Native Plant Selection Guide

Introduction

The table is a compilation of information from several sources (see Publications in Appendix). It is designed to help select the "right plant for the right place." It does not include the complete list of plants native to the Portland area. It does include those most commonly used in residential settings, most readily available at retail nurseries, and plants suited to a wide range of growing conditions. Where data were inconsistent, the information provided by the preponderance of sources was used. The following definitions are provided as assistance in using the table:

Name

The common name is listed first, followed by the botanical name (in italics). Where the plant is known by more than one common name, other names are included in the comment column. Plants with an asterisk (*) have soil-binding characteristics that are good for erosion control.

Form and Habit

The plants are divided into six groups. Each of these groups may be either:

Trees

Tree-like Shrubs: Deciduous. Lose their leaves or needles but retain their woody structure during winter.

Shrubs: Evergreen. Retain their leaves or needles as well as their woody structure through the winter.

Ferns: Annual. Die back to the ground during winter; may grow back f rom seed in the spring.

Vine: Perennial. Die back to the ground; grow back from roots, bulb, or rhizomes in the spring.

Forbs (everything else)

Mature Size

These are estimates only. Actual size at maturity (and rate of growth) can vary significantly, based on a combination of many factors at the planting site. Where available, the spread of the plant is also included.

Light Needs

Su: Full Sun

PSu: Partial Sun

Sh: Full Shade

Su, PSu: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Sh, PSu: Full Shade to Partial Sun

Su, Sh: Sun to Shade (prefers sun)

Sh, Su: Shade to Sun (prefers shade)

Water Needs

SW: Seasonally Wet

PW: Perennially Wet

M: Moist

D: Dry

PDX List (Portland Plant List)

Y The plant is on the Portland Plant List as an acceptable plant to use in Environmental Zones.

N The plant is not on the Portland Plant List.

Setting (from Portland Plant List)

Wetland: Includes all forms of wetlands found in Portland.

Riparian: Includes the riparian areas along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, and other streams in Portland.

Forest: Refers to upland forested areas with little or no slope.

F. Slopes: Refers to steeply sloping upland forests such as the west hills and various buttes in Portland.

Thicket: Refers to edges of forests and meadows, including hedgerows and clumps of vegetation that may be found in meadows.

Grassland: Refers to open areas of forests and meadows; may include clearings in forested areas.

Rocky: Refers to rocky upland areas; may include cliffs.

Comments

Additional comments have been added to assist in plant selection. These comments are not exhaustive due to space considerations. For more information about these, and other, native plants, refer the Publications list in the Resource section.

