As perennials go, this Mexican Pea Tribe member is staggeringly impressive.  From a woody base, there appears in spring stout stems reaching 8 feet..  On a mature plant, these stems are numerous and it becomes a dominant seasonal shrub. Pinnate leaves with 4 leaflets, large discoidal purple- veined stipules and big yellow flowers in fall.

Allegheny Brook Foam or Brook Saxifrage.  A never common species native streamsides and moist locations in woodlands from West Virginia down into Alabama and Georgia.  Reddish stems and attractive leaves with nice white flowers in late spring.  This adds to the necessary layer of complexity in the shade garden.

A distinct Hardy Ginger with leaves and flowers evoking Canna more so than any other in the genus.  Gorgeous foliage and the flowers although few are quite large and a striking reddish orange.  Likes a moist spot in the garden and can take full sun to part shade.  Winter mulch.

Narrow evergreen leaves and clusters of rusty yellow flowers suitable for hummingbirds on this zone 8 hardy Aussie shrub. In the family Proteaceae which for garden purposes could be Latin for "hates phosphorous" so no need to fertilize. perfect for the gravel garden in full sun.  Young plants, fast growing.