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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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