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Native Plant Synoptic Garden
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Vaccinium parvifolium- A deciduous shrub that grows well in shade. Produces red berries
enjoyed by people and birds alike. Grows to 6-10’ tall. Commonly seen growing on stumps.
Ethnobotany: Berries were eaten. Leaves and bark used medicinally.
(Photo: Oregon State University, 1999-2004)
Unnamed dwarf selections- Likely a product of a witch’s broom (Dusek, 2004). Pretty
common site to see this abnormal growth on the standard species.
Reported variegated form- Seen in the wild, but not known in the nursery trade.
Viburnum edule- Good shrub for wet areas. Produces white clusters of flowers in spring
followed by translucent red berries. Berries persist to winter when birds will finally eat them.
Grows 2-10’ in height (Kruckenberg, 1992). Can be placed in every zone except the “Alpine
Zone”. Does well in wet sites of the garden. Ethnobotany: Berries used for food. Bark used for
medicinal purposes.
Viburnum ellipticum- An oval leaved Viburnum that prefers dry sites. Fruit and growth habit
similar to V. edule (Kruckenberg, 1992). Best sited in drier spots of the garden. Suggested use in
the “Forested Ridge” and “Valley Bottom”.
(Photo: Oregon State University, 1999-2004)
PERENNIALS:
Achlys triphylla- Vanilla leaf is a great groundcover in a humus rich site. Up to 8” broad leaves
are three lobed and display the white flower spikes. Can form nice colonies. Interesting addition
is the leaves bead water, giving it added interest. Best suited for the “Valley Bottom” and
“Wetland Zone”. Ethnobotany: Leaves dried and hung to keep insects away.