Species Included:

• Common Spikerush (also known as Creeping Spikerush and Marsh Spikerush)
• Jointleaf Rush (also known as Jointed Rush)
• Arctic Rush (also known as Baltic Rush, Mountain Rush)
• Common Rush (also known as Soft Rush)
• Swordleaf Rush (also known as Dagger-leaf Rush)
• Poverty Rush (also known as Slender Rush)

Common Spikerush

Also Known As: Creeping Spikerush, Marsh Spikerush
Scientific Name: Eleocharis palustris
USDA Symbol: ELPA3

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial wetland sedge characterized by slender, upright, leafless green stems emerging from creeping underground rhizomes. It spreads readily to form dense colonies in marshes, pond margins, shallow water, wet meadows, and other permanently or seasonally flooded wetlands. Small brown spikelets develop at the tips of the stems during the growing season, providing subtle seasonal interest while contributing to healthy wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 0.5–1.5 ft
Site Conditions: Shallow freshwater wetlands, marsh edges, pond margins, lake shorelines, and areas with saturated soils or seasonal inundation. Best suited to fine-textured soils such as silts, clays, and organic wetland soils. Performs well in areas with standing water ranging from saturated soil conditions to shallow water depths and tolerates fluctuating water levels.
Ecological Value: A low-growing, spreading wetland plant that forms dense colonies in shallow water, marshes, pond margins, and seasonally flooded areas. Its creeping rhizomes create a strong network that stabilizes soft sediments, reduces erosion, and helps establish vegetation in disturbed wetland areas. Provides important habitat for aquatic insects, amphibians, and small wetland organisms while creating protective cover along the shallow-water edge. Particularly valuable for shoreline restoration, sediment stabilization, and establishing emergent plant communities.

Jointleaf Rush

Also Known As: Jointed Rush
Scientific Name: Juncus articulatus
USDA Symbol: JUAR4

Description: A native, clump-forming perennial rush distinguished by its smooth, cylindrical stems with conspicuous joints (nodes), giving rise to its common name. Loose clusters of small brown to reddish flowers bloom near the stem tips from late spring through summer, followed by tiny seed capsules. Jointleaf rush naturally occurs along pond margins, marshes, wet meadows, ditches, streambanks, and other shallow wetlands where soils remain consistently moist. Its neat, upright form and adaptability make it a dependable component of wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Moist to wet meadows, marshes, floodplain wetlands, stream margins, and riparian areas with seasonally saturated soils. Prefers full sun and soils that remain consistently moist through the growing season. Often found in areas with periodic flooding, shallow groundwater, or prolonged spring moisture.
Ecological Value: A robust native rush that contributes structure and stability to freshwater wetlands, wet meadows, marshes, and riparian areas. Its dense root system helps reinforce saturated soils, reduce erosion, and maintain wetland margins during changing water conditions. Provides vertical habitat structure for insects, amphibians, and wetland birds while adding diversity to rush- and sedge-dominated plant communities. Well suited for restoration projects requiring a persistent, clump-forming wetland species.

Arctic Rush

Also Known As: Baltic Rush, Mountain Rush
Scientific Name: Juncus arcticus
USDA Symbol: JUAR2

Description: A hardy, long-lived native perennial that spreads by vigorous underground rhizomes to form dense colonies of smooth, blue-green stems. Naturally occurring in wet meadows, riparian corridors, marshes, seeps, and seasonally flooded landscapes throughout western North America, it is highly adaptable and remains attractive throughout the growing season. Its tolerance of both flooding and periodic summer drying makes it one of the most dependable rushes for restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 8–24 inches
Site Conditions: Cold-climate wetlands, mountain meadows, lakeshores, marshes, and riparian habitats. Adapted to moist to saturated soils including sandy, gravelly, and organic wetland soils. Performs well in areas influenced by snowmelt, seasonal flooding, and cool growing conditions. Suitable for both lowland wetlands and higher elevation sites.
Ecological Value: A highly adaptable rush capable of thriving in cold climates, mountain wetlands, wet meadows, shorelines, and seasonally saturated habitats. Forms dense colonies that protect exposed soils, stabilize wetland edges, and improve resistance to erosion. Provides habitat structure for insects and small wildlife while supporting native plant communities in northern and high-elevation environments. A valuable choice for restoration sites with cooler climates, variable moisture, and challenging growing conditions.

Common Rush

Also Known As: Soft Rush
Scientific Name: Juncus effusus
USDA Symbol: JUEF

Description: A robust native perennial that forms dense, fountain-like clumps of smooth, dark green, cylindrical stems arising from a fibrous crown. Brown flower clusters appear just below the stem tips during summer and often persist well into winter, providing year-round visual interest. Commonly found in marshes, pond margins, wet meadows, drainage swales, and other consistently moist habitats, Soft Rush is valued for both its ornamental appearance and ecological function.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marshes, wet pastures, pond margins, ditches, and streambanks. Grows well in saturated soils ranging from mucky organic soils to sandy or silty substrates. Tolerates seasonal flooding, shallow standing water, and fluctuating moisture conditions. Best growth occurs in open, sunny locations with reliable soil moisture.
Ecological Value: A widely used wetland restoration species known for its ability to establish in saturated soils, marshes, pond margins, and disturbed wetland areas. Its dense fibrous roots help bind soils, reduce erosion, and improve shoreline stability while its upright stems provide cover for wetland insects, amphibians, and birds. Tolerates fluctuating water levels and contributes to the recovery of degraded wetland communities. An excellent general-purpose rush for freshwater restoration projects.

Swordleaf Rush

Also Known As: Dagger-leaf Rush
Scientific Name: Juncus ensifolius
USDA Symbol: JUEN

Description: A compact native perennial recognized by its distinctive flattened, sword-shaped leaves and upright flowering stems bearing clusters of small brown flowers. It naturally inhabits cool seeps, springs, wet meadows, streambanks, and mountain wetlands throughout western North America. Its tidy growth habit, attractive foliage, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for restoration projects and naturalized landscapes.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, wet meadows, shallow wetlands, and riparian zones with saturated soils. Prefers fine-textured wetland soils and areas with consistent moisture during the growing season. Typically found along shorelines and low-lying wet areas where soils remain wet but water depths are generally shallow.
Ecological Value: A distinctive rush with stiff, upright leaves that provides strong vertical structure in marshes, wet meadows, and shallow wetland habitats. Its clumping growth habit helps stabilize moist soils and protect wetland surfaces from disturbance. Provides cover and nesting structure for wetland wildlife while contributing to plant diversity in native marsh communities. Particularly useful where a taller, architectural rush is desired for habitat enhancement and wetland restoration.

Poverty Rush

Also Known As: Slender Rush
Scientific Name: Juncus tenuis
USDA Symbol: JUTE

Description: A fine-textured native perennial that forms loose tufts of slender, dark green stems topped with delicate branching clusters of tiny flowers and seed capsules. Unlike many rushes, Poverty Rush thrives across a broad range of moisture conditions and is commonly found along trails, roadsides, forest openings, disturbed sites, and seasonally moist meadows. Its adaptability and tolerance of compacted soils make it an exceptionally reliable species for restoration and revegetation.
Typical Mature Height: 4–16 in
Site Conditions: Moist meadows, seasonally wet grasslands, open forest wetlands, and transitional areas between uplands and wetlands. Prefers moist, well-drained to moderately saturated soils and can occur on sandy or gravelly substrates. Performs well in sites with seasonal moisture patterns rather than areas with prolonged standing water.
Ecological Value: A smaller, delicate rush that contributes valuable diversity to moist meadows, wet grasslands, riparian margins, and seasonally wet habitats. Its fine-textured growth helps protect soil surfaces, retain moisture, and support low-growing native plant communities. Provides habitat for insects and small wildlife while filling ecological niches where larger rushes and sedges may be less suitable. Useful for restoration projects focused on improving native plant diversity and recreating natural wet meadow communities.

Species Included:

• Bigleaf Sedge (also known as Broadleaf Sedge)
• Widefruit Sedge (also known as Narrowfruit Sedge)
• Columbian Sedge
• Water Sedge
• Woolly Sedge
• Lakeshore Sedge (also known as Lens Sedge)
• Smallwing Sedge
• Nebraska Sedge
• Naked Sedge (also known as Torrent Sedge)
• Slough Sedge
• Clustered Field Sedge
• Analogue Sedge (also known as Short-beaked Sedge)
• Awlfruit Sedge (also known as Sawbeak Sedge)
• Northwest Territory Sedge (also known as Beaked Sedge)
• Western Inflated Sedge

Bigleaf Sedge

Also Known As: Broadleaf Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex amplifolia
USDA Symbol: CAAM10

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge with broad, lush green leaves and stems arising from long creeping rhizomes. It forms dense colonies in moist forests, riparian areas, and wetland margins where it provides persistent vegetation and habitat structure. Its robust growth habit makes it well suited for shaded wetland restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh edges, riparian zones, forested wetlands, and moist depressions with saturated soils. Prefers organic-rich, fine-textured soils that remain consistently moist through the growing season. Performs well in areas with seasonal flooding, shallow groundwater, and partial shade to full sun conditions.
Ecological Value: A robust, large-leaved native sedge that provides substantial cover and structure in wet meadows, marshes, riparian zones, and saturated soils. Forms dense clumps and colonies that help stabilize wetland soils, reduce erosion, and improve habitat complexity. Its broad foliage creates valuable nesting and concealment cover for wetland birds and small wildlife while contributing to the development of diverse sedge-dominated plant communities. Well suited for restoration projects where strong vegetation establishment and persistent wetland cover are desired.

Widefruit Sedge

Also Known As: Narrowfruit Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex angustata
USDA Symbol: CAAN15

Description: A native, rhizomatous sedge with narrow leaves and dense clusters of seed heads. This adaptable species occurs in moist meadows, riparian areas, and wetland habitats where it forms attractive, grass-like colonies.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh margins, riparian areas, and moist woodland openings. Grows best in moist to saturated soils, including organic, silty, and fine-textured substrates. Typically found in areas with seasonal moisture fluctuations, spring flooding, or high water tables.
Ecological Value: A versatile wetland sedge that performs well in moist meadows, marsh edges, and seasonally saturated habitats. Develops dense root networks that reinforce soil structure, improve moisture retention, and reduce surface erosion. Provides low-growing cover for insects, amphibians, and small wildlife while adding species diversity to wetland plantings. Useful in restoration areas where a dependable native sedge component is needed across variable moisture conditions.

Columbian Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex aperta
USDA Symbol: CAAP3

Description: A native, robust wetland sedge that forms dense stands through creeping rhizomes. It is well adapted to wet environments, including marshes, pond margins, and seasonally flooded shorelines, where it contributes to stable and diverse wetland vegetation.
Typical Mature Height: 1–2 ft
Site Conditions: Moist meadows, wet prairies, open wetlands, stream margins, and seasonally saturated areas. Prefers moist soils ranging from sandy loams to fine-textured wetland soils. Performs well in full sun to partial shade and is suited to sites with consistent moisture during the growing season.
Ecological Value: A native sedge adapted to moist meadows, riparian areas, and seasonally wet habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest. Forms spreading patches that help stabilize soils, protect stream margins, and maintain ground cover during periods of changing moisture. Provides forage and cover for wildlife while supporting insects and other small organisms associated with native meadow systems. Valuable for restoring diverse wet meadow and riparian plant communities.