Name	Form and Habit	Mature Size	Light Needs	Water Needs	PDX List	Setting	Comments
Alder, Red (Alnus rubra)*	Deciduous tree [seeds prolifically on bare soil]	Height: 80 ft - 120 ft Spread: 40 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Aggressive seeder and fast grower, even in poor soil. Relatively short lifespan (50 years). Provides food for birds.
Alumroot, Small-flowered (Heuchera micrantha)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Su, Psu	M	Y	Riparian Forest Rocky	Often found on stream banks and in rocky crevices. Numerous, very small flowers in open clusters bloom May to July.
Ash, Oregon (Fraxinus latifolia)*	Deciduous tree	Height: 40 ft - 80 ft Spread: 25 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Has winged fruit, not berries like other ashes. Often grows near streams or areas that flood.
Aster (Aster species)	Perennial forb	Height: 1 ft - 3 ft	Su	D, M	Y	Varies	Late summer and fall bloom. There are several native asters; some prefer meadows or open slopes; one prefers wetlands; others like moist woods. There are 4 species on PDX List.
Azalea, Western (Rhododendron occidentale)	Deciduous shrub	Height: 14 ft	Su, Psu	M	N	Forest	Often forms dense thickets. Most common on coast, where they grow only 2 ft - 3 ft tall.
Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza species)	Perennial forb	Height: 1 ft - 3 ft	Su	D	N	Grassland Rocky	Spectacular bloom. Most common in the Columbia hills (The Dalles, Hood River, etc).
Bleeding Heart, Western (Dicentra formosa)	Perennial forb spreads by rhizome	Height: 6 in - 12 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Wetland Forest F.Slope	Fernlike leaves. April to June bloom. Prefers rich soil. Would do well along a stream bank.
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)	Perennial forb	Height: 8 in - 20 in	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Grassland	Grass-like, sharp pointed leaves. Does well on edge of streams.
Bulrush, Small-Fruited (Scirpus microcarpus)*	Perennial forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 2 ft - 5 ft	Su	PW, M	Y	Wetland Forest Grassland	Grasslike plant common in wetlands and roadside ditches. Good soil-binding characteristics. Spreads fairly rapidly.
Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Forest	Also called dwarf dogwood. Very low growing ground cover, lush with no woodiness.
Camas, Common (Camassia quamash)and (Camassia leightinii)	Perennial forb bulb	Height: 1 ft - 2.5 ft	Su, PSu	SW, M	Y	Wetland Grassland	Can be used in wet meadow or wetland settings. Late spring or early summer bloom. Tolerates heavy soil.
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)	Deciduous tree	Height: 30 ft - 40 ft Spead: 25 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Also called chittim or buckthorn. Purplish black berries are bitter but edible; they attract birds. Cannot tolerate deep shade. Seldom reach maturity. Historically, the bark has been collected and used for laxatives.
Cedar, Western Red (Thuja plicata)	Evergreen tree	Height: To 200 ft Spread: 30 ft	Sh, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest	Found mostly in moist to wet soils, usually in shaded forests. Will grow in drier areas with rich soil. Probably most important tree to coastal Indians. Scale-like leaves. Bark shreds easily.
Cherry, Bitter (Prunus emarginata)	Deciduous tree	Height: 30 ft - 50 ft Spread: 20 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Riparian F.Slope Thicket	Also called wild cherry. Often grows in moist woods or along streams. Can succeed in sunny, dry sites, too? Produces bright red cherries that are very bitter.
Chokecherry, Common (Prunus virginiana)*	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 15 ft - 30 ft Spread: 15 ft	Su, PSu	D, M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest Thicket	Prefers forest edges and clearings. Purple to black drupes (like cherries) grow in elongated clusters; edible but extremely sour; excellent in syrups and jellies.
Clarkia (Clarkia species)	Annual forb taproot	Height: 10 in - 24 in	Su	D, M	N	Grassland Thicket	Summer bloom. Also called Farewell-to-Spring. Often found at forest edge or on open slopes.
Coltsfoot, Sweet (Petasites frigidus)	Perennial forb spreads from rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Sh, PSu	W	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest Grassland	Needs large, moist, wild setting in wet meadow, bog or riparian area. One of earliest wildflowers to bloom.
