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BIG LEAF MAPLE

Common Name:       Big Leaf Maple, Broad Leaf Maple, Oregon Maple

Scientific Name:       Acer macrophyllum

Distribution:               Big Leaf Maple is generally found growing west of the Cascades in Washington at elevations from sea level to 1,500 feet. 

Growth Habit:            Big Leaf Maple is a large deciduous tree, growing to over 80 feet tall, with a crown that can spread over 60 feet in diameter

Adaptability:              Big Leaf Maple can be found growing in a wide range of sites that range from wet to dry and sunny to shady. It grows better in full sun however.  It grows well on wet, bottom-lands, or on steep, rocky slopes

Comments:                Big Leaf Maple has many uses as a conservation species.  It is favored as a riparian restoration tree due to its adaptability, vigor and growth rate, and size and stature.  It quickly grows above weed competition and provides shade for streams.  Once established on a site, it provides diverse wildlife habitat, including forage for deer and elk, nesting for birds, and its seeds are used as food by many species of birds and animals.  A mature specimen provides considerable leaf litter for the soil, and is therefore considered a ‘soil-building’ species.  It also has commercial value.  Its wood is used in furniture and cabinet building, veneer, musical instruments and as fuel.

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BLUE ELDERBERRY

Common Name:       Blue Elderberry

Scientific Name:       Sambucus caerulea (syn. Sambucus glauca)

Distribution:               Blue Elderberry grows throughout Washington, from sea level to 5,000 feet.  It is far more predominant in eastern Washington however.

Growth Habit:            Blue Elderberry grows throughout Washington, from sea level to 5,000 feet.  It is far more predominant in eastern Washington however.

Adaptability:              Blue Elderberry can be found growing in a wide range of sites that ranges from wet to dry and sunny to shady. It grows best with ample sun however.

Comments:                Blue Elderberry has a variety of uses as a conservation species including riparian habitat restoration, erosion control, shelter belts, and wildlife habitat improvement.  It is quick to establish, and fast growing once established.  Its dark blue berries have been favored for generations for use in preserves, pies and wine. 

*Photos courtesy of Lincoln County Conservation District.

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CASCARA

Common Name:       Cascara

Scientific Name:       Rhamnus purshiana

Distribution:               Cascara is found throughout Washington at low to mid-elevations, but is more common on the west side of the Cascades.     

Growth Habit:            Cascara typically grows as an upright tree, occasionally reaching 30 feet tall.  It is deciduous even though older leaves may persist through winter.

Adaptability:              Cascara is adapted to grow in a wide range of conditions throughout its range.  It can be found growing in soils that range from wet to dry and sites that vary from shady to exposed.  Most typically however, Cascara is found growing in moist soils, with some shade present.

Comments:                Historical demand for Cascara bark for use in the pharmaceutical industry (as a laxative) has resulted in a considerable reduction in the native Cascara population.  It was once commonly found growing as a riparian species, and is considered an outstanding species for riparian restoration.  It also provides wildlife habitat.  Its berries are a favorite food of several species of birds and its stems provide browse for deer and elk.

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CHOKE CHERRY

Common Name:       Chokecherry

Scientific Name:       Prunus virginiana

Distribution:               Choke Cherry is widespread throughout the region at low to mid elevations.  It is more commonly found east of the Cascades.

Growth Habit:            Choke Cherry grows as a large heavy deciduous shrub or small tree.  It can grow from 10 to 20 feet tall.  It is often found growing in groups that grow together to form large irregular sprawling masses.

Adaptability:              Choke Cherry grows in a wide range of habitats, from riparian areas to dry upland sites.  It is most commonly found in sites that are moist and rich however.  East of the Cascades, where it occurs more frequently, it is found growing in sagebrush, bunchgrass, and Ponderosa Pine ecosystems.  

Comments:                Choke Cherry is a good restoration and wildlife species.  It grows in a wide range of sites, and its dark red cherries are an important food for many species of birds and mammals. The berries are also used for jams and jellies, but are considered too tart for fresh eating.  Large groupings of mature plants provide a fine display of masses of white flowers in spring.

 

* Photos courtesy of Lincoln County Conservation District.

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DOUGLAS MAPLE or ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAPLE

Common Name:       Douglas Maple or Rocky Mountain Maple

Scientific Name:       Acer glabrum

Distribution:               Douglas Maple can be found from Alaska south to Northern California.  It occurs from the coastal areas of that region, east to Idaho.

Growth Habit:            Douglas Maple grows as a small deciduous tree or large, upright shrub. It can grow to 30 feet tall, and often with an upright growth habit. It is usually larger and more upright than Vine Maple (Acer circinatum), but smaller than Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum).