Water Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex aquatilis
USDA Symbol: CAAQ

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge commonly found throughout marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, and other saturated environments. It forms dense stands of upright stems and fine-textured foliage, creating valuable wetland structure and cover.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Shallow wetlands, marshes, lake margins, pond edges, wet meadows, and slow-moving stream channels. Prefers saturated soils and shallow water conditions, often occurring where soils remain wet for extended periods. Performs best in fine-textured soils with stable moisture and seasonal inundation.
Ecological Value: One of the most important sedges for aquatic and saturated wetland environments. Forms extensive colonies along pond margins, marshes, lakeshores, and slow-moving waterways where its dense rhizomes stabilize soft sediments and help resist erosion. Creates important shallow-water habitat for aquatic insects, amphibians, and small fish while providing nesting and cover opportunities for wetland birds. Particularly valuable for shoreline restoration and wetland establishment projects.

Woolly Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex pellita (formerly Carex lanuginosa)
USDA Symbol: CAPE42 (formerly CALA30)

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge with fine-textured foliage and a spreading growth habit. It commonly occurs in wet meadows, wooded wetlands, and moist prairie habitats where it forms dense colonies and contributes to stable wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marshes, peatlands, riparian wetlands, and areas with saturated organic soils. Prefers cool, moist environments with consistently high soil moisture. Often found in acidic to neutral wetland soils, including peat, muck, and other organic substrates.
Ecological Value: A moisture-loving sedge that contributes to the structure and function of wet meadows, marshes, and peat-forming environments. Its dense growth helps bind saturated soils, retain moisture, and support the accumulation of organic material in wetland systems. Provides nesting cover and habitat structure for wetland wildlife while increasing plant diversity in sensitive wetland communities. A strong choice for restoration projects focused on long-term wetland development and ecological recovery.

Lakeshore Sedge

Also Known As: Lens Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex lenticularis
USDA Symbol: CALE8

Description: A native, clump-forming perennial sedge with fine blue-green foliage and a compact growth habit. It is commonly found along lakeshores, stream edges, marsh margins, and wet sandy habitats where it helps stabilize shoreline environments.|
Typical Mature Height: 1–2 ft
Site Conditions: Lake margins, pond shorelines, marshes, wet meadows, and shallow-water wetlands. Grows in saturated soils and shallow water along freshwater shorelines. Prefers fine-textured soils with prolonged moisture and tolerates seasonal fluctuations in water levels.
Ecological Value: A shoreline-associated sedge that helps stabilize the transition zone between open water and upland habitats. Forms dense stands along lake edges, ponds, marshes, and shallow wetlands where its root system reduces erosion and traps sediment. Provides valuable cover for aquatic organisms, amphibians, and wetland birds while improving shoreline habitat complexity. Especially useful for projects involving lake, pond, and wetland margin restoration.

Smallwing Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex microptera
USDA Symbol: CAMI7

Description: A native perennial sedge with narrow foliage and a flexible habitat range. Unlike many wetland sedges, it can persist in both moist meadow conditions and somewhat drier upland meadow sites, making it a useful species for transitional habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 1–2 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh edges, riparian areas, and moist lowlands. Prefers moist to saturated soils with seasonal flooding or persistent soil moisture. Performs well in open sites with full sun to partial shade and a range of wetland soil textures.
Ecological Value: A native sedge suited to wet meadows, marshes, and moist riparian habitats where consistent soil moisture supports long-term establishment. Forms dense tufts that protect exposed soils, reduce erosion, and contribute to stable native plant communities. Provides habitat structure for insects and small wildlife while increasing biodiversity within wetland and meadow restoration areas. Useful where a smaller-stature sedge is needed to complement taller emergent vegetation.

Nebraska Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex nebrascensis
USDA Symbol: CANE2

Description: A native, vigorous rhizomatous perennial sedge with blue-green foliage that forms dense colonies in wetlands, streambanks, and seasonally wet habitats. It is widely valued for its adaptability and ability to establish quickly in restoration settings.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marshes, prairie wetlands, floodplain areas, and seasonally wet depressions. Adapted to moist soils that may experience periods of drying during the growing season. Performs well in full sun and is commonly associated with fine-textured soils, including loams and silty substrates.
Ecological Value: A highly adaptable sedge that occupies moist meadows, floodplains, wetlands, and seasonally wet grasslands. Its dense fibrous root system improves soil stability, helps slow runoff, and protects against erosion in disturbed areas. Provides ground-level cover and forage opportunities for wildlife while supporting diverse native wetland communities. Well suited for restoration projects where seasonal flooding and fluctuating moisture conditions occur.

Naked Sedge

Also Known As: Torrent Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex nudata
USDA Symbol: CANU5

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge adapted to high-energy stream environments. It forms dense clumps along flowing waterways, rocky streambanks, and saturated margins where it withstands frequent water movement and seasonal flooding.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Streambanks, cold-water riparian areas, mountain wetlands, springs, seeps, and wet forest habitats. Prefers continuously moist soils along flowing water and performs well in gravelly, sandy, or rocky substrates. Best suited for sites with cool, clear water influence and consistent moisture.
Ecological Value: A specialized streamside sedge adapted to flowing water environments, including creeks, mountain streams, and moist riparian corridors. Forms durable clumps that anchor streambanks, withstand periodic flooding, and help reduce soil loss along active channels. Provides important cover for aquatic insects, amphibians, and riparian wildlife while contributing to healthy streamside vegetation. Particularly valuable for stream restoration and erosion-control applications.

Slough Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex obnupta
USDA Symbol: CAOB3

Description: A native, large, coarse-textured perennial sedge that forms dense colonies in wetlands, sloughs, floodplains, and other permanently moist environments. Its tall growth and persistent foliage provide important structure within wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Sloughs, marshes, wet meadows, floodplain wetlands, and areas with prolonged soil saturation. Prefers organic-rich wetland soils and areas with shallow groundwater or seasonal inundation. Performs well in full sun to partial shade where moisture remains available throughout the growing season.
Ecological Value: A dominant wetland-forming sedge that thrives in marshes, sloughs, wet meadows, and permanently moist soils. Creates dense stands that stabilize saturated ground, trap organic material, and provide important habitat structure for nesting birds and wetland wildlife. Its extensive root system helps maintain wetland integrity by reinforcing soils and slowing sediment movement. An excellent choice for restoring persistent freshwater wetlands and marsh communities.

Clustered Field Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex praegracilis
USDA Symbol: CAPR5

Description: A native, fine-textured perennial sedge that spreads through rhizomes to form dense colonies. It is adaptable across a range of moisture conditions and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and seasonally wet habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Moist meadows, wet prairies, open woodlands, and transitional wetland margins. Prefers moist soils that range from moderately wet to seasonally saturated and can tolerate some drying between wet periods. Performs best in open areas with good sunlight and moderately fertile soils.
Ecological Value: A native sedge that contributes valuable ground cover and plant diversity in moist meadows, riparian areas, and seasonally wet grasslands. Forms compact clusters that protect soil surfaces, improve water infiltration, and reduce erosion. Supports insects and small wildlife while helping restore native meadow structure where disturbance has reduced plant diversity. Useful as a lower-growing component in mixed restoration seedings and plantings.

Analogue Sedge

Also Known As: Short-beaked Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex simulata
USDA Symbol: CASI2

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, and moist lowland habitats. It forms dense colonies that contribute to stable wetland plant communities and provide persistent vegetative cover.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh edges, riparian wetlands, and moist forest openings. Grows best in moist to saturated soils, including organic and fine-textured substrates. Tolerates seasonal fluctuations in moisture and performs well in areas with persistent spring moisture.
Ecological Value: A flexible wetland sedge found in moist forests, wet meadows, riparian zones, and shaded wetland habitats. Forms dense colonies that stabilize organic soils, retain moisture, and improve ground cover in areas prone to disturbance. Provides habitat for insects and small terrestrial wildlife while contributing to diverse understory and wetland plant communities. Well suited for restoration projects requiring a shade-tolerant native sedge.

Awlfruit Sedge

Also Known As: Sawbeak Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex stipata
USDA Symbol: CAST5

Description: A native, tall-growing perennial sedge with distinctive spiky seed heads and a robust growth habit. It commonly occurs in marshes, wet meadows, stream margins, and other moist habitats where it forms attractive wetland stands.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marshes, shallow wetlands, and stream margins. Prefers saturated soils with consistent moisture, including organic, silty, and fine-textured wetland substrates. Typically occurs in open, sunny habitats with seasonal inundation or high water tables.
Ecological Value: A distinctive wetland sedge that thrives in marshes, wet meadows, and saturated habitats where persistent moisture supports dense growth. Helps stabilize soft soils through its fibrous root system and contributes to the development of resilient wetland plant communities. Provides habitat structure for wetland insects and small wildlife while increasing species diversity in restoration plantings. Valuable in projects seeking to recreate native sedge meadow ecosystems.

Northwest Territory Sedge

Also Known As: Beaked Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex utriculata
USDA Symbol: CAUT

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge with tall stems and distinctive bottlebrush-shaped seed heads. It forms dense colonies in wetlands, marshes, shallow water, and floodplain habitats where it is an important component of wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Bogs, fens, marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, and other saturated wetland habitats. Prefers moist to saturated organic soils, including peat and muck soils. Performs well in areas with high water tables and prolonged moisture throughout the growing season.
Ecological Value: A vigorous, rhizomatous sedge that forms dense colonies in marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, and saturated soils. One of the most effective native sedges for wetland restoration, shoreline stabilization, sediment trapping, and erosion control. Its spreading growth habit helps establish persistent wetland cover in areas with prolonged moisture and contributes to the development of stable sedge-dominated plant communities.

Western Inflated Sedge

Scientific Name: Carex exsiccata
USDA Symbol: CAEX5

Description: A native, rhizomatous perennial sedge with slender stems, narrow foliage, and loosely clustered flower heads. Named for its distinctive inflated, bladder-like seed sacs. It occurs in wet meadows, marshes, and saturated habitats where it forms colonies that contribute to diverse wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 1–3 ft
Site Conditions: Marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, shallow wetlands, and saturated riparian areas. Prefers fine-textured soils that remain consistently moist, including silts, clays, and organic wetland soils. Performs well in areas with seasonal flooding, shallow standing water, and fluctuating water levels.
Ecological Value: A robust wetland sedge that develops dense stands in marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, and saturated riparian soils. Its strong rhizome system helps stabilize shorelines, reinforce wet soils, and reduce erosion in areas affected by seasonal flooding. Provides valuable nesting cover and habitat structure for wetland birds while supporting insects and other wildlife associated with sedge communities. Particularly useful for establishing long-lived wetland vegetation in restoration projects.

Species Included:

• Cosmopolitan Bulrush (also known as Alkali Bulrush)
• Northwestern Mannagrass
• American Mannagrass
• Broadleaf Arrowhead (also known as Arrowhead, Wapato, Duck Potato)
• Hardstem Bulrush
• Chairmaker’s Bulrush
• Common Three-square Bulrush
• Softstem Bulrush
• Woolgrass
• Panicled Bulrush (also known as Small-fruited Bulrush)
• Broadfruit Bur-reed (also known as Giant Bur-reed)
• Broadleaf Cattail (also know as Common Cattail)

Cosmopolitan Bulrush

Also Known As: Alkali Bulrush
Scientific Name: Bolboschoenus maritimus (formerly Scirpus maritimus)
USDA Symbol: BOMA7

Description: A robust, rhizomatous perennial bulrush that forms dense colonies in wetland habitats. Upright, triangular stems support clusters of brown flower spikelets near the stem tips. Tolerant of alkaline and saline conditions, making it well suited for marshes, pond margins, and wet areas with variable water chemistry.
Typical Mature Height: 2–5 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater and alkaline wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, wet meadows, and seasonally flooded basins. Adapted to saturated soils and shallow standing water, including sites with mineral soils, alkaline conditions, and fluctuating water levels. Performs well in full sun and tolerates periodic drying as wetland water levels change.
Ecological Benefits: Highly adapted to alkaline wetlands, saline marshes, and seasonally flooded basins where many wetland plants struggle to establish. Forms dense colonies that help stabilize soft, mineral soils, trap sediment, and improve wetland structure. Provides important nesting and cover habitat for marsh birds and waterfowl, while its seeds are utilized by wetland wildlife. Particularly valuable for restoring degraded alkaline wetlands and maintaining plant communities in high-salinity environments.

