Category: Uncategorized

Anaphalis margaritacea

Anaphalis margaritacea, or western Pearly Everlasting, is a member of the Aster family and is the only species of the genus Anaphalis native to North America.  A highly successful species, Pearly Everlasting is native to all parts of North America barring the areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Caution must be taken in the garden, in fact many […]

Triteleia ixioides

Triteleia ixioides, or prettyface, is a member of the lily family and is one of about 15 species all native to western North America, and primarily California.  Also known as golden brodiaea, this is an incredibly versatile plant which grows from southwestern Oregon south through most of California all the way to the Mexico border.  […]

Eriophyllum lanatum

  Eriophyllum lanatum, also known as Oregon sunshine or woolly sunflower is a widespread herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family. Native to much of western North America, Eriophyllum lanatum is most common in California, however it grows as far north as Vancouver, Canada.  It can be found growing in dry open places and rocky bluffs from sea level […]

Penstemon strictus

Penstemon strictus is a showy, semi-evergreen perennial.  It is one of the most long-lived and most easily grown penstemons.  It tends to have multiple tall (1-3 ft) flowering stems that rise out of low basal rosettes.  Penstemon strictus is quite striking when blooming.  The flowers range from blue/violet to lavender and are long and smooth. […]

Koeleria macrantha

In the beginning of the summer, when most people are getting ready for 4th of July, Koeleria macrantha, or prairie junegrass, are setting seed. In a way they resemble miniature fireworks with their golden white spikes of seed fanning out above the tuft of leaves. Check out a fantastic photograph displaying this resemblance at the UBC […]

Penstemon rydbergii

The genus Penstemon is endemic to the new world, predominantly in North America.  The genus is particularly prevalent in the Western United States, and comes in a range of colors from light pink to blue.  One of the best collections of Penstemon is at the Flagstaff Arboretum, and the best time to visit is during their annual Penstemon festival in July. Penstemon […]

Linum lewisii

Linum lewisii, commonly known as blue flax, is a useful restoration perennial, with superb garden qualities. The multitude of blue blossoms lasts up to 6 weeks, and adds lovely mid-height color. The foliage stays close to the ground growing under two feet tall, while the flowers reach above about a foot.  It spreads at a moderate rate, […]

Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana

Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana  is a widespread native perennial of North America. Even with its striking silver leaves and ubiquitous nature, it is often an overlooked native plant.  The broad range of  A. ludoviciana over many different ecosystems has produced much variety and in turn has broken the species into several subspecies. Its common names, white sagebrush […]

Yucca whipplei (Hesperoyucca whipplei)

 Yucca whipplei is native to southern California, northwestern Arizona, and Mexico on the Baja California Peninsula. The plant for most of its life is a mound of sharply tipped leaves that stick out in every direction. After about seven years the plant uses all of its energy in the production of flowers and setting seed, […]

Viola glabella

 Viola glabella is readily seen growing underfoot in wet open forests of the Pacific Northwest. A familiar site on hiking trails that weave near rivers and waterfalls. It’s common name, stream viola, is therefore quite suitable. The heart-shaped foliage stay close to the soil only reaching a few inches in height. Cute yellow flowers dapple […]