Acanthus mollis (Bears Breach): Z 7-8 A hardy woodland plant that does best in full sun to light shade. Plant in rich well drained soil with adequate moisture during the growing season. This plant is cultivatied for its huge scalloped leaves and its tall spikes of blue and white blooms in summer. This is an evergreen plant that occasionally will dieback to the roots. Plant next to a warm moist sunny building for best results.

Aquilegia caerulea (Rocky Mt. Colombine): Z 5-8 N.A. Native. This is a showy blue and white colombine. Plant in moist soil that is sun to part shade

Achlys triphylla (Vanilla leaf): Z 7-8 Ht. 6-14* N.A. Native This herbaceous native woodland perennial travels by underground rhizomes. It will emerge with three large scalloped flat leaves followed by a white plume of small flowers. The flowers are then replaced with purple berries that linger the rest of the season.

Angelica lucida: Z 6-8 N.A. Native This is robust perennial herb with a single stem up to five feet high and multiple flower clusters on branching stems. The leaves are large, smooth and semi-glossy. This grows in marshes along the coastal regions and is often associated with cow parsnip.

Artemisia ludoviciana V. ludoviciana (Prairie sage, White sagebrush): Z 5-9 N.A Native. This is a rhizomatous perennial with aromatic silver green foliage. The plants will reach up to three feet. Plant in a well-drained sunny location. This is a great foliage plant and sets off any perennials color.

Woodland conditions generally mean organic rich soil with decaying debris, well drained soil, shade to part shade. Just because you do not live in a woodland does not mean these plants will not be successful in a garden situation. Soil amendments are used to simulate what nature would have provided.

Plant hardiness zones are based from the USDA zonal system. To find out your zone click this link www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Aconitum carmichaelii 'ardensii': Z 4-9 China This perennial has bright blue blooms in August and September. Plant in sun to shade, moist well drained soil, keep roots cool. These are clump forming.

Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry): Z 5-9 This is a species Cimicifuga has white clusters of blooms fallowed by stunnig red berries. Plant in part sun with moist soil.

Actaea pachypoda: Z 5-9 This is a species Cimicifuga has white clusters of blooms fallowed by stunnig white berries. Plant in part sun with moist soil.

Aquilegia formosa (western colombine): Z 5-9 N.A.Native This colombine has blue green foliage with orange-red and yellow blooms hanging on one to three foot tall stems. Blooms in spring to summer. Full sun to part shade.

Angelica gigas: Z 4-10 Korea: In late summer this produces three to five foot bloom spikes with clusters of dark red-purple blooms.Plant in part shade to sun, with moist soil. This can be a triennial species that forms off sets that will bloom the next year. For best results allow the seeds to self sow.

Aralia californica (Elk Clover): Z 7-10 N.A.Native. This is a herbaceous perennial that is native to southern Oregon, and California. The stems are thornless with toothed leaves and white clusters of blooms fallowed by black fruit. Plant in part shade with moist soil.