Northwestern Mannagrass

Scientific Name: Glyceria × occidentalis
USDA Symbol: GLOC

Description: A native perennial wetland grass with creeping rhizomes and upright stems. Forms dense stands with soft, grass-like foliage along freshwater margins. This species is well adapted to saturated soils and shallow wetland habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh edges, streambanks, riparian wetlands, and areas with saturated soils. Prefers moist to wet conditions in fine-textured soils such as silts, clays, and organic substrates. Performs well in areas with seasonal flooding, high water tables, and cool, moist growing conditions.
Ecological Benefits: A productive native wetland grass that forms dense stands along marsh edges, shallow wetlands, and slow-moving water systems. Its extensive root system helps bind saturated soils, reduce erosion, and improve shoreline stability. Provides early-season cover and forage for wetland wildlife while contributing vertical structure and plant diversity in sedge- and rush-dominated habitats. Well suited for restoration projects requiring a native grass component in consistently moist soils.

American Mannagrass

Scientific Name: Glyceria grandis
USDA Symbol: GLGR

Description: A tall native perennial grass commonly found in freshwater wetlands. Produces broad leaves and open flower clusters on upright stems. Forms dense colonies in saturated soils and shallow water habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, wet meadows, stream margins, lake edges, and shallow wetlands. Grows best in saturated soils and shallow water along slow-moving streams, ponds, and wetlands. Prefers organic-rich or fine-textured soils with consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Ecological Benefits: A robust aquatic grass that thrives in shallow water, wet meadows, and marsh habitats where prolonged moisture is present. Forms spreading colonies that help stabilize wetland margins, slow water movement, and capture organic material. Provides cover for amphibians, aquatic insects, and small wetland animals while adding habitat complexity beneath taller emergent vegetation. Useful in restoring natural wetland plant communities along ponds, lakeshores, and slow streams.

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Also Known As: Arrowhead, Wapato, Duck Potato
Scientific Name: Sagittaria latifolia
USDA Symbol: SALA2

Description: A native aquatic perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers held above the water surface. Spreads by rhizomes and underground tubers to form colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. The edible tubers have historically been an important food source for Indigenous peoples and wildlife.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, pond margins, lake shorelines, and slow-moving streams. Typically grows in saturated soils or shallow water, often rooted in soft mud, silt, or organic wetland substrates. Prefers full sun and areas with stable or seasonally fluctuating water levels.
Ecological Benefits: A culturally significant native aquatic plant that produces underground tubers used historically and currently as a food source by people and wildlife. Its broad floating and emergent leaves provide shelter for aquatic insects, amphibians, and small fish, while its flowers support pollinators. The extensive rhizome system helps stabilize shallow-water sediments and improves habitat quality in ponds, marshes, and slow-moving waterways. A valuable species for creating diverse, functional aquatic ecosystems.

Hardstem Bulrush

Scientific Name: Schoenoplectus acutus (formerly Scirpus acutus)
USDA Symbol: SCAC3

Description: A large, rhizomatous perennial bulrush that forms dense stands of tall, rigid stems. Produces clusters of small brown flower spikelets near the tips of its upright stems. One of the most important emergent wetland plants in western North America, providing extensive habitat structure in marshes and shallow water.
Typical Mature Height: 4–8 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater and brackish marshes, lake margins, ponds, reservoirs, and shallow wetland areas. Prefers saturated soils and shallow standing water, often occurring along shorelines and in areas with fluctuating water levels. Performs best in full sun and tolerates a variety of wetland soil types, including mineral and organic substrates.
Ecological Benefits: One of the most important structural plants in freshwater and brackish marsh ecosystems. Dense stands provide nesting cover, resting habitat, and protection for waterfowl, marsh birds, fish, and amphibians. Its strong rhizome network stabilizes shorelines, traps sediment, and helps reduce wave energy in exposed wetland areas. Frequently used in restoration projects where long-term shoreline stabilization and emergent marsh development are priorities.

Chairmaker’s Bulrush

Scientific Name: Schoenoplectus americanus (formerly Scirpus americanus)
USDA Symbol: SCAM6

Description: A perennial bulrush with firm, triangular stems and extensive underground rhizomes. Forms dense colonies in freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and shallow-water habitats. Its strong stems and persistent growth make it an important component of wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 3–6 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, wet meadows, pond margins, lake shorelines, and shallow wetlands. Grows in saturated soils and shallow water, often in areas with seasonal flooding or persistent wet conditions. Prefers open, sunny sites with fine-textured or organic wetland soils.
Ecological Benefits: A tall native bulrush that contributes significant vertical structure to freshwater marshes and shallow wetlands. Dense growth provides nesting material and protective cover for marsh birds while creating habitat for aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. Its underground rhizomes help reinforce wetland soils, reduce erosion, and support the development of stable emergent plant communities. Especially valuable in restoration areas where maintaining open-water-to-marsh transitions is important.

Common Three-square Bulrush

Scientific Name: Schoenoplectus pungens (formerly Scirpus pungens)
USDA Symbol: SCPUP5

Description: A rhizomatous perennial bulrush recognized by its sharply triangular stems and narrow leaves. Forms dense colonies in a variety of wetland environments, including freshwater and slightly saline habitats. Adaptable growth makes it useful in diverse restoration applications.
Typical Mature Height: 2–5 ft
Site Conditions: Marshes, pond margins, lake edges, wet meadows, floodplain wetlands, and shallow freshwater habitats. Adapted to saturated soils and shallow standing water, including areas with seasonal water level fluctuations. Performs well in mineral and organic soils and prefers full sun.
Ecological Benefits: A highly adaptable bulrush that establishes in freshwater wetlands, wet meadows, pond margins, and seasonally flooded areas. Forms dense colonies that stabilize shorelines, capture sediment, and provide protective cover for waterfowl and wetland wildlife. Its strong root system improves soil cohesion and helps maintain wetland boundaries during fluctuating water conditions. A reliable choice for restoration projects requiring a persistent emergent species.

Softstem Bulrush

Scientific Name: Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (formerly Scirpus validus)
USDA Symbol: SCTA2

Description: A tall emergent perennial with smooth, flexible stems and extensive rhizomatous growth. Forms dense stands in shallow water and saturated soils throughout freshwater wetlands. Similar in appearance to hardstem bulrush but distinguished by its softer, more pliable stems.
Typical Mature Height: 3–8 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving waterways. Prefers saturated soils and shallow water conditions, typically growing in soft mud, silt, or organic substrates. Tolerates seasonal changes in water depth and performs best in full sun.
Ecological Benefits: Creates dense emergent stands that provide important habitat for nesting birds, juvenile fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. Its flexible stems tolerate changing water levels and wave action, making it effective for stabilizing pond edges, lake margins, and wetland shorelines. Helps improve water quality by trapping sediment and nutrients while contributing to the development of diverse marsh habitats.

Woolgrass

Scientific Name: Scirpus cyperinus
USDA Symbol: SCCY

Description: A native perennial wetland plant with upright stems and distinctive woolly clusters of brown flower heads. Forms attractive clumps and spreads through short rhizomes in moist soil conditions. Adds structural diversity to wet meadows, marshes, and shoreline habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 3–5 ft
Site Conditions: Bogs, fens, marshes, wet meadows, forested wetlands, and peatland habitats. Prefers moist to saturated organic soils, including peat and muck substrates. Performs well in cool, consistently moist environments with high water tables and can tolerate partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: A distinctive native sedge-like wetland plant that adds structural diversity to marshes, bogs, and wet meadows. Its dense clumps provide nesting material and cover for wetland birds while supporting insects and other small wildlife. The fibrous root system helps stabilize saturated soils, retain moisture, and contribute to peat and organic matter accumulation in wetland environments. Valuable for restoring native plant diversity in long-lasting wetland systems.

Panicled Bulrush

Also Known As: Small-fruited Bulrush
Scientific Name: Scirpus microcarpus
USDA Symbol: SCMI2

Description: A native perennial bulrush with slender stems and branching clusters of small flower spikelets. Typically found in wetter habitats, including forested wetlands, stream margins, and shaded marshes. Forms small colonies through rhizomatous growth and contributes to wetland diversity.
Typical Mature Height: 2–4 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marshes, shallow wetlands, pond margins, and riparian areas. Prefers saturated soils and shallow water conditions with seasonal fluctuations in moisture. Performs well in fine-textured soils, including silty, clay, and organic wetland substrates.
Ecological Benefits: A native wetland emergent that occupies shallow marshes, pond margins, and seasonally flooded habitats. Provides cover and nesting structure for wetland birds while supporting aquatic insects and other small organisms. Its rhizomatous growth helps stabilize wet soils and maintain wetland plant communities during periods of fluctuating water levels. Useful for increasing species diversity in freshwater restoration projects.

Broadfruit Bur-reed

Also Known As: Giant Bur-reed
Scientific Name: Sparganium eurycarpum
USDA Symbol: SPEU

Description: A robust native aquatic perennial with broad leaves and large, spherical seed clusters. Forms dense colonies along shorelines, marshes, and shallow freshwater habitats. Its upright growth provides important structure within emergent wetland plant communities.
Typical Mature Height: 3–6 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, lakeshores, pond edges, backwaters, and slow-moving streams. Prefers shallow water and saturated soils with organic-rich or silty substrates. Performs best in full sun and areas with consistent moisture, seasonal flooding, and gradual water-level changes.
Ecological Benefits: A large, vigorous emergent plant that creates important habitat structure in freshwater marshes, ponds, and slow streams. Tall stems provide nesting cover and perching sites for marsh birds, while submerged portions offer refuge for aquatic organisms. Its extensive rhizome system strengthens wetland soils, stabilizes shorelines, and helps trap sediment. Particularly useful in restoration projects seeking robust emergent vegetation and improved aquatic habitat complexity.

Broadleaf Cattail

Also Known As: Common Cattail
Scientific Name: Typha latifolia
USDA Symbol: TYLA

Description: A widespread native emergent wetland plant with broad, strap-like leaves and distinctive brown flower spikes. Spreads through vigorous rhizomes to form dense colonies in freshwater wetlands and shallow water habitats. An important component of many wetland ecosystems, cattails provide both habitat structure and ecological function.
Typical Mature Height: 5–10 ft
Site Conditions: Freshwater marshes, ponds, lake margins, irrigation channels, ditches, and shallow wetlands. Adapted to saturated soils and shallow standing water, including areas with fluctuating water levels. Grows well in organic-rich soils but tolerates a wide range of wetland substrates and moisture conditions.
Ecological Benefits: A dominant wetland-forming species that creates dense emergent stands supporting a wide range of wildlife. Provides nesting, feeding, and shelter habitat for marsh birds, while its stems and root systems offer refuge for amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Extensive rhizomes stabilize shorelines, trap sediment, and help retain nutrients within wetland systems. Valuable for wetland establishment and restoration, particularly where rapid colonization and strong soil stabilization are desired.

