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!
These cheery bold perennials mark the transition of our native wild flowers from spring into real summer. So named for its long leaves, it forms permanent spreading colonies in clay soils. The brilliant yellow sun flower blossoms rise up on sturdy stems directly from the ground. Each ebullient large flower is about 4″ across. Blooms appear from late April to early June. Grows 1′-3′ tall and is winter deciduous. Generally found in yellow pine forest, foothill woodland, chaparral, valley grassland, and on open ridges. The large leaves are 3″ wide and up to 16″ long. Good, long-lived garden plant goes summer dormant after blooming has ended. The leaves turn gray and brittle and can easily be removed then. Give it a summer rest w/ little to no summer water once established. Full sun to very light shade. Water to establish its first season then none in subsequent years. Highly attractive to pollinators of all kinds, especially bumble bees and butterflies. Birds eat the seeds, especially goldfinches. Deer resistant! Photo courtesy of Xera Plants.
