Cool Plants

Native Edition

Sure modern plant propogation techniques can result in wonderful new cultivars, but with native plants we can landscape the way Mother Nature intended! She doesn't make many mistakes. Here are some of our favorite species native to the Great Northwest:

Vine Maple - Acer circinatum

Acer circinatum is a small, sometimes multi-stemmed tree that grows ten feet high by 20 feet wide. As a small tree or large bush, it makes an exceptional landscape tree for a small garden. The leaves are similar to some of the Japanese maples, making them a popular choice for Northwest gardens.

Vine maples flourish as an understory tree in moist woods with dappled shade and along stream banks. It also grows in open areas. They can grow in full sun provided they receive extra irrigation. No garden should be without one. In autumn, our native Vine maple brightens up our mountain passes with brilliant fall color. It is even better when it brightens up our own gardens. The color can vary; it is recommended you choose it in autumn when you can view its fall color. Vine maples are also important trees for wildlife. They provide nesting sites and cover for many birds and mammals. The vireo often weaves basket-like nests that hang in the forks of the branches. Birds use the seed stalks and leaves for nest building.

Oregon Grape - Mahonia nervosa

Oregon grape is a low growing evergreen shrub native to the woods and woodland edges of the Pacific Northwest. Mahonia gives a shady area three seasons of interest. Erect racemes covered with clear yellow flowers rise from the plant's leaf axils or from the main stem tip in spring. In contrast to these upright blooms are long, elegant, compound leaves made up of leaflets with spiny edges. In fall, some leaves turn a lovely wine-red. During summer, clusters of berries mature to dark blue with a powdery whitish coating. This native is deer resistant. The fruit is enjoyed by many birds and the flowers have nectar for hummingbirds.

Salal - Gaultheria shallon

This native shrub inhabits woodland areas and forest margins. They are commonly known as the understory greenery beneath our coastal evergreens. Salal plants enjoy shade, but can flourish in full sun as well, although they tend to be shorter and less lush without some shade cover. Salal attracts wildlife, butterflies and bees for its waxy, pollen laden flowers, and birds and bears later in the summer when the heavy, purple-black berries ripen. The berries have been used for thousands of years by native North Americans. Put one in your garden and harvest some fruit to preserve!

Western Trillium - Trillium ovatum

Our western lily never fails to stop people in full stride. A shade lover, it's graced with gorgeous white three petaled flowers that eventually fade to wine purple during March and April. The three spade shaped leaves and the pure white three petal flower give the Trillium a striking contrast against the ground. The Trillium is a member of the Lily family.

In addition to the native, we also stock a number of additional trilliums! Come check 'em out.

Deer Fern - Blechnum spicant

Of all the Northwest native ferns that are so very gardenable, perhaps the most resplendant for temperate gardens is the small to medium sized Deer Fern. Tolerant of dry soil, this is a choice fern for tucking into crevices, around rocks or in any setting with a bit of shade and little moisture. Its deep green glossy, narrow fronds are of two strikingly different forms. The outer skirt of fronds is tapered at both ends. The central "fertile" fronds stand upright. It makes for a breath taking effect. You can even enjoy this fern as an indoor plant! Just keep the soil rich and moist.

We have all the above plants IN STOCK!!!

Blechnum spicant