The document describes McDowell Falls and the diverse plant life that thrives in its moist environment, highlighting specific species such as vine maple, maidenhair fern, thimbleberry, and wild bleeding heart. It emphasizes the interaction of plants with their surroundings, including the presence of pollinators and the cycle of nature. The author encourages readers to visit and experience the beauty and variety of blooms in this unique location.

1. McDowell
Falls & the
Plants That
Live There
{
Linda R. McMahan, Ph.D.
Community Horticulture
Oregon State University
Extension Service
linda.mcmahan@oregonstate.edu

2. Most people come to picnic and
play near the taller falls near the
The Waterfalls western, lower parking lot.

3. My personal favorite is the more
secluded falls near the upper,
more eastern parking lot,
accessible from a steep but well-
The Waterfalls maintained trail with overlooks.

4. What really draws me to this special place are the plants, growing
lush in the moisture created from the stream and waterfalls—the mist
lingers in this canyon at the western edge of the Cascade Mountains.
The Plants

5. Against the backdrop of the stream, an overhanging branch of vine
maple becomes dynamic, never once the same.
Vine Maple, Acer circinnatum

6. The black veins and stems of the maidenhair fern stand out against
the green background. This moisture loving plant is common along
the stream banks.
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum pedatum

7. The nearly constant moisture fosters the growth of decomposing
fungi, these on a fallen log surrounded by sword fern.
Sword fern, Polystichum munitum

8. Flowers of thimbleberry attract bees and other flying insects for
pollination. The raspberry-like berries will be medium red.
Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus

9. Wild bleeding heart is still blooming in late May, but beginning to set
its seed pods that seem to grow right out of the flower. The seeds are
disseminated by ants. The pollinator is a native butterfly.
Wild bleeding heart, Dicentra formosa

10. Our native wild blackberries remind me of the taste of honey.
Notice the bluish white stem, one way to tell them from the invasive
introduced blackberries.
Wild blackberry, Rubus ursinus

11. Named after Fort Vancouver, this elegant and popular groundcover is
plentiful in the park. It is deciduous, having bright yellow fall color.
Inside-out flower, Vancouveria hexandra

12. The false solomon’s seal was in full bloom, creating graceful arches
against the tall straight trunks of Douglas fir.
False soloman’s seal, Smilacina racemosa

13. The small surprises keep me coming back to see more. Each day,
there is something new. Today, it was this emerging bloom of the
Western trumpet honeysuckle, Lonicera ciliosa, one of our few native
vines.
Visit yourself, and see what is blooming
now.

14. Thank you. Photographs
by the author and may be
used freely for education
purposes with
acknowledgement.
Presentation © Linda
McMahan, Oregon State
University Extension
Service.
Contact linda.mcmahan@oregonstate.edu
for other uses.