Halesia in flower

Our native Halesia species (Silverbell) are wonderful understory trees. This one, planted in our ravine forest some years ago, has flourished; this is the best flowering year yet.

Looking down the slope, we see the Halesia, a red buckeye (also in flower), an Eastern Hemlock, an evergreen rhododendron, and still some Packera (Golden ragwort) in flower.

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden ragwort is a great native -- in the right place.

In the wrong place (rich soil, plenty of moisture, etc.), it's a thug. 

In the right place (dry, nutrient-poor, dappled-light), it's perfect.

Here, below our deck, and adjacent to the parking area for the apartment next door, it's been lovely this spring.  Patches (transplanted down in the woodland ravine) are equally nice.

We'll see.  Rooting it out of its former rich soil spots isn't easy!  It's a tough customer and resprouts readily from any rhizome/root fragments left behind.