Species Included:

• Redosier Dogwood
• Cascara Buckthorn
• Pacific Ninebark
• Golden Current
• Douglas Spirea

Redosier Dogwood

Scientific Name: Cornus sericea (formerly Cornus stolonifera)
USDA Code: COSE16

Description: A native deciduous shrub recognized for its bright red stems, especially prominent during winter dormancy. Forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes and spreading stems, creating extensive shrub cover in moist environments. Common throughout riparian corridors, wetlands, floodplains, and moist forest communities. Highly valued for restoration due to its vigorous growth, adaptability, and ability to stabilize disturbed soils.
Typical Mature Height: 6–10 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist to saturated soils along streams, rivers, lakeshores, wetlands, floodplains, springs, wet meadows, and riparian forest margins. Performs well in areas with seasonal flooding, fluctuating water tables, and prolonged soil moisture. Adapted to a wide range of soil textures including clay, loam, sand, and organic soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade, with greater flowering and stem production in open conditions. Tolerates disturbed sites, sediment deposition, and periodic inundation, making it well suited for stream restoration, wetland enhancement, and erosion control projects.
Ecological Benefits: Provides excellent streambank stabilization through extensive rhizomatous roots and dense stem growth that help trap sediment, reduce erosion, and reinforce vulnerable shorelines. Forms important riparian shrub communities that create cover, nesting habitat, and travel corridors for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Produces berries that provide a valuable late-season food source for numerous bird species and wildlife. Dense thickets offer winter shelter and thermal cover, while flowers support native pollinators. Helps increase riparian habitat complexity and contributes to the recovery of degraded stream and wetland ecosystems.

Cascara Buckthorn

Scientific Name: Frangula purshiana (formerly Rhamnus purshiana)
USDA Symbol: FRPU7

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with smooth gray bark, oval leaves, and clusters of small dark fruits. Common throughout moist forests, riparian woodlands, and forest edges in the Pacific Northwest. Often occurs as an understory species beneath larger trees and contributes to diverse native shrub communities.
Typical Mature Height: 15–30 ft
Site Conditions: Found in moist forests, riparian woodlands, stream corridors, ravines, forest margins, and shaded upland sites. Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils with consistent moisture but can tolerate moderately dry conditions once established. Performs best in partial shade or filtered light but can grow in full sun where adequate soil moisture is available. Commonly associated with mixed conifer forests, hardwood stands, and transitional habitats where organic-rich soils and moderate moisture levels support long-term growth. Suitable for forest restoration, riparian enhancement, and native understory plantings.
Ecological Benefits: Provides an important native food source through abundant fruits consumed by birds including thrushes, waxwings, and other fruit-eating species. Supports pollinators through early-season flowering and contributes to overall forest biodiversity by filling the shrub and small-tree layer. Provides nesting habitat, protective cover, and movement corridors for wildlife. Its extensive root system improves soil stability on slopes, stream margins, and forest edges while contributing organic matter and nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. Helps restore native understory structure in areas affected by disturbance or vegetation loss.

Pacific Ninebark

Scientific Name: Physocarpus capitatus
USDA Symbol: PHCA11

Description: A native deciduous shrub with arching branches, clusters of white flowers, and attractive peeling bark on older stems. Forms dense multi-stemmed colonies in moist habitats and is commonly associated with streambanks, floodplains, wetlands, and forest openings. A valuable shrub for riparian restoration due to its adaptability, rapid establishment, and habitat value.
Typical Mature Height: 6–12 ft
Site Conditions: Typically found in moist forests, riparian corridors, streambanks, floodplains, wet meadows, springs, and lake margins. Performs well in soils that remain consistently moist but tolerates seasonal drying once established. Adapted to a variety of soil textures including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. Tolerates occasional flooding and sediment deposition, making it suitable for disturbed waterways and restoration sites. Prefers full sun to partial shade, with stronger growth and flowering in open areas. Performs well in shrub borders, riparian buffers, and transitional zones between wetlands and upland forests.
Ecological Benefits: Provides strong erosion control and bank stabilization through dense root systems and multi-stem growth that helps hold soils in place along waterways. Creates important shrub habitat used by nesting birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Dense branching provides protective cover and movement corridors within riparian areas. Flowers support native bees and other pollinators, while seeds provide food resources for birds. Enhances habitat diversity by adding vertical structure and shrub-layer complexity to wetlands, stream corridors, and forest edges.

Golden Currant

Scientific Name: Ribes aureum
USDA Symbol: RIAU

Description: A native deciduous shrub with fragrant yellow flowers, edible golden berries, and aromatic foliage. Occurs across a broad range of habitats including riparian zones, open woodlands, shrublands, and forest margins. A versatile restoration species valued for wildlife habitat, pollinator support, and adaptability across variable moisture conditions.
Typical Mature Height: 3–8 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to a wide range of environments including streambanks, floodplains, wet meadows, woodland edges, shrub-steppe transitions, and open forests. Prefers moist to moderately dry, well-drained soils but tolerates occasional drought once established. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and can persist under open forest canopies. Tolerates a variety of soil textures including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. Suitable for riparian buffers, upland restoration, wildlife habitat plantings, and disturbed sites where a hardy native shrub is needed.
Ecological Benefits: Provides high wildlife value through production of berries that are consumed by birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Early-season yellow flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators when few other flowering shrubs are available. Offers nesting habitat, escape cover, and browse opportunities for wildlife. Its root system contributes to soil stabilization, particularly on slopes, stream margins, and disturbed areas. Adds shrub diversity and structural complexity to both riparian and upland plant communities.

Douglas Spirea

Scientific Name: Spiraea douglasii
USDA Symbol: SPDO

Description: A native deciduous shrub that forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes. Produces upright clusters of pink flowers during summer and is commonly found in wetlands, streambanks, wet meadows, and moist forest openings. Its spreading growth habit makes it especially valuable for wetland restoration, shoreline stabilization, and habitat improvement.
Typical Mature Height: 3–6 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs primarily in wetland and riparian environments including marsh edges, streambanks, floodplains, wet meadows, lake margins, seeps, and moist forest openings. Prefers saturated to consistently moist soils and tolerates seasonal flooding, fluctuating water levels, and prolonged periods of soil moisture. Performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in forested wetlands. Adapted to organic, silty, sandy, and fine-textured soils. Well suited for wetland restoration, shoreline protection, and areas requiring rapid establishment of dense native shrub cover.
Ecological Benefits: Forms dense shrub communities that provide effective erosion control, sediment capture, and shoreline stabilization. Its rhizomatous growth helps establish persistent vegetation cover in wetland environments and assists in recovering disturbed sites. Provides nesting habitat, cover, and movement corridors for birds and small mammals. Flowers support native pollinators including bees and other beneficial insects. Dense colonies increase wetland habitat complexity, improve wildlife shelter, and contribute to the development of stable native wetland plant communities.

Species Included:

• Serviceberry
• American Plum
• Bittercherry
• Chokecherry
• Western Thimbleberry
• Salmonberry

Serviceberry

Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
USDA Symbol: AMAL2

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its attractive white spring flowers, edible blue-purple berries, and vibrant fall foliage. Common throughout the Pacific Northwest in a wide range of habitats including open forests, shrublands, riparian areas, and upland slopes. Highly adaptable and important for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and restoration of native shrub communities.
Typical Mature Height: 6–15 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in a broad range of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, shrub-steppe communities, rocky slopes, riparian margins, and upland transition zones. Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates a variety of soil textures including sandy, loamy, rocky, and gravelly soils. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant once established. Adapted to moist to moderately dry conditions and can persist in areas with seasonal moisture fluctuations. Suitable for upland restoration, wildlife habitat plantings, forest understory restoration, and riparian transition zones.
Ecological Benefits: Provides high wildlife value through abundant berries that are consumed by birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Early spring flowers provide an important nectar and pollen source for native bees and other pollinators. Offers nesting habitat, protective cover, and browse opportunities for wildlife. Its extensive root system helps stabilize soils on slopes and disturbed areas while contributing to soil development and nutrient cycling. Adds structural diversity to shrub communities and supports healthy native plant ecosystems.

American Plum

Scientific Name: Prunus americana
USDA Symbol: PRAM

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree that forms dense thickets through root suckering. Produces showy white spring flowers followed by edible red to yellow plums. Known for its vigorous growth, adaptability, and value in wildlife habitat plantings, shelterbelts, and restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 10–20 ft
Site Conditions: Found in woodland edges, open forests, grasslands, shrublands, riparian areas, and disturbed sites. Prefers moist to moderately dry, well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Adapted to seasonal drought and disturbance, making it suitable for upland restoration, wildlife plantings, erosion control, and habitat enhancement projects. Spreads readily through root suckers and can establish dense shrub communities.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important wildlife habitat through dense thickets that offer nesting cover, escape cover, and shelter for birds and small mammals. Produces fruit consumed by wildlife including birds, mammals, and other native species. Spring flowers provide an early-season nectar source for pollinators. Dense root systems help stabilize soils and reduce erosion on disturbed sites. Creates valuable shrub-layer structure and contributes to biodiversity in grassland, woodland, and riparian transition habitats.

Bittercherry

Scientific Name: Prunus emarginata
USDA Symbol: PREM

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with clusters of white flowers and small red cherries. Common in forest openings, disturbed areas, riparian corridors, and mountain habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest. A hardy pioneer species that readily colonizes disturbed sites and contributes to early forest succession.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist forests, forest edges, mountain slopes, stream corridors, riparian areas, and recently disturbed sites such as burns, clearings, and logged areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates rocky, gravelly, and nutrient-poor conditions. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and is adapted to disturbance and rapid establishment. Suitable for forest restoration, riparian enhancement, slope stabilization, and revegetation of disturbed landscapes.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important early-successional habitat by establishing quickly after disturbance and creating cover for wildlife. Produces fruits that provide food for birds and mammals, while flowers support native pollinators in spring. Dense branching provides nesting sites and protective cover. Root systems help stabilize soils on slopes and disturbed areas, reducing erosion and supporting vegetation recovery. Contributes to forest regeneration by improving site conditions for later-successional species.

Chokecherry

Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana
USDA Symbol: PRVI

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white flowers and dark red to black fruits. Forms dense colonies through root suckering and occurs across a wide range of habitats including riparian areas, woodland edges, forests, and upland shrublands. A highly valuable wildlife species used extensively in restoration and habitat improvement projects.
Typical Mature Height: 10–20 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to a wide range of environments including streambanks, floodplains, forest margins, open woodlands, shrublands, and upland transition areas. Prefers moist to moderately dry soils but tolerates drought once established. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and grows in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Tolerates disturbance, seasonal moisture changes, and a variety of site conditions, making it useful for riparian restoration, wildlife habitat plantings, erosion control, and native shrub establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Provides significant wildlife value through production of fruit eaten by numerous bird species and mammals. Dense thickets provide nesting habitat, thermal cover, and protective shelter for wildlife. Spring flowers support native pollinators, while foliage provides browse for deer and other herbivores. Extensive root systems help stabilize soils, control erosion, and improve disturbed areas. Enhances habitat connectivity and adds structural diversity to riparian and upland ecosystems.