Adaptability:              Douglas Maple is adapted to grow in a wide variety of sites. It occurs from moist lowland sites to dry upland areas.  It can be found growing in moderate shade as an understory species, or on very sunny exposed ridges.

Comments:                Acer glabrum has 2 common names associated with it.  It is commonly referred to as ‘Douglas Maple’ or ‘Rocky Mountain Maple.  It can be used in many of the same areas as the more common Vine Maple.  The most notable exception would be wetter, poorly drained sites, where Vine Maple would be more suitable. Douglas Maple has a faster and more upright growth habit than Vine Maple does, making it a more suitable species for shading out competing vegetation.  Its fall leaf color can be as brilliant as any maple, and its glossy reddish bark is most notably attractive in winter.

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DOUGLAS SPIREA

Common Name:        Douglas Spirea, Hardhack

Scientific Name:        Spiraea douglasii

Distribution:               Douglas Spirea is widely distributed throughout western Washington at low to mid-elevations.

Growth Habit:             Douglas Spirea is a deciduous shrub with an upright growth habit.  It can grow from 3 to 8 feet tall, with an approximately equal spread. It can spread by underground runners, creating large thickets.

Adaptability:               Douglas Spirea is adapted to grow in a wide range of conditions.  It grows in sun or shade, in damp, marshy sites, or rocky open upland areas. It is found growing from sea level to mid elevation forests.  It is not well suited to dense shade or very arid sites.

Comments:                Douglas Spirea is readily identified by its spiky pink flower clusters in summer and stalks of brown seed clusters that persist through winter.  It is an outstanding conservation species and is adapted to a wide range of sites. Its rhizomatous root system help make it a good soil stabilizer.  It also provides wildlife habitat, and is a common riparian species.

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INDIAN PLUM

Common Name:        Indian Plum, Osoberry

Scientific Name:        Oemleria cerasiformis (Osmaronia cerasiformis)

Distribution:               Indian Plum is found growing west of the Cascades from British Columbia south to northern California at low to mid-elevations.

Growth Habit:             Indian Plum grows as a shrub or small tree to 18 feet tall, spreading to 15 feet wide.

Adaptability:               Indian plum can be found growing in variety of sites that range from dry upland sites to moist riparian areas.  It grows in either open, fully exposed sites, or as an under-story species growing in full shade

Comments:                Indian Plum is one of the first flowering native shrubs to herald the approach of spring.  Its white, fragrant, drooping flowers, appear in March, before many species leaf out.  The flowers give rise to berries that ripen and turn purple in June, which provide a favorite source of food for many bird species. 

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MOCK ORANGE

Common Name:        Mock Orange, Syringa

Scientific Name:        Philadelphus lewisii

Distribution:               Mock Orange can be found throughout the state at low to middle elevations.

Growth Habit:             Mock Orange grows 6 to 12 feet tall, with an erect, loosely branched habit.  The abundance of white, sweetly-scented flowers makes this shrub quite noticeable in May and June.

Adaptability:               Mock Orange grows in a variety of different habitats at lower to middle elevations throughout Washington.  It can be found as a riparian species growing along gullies and streams.  It also grows in open or forested bottomlands, and in a variety of upland sites including talus slopes and rocky cliffs.  It is often found in coastal forests, sagebrush, bunchgrass, and Ponderosa Pine ecosystems.

Comments:                Mock Orange is an excellent soil and streambank stabilizer, and an important wildlife species.  Mock Orange from west of the Cascades tends to grown taller (up to 15 feet) than those growing east of the Cascades (approximately 6 feet).  The flowers on Westside Mock Orange are more fragrant than eastside plants.

 

*Photos courtesy of Lincoln County Conservation District.

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OCEANSPRAY

Common Name:        Oceanspray

Scientific Name:        Holodiscus discolor

Distribution:               Oceanspray is found through out this state at low to mid elevations.

Growth Habit:             Oceanspray is an upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub. It can grow to over 10 feet tall, and spread to over 6 feet wide.  In many sites they can spread, creating dense thickets.

Adaptability:               Oceanspray is a remarkably adaptable species.  It is particularly well suited to rocky, dry slopes. 

Comments:                Oceanspray is a good conservation species.  Its dense, matting root system is excellent for soil stabilization. Birds feed upon the seeds, which can persist into winter.  The masses of cream-colored flower clusters are attractive in spring.  Historically, this species has not been of much commercial value.  Native peoples used its strong, straight stems for arrow shafts and digging implements.  Pioneering families fashioned pegs from the stems to use as a substitute for nails in construction projects.

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OREGON ASH

Common Name:        Oregon Ash

Scientific Name:        Fraxinus latifolia

Distribution:               Oregon Ash grows throughout Western Washington from sea level to 3,000 feet.  It is more predominant however, in the southern part of the region.

