these gardens can be our great (a personal web page devoted to shade gardening)
gift to the planet." http://www.lanningpages.com/goldenherb/
s
– Janet Marinelli, Going Native, links1_garden.html
Brooklyn Botanic Garden series (gardening links of all kinds)
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 6 A Plant's Home