Western Thimbleberry

Scientific Name: Rubus parviflorus
USDA Symbol: RUPA

Description: A native deciduous shrub with large maple-like leaves, white flowers, and soft red raspberry-like fruits. Forms colonies through underground stems and is commonly found in moist forests, woodland edges, riparian areas, and disturbed sites. A valuable native understory species known for its habitat benefits and ability to establish in shaded environments.
Typical Mature Height: 3–8 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist forests, forest openings, stream corridors, shaded slopes, and riparian woodlands. Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter but tolerates a range of soil conditions. Performs best in partial shade to full sun where moisture is available. Adapted to disturbed areas including burns, logging sites, and forest edges. Suitable for forest restoration, riparian enhancement, erosion control, and native understory establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Provides excellent wildlife habitat through dense thickets that offer nesting cover, hiding areas, and movement corridors for birds and small mammals. Produces edible fruits consumed by birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Large foliage provides browse and contributes to understory structure. Flowers support native pollinators, while spreading roots help stabilize soils and reduce erosion. Plays an important role in recovering disturbed forest communities and increasing habitat complexity.

Salmonberry

Scientific Name: Rubus spectabilis
USDA Symbol: RUSP

Description: A native deciduous shrub forming dense colonies with upright stems, showy pink flowers, and orange-red edible berries. Common in moist forests, coastal and mountain riparian areas, wetlands, and stream corridors. A highly valuable native shrub for restoration due to its vigorous growth, wildlife value, and ability to stabilize moist sites.
Typical Mature Height: 4–12 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs primarily in moist to wet environments including streambanks, floodplains, wet forests, forest edges, wetlands, and coastal riparian areas. Prefers rich, organic soils with consistent moisture and tolerates seasonal flooding and saturated conditions. Performs best in partial shade but can grow in full sun where adequate moisture is available. Forms dense colonies through rhizomes and is well suited for riparian restoration, wetland margins, erosion control, and shaded habitat enhancement.
Ecological Benefits: Provides exceptional wildlife habitat through dense shrub growth that offers nesting sites, cover, and travel corridors for birds and mammals. Produces abundant berries that are consumed by birds, bears, small mammals, and other wildlife. Early-season flowers provide nectar for native pollinators, including hummingbirds and insects. Dense root systems stabilize streambanks, trap sediment, and reduce erosion. Enhances riparian habitat complexity and supports the recovery of moist forest and streamside ecosystems.

Species Included:

• Siberian Peashrub — Non-native
• Redstem Ceanothus
• Ocean-spray
• Syringa (Lewis Mock Orange)
• Nootka Rose
• Rugosa Rose — Non-native
• Blue Elderberry
• Common Snowberry

Siberian Peashrub

Scientific Name: Caragana arborescens
USDA Symbol: CAAR18

Description: A deciduous shrub introduced from Eurasia and commonly planted for windbreaks, erosion control, and landscape use. Forms dense, multi-stemmed thickets with yellow pea-like flowers and elongated seed pods. Highly drought tolerant and adapted to harsh conditions, though not native to the Pacific Northwest. Its nitrogen-fixing ability allows it to persist on nutrient-poor sites and contribute to soil improvement.
Typical Mature Height: 10–20 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to dry upland environments including grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Performs best in full sun and well-drained soils, including sandy, gravelly, and low-fertility sites. Highly tolerant of drought, cold temperatures, wind exposure, and poor soil conditions. Can withstand alkaline soils and seasonal moisture fluctuations. Often used in reclamation, erosion control, and shelterbelt plantings where rapid establishment and site tolerance are priorities.
Ecological Benefits: Provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and shelter for small mammals through dense branching structure. Yellow flowers provide a spring nectar resource for pollinators. Nitrogen fixation can increase soil fertility and contribute organic matter to degraded sites. Dense root systems help stabilize soils and reduce erosion, particularly on exposed or disturbed upland sites. (Note: Because this species is non-native, it is generally considered less desirable than native shrub species for wildlife restoration projects.)

Redstem Ceanothus

Scientific Name: Ceanothus sanguineus
USDA Symbol: CESA

Description: A native deciduous shrub with distinctive reddish stems, clusters of white flowers, and dark seed capsules. Common throughout dry forests, woodland edges, and upland shrub communities of the Pacific Northwest. A nitrogen-fixing species that plays an important role in early forest succession and recovery following disturbance.
Typical Mature Height: 3–10 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in dry forests, open woodlands, shrublands, rocky slopes, forest clearings, and recently disturbed areas including burns and logged sites. Prefers well-drained, coarse-textured soils such as sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and is highly drought tolerant once established. Adapted to nutrient-poor soils and disturbance, making it useful for upland restoration, post-fire recovery, and native shrub establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Improves soil conditions through nitrogen fixation, increasing nutrient availability and supporting plant community recovery on poor sites. Provides valuable browse, cover, and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. Flowers support native bees and other pollinators during the growing season. Seeds provide food resources for wildlife, while dense shrub growth contributes to habitat structure and biodiversity in dry forest ecosystems.

Ocean-spray

Scientific Name: Holodiscus discolor
USDA Symbol: HODI

Description: A native deciduous shrub recognized for its graceful arching branches and long, cascading clusters of creamy white flowers. Common throughout forests, rocky slopes, woodland edges, and upland habitats across the Pacific Northwest. A highly adaptable shrub valued for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and restoration of native forest communities.
Typical Mature Height: 6–15 ft
Site Conditions: Found in dry to moderately moist forests, forest margins, open woodlands, rocky slopes, canyons, and upland transition zones. Prefers well-drained soils and tolerates sandy, rocky, gravelly, and coarse-textured sites. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and is moderately drought tolerant once established. Adapted to disturbed areas, including fire-affected landscapes, roadsides, and forest openings. Suitable for upland restoration, slope stabilization, and native shrub establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important structural habitat for birds and small mammals through dense branching and shrub cover. Flowers support native pollinators including bees and other beneficial insects. Seeds provide food resources for birds and wildlife. Its root system helps stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, and improve soil retention on disturbed sites. Contributes to forest understory diversity and provides habitat complexity in dry and mixed-conifer ecosystems.

Syringa (Lewis Mock Orange)

Scientific Name: Philadelphus lewisii
USDA Symbol: PHLE4

Description: A native deciduous shrub known for its fragrant white flowers, arching branches, and attractive appearance. Common in riparian areas, open forests, rocky slopes, and woodland edges throughout the Pacific Northwest. Named after explorer Meriwether Lewis, this shrub is an important native species for habitat restoration and pollinator support.
Typical Mature Height: 6–12 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist to moderately dry forests, stream corridors, woodland edges, canyon slopes, and open shrublands. Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of soil textures including sandy, rocky, and loamy soils. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates seasonal drought once established. Adapted to disturbed areas and transitional habitats between riparian and upland environments. Suitable for restoration of forest edges, riparian buffers, and upland shrub communities.
Ecological Benefits: Provides excellent pollinator habitat through abundant fragrant flowers that attract native bees, butterflies, and other insects. Dense branching provides nesting habitat and protective cover for birds and small mammals. Adds shrub-layer diversity and improves habitat structure in forests and woodland communities. Root systems contribute to soil stabilization and erosion reduction on slopes and disturbed sites.

Nootka Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa nutkana
USDA Symbol: RONU

Description: A native deciduous shrub with showy pink flowers, thorny stems, and red rose hips. Forms dense colonies through rhizomatous growth and is commonly found in riparian areas, wetlands, grasslands, and forest edges. A valuable wildlife shrub known for its habitat benefits and adaptability.
Typical Mature Height: 3–10 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist to moderately dry habitats including streambanks, wet meadows, shrublands, grasslands, forest margins, and coastal or inland riparian areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a variety of soil textures and seasonal drought. Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Spreads through underground stems and is well suited for erosion control, wildlife habitat restoration, and establishing dense native shrub cover.
Ecological Benefits: Provides excellent wildlife cover through dense thorny thickets that protect nesting birds and small mammals. Produces rose hips that provide an important winter food source for birds and mammals. Flowers support native pollinators, while stems and foliage provide browse for deer and other herbivores. Extensive root systems stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and assist in restoring disturbed upland and riparian habitats.

Rugosa Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa rugosa
USDA Symbol: RORU

Description: A non-native deciduous shrub recognized for its fragrant pink flowers, wrinkled foliage, and large red rose hips. Forms dense colonies through suckering and is highly tolerant of harsh environmental conditions. Commonly planted for erosion control, hedges, and landscape use, though it can become invasive in some regions.
Typical Mature Height: 4–6 ft
Site Conditions: Highly adaptable to a variety of conditions including sandy soils, coastal areas, disturbed sites, roadsides, and exposed locations. Performs best in full sun and tolerates drought, wind, salt exposure, poor soils, and harsh conditions. Thrives in well-drained soils but tolerates a range of soil textures. Because of its aggressive spreading habit, site selection and management should be considered carefully when used near native plant communities.
Ecological Benefits: Provides dense cover and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. Produces large rose hips that provide seasonal food for wildlife. Flowers support pollinators, and thorny growth provides protective shelter. However, as a non-native species, it may displace native vegetation in some habitats and is generally less preferred for native ecosystem restoration.

Woods Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa woodsii
USDA Symbol: ROWO

Description: A native deciduous shrub with pink flowers, thorny stems, and red rose hips. Forms spreading colonies through rhizomes and is widely distributed across western North America. A highly adaptable shrub valued for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and restoration of upland and riparian transition zones.
Typical Mature Height: 3–6 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in a wide range of habitats including riparian areas, grasslands, shrublands, open forests, foothills, and mountain valleys. Prefers moist to moderately dry soils but tolerates drought once established. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and grows in sandy, loamy, clay, and rocky soils. Adapted to disturbance, seasonal flooding, and variable moisture conditions. Suitable for upland restoration, wildlife plantings, erosion control, and native shrub establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Provides valuable wildlife habitat through dense thorny growth that offers nesting cover, escape cover, and shelter for birds and mammals. Rose hips provide an important fall and winter food source for wildlife. Flowers support native pollinators, while foliage provides browse for deer and other herbivores. Root systems help stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and improve recovery of disturbed sites.

Blue Elderberry

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea
(formerly Sambucus cerulea)
USDA Symbol: SANIC5

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with large clusters of white flowers and powdery blue-black berries. Common throughout riparian areas, open forests, shrublands, and upland transition zones. A highly valuable wildlife species known for abundant fruit production and broad habitat adaptability.
Typical Mature Height: 8–20 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in riparian corridors, streambanks, woodland edges, open forests, shrublands, and dry upland transition areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates moderately dry conditions once established. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. Suitable for riparian restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement, forest edge plantings, and drought-tolerant native landscaping.
Ecological Benefits: Provides exceptional wildlife value through abundant berries consumed by birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Large flower clusters support pollinators including native bees and butterflies. Provides nesting habitat, protective cover, and movement corridors for wildlife. Dense root systems aid soil stabilization and erosion control while contributing organic matter to ecosystems. Adds important shrub and small-tree structure to riparian and upland habitats.

Common Snowberry

Scientific Name: Symphoricarpos albus
USDA Symbol: SYAL

Description: A native deciduous shrub with arching stems and distinctive white berries that persist into winter. Forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes and is widely distributed across forests, shrublands, grasslands, and riparian areas. A hardy species valued for erosion control, wildlife cover, and restoration of disturbed sites.
Typical Mature Height: 3–6 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in dry to moist forests, woodland edges, shrublands, grasslands, stream corridors, and disturbed areas. Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions including sandy, rocky, clay, and loamy soils. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and tolerates drought once established. Spreads readily through rhizomes, making it effective for stabilizing disturbed soils, restoring shrub communities, and establishing vegetation on challenging sites.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important habitat structure through dense shrub growth that offers nesting cover and shelter for birds and small mammals. Produces persistent berries that provide seasonal food resources for wildlife. Flowers support native pollinators, while foliage provides browse for deer and other herbivores. Extensive root systems stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and contribute to recovery of disturbed upland and forest ecosystems.

