1. Bloodroot

Name: Sanguinaria canadensis

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Size: 5 to 12 inches tall, 16 inches wide

Conditions: Full to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

Pure white blooms with yellow centers are one of the earliest signs of life in springtime gardens. Large, deeply lobed leaves emerge after the flowers; these provide a dense, attractive ground cover that stays fresh most of the season, unlike the ephemeral foliage of other early-spring bloomers. Bloodroot foliage and roots taste bitter and contain toxic compounds that deer avoid. Use this eastern woodland native in place of hosta (Hosta spp. and cvs., Zones 3 to 9) for shady areas near trees.

2. Nodding Onion

Name: Allium cernuum

Zones: 3 to 9

Size: 12 to 16 inches tall, 1 foot wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist to dry soil

Nodding onion is an adaptable garden plant with pretty sprays of pink or white summer flowers atop elegantly nodding stems. A member of the onion…