Columbine, Red (Aquilegia formosa)	Perennial forb taproot	Height: 12 in - 18 in	Su, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest Thickets Grassland Rocky	Can grow in wide variety of settings. Prefers light shade. Easy to start from seed. One of our most beautiful wildflowers; spring bloom. Flowers very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Cottonwood, Northern Black (Populus trichocarpa)*	Deciduous tree does not spread	Height: 100 ft - 175 ft Spread: 25 ft - 40 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Fast grower in moist to saturated soils; widely used for streambank stabilization
Crabapple, Pacific (Pyrus fusca)or (Malus fusca)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 10 ft - 30 ft Spread: 35 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest Thicket	Native to coastal bogs. Small clustered apples are tart but edible.
Currant, Red-Flowering (Ribes sanguineum)*	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 9 ft	Su, Sh	D, M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope Thicket Grassland	Very attractive, erect, non-spiny shrub with red, tubular flowers that bloom early in the spring. Produces bluish, unpalatable berries that are quickly eaten by birds.
Currant, Sticky (Ribes viscosissimum)	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 6 ft	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Riparian Forest	Medium-sized, non-spiny shrub with straggly but stiff branches. Soft sticky hairs cover the leaves and flowers.
Dogwood, Red-Osier (Cornus sericea)*	Deciduous tree-like shrub; spreads to form thicket	Height: 6 ft - 18 ft Spread: 20 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW, PW	Y	Wetland Riparian Thicket	Attractive shrub that produces bright red stems. Makes good barrier hedge. Sometimes called Cornus stolonifera.
Elderberry, Blue (Sambucus mexicana)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 4 ft - 30 ft	Su, PSu	D, M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest Thicket	More common east of the Cascades. Berries edible; good food source for wildlife. Flower resembles that of red elderberry but is flat-topped. Fast growing.
Elderberry, Red (Sambucus racemosa)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 4 ft - 30 ft	Su, Sh	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Fast growing, with weak, sprawling branches. Hollow stems. Berries are not edible, but birds love them. Bloom and ripen earlier than Blue Elderberry.
Fairy-Bell, Hooker’s Disporum hookeri)	Perennial forb	Height: 11 in - 36 in	PSu, Sh	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Creamy-white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers.
Fern, Deer (Blechnum spicant)	Evergreen forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 36 in	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest	Often a major understory plant in moist conifer forests. Two kinds of fronds: outer frond horizontal, center fronds erect.
Fern, Lady (Athyriulm filix-femina)	Perennial forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 24 in - 48 in	Su, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest	Often form dense populations in moist, wooded areas and along stream banks.
Fern, Maidenhair (Adiantum aleuticum)	Perennial fern	Height: 12 in- 24 in	PSu, Sh	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope Rocky	Delicate, black-stemmed fern. Unusual in appearance and very attractive.
Fern, Sword (Polystichum munitum)	Evergreen forb	Height: 24 in - 48 in	Sh, PSu	D, M	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Grows in wide variety of conditions. Probably the best known fern in Pacific NW. Excellent plant for dry shade.
Fescue, Idaho (Festuca idahoensis)	Perennial forb	Height: 1 in - 3.5 in	Su	D	N	Grassland	Densely tufted perennial grass with narrow leaves. Similar to Western Fescue but tolerates drier conditions.
Fescue, Red (Festuca rubra)*	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in - 40 in	Su, PSu	D, M	N	F.Slope Thicket Grassland Rocky	Tall, common grass species. Loosely tufted perennial.
Fescue, Western (Festuca occidentalis)	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in - 40 in	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Riparian Thicket	Tufted perennial grass with hairlike leaves. Common understory plant west of Cascades.