Growth Habit:             Oregon Ash is a large upright deciduous tree, growing to over 60 feet tall on a favorable site.  It may only reach 25 feet tall on drier soils.  It develops a full, rounded canopy when grown on an open site, and a narrow upright habit when grown in a thicket of other trees.  

Adaptability:               Oregon Ash can be found growing in a wide range of sites that range from wet to dry and sunny to shady.  It is best-suited however to moist soils, and often grows along streams, particularly in bottom-lands with heavy, wet soils.  It is tolerant of sites that flood seasonally.  Growth and vigor are maximized with full exposure.

Comments:                Oregon Ash is a good tree for conservation and restoration projects.  It is well adapted for use in restoring riparian habitat. It grows large and vigorous, providing shade for streams and habitat for birds and other wildlife.  Oregon Ash is grown commercially.  Its wood has been used for tool handles, furniture building, veneer, pulp, and fuel.  It is also valued as an ornamental for its full, rounded canopy and bright yellow fall color.

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OREGON WHITE OAK

Common Name:        Oregon White Oak, Garry Oak

Scientific Name:        Quercus garryana 

Distribution:               Oregon White Oak occurs in Washington throughout the Puget Sound basin south to Oregon, up the Columbia River to near Goldendale, and in pockets along the east side of the Cascades at lower elevations.

Growth Habit:             Oregon White Oak has a variable growth habit.  It is often found as a small, deciduous upright irregular growing tree.  Occasionally, mature specimens can reach 60 feet tall with relatively straight trunks.     

Adaptability:               Oregon White Oak is adapted to grow on sites that range from dry to moist and from sunny to partially shade.  It is most commonly found growing on drier, more exposed sites, but that may be due to competing vegetation displacing it on moister sites, since it is initially slow growing.  It does not grow well in heavy shade.    

Comments:                Oregon White Oak is a slow growing species, and may require good weed control so that it is not choked out.  Once established, stands of Oregon White Oak provide good habitat for many species of birds and mammals.  Its wood is valued for its strength, making it an important commercial species.  It has not been of significant value in the ornamental industry even though the often gnarled growth habit can be striking.

 

PACIFIC NINEBARK

Common Name:        Pacific Ninebark

Scientific Name:        Physocarpus capitatus

Distribution:               Pacific Ninebark is found at low to mid elevations throughout western Washington.  It has also been found in northern Idaho, and the Blue Mountains.

Growth Habit:             Pacific Ninebark is a large deciduous shrub that can grow to 15 feet tall, and spread up to 15 feet wide.

Adaptability:               Pacific Ninebark prefers moist soils.  It is often found growing along streams, lakes, bogs, and other moist sites.

Comments:                Pacific Ninebark has long been used as a restoration species. It’s dense, matting root system make it useful in stream-side stabilization.  It provides forage and habitat for many species of birds and animals.  It also has ornamental value.  Its long, arching branches are covered with clusters of small, white flowers in late spring.  The peeling layers of cinnamon bark provide attractive winter interest.

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QUAKING ASPEN

Common Name:        Quaking Aspen

Scientific Name:        Populus tremuloides

Distribution:               Quaking Aspen is found throughout the Western United States.  In Washington, it can be found throughout the East side of the State where adequate moisture is present.  It has also been found in Western Washington, near sea level, but much less frequently than east of the Cascades.

Growth Habit:             Quaking Aspen can reach as tall as 80’ where ample moisture and suitable exposure is available.  In sites with only marginal moisture, the trees may only reach 20’ to 30’.

Adaptability:               As noted above, Quaking Aspen prefers planting sites that are moist most of the year.  Quaking Aspen will tolerate somewhat drier soils but at the cost of reduced vigor and growth potential.  Supplemental irrigation helps in marginally dry sites, but is no substitute for a good planting site.

Comments:                Aspen is another dual use species.  Its ornamental attributes are quite obvious and change through the seasons.  In spring, the leaves first appear striking chartreuse.  As summer approaches, the mature leaves take on a bluish-green color and audibly tremble with the slightest breeze.  The leaves then turn a bright yellowish-gold in the fall. After the leaves fall in winter, the trees show off their bright white bark.  Aspen is also a very useful conservation species.  Its branches provide nesting for many bird species, its tender foliage is used a browse for many mammals, its roots are a very effective soil stabilizer along streams and other bodies of water, and its dominate stature makes it ideally suited for providing shade to streams.

 

* Photos courtesy of Lincoln County Conservation District

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RED FLOWERING CURRANT

Common Name:        Red Flowering Currant

Scientific Name:        Ribes sanguineum

Distribution:               Red Flowering Currant can be found growing throughout our region at low to mid-elevations

Growth Habit:             Red Flowering Currant is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 12 feet tall and spread approximately 10 feet wide.