Species Included:

• Concolor Fir
• Subalpine Fir
• Western Larch
• Norway Spruce
• Engelmann Spruce
• Black Hills Spruce
• Lodgepole Pine
• Western White Pine
• Austrian Pine
• Ponderosa Pine
• Scotch Pine
• Douglas-fir
• Giant Sequoia
• Western Red Cedar

Concolor Fir

Scientific Name: Abies concolor
USDA Symbol: ABCO

Description: A large, long-lived evergreen conifer with a symmetrical pyramidal form, blue-green to silvery needles, and attractive upright cones. Concolor fir is valued for its ornamental qualities, wildlife habitat benefits, and use in restoration and reforestation projects.
Typical Mature Height: 50–150 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to a wide range of mountain and upland environments. Performs best in deep, well-drained, moist soils but tolerates drought, rocky soils, and colder climates once established. Prefers full sun and is commonly found on mountain slopes, forest openings, and mixed-conifer forests.
Ecological Benefits: Provides winter cover, nesting habitat, and thermal protection for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage offers shelter for wildlife, while seeds provide food for birds such as chickadees, nuthatches, and crossbills. Contributes to forest structure, soil stabilization, and carbon storage.

Subalpine Fir

Scientific Name: Abies lasiocarpa
USDA Symbol: ABLA

Description: A cold-adapted evergreen conifer with a narrow, spire-like crown and short, blue-green needles. Subalpine fir is a dominant high-elevation species in western mountain forests and is well suited for cool, moist environments.
Typical Mature Height: 30–80 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers cool, moist climates at higher elevations. Grows best in deep, well-drained soils with consistent moisture but can tolerate shallow, rocky soils and harsh alpine conditions. Common on mountain slopes, subalpine forests, and areas with long winters and short growing seasons.
Ecological Benefits: Provides critical winter habitat and cover for deer, elk, birds, and small mammals. Dense branches offer nesting and shelter sites, while seeds support birds and small wildlife. Helps stabilize mountain soils and maintain high-elevation forest ecosystems.

Western Larch

Scientific Name: Larix occidentalis
USDA Symbol: LAOC

Description: A large deciduous conifer that loses its needles each fall, turning brilliant golden-yellow before dropping. Western larch is a fire-adapted species known for rapid growth, strong wood, and importance in western forest ecosystems.
Typical Mature Height: 80–180 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soils on mountain slopes, valleys, and upland forests. Requires full sun and is commonly found in mixed-conifer forests at mid elevations. Tolerates cold climates and is highly adapted to periodic wildfire.
Ecological Benefits: Creates diverse forest structure and provides habitat for cavity-nesting birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Its open canopy supports understory vegetation, while its deep roots improve soil stability and reduce erosion. Fire resistance helps maintain resilient forest communities.

Norway Spruce

Scientific Name: Picea abies
USDA Symbol: PIAB

Description: A large evergreen spruce with drooping branch tips, dark green needles, and excellent growth in cooler climates. Norway spruce is widely planted for windbreaks, ornamental use, timber production, and habitat improvement.
Typical Mature Height: 60–100 ft
Site Conditions: Performs best in deep, moist, well-drained soils but adapts to a variety of soil conditions. Prefers cooler climates and full sun. Tolerates urban conditions better than many spruce species but performs poorly in hot, drought-prone sites.
Ecological Benefits: Provides dense cover for birds and small mammals, nesting habitat, and winter shelter. The thick canopy reduces wind exposure and helps protect soils from erosion. Supports forest diversity when incorporated into managed landscapes.

Engelmann Spruce

Scientific Name: Picea engelmannii
USDA Symbol: PIEN

Description: A high-elevation evergreen conifer with a narrow crown, bluish-green needles, and excellent cold tolerance. Engelmann spruce is an important component of subalpine forests throughout the northern Rocky Mountains.
Typical Mature Height: 50–130 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers cool, moist mountain environments with well-drained soils. Common along streams, mountain slopes, and high-elevation forests. Requires adequate moisture and performs best in areas with long winters and short summers.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important habitat for mountain wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and larger mammals seeking cover. Supports watershed protection by stabilizing soils, reducing erosion, and maintaining forested mountain ecosystems.

Black Hills Spruce

Scientific Name: Picea glauca var. densata
USDA Symbol: PIGLD

Description: A compact, dense-growing variety of white spruce adapted to the Black Hills region. It has a conical form, blue-green needles, and strong cold tolerance, making it useful for ornamental plantings, windbreaks, and restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 30–60 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to cold, dry climates and a variety of soil types. Performs best in full sun with moist, well-drained soils but tolerates drought, wind exposure, and rocky upland sites.
Ecological Benefits: Provides year-round cover and nesting habitat for birds and shelter for small mammals. Dense foliage reduces wind erosion and improves habitat structure in open landscapes.

Lodgepole Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus contorta
USDA Symbol: PICO

Description: A slender evergreen pine with a narrow crown and variable growth form depending on location. Lodgepole pine is highly adaptable and is an important early-seral species following disturbance, especially wildfire.
Typical Mature Height: 40–100 ft
Site Conditions: Grows across a wide range of elevations and soil conditions. Tolerates dry, nutrient-poor soils, rocky sites, and cold climates. Common in mountain forests, volcanic soils, and areas recovering from wildfire.
Ecological Benefits: Provides cover and nesting habitat for birds, small mammals, and larger wildlife. Its seeds are an important food source for birds such as Clark’s nutcracker. Helps stabilize disturbed soils and initiates forest recovery after disturbance.

Western White Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus monticola
USDA Symbol: PIMO3

Description: A tall, graceful five-needled pine with soft bluish-green foliage and valuable timber qualities. Western white pine is an important native species of moist mountain forests in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.
Typical Mature Height: 80–150 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soils in mountain valleys, slopes, and mixed-conifer forests. Performs best in full sun to partial shade and requires adequate moisture, especially during establishment.
Ecological Benefits: Provides seeds for birds and small mammals, nesting sites, and structural diversity in forests. Supports long-term forest health and contributes to watershed protection, erosion control, and carbon storage.

Austrian Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus nigra
USDA Symbol: PINI

Description: A hardy evergreen pine with dense, dark green needles and a broad, irregular crown. Austrian pine is valued for its adaptability, wind tolerance, and ability to grow in challenging sites.
Typical Mature Height: 40–60 ft
Site Conditions: Adapted to dry, alkaline, compacted, and urban soils. Performs best in full sun and well-drained soils but tolerates drought, wind, and poor growing conditions.
Ecological Benefits: Provides year-round cover, nesting habitat, and shelter for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage helps reduce wind erosion and improves habitat structure in open landscapes.

Ponderosa Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa
USDA Symbol: PIPO

Description: A large native pine with distinctive orange-brown bark, long needles, and excellent drought tolerance. Ponderosa pine is one of the most important forest species in western North America and is adapted to frequent low-intensity fires.
Typical Mature Height: 60–150 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soils. Thrives on dry uplands, foothills, and mountain slopes but adapts to a wide range of soil textures. Highly drought tolerant once established.
Ecological Benefits: Provides habitat for numerous birds, mammals, and insects. Large trees create nesting cavities, while seeds provide food for wildlife. Deep roots stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and support resilient forest ecosystems.

Scotch Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus sylvestris
USDA Symbol: PISY

Description: A widely planted evergreen pine with distinctive orange bark, blue-green needles, and strong adaptability. Scotch pine is used for windbreaks, ornamental plantings, and landscape restoration.
Typical Mature Height: 30–80 ft
Site Conditions: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry, sandy, and nutrient-poor sites. Performs best in full sun with well-drained soils and is tolerant of cold temperatures and drought once established.
Ecological Benefits: Provides year-round cover, nesting habitat, and shelter for birds and small mammals. Helps reduce wind erosion and improves habitat structure in open areas.

Douglas-fir

Scientific Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii
USDA Symbol: PSME

Description: A large, long-lived evergreen conifer with soft, flat needles and distinctive cones with protruding bracts. Douglas-fir is one of the most important timber and ecological species in western forests.
Typical Mature Height: 70–250 ft
Site Conditions: Grows best in deep, well-drained soils with adequate moisture but tolerates a wide range of conditions. Found from coastal forests to dry mountain slopes and performs best with full sun and moderate moisture.
Ecological Benefits: Provides extensive wildlife habitat, including nesting sites for birds, cover for mammals, and food resources from seeds and insects. Large trees create important forest structure, stabilize soils, protect watersheds, and store significant carbon.

Giant Sequoia

Scientific Name: Sequoiadendron giganteum
USDA Symbol: SEGI2

Description: A massive, long-lived evergreen tree known for exceptional size, thick fire-resistant bark, and longevity. Giant sequoia is one of the largest tree species on Earth and is valued for conservation, restoration, and ornamental plantings.
Typical Mature Height: 100–250 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soils and full sun. Requires adequate summer moisture and performs best in climates with cool winters and dry summers.
Ecological Benefits: Provides long-term carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and complex forest structure. Large trees offer nesting and shelter sites while contributing to watershed protection and resilient forest ecosystems.

Western Red Cedar

Scientific Name: Thuja plicata
USDA Symbol: THPL

Description: A large evergreen tree with aromatic, scale-like foliage and a dense, conical form. Western red cedar is an important Pacific Northwest species valued for its durability, shade tolerance, and ecological importance.
Typical Mature Height: 50–200 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers moist, cool environments with rich, well-drained soils. Common in coastal forests, mountain valleys, riparian areas, and shaded forests. Tolerates partial shade better than many conifers.
Ecological Benefits: Provides excellent cover, nesting habitat, and thermal protection for birds and mammals. Dense foliage supports wildlife shelter, while roots stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, and contribute to healthy riparian ecosystems.

Species Included:

• Thinleaf Alder (also known as Gray Alder)
• White Alder
• Red Alder
• Sitka Alder (also known as Slide Alder)
• Water Birch
• Idaho Hybrid Poplar
• Narrowleaf Cottonwood
• Black Cottonwood

Thinleaf Alder

Also Known As: Gray Alder
Scientific Name: Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia
USDA Symbol: ALIN2

Description: Thinleaf Alder is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or shrub commonly found in riparian environments throughout the western United States. It typically forms multi-stemmed thickets and has smooth gray bark, rounded leaves, and an open branching structure. This species is well adapted to cold climates and frequently colonizes recently disturbed areas along streams and floodplains.
Typical Mature Height: 15–40 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs along streambanks, wet meadows, floodplains, lakeshores, and moist mountain valleys. Performs best in areas with consistently moist soils, including gravelly, sandy, or fine-textured riparian soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding and naturally regenerates on recently disturbed stream deposits and exposed mineral soils.
Ecological Benefits: A nitrogen-fixing species that improves soil fertility and contributes to nutrient cycling in riparian systems. Its dense growth provides cover, nesting habitat, and browse for wildlife while increasing vegetation complexity along waterways. Root systems help stabilize streambanks and reduce erosion in disturbed riparian areas.

White Alder

Scientific Name: Alnus rhombifolia
USDA Symbol: ALRH2

Description: White Alder is a medium-sized deciduous tree with smooth gray bark, rounded leaves, and a broad crown. It is a characteristic riparian species of western mountain streams and canyon environments, often forming pure stands or mixed forests with other moisture-dependent trees. The species has a strong ability to establish in disturbed riparian areas.
Typical Mature Height: 40–80 ft
Site Conditions: Found along perennial streams, mountain valleys, canyon bottoms, and moist riparian forests. Prefers areas with dependable soil moisture, well-developed soils, and access to groundwater. Performs best in full sun along waterways but can tolerate partial shade during establishment.
Ecological Benefits: A nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil conditions and supports long-term riparian ecosystem development. Provides stream shading, organic matter inputs, and habitat structure for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Its roots help reinforce streambanks and contribute to stable riparian plant communities.

