For thousands of years, our native flora has adapted to our unique local climate and soil conditions. Our soil pH is slightly acidic overall, and although soils can change from area to area, many of us have clay-dominant soils. Our patterns of summer dry and winter wet mean that native plants have adapted to survive the summer drought and soggy winter soils.
So, when it comes to choosing plants for our gardens, hedgerows and streamsides, native plants are great choices. All of the plants discussed below will be able to survive our regional weather and soil conditions. In addition, the plants will need minimal inputs of water and nutrients. Generally, little care is needed after the root systems are established during the first one to three years.
First, let’s talk about suitable native plants for hedgerows. Ideally, they should provide a windbreak but not block sunlight to crop areas. Hedgerows are also ideal habitats for our native birds, beneficial insects such as bees, and mammals. Mixed hedgerows will provide an assortment of nesting sites and food sources along with visual appeal. Native birds and bees prefer native species both for nesting and food.
For hedgerows, I recommend some of the following plants starting with small trees and large shrubs since these are the hedgerow backbone. Good choices include:
- Western serviceberry.
- Douglas hawthorn.
- Osoberry, also called Indian plum.
- Blue elderberry.
Smaller flowering shrubs add a lower tier and additional food for birds, bees and butterflies:
- Oregon grape.
- Oceanspray.
- Wild rose.
- Thimbleberry.
- Mock orange.
- Red flowering currant.
As a source for winter bird food, add snowberry. Perhaps the best vine is the honeysuckle.
For non-woody perennial plants, consider:
- Red columbine.
- Native violets.
- Sword fern.
- Oregon iris.
For wetter areas, such as near streams or in seasonal seeps, try adding:
- Red or white alder.
- Western red cedar.
- Red elderberry.
- Douglas spirea.
- Ninebark.
- Pacific crabapple.
- Willows.
Seasonal wetlands will also support camas.
For gardens, consider any of these above species with the exception of the Douglas hawthorn. This shrubby tree forms colonies that spread more than is usually appreciated in garden settings. Consider instead cascara, which is a small understory tree in our forests.
Particularly handsome trees are:
- Willamette Valley ponderosa pine.
- Oregon white oak.
- Western red cedar.
An elegant native shrub is the evergreen huckleberry. Sword ferns also perform elegantly in garden settings.
Most of the native flowering plants make excellent garden choices, including:
- Violets.
- Camas.
- Red columbine.
- Checkermallows.
- Wild bleeding heart.
When it comes to forest-style plantings, take a look around you to see what already predominates. Good choices are:
- Oregon white oak.
- Ponderosa pine (Willamette Valley form).
- Serviceberry.
- Cascara.
- Sword fern.
- Bitter cherry.
- Pacific yew.
Finally, make a list of what appeals to you, do some research, and make a shopping list, whether it is for the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District sale or for trips to your favorite retail nurseries. For more information about these plants, see our collection of resources for native plant gardening.
