Chuckanut District

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Founded in 1955

Native Plants

Latest Entries of Native Plants

Native Plant Spotlight by Krys Kirkwood

Cornus stolonifera – Red-Osier Dogwood, Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornaceae)

Red-twig dogwood is a common, late spring-early summer, freely spreading deciduous shrub with many stems. It can grow 6-18 feet in height. Branching from the ground, it has bright red to purplish stems becoming grayish green with age, often rooting where touching the ground. Leaves are opposite, 2-4 inches long, coming to a point with parallel veins that converge at leaf tips. Flowers are small, white to greenish, in dense flat-topped terminal clusters. Fruits are white, possibly with a tinge of blue, that are bitter and inedible. This dogwood can be found in moist soils, typically in swamps and streamside forest and scrub. Can also be found in open upland forest and thickets, at low tosubalpine elevations. This species is also known as C. sericea. Some native peoples used the branches for salmon spreaders and basket rims, and the bark and twigs were used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is extremely important winter browse for moose, deer and elk.

Lycopodium clavatum – Running Clubmoss, Wolf's-Foot Clubmoss (Lycopodiaceae)

This clubmoss can be found “running “ along the ground in moist to dry open forests or edges of swamps and bogs. Can also be seen in openings, clearings and roadcuts (often on acid sandy soil); occasionally in high-elevation heath and tundra; at all elevations. It is a spore-bearing plant, growing mainly prostrate along the ground with stems up to 3 feet in length. The horizontal stems produce roots at frequent intervals along their length, allowing the stem to grow indefinitely along the ground. The stems superficially resemble small seedlings of coniferous trees, though it is not related to these. In modern times, a few native peoples used running clubmoss as a Christmas decoration inside the house. Has been called 'causing one to be confused in the woods'; it was believed that anyone who handled it would become lost. The spores of this clubmoss can be quite exposive if present in the air in high enough densities. They were used as flash powder in early photography.

I strongly urge leaving any of our native plants undisturbed. Enjoy them in their natural environment. Seek out nurseries and professionals who sell and/or deal with natives if you are wanting to add any to your garden.

Photos: Krys Kirkwood

Reference: Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Pojar and Mackinnon

Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest by Mark Turner and Phyllis Gustafson

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Chuckanut District

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Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs

Pacific Region of National Garden Clubs

Native Plants