Why choose native plants? Pacific Northwest native plants know how to live here and how to thrive here. They often need much less water and less fertilizer. They spread slowly and are not invasive. They support a wide diversity of wildlife. And best of all, they look great!
A monarch of a tree locally native in the Willamette Valley that preceded European development. Slow growing tree of great age and grace. Deep green foliage forms dappled domes in the high rounded canopy. Birds and wildlife adore this completely summer drought adapted tree. Reaches 130′ at maturity but this takes decades. Grows just 2′-3′ a year under ideal conditions. Whitish bark in patches are types of specific fungus from the constantly saturated Oregon winter soils. Tolerates the most impenetrable clay and shuns summer irrigation. Fall color is russet orange. In certain years huge amounts of acorns are produced while in other years the amount is quite low. Famous for its enormous, moss-covered branches. Photo courtesy of Oregon State.
