Tag Archives: Firewise Plant

Oregon Native: Rhamnus californica (Coffeeberry)

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Plant Name:  Rhamnus californica/Frangula californica
Common name: Coffeeberry
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Plant Height: 4’ – 8’
Spread: 5’ – 15’
Bloom Time: Spring/Summer
Flower Color: Greenish White Flower with Red, Purple, then Black Berries over Summer.
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Soil Requirements: Not particular about soil, but good drainage.
Water Needs: Low
Attributes:  Valued by Birds; Butterflies & Moths Hosted; Deer Resistant; Bee Garden.
Note: Takes well to Pruning.
Uses: Fire Resistant Hedge.
Native to:  Western North America
Oregon Native:  YES
USDA Hardiness Zone:  7-10

Report by: Viki Ashford

Flower Image Credit: Evangele19 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Berry Image Credit: Brofri / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Ashland: Wildfire Safety

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“As of Oct 2018 all homes within the City of Ashland, Oregon are considered to be in the Wildfire Hazard Zone. In addition, forested lands in and around the city lead into the Ashland Creek Watershed, the source of the City’s drinking water. Fires have been a frequent visitor to our landscape and will return due to accidents or lightning strikes. Fire plays a natural role in our forest ecosystem but can threaten homes and lives in our town. Wildfire awareness is essential to living in a wildfire hazard zone. Ashland Fire and Rescue is a valuable resource for homeowners and citizens concerned with wildfire in Ashland. The resources located here include plans, maps, and detailed information for homeowners and citizens.”   Resource: https://www.ashland.or.us/ashland_wildfire_safety

Firewise Plant list: ashland.or.us/plants

Horticulture Report: Kinnikinnick

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Plant Name:  Arctostaphylos uva-ursi100_7668F.JPG
Common Name: Kinnikinnick, Red Bearberry
Plant type: Ground cover
Height:   6-12 Inches
Spread: Trailing to 15 Feet
Bloom Time: May -June
Flower Color: White tinged with Pink,  Urn-shaped and Waxy
Exposure:  Sun to Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Rocky or Sandy, Acid Soil.  Soil should not be compacted around the plants and plants should not be fertilized.
Water Needs: Low
Attributes: Firewise Pant, Evergreen, Drought-Tolerant , Cold and Heat tolerant, Fall Color,  Mat-Forming Low Shrub,  Pollen is beneficial to Native Bees, Hummingbirds & Butterflies.  Red Fall Berries are favored by birds and wildlife.
Native Habitat: Rocky, open woods; dry, sandy hills; mountainous regions
Uses: Ground Cover, Rock Gardens, Erosion Control, Footpath control.
USDA Zone:  2-6