Red Alder

Scientific Name: Alnus rubra
USDA Symbol: ALRU2

Description: Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree with smooth gray bark, rounded leaves, and a spreading crown. It is one of the dominant hardwood species of the Pacific Northwest and commonly establishes after disturbance. The species is highly effective at colonizing open areas and developing early forest structure.
Typical Mature Height: 50–100 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs in moist lowland forests, stream corridors, floodplains, and disturbed upland sites with adequate moisture. Prefers fertile soils with good drainage and performs best in mild, humid climates. Commonly establishes on exposed mineral soils following logging, fire, flooding, or other disturbances.
Ecological Benefits: A nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil fertility and supports forest recovery on disturbed landscapes. Provides shade, organic matter, and structural diversity while supporting insects, birds, and other wildlife. Its rapid growth helps initiate forest succession and improve site conditions for later-seral species.

Sitka Alder

Also Known As: Slide Alder
Scientific Name: Alnus viridis subsp. sinuata
USDA Symbol: ALVIS

Description: Sitka Alder is a small deciduous tree or shrub that commonly forms dense colonies in mountainous regions. It has a spreading, multi-stemmed growth form and is well adapted to cold, high-elevation environments. The species is an important early colonizer of disturbed mountain landscapes.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Found on mountain slopes, avalanche paths, stream margins, talus areas, and moist forest openings. Performs well in cool climates, rocky soils, and areas subject to natural disturbance. Often occurs where snow accumulation, erosion, or slope movement limits larger tree establishment.
Ecological Benefits: A nitrogen-fixing shrub that improves nutrient availability and contributes to soil development in harsh environments. Provides dense cover, browse, and shelter for wildlife while increasing plant diversity on disturbed mountain sites. Helps stabilize recovering landscapes and supports vegetation succession.

Water Birch

Scientific Name: Betula occidentalis
USDA Symbol: BEOC2

Description: Water Birch is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or shrub with reddish-brown bark and an often multi-stemmed growth form. It is strongly associated with western riparian environments and commonly forms dense stands along waterways. Its flexible growth habit allows it to persist in dynamic streamside habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 20–50 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs along streams, springs, lakeshores, moist canyons, and riparian corridors throughout the interior West. Prefers consistently moist soils and locations with shallow groundwater availability. Commonly grows on gravelly stream deposits, cobble bars, and fine-textured riparian soils.
Ecological Benefits: Provides important streamside habitat structure and contributes to riparian plant diversity. Helps stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, and create complex shoreline environments. Offers cover, nesting habitat, and forage resources for birds and mammals while contributing woody material to aquatic ecosystems.

Idaho Hybrid Poplar

Scientific Name: Populus × idahoensis
USDA Symbol: Not Assigned

Description: Idaho Hybrid Poplar is a fast-growing deciduous tree developed from native cottonwood genetics for rapid establishment and production. It develops a tall, straight trunk and broad crown, making it useful for restoration plantings, shelterbelts, and managed landscapes. Growth characteristics vary depending on parentage and site conditions.
Typical Mature Height: 60–100 ft
Site Conditions: Performs best on deep, fertile soils with good drainage and consistent moisture availability. Commonly planted on irrigated sites, reclaimed lands, agricultural areas, and disturbed riparian locations. Requires full sun and adequate soil moisture for optimal growth.
Ecological Benefits: Provides rapid development of tree cover, carbon storage, and early habitat structure on restoration sites. Creates shade and shelter that support developing plant communities and wildlife use. Can serve as a transitional species while native riparian forests become established.

Narrowleaf Cottonwood

Scientific Name: Populus angustifolia
USDA Symbol: POAN3

Description: Narrowleaf Cottonwood is a medium to large deciduous tree with narrow, willow-like leaves and a spreading crown. It is commonly associated with mountain riparian forests of the western United States. The species often occurs in mixed stands with willows, alders, and other streamside vegetation.
Typical Mature Height: 40–80 ft
Site Conditions: Found along mountain streams, river terraces, floodplains, and moist valleys. Prefers deep, moist alluvial soils with seasonal flooding or high groundwater availability. Establishes well on newly deposited sediments and disturbed stream margins.
Ecological Benefits: Provides riparian forest structure, stream shading, and habitat complexity for wildlife. Produces woody debris that contributes to aquatic habitat and stream function. Supports nesting birds, insects, and mammals while helping develop mature riparian communities.

Black Cottonwood

Scientific Name: Populus balsamifera subsp. trichocarpa
USDA Symbol: POBAT

Description: Black Cottonwood is the largest cottonwood species in western North America and a dominant tree of Pacific Northwest riparian forests. It is a fast-growing pioneer species with a broad crown, thick trunk, and extensive root system. The species plays a major role in the development of mature riparian woodlands.
Typical Mature Height: 80–120 ft
Site Conditions: Occurs on floodplains, river terraces, streambanks, and moist alluvial soils throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. Performs best in deep, fertile soils with reliable moisture from groundwater or seasonal flooding. Commonly establishes on freshly deposited sediments following floods and channel disturbances.
Ecological Benefits: Provides critical riparian habitat, stream shading, large woody debris, and long-term forest structure. Supports a wide range of wildlife through nesting sites, cavities, browse, and insect resources. Its extensive root systems help stabilize banks and contribute to resilient stream ecosystems.

Species Included:

• Rocky Mountain Maple
• Black Hawthorn (also known as Douglas Hawthorn)
• Paradise Apple (also known as Common Apple)
• Quaking Aspen
• Mountain Ash

Rocky Mountain Maple

Scientific Name: Acer glabrum
USDA Symbol: ACGL

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with smooth gray bark, attractive branching structure, and clusters of small flowers followed by paired winged seeds (samaras). Rocky Mountain maple is an important understory species in mountain forests, riparian zones, and woodland habitats throughout the western United States.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soils in riparian areas, mountain slopes, forest edges, and canyon bottoms. Tolerates a wide range of conditions including rocky soils, partial shade, and cooler climates. Performs best with consistent moisture but can tolerate seasonal drought once established.
Ecological Benefits: Provides browse, cover, and nesting habitat for birds and mammals. Seeds are consumed by birds and small wildlife, while dense branching offers shelter for songbirds and pollinators. Helps stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, and contributes to diverse forest understory communities.

Black Hawthorn

Also Known As: Douglas Hawthorn
Scientific Name: Crataegus douglasii
USDA Symbol: CRDO2

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with thorny branches, white spring flowers, and clusters of dark purple to black fruit. Black hawthorn is commonly found in riparian forests, wetlands, and moist woodland habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers moist, fertile soils along streams, wetlands, floodplains, and forest margins. Tolerates seasonal flooding, clay soils, and partial shade but grows best in full sun to partial shade with adequate moisture.
Ecological Benefits: Produces abundant fruit that provides food for birds, including thrushes, waxwings, and other fruit-eating species. Dense thorny branches create valuable nesting habitat and protective cover for small birds and mammals. Supports pollinators through its spring flowers and helps stabilize riparian areas.

Paradise Apple

Also Known As: Common Apple
Scientific Name: Malus domestica
USDA Symbol: MADO4

Description: A cultivated deciduous fruit tree with showy spring blossoms and edible fruit. Common apple is widely planted for wildlife habitat, conservation plantings, orchards, and homestead landscapes where fruit production and wildlife attraction are desired.
Typical Mature Height: 15–30 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with full sun exposure. Performs best in areas with adequate moisture but tolerates a variety of soil types when established. Requires good air circulation and is best suited to moderate climates with sufficient winter chilling.
Ecological Benefits: Provides fruit consumed by birds, deer, and other wildlife. Spring flowers support pollinators, while branching structure offers nesting sites and cover. Fallen fruit contributes seasonal food resources for mammals and ground-foraging wildlife.

Quaking Aspen

Scientific Name: Populus tremuloides
USDA Symbol: POTR5

Description: A fast-growing deciduous tree known for its smooth pale bark, rounded leaves that tremble in the wind, and ability to form extensive clonal stands through root suckering. Quaking aspen is one of the most widespread tree species in North America and is an important component of western forest ecosystems.
Typical Mature Height: 30–80 ft
Site Conditions: Grows best in moist, well-drained soils in mountain valleys, uplands, riparian areas, and forest openings. Requires sunlight and often regenerates following fire, flooding, or other disturbances. Tolerates cold climates and a range of soil conditions but performs poorly under prolonged drought.
Ecological Benefits: Supports exceptional biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, mammals, and insects. Mature trees provide nesting cavities for woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds, while young growth provides browse for deer and elk. Aspen stands stabilize soils, protect watersheds, and contribute to fire-resilient forest communities.

Mountain Ash

Scientific Name: Sorbus scopulina
USDA Symbol: SOSC2

Description: A native deciduous shrub or small tree with compound leaves, clusters of white flowers, and bright red-orange berries that persist into winter. Mountain ash is valued for its ornamental qualities and importance as a high-elevation wildlife species.
Typical Mature Height: 10–25 ft
Site Conditions: Prefers cool, moist environments including mountain forests, forest edges, rocky slopes, and subalpine habitats. Performs best in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade and tolerates cold temperatures and exposed sites.
Ecological Benefits: Produces persistent berries that provide winter food for birds such as waxwings, thrushes, and other fruit-eating species. Dense branching provides nesting habitat and cover for small wildlife. Supports pollinators through its flowers and contributes to diverse mountain shrub communities.

Species Included:

• Golden Willow
• Peachleaf Willow
• Pacific Willow

Golden Willow

Scientific Name: Salix alba var. vitellina
USDA Code: SAAL2

Note: Golden Willow is a non-native cultivar of White Willow (Salix alba) commonly used in restoration and stabilization plantings where rapid growth and strong rooting ability are desired.

Description: Golden Willow is a fast-growing deciduous willow tree with bright golden-yellow young stems and narrow lance-shaped leaves. It is a cultivar of White Willow valued for its vigorous growth, flexible stems, and strong establishment in moist environments. This willow is commonly used in riparian restoration, streambank stabilization, and erosion control projects where rapid growth is desired.
Typical Mature Height: 30–60 ft
Site Conditions: Moist to saturated soils along streams, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, irrigation channels, and pond margins. Performs best in full sun with regular access to groundwater or seasonal flooding. Tolerates periodic inundation, sediment deposition, and disturbed riparian sites. Well suited for streambank stabilization, floodplain restoration, and rapidly establishing woody cover in wet areas.
Ecological Benefits: A fast-growing riparian willow valued for its ability to rapidly establish woody cover along streams, rivers, wetlands, and flood-prone areas. Its extensive root system helps bind streambanks, reduce erosion, and improve channel stability while its flexible stems tolerate seasonal flooding and disturbance. Provides important browse, nesting habitat, and cover for birds and other riparian wildlife. Its dense growth contributes to stream shading, moderates water temperatures, and supports the recovery of degraded riparian corridors.

