This document provides information on native plant species suitable for landscaping in Oregon's Willamette Valley. It discusses the benefits of using native plants, which are already adapted to the local climate and provide food and habitat for wildlife. Several tree, shrub, groundcover and herbaceous plant species are described in detail, along with their characteristics, landscape uses, sunlight and moisture requirements. The document emphasizes matching plants to appropriate habitats and care during establishment, as well as enjoying the connection with nature that natives provide.

1. Native Plants for Oregon’s Willamette Valley Linda R McMahan, Ph.D. Botanist and Community Horticulturist Oregon State University Extension Service linda.mcmahan@oregonstate.edu

2. Why native plants? The most reliable species Different plants for different purposes Which species attract the wildlife you want to encourage and enjoy What You Might Like to Know Native camas, Camassia sp.

3. Why Native Plants Native Plants are: Already adapted to our weather and soils Reminders of our natural surroundings Support for local insects, birds and other wildlife Beneficial for stream health Hardy and relatively disease free Beautiful Western mock orange, Philadelphuslewesii

5. Shade

6. Protection

7. Vertical InterestGrand fir, Abiesgrandis and western red cedar, Thujaplicata

8. Oregon ash – Fraxinuslatifolia

9. Oregon ash Tree to 80 ft Tolerates moist / seasonally wet soils Wildlife value: Food Cover Nesting sites

10. Oregon oak Quercusgarryana

11. Oregon oak Tall, deciduous, slow-growing Fallen leaves can suppress weeds & work well in compost Cannot tolerate summer irrigation

12. Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum

13. Big Leaf MapleAcer macrophyllum Stately tree Use large leaves for weed suppression or compost Once established requires no added water, but can support a shady lawn

14. Ponderosa pine – Pinus ponderosa

15. Ponderosa pine Tall, but usually ok near structures Full sun Dry sites east of Cascades West of Cascades, the Willamette Valley form withstands wetter sites

16. Western red cedar – Thuja plicata

17. Western red cedar Grows near but not in water Sun, part sun Mature tree can be very tall

18. Vine maple – Acer circinnatum

19. Vine maple Graceful understory tree, prefers part shade Slow growing Readily available

20. Osoberry(Indian plum) – Oemleriacerasiformis

22. March blooms

23. “Plums” bird food

24. Easy to grow

26. Erosion Control

27. Wildlife Value

28. Eye Level InterestRed flowering currant, Ribessanguineum

29. Mock Orange Philadephuslewesii

30. Mock orange o Fragrant, good nectar source o Fast grower, drought tolerant o Sun, part shade o Butterfly host

31. Nootka Rose – Rosa nutkana

32. Nootka rose Full sun in drier areas Bank stabilizer, spreads underground Flowers provide nectar, hips food for wildlife

33. Oregon grape – Berberis aquifolium

34. Oregon grape Evergreen, forms colonies Berries and nectar support wildlife State flower of Oregon Widely available

35. Blue elderberry – Sambucusmexicana

36. Blue elderberry Tall, multi-stalked Sun, part sun Average to dry site White, flat-topped flower clusters Blue berries feed wildlife

37. Red flowering currant – Ribes sanguineum

38. Red flowering currant Blooms Feb/Mar Shade/part-sun, banks and drier areas Fast growing, readily available Drupes in late summer for birds Hummingbird pollinated

39. Red osier dogwood – Cornus sericea

40. Red osier dogwood Occurs naturally along streams but tolerates drier conditions Full to part sun Red winter twigs Host for native butterflies Look for local plants

41. Snowberry - Symphoricarpusalbus

42. Snowberry Spreads to stabilize banks Spreads to increase cover Bluish, soft foliage Fruits provide food through the winter

43. Groundcovers and Herbaceous Plants in the Landscape Garden interest Protection for compaction by rain Hiding places for small creatures Helps prevent erosion Ladyfern and oxalis

44. Sword fern – Polystichummunitum

45. Sword fern Part or full shade One of the best plants for bank stabilization Great landscape ornamental Easy to find Easy to transplant and relocate

46. Wild strawberries – Fragaria—3 native species Ground cover, spreading by runners Some species prefer shade; others sun Nectar for butterflies and other insects Butterfly caterpillar hosts

47. Lady fern – Athyriumfelix-femina Unfurling spring fronds

48. Lady Fern Prefers sun or part sun, good soil moisture Good for bank stabilization Winter deciduous Delicate soft foliage 2-4 feet tall

49. Wood sorrel – Oxalis oregana

50. Wood sorrel Aggressive groundcover Full to part shade Once established, difficult to remove Will tolerate dry shade and go dormant in dry summers

51. Camas - Camassia species

52. Camas Commercially available bulb Spring blooming Needs spring moisture Needs summer dry

53. Oregon iris – Iris tenax

54. Oregon iris Reliable native iris, late spring blooms Tolerates drier sites

55. Yellow monkey flower – Mimulus guttatus

56. Yellow monkey flower Moist soil Sun/part-shade Spreads to become a ground cover Nectar Seeds provide food for wildlife

57. In Summary Natives add or enhance wildlife habitat Look at all levels-trees shrubs, herbaceous plants and groundcovers Match the requirements of the plant to its new habitat Plant directly into native soil Wild bleeding heart, Dicentraformosa

58. In Summary Take care of plants for the first 2-5 years after planting—some will require additional irrigation during this time Group plants with similar needs together Enjoy your new connection with Oregon native plants Wild bleeding heart, Dicentraformosa

59. Thank You Photos by the author Presentation may be used freely for educational purposes For all other purposes, contact the author at linda.mcmahan@oregonstate.edu Stream violet, Viola glabella