Fir, Douglas (Pseudotsuga menziesii)	Evergreen tree	Height: 200 ft + Spread: 50 ft - 60 ft	Su, PSu	D, M, SW	Y	Forest F.Slope	Fast-growing. Grows in all but the wettest & driest sites. Shallow rooting, potential for windthrow in thin or disturbed soils; good windbreak in groupings. Good wildlife nest potential.
Fir, Grand (Abies grandis)	Evergreen tree	Height: 150 ft - 250 ft Spread: 40 ft	Su, Sh	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest F.Slope	Largest true fir. Tall, straight and stately. Cones sit upright on the branches.
Fir, Pacific Silver (Abies amabilis)	Evergreen tree	Height: 200 ft	Su	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Tall, straight symmetrical tree. Grows in variety of conditions but most common in moist forests with deep, well-drained soil.
Foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata)	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in - 15 in	Sh	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Also called laceflower. Tiny delicate white flowers at the end of short wire-like stalk. Dense patches look like foam on forest floor.
Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 36 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Basal leaves with long, hairy stalks. Leaves similar to piggyback but flowers distinctively different.
Ginger, Wild (Asarum caudatum)	Evergreen forb spreads by stems rooting at nodes	Height: 3 in - 6 in	Sh	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Heart-shaped, velvety leaves. Grows freely in leaf mold of damp coastal woodlands. Common but inconspicuous plant. Has trailing stems that root at nodes.
GoatNs Beard (Aruncus sylvester)	Perennial forb	Height: 36 in - 72 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Also known as Sea Foam. Commonly found in ‘edge’ habitats (edges of roadsides, forests and streams).
Goldenrod, Canada (Solidago canadebsis)	Perennial forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 60 in	Su	D	Y	Grasslands	Small yellow ray flowers in dense clusters. Often grows in disturbed areas.
Grass-widow (Sisyrinchium douglasii)	Perennial forb	Height: 4 in - 16 in	Su	M, SW	N	Wetland Grassland	Showy, tufted perennial. Leaves like iris but much smaller. Attractive spring bloom. Does well on edge of streams.
Hairgrass, Tufted (Deschampsia caespitosa)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 48 in	Su, PSu	M, SW, PW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Densely tufted perennial grass. Grows in bunches.
Hawthorn, Western Black (upland form) (Crataegus douglasii var. suksdorfii)	Decidous treespreads	Height: 25 ft - 45 ft Spread: 15 ft - 25 ft	Su, PSu	D, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest F.Slope Thicket	Sometimes called Douglas hawthorn or black haw. Good fall color. Common; thorny; thicket forming; good hedgerow plant. Doesn’t spread as aggressively as non-native species. Grows slowly. Valuable food & cover for wildlife.
Hazelnut, Western (Corylus cornuta)	Deciduous tree-like shrub; spreads by suckers	Height: 5 ft - 18 ft	Su, PSu	M	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Good hedgerow shrub. Produces edible nut. Male catkins attractive. Also called hazel nut or filbert.
Hemlock, Western (Tsuga heterophylla)	Evergreen tree	Height: 125 ft + Spread: 40 ft	Su, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Can be used as hedge. Not for average yard due to size. Fairly fast growth. Prefers moist, acid soil.
Honeysuckle, Hairy (Lonicera hispidula)	Deciduous vine	Height: 6 ft - 18 ft	Su, PSu	D	Y	Forest Thicket	Sometimes called California honeysuckle. Usually trailing or crawling vine; sometimes climbing vine. Berries not edible; may be somewhat poisonous.
Honeysuckle, Orange (Lonicera ciliosa)	Deciduous vine	Height: 15 ft - 20 ft	Su, PSu	D/M	Y	Forest Thicket	Also called trumpet vine. Found on margins of wooded areas. Attracts hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies.
Huckleberry, Evergreen (Vaccinium ovatum)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 3 ft - 12 ft	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Forest	Attractive ornamental with shiny, leathery leaves. Shiny purple-black berries are edible. Grows taller in shade.
Huckleberry, Red (Vaccinium parvifolium)	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 12 ft	Su, PSu	D/M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Usually grows beneath conifers west of Cascades, often on nurse logs/stumps. Can be difficult to establish.