Adaptability:               Red Flowering Currant is found predominantly on exposed, well-drained sites, where it grows very well.  It can be found in shadier, damp sites 

Comments:                Red Flowering Currant is a prized species for many reasons.  It has not always been that way though. Considerable effort was given to eradicating this plant in the mid 20th century.  It is an alternate host for the fungal disease White Pine Blister Rust which was devastating Western White Pine in the inter-mountain region.  The rational for this was that eliminating the alternate hosts could prevent the disease from affecting these valuable timber trees.  It became apparent however that breeding disease resistance into White Pines was a much better long-term solution for both species.  Now Western White Pine is returning to the region in a big way and Red Flowering Currant can be used as both a conservation species and an attractive ornamental.  It is an important species for upland soil stabilization in restoration projects.  Its rose-pink flowers in February brighten any late-winter garden.

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RED OSIER DOGWOOD

Common Name:        Red Osier Dogwood or Red Twig Dogwood

Scientific Name:        Cornus stolonifera  (syn. Cornus sericea)

Distribution:               Red Osier Dogwood is found throughout Washington and the Western U.S.  It grows from low valley-bottoms up to timberline.

Growth Habit:             Red Osier Dogwood is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 20 feet tall, and spread to 20 feet wide.  Its lower branches that grow along the ground can root into the ground, often resulting in large thickets.

Adaptability:               Red Osier is usually found growing in moist soils, often along streams, lakes and swamps.  It is occasionally found growing on open, upland forested sites.  It tolerates shade, but prefers sun.

Comments:                Red Osier Dogwood has long been used as a restoration species, as well as an ornamental.  Its dense, matting root system makes it useful in stream-side stabilization.  It is also an important species for providing forage for deer, elk and moose in the winter.  Certain species of birds use its berries as food, while others use the plant for nesting.  It has become a popular ornamental species.  The red stems provide striking winter interest, and its clusters of small white flowers are showy in spring.  The clusters of white berries provide color in late summer, and the leaves turn reddish in the fall.

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SERVICEBERRY

Common Name:        Serviceberry, Saskatoon, Shadbush, Juneberry

Scientific Name:        Amelanchier alnifolia

Distribution:               Serviceberry is a widespread species, occurring abundantly throughout western North America at low to mid elevations.

Growth Habit:             Serviceberry grows as a small deciduous tree or upright shrub.  The size to which it grows varies, but typically ranges from 6 to 15 feet tall with an approximately equal spread.  It often spreads by underground runners, creating large thickets.

Adaptability:               Serviceberry grows in a wide range of conditions.  It tolerates soils that range from moist to dry and coarse to fine.  It grows on sites that vary from full sun to shade, on terrain from level to steep.  It often grows best in areas with over 12 inches of annual precipitation, good drainage, and moderate exposure.    

Comments:                Serviceberry has many uses as a conservation species.  It establishes well in disturbed sites with coarse soils.  Its dense, spreading, rhizomatous root system provides good soil stabilization.  It is also an excellent plant for enhancing wildlife habitat.  The berries produced in late summer are a favorite food of animals including birds, rodents and bears.  It also provides winter forage for many mammals, which can place young seedlings and saplings at risk.  New plantings may require protection from livestock, deer, mice, voles, etc.  Serviceberry is also used as an ornamental.  It produces masses of fragrant white flowers in late spring.  Its foliage is also quite attractive in the fall.  It has historically been cultivated for berry production.

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VINE MAPLE

Common Name:        Vine Maple

Scientific Name:        Acer circinatum

Distribution:               Vine Maple occurs primarily west of the Cascades in Washington at elevations from sea level to 4,500 feet. It can also be found growing in pockets along the east slope of the Cascades.

Growth Habit:             Vine Maple grows as a large shrub or small deciduous tree.  Its habit is highly variable, often depending upon exposure.  It tends to grow long and rangy when in the shade, and more upright and compact in the sun.  It can grow from 10 to 30 feet high with an equally variable spread.       

Adaptability:               Vine Maple grows in a variety sites that range from sunny to shady, and wet to dry, from a moist bottom-land, to a dry rocky slope.  It grows best in areas with moist soils and some shade, particularly along the east slope of the Cascades.   

Comments:                Vine Maple is an important conservation species for a variety of reasons.  It is adapted to a wide range of sites. It can be used as a pioneering species on open, disturbed sites, or as an understory species growing along pre-existing woodland.  It is a common component of riparian zones throughout the region.  Once established, its roots are effective soil stabilizers.  It has numerous uses in wildlife habitat restoration.  Its seeds are an important food source for many species of birds, squirrels, and rodents.  Deer and elk browse on its leaves and stems too.  Vine Maple is also used as an ornamental species.  The autumn leaf color can be quite vivid, particularly when grown in the sun.  

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Information taken from WACD.