Some trees like maples have many surface roots that create very dry conditions. These plants do not require a lot of water and can withstand drier conditions. These perennials will all grow under maples, but it usually takes about eight weeks for these plants to get established and they should be watered at least a few times a week during this period. These plants all require less than six hours of direct sun a day. Do not expect them to increase as fast as they would without the root competition.

• Ajuga
• Alchemilia
• Amsonia - light shade
• Disporum
• Epimedium
• Galium
• Hosta (will be half to two-thirds size)
• Ixeris
• Lamastrum
• Pachysandra
• Polygonatum
• Sedium spurium (light shade)
• Smilacina
• Tiarella
• Uvularia
• Viola

Ferns

• Athyrium nipponicum
• Dennstaedtia
• 'Branford Beauty'
• 'Branford Rambler'
• 'Ghost'