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miinata)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Su	M	N	Grassland	Summer bloom. Difficult to grow. Most common of several Paintbrush varieties.
Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 8 ft - 15 ft	Su, Sh	D, M	Y	Riparian Grassland	Also called osoberry. Fruit resembles small plums, edible but bitter. One of first to flower in spring. Open woods, streambanks, roadsides.
Inside-out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra)	Perennial forbspreads widely by rhizomes	Height: 8 in	Sh, Su	D, M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Also called ducks foot, because of the shape of the leaf. Common plant along streamsides. Dainty, unusual white flower.
Iris, Oregon (Iris tenax)	Perennial forb	Height: 10 in - 20 in	Su	M	Y	Forest Thicket Grassland	Showy, clumped perennial with narrow, grasslike leaves
Kinnikinnik (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 2 in - 6 in Spread: To 15 ft	Su, PSu	D/M	Y	Grassland Rocky	Also called Bearberry. Prostate spreading ground cover; roots as it creeps. Excellent on slopes too steep for lawn. Slow to start; mulch to keep down weeds until established. Drought tolerant once established.
Lily, Tiger (Lilium columbianum)	Perennial forbbulb	Height: 12 in - 48 in	Su, Sh	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Also called Columbia lily and Oregon lily. Spectacular wildflower; orange blossoms with purplish spots. Grows in broad variety of habitats.
Lily-of-the-Valley, False (Maianthemum dilatatum)	Perennial forbspreads by rhizomes	Height: 3 in - 15 in	Sh, PSu	M, SW	Y	Forest F.Slope	Also called wild lily-of-the-valley or deerberry. Grows near shaded or moist stream banks, in woods where ground is moist. Forms dense ground cover and is good for ornamental as well as restoration purposes. Edible fruit.
Lupine, Large-Leaved (Lupinus polyphyllus)	Perennial forb	Height: 24 in - 60 in	Su, Sh	M/D	Y	Grassland	Short-lived perennial that sometimes reseeds itself. Tolerates broad range of conditions.
Maple, Bigleaf (Acer macrophyllum)	Deciduous tree	Height: 50 ft - 100 ft Spread: 50 ft - 75 ft	Su, PSu	M/D	Y	Forest	Abundant west of the Cascades. Excellent shade tree. Best in a large yard. Often mixed with Douglas Fir. Very large leaves. Typically these trees as laden with mosses, lichens & ferns.
Maple, Vine (Acer circinatum)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 5 ft - 35 ft Spread: 20 ft	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Forest F.Slope Grassland	Often grows in conifer forest understory. Very shade tolerant, but can be sprawling in the shade; excellent fall color.
Milkweed, Showy (Asclepias speciosa)	Perennial forbspreads by rhizomes	Height: 24 in - 60 in	Su	M	N	Grassland	Often seen along roadsides, ditches and moist waste areas. Important food source for caterpillar stage of Monarch butterfly. Often confused with prickly lettuce, a non-native weed.
Mock Orange, Western (Philadelphus lewisii)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 4 ft - 12 ft	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Erect, loosely branched shrub. May- June bloom, very fragrant. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus)	Perennial forbspreads by runners	Height: 3 in - 30 in	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Summer bloom of bright yellow flowers.
Mountain Balm (Ceanothus velutinus var. Laevigatus)	Evergreen tree-like shrub	Height: 20 ft	Su	D	Y	Forest Thicket Grassland	Also called sticky laurel, buckbrush, and cinnamon bush. Once established, resents watering. Found on dry, open sites. Has a sticky leaf.
Ninebark, Pacific (Physocarpus capitatus)*	Deciduous Shrub	Height: 15 ft Spread: 10 ft	PSu, Su	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest	Maple-like leaves; shredding bark. Produces masses of tiny white flowers which change to reddish seed clumps. Excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Oak, Oregon White (Quercus garryana)	Deciduous tree	Height: 30 ft - 65 ft Spread: 45 ft	Su	D	Y	Forest	Also called Garry Oak. Often found on dry, rocky slopes at low elevations. Important food source for wildlife. Slow growth. Deep, non-aggressive roots.
Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor)	Deciduous Shrub	Height: 6 ft - 20 ft Spread: 8 ft - 12 ft	Su, PSu	D	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Good background plant. Water until established. Does well in most soils. Blooms May-June.