Peachleaf Willow

Scientific Name: Salix amygdaloides
USDA Symbol: SAAM2

Description: Peachleaf Willow is a native deciduous tree willow named for its peach-like leaves, which are narrow, pointed, and often pale beneath. It develops an open, spreading crown with slender branches and flexible stems. This species is commonly found in riparian areas and is valued for its ability to establish quickly in moist soils.
Typical Mature Height: 30–50 ft
Site Conditions: Moist riparian areas including riverbanks, lakeshores, floodplains, wet meadows, and stream corridors with deep, well-drained to moderately wet soils. Prefers full sun and areas with reliable moisture availability but tolerates seasonal drying better than many wetland willows. Best suited for larger restoration sites where long-term canopy development, riparian woodland formation, and wildlife habitat are desired.
Ecological Benefits: A large, long-lived willow that provides significant structural habitat in riparian forests, river margins, lakeshores, and wet floodplains. Its broad canopy creates shade, helps moderate stream temperatures, and contributes organic material that supports aquatic food webs. Strong root systems stabilize banks and floodplain soils while its branches provide nesting, perching, and cover habitat for birds and other wildlife. Well suited for restoration projects seeking the development of mature riparian woodland structure.

Pacific Willow

Scientific Name: Salix lucida subsp. lasiandra (also written Salix lasiandra)
USDA Symbol: SALUL

Description: Pacific Willow is a native deciduous tree willow with glossy green leaves and an upright to spreading growth habit. It commonly occurs along streams, rivers, wetlands, and other moist riparian habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest. This species is valued for its adaptability, rapid growth, and importance in riparian restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 15–40 ft
Site Conditions: Wet riparian habitats including streambanks, riversides, floodplains, wetlands, springs, and seasonally flooded areas. Performs best in full sun and moist to saturated soils with frequent access to surface water or shallow groundwater. Tolerates flooding, sediment movement, and disturbance, making it highly effective for active stream restoration and unstable banks. Commonly used in native riparian revegetation projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Ecological Benefits: A highly valuable native riparian willow adapted to streams, wetlands, floodplains, and seasonally saturated habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest. Its extensive root network provides excellent streambank stabilization, sediment capture, and erosion control while its flexible stems recover well after flooding and disturbance. Dense branching provides critical nesting and cover habitat for birds, shade for aquatic systems, and browse for wildlife. A cornerstone species for restoring functional riparian plant communities and improving stream corridor resilience.

Species Included:

• Bebb Willow
• Narrowleaf Willow (also known as Coyote Willow)
• Lemmon’s Willow
• Mackenzie’s Willow
• Scouler Willow

Bebb Willow

Scientific Name: Salix bebbiana
USDA Symbol: SABE2

Description: Bebb Willow is a large native deciduous shrub or small tree with broad, oval leaves and fuzzy catkins that emerge in early spring. It commonly grows in wetlands, streambanks, wet meadows, and other moist habitats throughout much of North America. This adaptable species is widely used in riparian restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement.
Typical Mature Height: 15–30 ft
Site Conditions: Moist riparian areas including streambanks, wet meadows, floodplains, marsh margins, and lakeshores. Performs best in full sun with moist to seasonally saturated soils and tolerates periodic flooding. Adapted to a wide range of wetland and riparian environments, including areas with fluctuating water levels.

Ecological Benefits: A valuable native shrub willow that provides dense cover and habitat structure in riparian ecosystems. Its branching growth supports nesting and perching habitat for birds while providing browse for deer and other wildlife. Extensive roots help stabilize stream margins, trap sediment, and improve soil structure. Contributes to early riparian succession by creating shade and improving conditions for other native vegetation to establish.

Narrowleaf Willow

Also Known As: Coyote Willow
Scientific Name: Salix exigua
USDA Symbol: SAEX

Description: Coyote Willow is a native multi-stemmed shrub with long, narrow gray-green leaves and flexible stems. It spreads readily by rhizomes to form dense colonies along streams, rivers, and floodplains. This species is one of the most widely used willows for riparian restoration and erosion control.
Typical Mature Height: 10–25 ft
Site Conditions: Streambanks, riversides, floodplains, wetlands, irrigation channels, and moist upland drainages. Performs best in full sun and moist soils with seasonal flooding or fluctuating water availability. Highly tolerant of disturbance, sediment deposition, and variable stream conditions.

Ecological Benefits: One of the most important restoration willows for active stream systems due to its rapid growth and ability to establish from cuttings. Forms dense thickets that stabilize banks, reduce erosion, and trap sediment. Provides excellent cover, nesting habitat, and browse for wildlife while creating shade that improves riparian habitat conditions. Particularly effective for streambank restoration, flood recovery, and early-stage riparian rehabilitation.

Lemmon’s Willow

Scientific Name: Salix lemmonii
USDA Symbol: SALE

Description: Lemmon’s Willow is a native deciduous shrub commonly found in montane wetlands, wet meadows, and riparian corridors of the western United States. It forms dense thickets with upright stems and narrow green leaves. This species is well adapted to high-elevation restoration projects and moist mountain habitats.
Typical Mature Height: 6–20 ft
Site Conditions: Moist mountain meadows, stream margins, wetlands, seeps, springs, and high-elevation riparian areas. Prefers cool climates, full sun, and moist soils with reliable water availability. Commonly found in montane and subalpine environments.

Ecological Benefits: A hardy native shrub willow that provides important habitat in mountain riparian systems. Its dense branching creates cover for birds and small mammals while its roots help stabilize stream edges and wet meadow soils. Supports pollinators and contributes to the recovery of native vegetation in cold, high-elevation environments. Valuable for restoration projects where low-growing, cold-tolerant willow species are needed.

Mackenzie’s Willow

Scientific Name: Salix prolixa
USDA Symbol: SAPR3

Description: Mackenzie’s Willow is a native deciduous shrub that grows along streams, rivers, wetlands, and other riparian habitats throughout the Pacific Northwest. It forms dense thickets of upright stems with narrow green leaves that provide excellent bank protection. This species is well suited for riparian restoration and habitat enhancement projects.
Typical Mature Height: 10–25 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, streambanks, lakeshores, floodplains, and moist riparian habitats. Performs best in full sun with moist soils and tolerates seasonal flooding and saturated conditions. Particularly suited to northern and interior riparian environments.

Ecological Benefits: A native shrub willow that provides dense riparian cover and improves habitat complexity along streams and wetlands. Its root systems help reinforce moist soils, stabilize stream margins, and reduce erosion. Provides browse, nesting structure, and protective cover for wildlife while supporting the development of shrub-dominated riparian communities.

Scouler Willow

Scientific Name: Salix scouleriana
USDA Symbol: SASC

Description: Scouler Willow is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that commonly grows on upland slopes, forest edges, and riparian areas. Unlike many willows, it tolerates drier conditions while also thriving in moist habitats. Features broad oval leaves that are dark green above and pale, often hairy, beneath.
Typical Mature Height: 15–40 ft
Site Conditions: Moist forests, mountain slopes, riparian corridors, streambanks, disturbed forest edges, and recently disturbed sites. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils but tolerates drier conditions than many riparian willows. Often found in upland and transitional habitats.

Ecological Benefits: A versatile willow that bridges the gap between riparian and upland restoration. Establishes quickly after disturbance and helps stabilize soils, improve site conditions, and provide early woody cover. Supports a wide range of wildlife through browse, nesting habitat, and insect resources. Useful for restoring disturbed forests, upland riparian zones, and transitional habitats where a drought-tolerant willow is needed.

Species Included:

• Booth’s Willow
• Drummond Willow
• Geyer Willow
• Sandbar Willow
• Sitka Willow

Booth’s Willow

Scientific Name: Salix boothii
USDA Symbol: SABO2

Description: Booth’s Willow is a native deciduous shrub commonly found in wet meadows, streambanks, seeps, and mountain riparian areas throughout the western United States. It forms dense clumps of upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. This species is well adapted to high-elevation restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Mountain streams, wet meadows, seeps, springs, and high-elevation riparian areas. Prefers cool, moist environments with saturated or seasonally wet soils. Performs well in full sun and is adapted to northern and montane conditions.

Ecological Benefits: Provides important woody structure in mountain wetland ecosystems where larger trees may not establish. Dense stems create habitat for birds and small mammals while supporting insects and pollinators. Root systems help stabilize stream margins, maintain wet meadow soils, and protect sensitive high-elevation habitats from erosion. Valuable for alpine and montane restoration projects.

Drummond Willow

Scientific Name: Salix drummondiana
USDA Symbol: SADR

Description: Drummond Willow is a native deciduous shrub found in mountain stream corridors, wet meadows, and moist forest openings. It produces multiple upright stems with broad green leaves and forms dense riparian thickets. This species is well suited for restoration projects in cooler, high-elevation environments.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, streambanks, lake margins, floodplains, and cold mountain riparian habitats. Prefers moist to saturated soils and performs well in areas with seasonal flooding. Best suited for cool climates and full sun conditions.

Ecological Benefits: A strong riparian shrub willow that contributes to streamside recovery and wetland habitat development. Dense growth provides cover and nesting structure for birds while its roots stabilize streambanks and wet soils. Helps slow erosion, capture sediment, and improve habitat complexity in mountain and northern riparian systems.

Geyer Willow

Scientific Name: Salix geyeriana
USDA Symbol: SAGE2

Description: Geyer Willow is a native deciduous shrub commonly found in wetlands, wet meadows, streambanks, and marshy areas throughout the western United States. It forms dense colonies with slender stems and narrow blue-green leaves. This species is widely used in riparian and wetland restoration because of its adaptability and vigorous growth.
Typical Mature Height: 10–25 ft
Site Conditions: Wet meadows, marsh margins, streambanks, floodplains, and moist lowland riparian habitats. Prefers full sun and moist soils but tolerates seasonal drying better than many wetland willows. Often found along slow-moving waterways and wetland edges.

Ecological Benefits: A useful shrub willow for establishing dense riparian cover and improving habitat structure. Its extensive roots stabilize wet soils and stream margins while its stems provide nesting, browse, and protective cover for wildlife. Helps restore shrub layers in degraded wetlands and floodplains and contributes to long-term riparian ecosystem development.

Sandbar Willow

Scientific Name: Salix interior
USDA Symbol: SAIN3

Description: Sandbar Willow is a native deciduous shrub that forms dense colonies along rivers, streams, gravel bars, and floodplains. Its long, narrow leaves and flexible stems allow it to withstand periodic flooding and sediment deposition. This species is one of the most effective native willows for streambank stabilization and riparian restoration.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Active river channels, sandbars, gravel bars, streambanks, floodplains, and recently disturbed riparian areas. Requires full sun and moist soils with frequent flooding or sediment movement. Especially adapted to dynamic waterways where disturbance and deposition occur regularly.

Ecological Benefits: A pioneering willow species essential for natural stream succession and floodplain recovery. Rapidly colonizes bare sediment, helping stabilize banks, trap additional sediment, and initiate the formation of riparian vegetation communities. Provides critical early habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife while creating conditions for later-successional plants to establish. One of the most effective willows for active river restoration.

Sitka Willow

Scientific Name: Salix sitchensis
USDA Symbol: SASI2

Description: Sitka Willow is a native deciduous shrub that grows along streams, wetlands, coastal marshes, and moist forests of the Pacific Northwest. It develops multiple upright stems with broad, gray-green leaves and forms dense riparian thickets. This species is well adapted to cool, moist environments and is commonly used in restoration projects.
Typical Mature Height: 10–30 ft
Site Conditions: Wetlands, streambanks, lakeshores, floodplains, coastal areas, and cool northern riparian habitats. Performs best in moist soils and full sun but tolerates seasonal flooding and wet conditions. Well adapted to cooler climates and areas with persistent moisture.

Ecological Benefits: A native shrub willow that provides dense cover and habitat structure in wetland and riparian environments. Supports birds, insects, and browsing wildlife while helping stabilize shorelines and wet soils. Its flexible stems tolerate flooding and disturbance, making it valuable for restoring resilient riparian shrub communities in northern and coastal regions.