Aquilegia canadensis
Columbine is found in rich rocky woods, north-facing slopes, cliffs, ledges, pastures, and roadside banks. Native to all states east of the Rockies, except Louisiana. A Duskywing skipper feeds on the leaves and hummingbirds seek out its nectar.
Phacelia bipinnatifida
Purple Phacelia is common biennial wildflower in Middle Tennessee where it's found growing in moist woodlands and rocky slopes. Phacelia is all about the bees and that makes this gardener happy.
Trillium luteum
Yellow trillium can be found in deciduous forests, open woods and along rocky stream banks in Eastern Tennessee, but, it grows happily in my Middle Tennessee garden. 
Phlox pilosa
The Practically Perfect Pink Phlox has just begun blooming~It has had a late start, which means that it might bloom into June! "Phlox flowers are the classic butterfly plant with their perfect landing
pad (flared petals), a narrow tube that is accessible to the long
proboscis of butterflies and fragrant flowers that occur in loose,
rounded clusters. The long bloom time means there's plenty of nectar
for pollinator visitors from early to mid-spring. I've seen butterfly,
skippers, bumblebees, Minor bees, carpenter bees and Flower flies
visiting. I've read that Hummers visit as well and since it's blooming
late here, they might stop by, too." It's happy in shade, sunshine, dry open woods, along roadsides and prairies. I am sad to report that the bunnies have discovered the PPPP and have taken a toll on the population~Not to worry, I bought new plants!
Hydrophyllum appendiculatum
Appendaged Waterleaf is a northern species of Waterleaf that is frequently found in rich woodlands in Middle Tennessee. You'll recognize it and its near relatives by the mottled/waterstained leaves. You'll be able to tell this from the others by its maple leaf shaped leaves. Like its distant cousin Phacelia, it's a bee magnet.
xoxogail
Gail Eichelberger is a gardener and therapist in Middle Tennessee. She loves wildflowers and native plants and thoroughly enjoys writing about the ones she grows at Clay and Limestone. She reminds all that the words and images are the property of the author and cannot be used without written permission.