Onion, Wild (Allium species)	Perennial forb bulb	Height: 6 in - 18 in	Su	M	Y (3)	Grassland Rocky	Native species usually grow in rocky, exposed sites; need ample water when growing but not when dormant. Usually bloom in May or June.
Oregon Grape, Creeping (Mahonia repens)or (Berbis repens)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 1 ft - 3 ft	Sh, Su	D, M	N	Forest F.Slope	Also called Low Oregon grape. One of the best groundcovers for dry shade. Good barrier plant. Of the three Oregon Grape species, tolerates dry, sunny sites best. Sometime classified in Berbis family instead of Mahonia.
Oregon Grape, Dull (Mahonia nervosa)or (Berbis nervosa)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 1 ft - 3 ft	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Also called Cascade Oregon grape. One of the best groundcovers for dry shade. Good barrier plant. Sometime classified in Berbis family instead of Mahonia.
Oregon Grape, Tall (Mahonia acquifolium)or (Berbis acquifolium)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 5 ft - 8 ft	Su, PSu	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Needs well-drained soil. Good in hedge, good barrier plant. Not as tolerant of dry conditions as the two low-growing varieties. Sometime classified in Berbisfamily instead of Mahonia.
Oxalis, Oregon (Oxalis oregana)	Perennial forbspreads rapidly by underground stems	Height: 2 in - 6 in	Sh	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Also called redwood sorrel or wood sorrel. Ground-hugging plant with clover-shaped leaves. Leaves fold at night or cloudy weather. Edible leaves.
Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)	Perennial forbspreads by rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Grassland	Tends to grow in clumps. Long-lasting white flower that retain their color when dried. Some consider it a weedy species.
Penstemon, Cascade (Penstemon serrulatus)	Perennial forb	Height: 10 in - 24 in	Su, PSu	M	Y	Wetland Grassland Rocky	Sometimes called Coast Penstemon. Dark blue to purple flowers in large clusters at end of stem.
Piggyback Plant (Tolmiea menziesii)	Perennial forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Sh	M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Good along stream banks. Sometimes called youth-on-age. Buds form at base of leaves, making the leaf appear to carry a second, smaller leaf. Often used as houseplant.
Poppy, California (Eschscholzia californica)	Perennial forbspreads by seed	Height: 12 in	Su	D, M	Y	Grassland	Also called Gold Poppy. Widely cultivated as an ornamental. Parsley-like leaves. Sun-loving flowers close at night or during cloudy weather. Sprouts easily from seed.
Rhododendron, Pacific (Rhododendron macrophyllum)	Evergreen shrub	Height: 4 ft - 15 ft	Sh, PSu	M	Y	F.Slope	Flowers very showy. Blooms most profuse in clearings or forest edge. Slow growing; can be difficult to establish.
Rose, Baldhip (Rosa gymnocarpa)	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 8 ft	Su, PSu	D, M, SW	Y	Forest F.Slope	Grows in wide variety of habitats, from open to wooded, dry to wet. Summer bloom, produces large hips. Good barrier plant. Can be distinguished from introduced species by presence of curved prickles.
Rose, Nootka (Rosa nutkana var. Nutkana)*	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 10 ft	Su	D, M	Y	F.Slope	Grows in a variety of open habitats. Pair of large spines at base of each leaf. Can be spindly. Attractive flower.
Rose, Swamp (Rosa pisocarpa)*	Deciduous shrub	Height: 4 ft - 10 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Riparian F.Slope	Also called Clustered Rose because the pink flowers usually occur in groups of 3 - 20. Produces small purplish, pear-shaped hips.
Rush species (Juncus ensofolius,and other Juncus species)*	Perennial forb	Height: varies	Su	M,	Y (7)	Wetland Riparian	Use in wetland or riparian areas. They provide excellent soil-binding for erosion control. The most common rush (Juncus effusus) can be invasive, but is good for erosion control in poor soil conditions.
Salal (Gaultheria shallon)	Evergreen shrubspreads by layering, suckering and sprouting	Height: 1 ft - 6 ft	Sh, Su	D, M	Y	Forest F.Slope Rocky	Ecologically, an important shrub. Common in a variety of habitats, from bogs to dry, well-drained slopes. Most abundant in Evergreen forests. Makes an excellent ground cover. Fruit edible. Low-growing in dry, sunny conditions; much taller in moist, shady conditions.
Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)*	Deciduous shrubspreads by rhizomes	Height: 3 ft - 12 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Riparian	Grows in wet slopes or valleys. Often grows under red alder in forested wetlands. Good soil-binding characteristics and well-adapted to eroded or disturbed sites. Edible fruit. Tends to be spiny. Can spread aggressively.
Sedge (Carex obnuptaand other Carex species)*	Perennial forb	Height: varies (8 in - 46 in)	Su, PSu	M, SW, PW	Y (19)	Wetland	An important family of wetland plants with many native species. Grasslike with triangular stems. All possess excellent soil-binding characteristics. Carex obnupta especially good for swales.
Serviceberry, Western (Amelanchier alnifolia)	Deciduous shrub	Height: 4 ft - 15 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Also called Saskatoon berry or shadbush. Can grow up to 30 ft in ideal conditions. Edible fruit. Good fall color. Prefers good soil and moderate water.
Shooting Star, Few-flowered (Dodecatheon pulchellum)	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in - 12 in	Su, PSu	W, M	Y	Wetland	Needs rich, well-drained soil during spring growing/blooming season; needs dry soil after bloom.
Shooting Star, White (Dodecatheon dentatum)	Perennial forb	Height: 5 in - 16 in	Su	W, M	Y	Riparian Rocky	Needs rich, well-drained soil during spring growing/blooming season; needs dry soil after bloom.
Skunk Cabbage (Lysichitum americanum)	Perennial forb spreads by underground stems	Height: 12 in - 60 in	Su, PSu	M, SW, PW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Prefers swampy ground or slow streams. Large, shiny cabbage-like leaves. Bright yellow sheath surrounds the flower in early spring.
Snowberry, Common (Symphoricarpos albus)*	Deciduous shrub spreads by rhizomes	Height: 2 ft - 6 ft	Su, Sh	D, M, SW	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket	Erect form of snowberry. White berries not palatable. Important wildlife food because berries persist into winder. Excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Snowberry, Creeping* (Symphoricarpos mollis)	Deciduous shrub spreads by above ground stems	Height: 1 ft - 1.5 ft	Sh, Su	D	Y	Forest	Trailing form of snowberry. White berries not palatable. Important wildlife food because berries persist into winder. Excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Solomon’s Seal, Star-Flowered (Smilacina stellata)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Sh, PSu	M, D	Y	Forest	Small perennial, usually found in rocky but moist soil. Small, delicate flower clusters.
Solomon’s Seal, False (Smilacina racemosa)	Perennial forb	Height: 12 in - 36 in	Sh, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Forest F.Slope Thicket	Similar to Star-Flowered Solomon’s Seal; more robust; leaves are larger, flowers more fragrant. Good ornamental in shady gardens. Large, many-branched flower clusters.
Spirea, Douglas (Spirea douglasii)*	Deciduous shrub	Height: 3 ft - 6 ft	Su, PSu	D, M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Thicket	Also called hardtack or steeple-bush. Erect, leggy, often forming thickets. Blooms in mid-summer; pyramid shape clusters of fragrant pink flowers that appear fuzzy.
Spruce, Sitka (Picea sitchensis)*	Evergreen tree	Height: 150 ft - 200 ft	Su, PSu	SW, M	N	Wetland Riparian	Fast-growing, long-lived conifer found in low-lying, moist forests. Root mass can become very dense and resistant to erosion in riparian settings. Needles stiff and sharp.
Stonecrop, Oregon (Sedum oreganum)	Perennial forb	Height: 2 in - 4 in	Su	D, M	Y	Rocky	Bright yellow flowers becoming pinkish with age. Needs well-drained site.
Stonecrop, Spatula-leaf (Sedum spathuifolium)	Perennial forb	Height: 3 in - 8 in	Su, PSu	D, M	Y	Rocky	Pale yellow flowers. Leaves vary in color from gray-green to deep red, becoming more reddish in full sun.
Strawberry, Broadpetal (Fragaria virginiana var. platypetala)	Perennial forb spreads rapidly by stolons	Height: 4 in	Su, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest Grassland	Also called wild strawberry. Leaves are often bluish-green on top. Berries are usually smaller than the flower.
Strawberry, Coastal (Fragaria chiloensis)	Evergreen perennial forb spreads rapidly by stolons	Height: 3 in	Su, PSu	M	N	Grassland	Sometimes called Beach Strawberry. Shiny dark green leaves with prominent veins. Runners (stolons) are reddish & quite hairy. Grows especially well on sand dunes.
