Symphoricarpos albus - snowberry A very nice native shrub that produces small white berries that seem to pop when you crush them. Animals tend to leave them uneaten until the very last, so you watch the fruits progress from pure white to shriveled brown husks. Snowberries do best in dappled shade in organically rich, [...]

Carex pendula A sedge (feel the leaf stalks to feel the edge is one way to tell a sedge from a grass) that is quite elegant given enough room to spread its wings so to speak. Once established, small hard seeds will keep on germinating years after you’ve decided to dig it out. It [...]

Epipactus helleborine – Helleborine Orchid This is an orchid but not one that people generally want. Not very showy but spreads itself around with abandon due to windblown minute seeds. A set of close knit roots makes it difficult to eliminate. It’s a mystery as to where it came from since it was getting noticed [...]

Geranium robertianum – Robert’s Geranium With small lacy leaves, an open habit and pink small blossoms, this plant tucks itself into every niche in the garden if allowed to. Easily pulled out but the seeds all around keep it reappearing. The seeds are propelled quite some distance; look for yourself to see the tightly [...]

Scutellaria altissima –Tall Skullcap A weedy member of the mint family but does offer seed to certain birds. An escapee from Central Europe, skullcaps are used in herbal remedies and for their bicolored white and lilac flowers. Quickly covers ground due to left over seed! There is a native skullcap, Scutellaria laterifolia that favors [...]

Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken Fern Tall (up to 6’), this deciduous fern appears all across the globe. In spring, emerging shoots rise quickly to gain as much sunlight as possible. Come autumn, the tri-parted fronds turn a light brown tone. Once you start trying to dig out a plant or stand of it, you’ll [...]

Mahonia nervosa – Low Oregon Grape Usually no more than 2’ high, this native evergreen is useful in native plantings. It does well in shaded areas but can tolerate sun if the soil is moist. Showy clusters of yellow blossoms in late winter are a source of pollen for native bees and honey for [...]

Oxalis oregana – Oregon Woodsorrel A pretty native ground cover that needs moist shady spots to look its best – and then it will send roots in all directions. Once established, digging it out becomes a test of patience as any small piece left behind will start the cycle over again. [...]

Stranvaesia davidiana ‘Undulata’ – Low Stranvaesia There’s been a name change of the genus from Stranvaesia to Photinia but most likely you’ll still find it in nurseries by its original name. The low growing form stays under 2’ high but can get up to 10’ wide. The parent plant is a tall growing shrubby [...]