Native plant: Veratrum californicum

Posted on by

White false hellebore (Veratrum californicum) can be identified from the similar green false hellebore (Veratrum viride) by its spreading to ascending panicle branches and white flowers. The latter species has drooping panicle branches in the inflorescence and creamy green flowers. White-false hellebore can be found in vernally moist meadows in the mountains across central and eastern Oregon as well as in lower elevation meadows west of the Cascades and along the Pacific coast.

Common Name: Corn Lily
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun to semi- shade, will not tolerate full shade
Moisture: Moist – Wet
Soil: Loam (medium); Clay (heavy); Sandy (light) if it stays wet.
Attributes: Bold showy plant; White flowers on tall stocks
Note: Cut back when leaves turn brown
Uses:  Native Gardens; Wetlands; Wildflower; Woodland;
Native: Western North America (elevations 3,500ft – 11,000 ft)

Warning: Veratrum californicum has poisonous leaves and roots. The roots are 5 to 10 times as poisonous as leaves or stem, so take special care when handling. Veratrum califoricum causes severe birth defects and death in sheep and in various rodent species.  There are also incidents of llamas, alpacas, goats and cows being affected. Deer and gophers do not bother this plant.

Veratrum californicum Photo by: Klamath Siskiyou Seeds

Article by: Lucretia Weems and Carlotta Lucas

Drought Outlook: 2020

Posted on by

Image

Feb 20th: 26-week low this week with 8.0% of the USA in drought.

NOAA’s seasonal outlook thru May sees an expansion of drought developing in WA, OR, CA, AZ, NM, and west TX.

“Drought will likely persist in the Pacific Northwest, with additional drought expected to develop in Oregon and eastern Washington in association with below-normal precipitation favored during the March-April-May (MAM) period ”

https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/sdo_summary.php

Viburnum ellipticum

Posted on by

Horticulture Report

Plant Name:  Viburnum ellipticum
Common name: Oregon Viburnum
Plant type:  Deciduous Shrub
Height:  3’ – 11’
Spread: 6’ – 10’
Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color:  White
Exposure: Sun to Part Shade
Water Needs: Prefer semi-moist, but will tolerant dry
Attributes:  Supports Pollinators; Pest-eating insects & birds; 3-Season; Fall berries for birds. 
Interest: Showy flowers, Red leaves in fall and blue-black Berries  
Note:  Tolerates seasonal flooding & drought.  Grows along stream banks.
Uses:  As a Screen or Background Plant,  Use along high banks of creeks, margins of wet areas, and at edges of trees
Native to: Washington & Oregon west of the Cascades
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9

Report Submitted by: Viki Ashford

Horticulture Report: Astilbe biternata (False Goat’s Beard)

Posted on by

Plant Name:  Astilbe biternata
Common name:  False Goat’s Beard
Plant Type:  Perennial
Plant Height:  2’ – 6’
Spread:  24” – 30”
Bloom Time: April – July.
Flower Color:  White or Yellowish.
Exposure:  Part Shade.
Soil Requirements:  Moist, Rich.
Water Needs:  Medium
Attributes:  Feathery flowers on plumes, Attracts pollinators
Uses:  Good Cut Flower; Woodland Gardens; Wildflower Gardens; Nature Gardens , Pollinator Gardens
Note:  Don’t confuse with Aruncus dioicus (True Goat’s Beard)
Native to:  Appalachia
Oregon Native:   NO
USDA Hardiness Zone:  5 – 8

Report by: Viki Ashford

Horticulture Report: Carpenteria californica

Posted on by

Plant Name:Carpenteria californica
Common name:Bush Anemone
Plant type: Shrub
Height: 6’ – 10’
Spread: 3’ – 5’
Bloom Time:Spring/Summer
Flower Color: White
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Requirements:Tolerates a variety of soils, but prefers fast draining
Water Needs: Tolerates Low to Moderate High
Attributes:Evergreen; Deer Resistant; Fragrant Flowers; Insect Attractor
Note:Susceptible to Aphids; Prune as needed to prevent floppy branches.
Uses: Informal Hedge; Pollinator Gardens; Native Gardens, Perennial Gardens
Native to: California
Oregon Native:NO
USDA Hardiness Zone:9a

Report submitted by: Viki Ashford

Horticulture Report: Calendula Officinalis

Posted on by

Calendula Officinalis
Common Name: Calendula, Pot marigold
Annual /Perennial herbaceous plants

Calendula is easy to grow by sowing seeds directly into the soil late fall or early spring.  Plant height ranges from 12- 24 inches and at maturity it produces a long secession of yellow and orange flowers from early summer into late fall.

Calendulas are considered annuals, but in USDA zones 8-10, they are categorized as short-lived perennials. When grown in full sun they will often produce flowers well into December; in zone 8 they have been known to flower throughout January, and then start blooming again in earnest by February.   Calendulas vivid orange daisy-like flowers brighten up a garden every day, but on a dark and cloudy day they are indeed a welcomed sight.

Calendula Officinalis has many uses, not only are they a delightful garden and cut flower, but its leaves are very fragrant, and the flowers are edible!  Traditionally, calendula flowers have been used in German, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, a few of their uses include; tea infusions, flavoring stews, soups, and egg dishes, substitution for saffron, and to color butter and cheeses.  Consequently, cooking with calendula developed its common name:  Pot Marigold.  Calendula flowers can be eaten raw too, use them in salads, for decorating baked goods, and as a nifty drink embellishment.  Freeze flowers in water in ice-cube trays, then add cubes to drinks, serving pitchers or punch bowls. It’s best to grow them organically when using for consumption.

For centuries calendula has been used for herbal remedies, and for natural dyes.  Currently, flowers are used commercially worldwide as herbal teas, ointments, tinctures, and oils for homeopathic remedies.  Historically, flowers were once widely used to dye fabrics, producing beautiful yellow, orange and brown colors. Presently, fabric-crafters and artisans still use calendula flowers for its fine natural-dyeing characteristics.

Grow some Calendulas, you will not be disappointed.

USDA Zones: 2 to 11
Water: Medium
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Black Walnut
Garden uses: Beds, Borders, Cottage gardens, Cutting gardens, Pollinator gardens, Pots/containers

submitted by: Carlotta Lucas