Strawberry, Wood (Fragaria vesca var. Bracteata or crinita)	Perennial forb spreads rapidly by stolons	Height: 3 in - 8 in	Su, PSu	M	Y (2)	Riparian Forest Grassland	Also called woodland strawberry. Often found in forest openings. Berries are usually smaller than the flower. There are two varieties on the PDX list.
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)*	Deciduous shrub spreads by rhizomes	Height: 3 ft - 6 ft	Su, Sh	D, M, SW	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Large maple-like leaves with velvety texture. Berries edible, resemble raspberries. Stems lack thorns. Can spread to form dense thickets. Drought tolerant.
Trillium, Western (Trillium Ovatum)	Perennial forbrhizomes	Height: 6 in - 18 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Forest	Early spring bloom. Attractive flower. Prefer acidic soil. Usually found in moist to wet woods, stream banks or shaded open areas.
Twinberry, Black (Lonicera involucrata)	Deciduous shrub does not spread	Height: 10 ft Spread: 8 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Grassland	Also called bearberry honeysuckle. Produces yellow twin flowers followed by black, unpalatable berries cupped in a leaf-like bract Blooms March to May.
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)	Evergreen shrub creeping	Height: 6 in	Su, PSu	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Creeping, semi-woody evergreen shrub with delicate, fragrant flowers.
Twisted-stalk, Clasping Leaved (Streptopus amplexifolius)	Perennial forb	Height: 18 in - 36 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Single, greenish-white bell-shaped flowers hang from thread-like stem on under-side of leaf.
Vanilla Leaf (Achyls triphylla)	Perennial forb	Height: 8 in - 12 in	Sh, PSu	M	Y	Riparian Forest F.Slope	Sometimes called Deerfoot, because of the shape of the leaf. Sends up single, 3-lobed leaf, with showy spike of small white flowers sticking up above the leaf.
Violet, Evergreen (Viola sempervirens)	Perennial forb spreads by runners & rhizomes	Height: 2 in - 5 in	PSu, Sh	M	Y	Forest F.Slope	Pale yellow flower. Shiny thick leaves with purple blotches.
Violet, Stream (Viola glabella)	Perennial forb spreads by rhizomes	Height: 4 in - 12 in	PSu, Sh	M	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest F.Slope	Small but showy yellow flowers. Heart-shaped leaves.
Wapato (Sagittaria latifolia)	Perennial forbspreads by rhizomes	Height: 12 in - 24 in	Su, PSu	W	Y	Wetland Riparian	Also called arrowhead. Arrow-shaped leaves at top of basal stem. Usually emergent, but often slightly emerged.
Willow, Hooker’s (Salix hookeriana)	Deciduous tree-like shrub	Height: 5 ft - 30 ft Spread: 20 ft	Su, PSu	M, SW, PW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Also called Piper’s Willow. More common on the coast, but found on some inland streams.
Willow, Pacific (Salix lucida spp. lasiandra)*	Deciduous tree does not spread	Height: 10 ft - 60 ft Spread: 25 ft - 30 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Also called yellow willow. Fast grower in saturated or shallowly flooded areas. Only native willow likely to grow into large tree. Excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Willow, Rigid (Salix rigidavar. Macrogemma)*	Deciduous tree	Height: 30 ft Spread: 20 ft	Su	M, SW, PW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Likes wet feet. Like all willows, has excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Willow, Scouler (Salix scouleriana)*	Deciduous treedoes not spread	Height: 10 ft - 50 ft Spread: 15 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian Forest	Also called black willow or mountain pussy-willow. Grows in upland forests under larger trees, clearings, dry sites. Excellent soil-binding characteristics.
Willow, Sitka (Salix sitchensis)*	Deciduous tree	Height: 25 ft Spread: 25 ft	Su	M, SW	Y	Wetland Riparian	Like most willows, has excellent soil-binding characteristics. Can tolerate wet feet longer than most willows.
Wildrye, Blue (Elymus glaucus)*	Perennial grass	Height: 24 in - 48 in	Su, Sh	D, M	Y	Forest F.Slope Thicket Grasslands	Tall, tufted grass with fibrous roots. Fairly common grass in open forests and dry meadows.
Wooly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum)	Perennial forb	Height: 6 in - 12 in	Su	D	Y	Rocky	Also called Oregon Sunshine or golden yarrow. Sunflower-like flowers on long stalks above wooly gray leaves. Blooms May - August.

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