Native Plants
Plants and animals live together in interdependent communities. Promoting the use of plants indigenous to the ecological area where we live ensures continued pollination by the insects that depend on them and continued relationships with other animals who use these plants as food and shelter. Native plants are well-adapted to our climate and conditions requiring less watering, fertilizer, pesticides, and polluting maintenance equipment.
When Is this Practice Used?
Native plants can be encorporated into any landscaping space
Stormwater Benefits
Improves rainwater infiltration
plant roots take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration
Erosion reduction
native plants have deep root systems that work together improves the stablity of the soil and reduces the potential for erosion
leaf canopies surface for rainwater to land and evaporate
Improve water quality
native plants filter sediments and pollutants from runoff before the water enters streams
native plants reduce the need for fertilizers
Other Benefits
Reduced need for irrigation
once established Native Plants are adapted to our local climate with minimal irrigation
Habitat
native plants provide habitat and food for our native birds, pollinators and other wildlife
Saves time
reduces maintenance needs
How to implement
Identify utilities by calling #811 or http://call811.com/before-you-dig
Determine your site conditions (sun, shade, wet, dry)
Select plants at are suitable for your site condition and native to your local region
In our area we recommending selecting plants from the Portland Plant List (see the link below)
Water plants during establishment and during period of drought
Continue care of the plants including weeding and interplanting as needed
Enjoy as the plants mature and you see an increase in pollinators & other wildlife
For detailed planting instructions see our Native Plant and Tree Planting pdfs below
Other Resources
Portland Plant List
https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/environ-planning/portland-plant-list
Native plants for Willamette Valley yards booklet (Metro)
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/native-plants-willamette-valley-yards-booklet
OSU Guide Gardening with Oregon Native Plants West of the Cascades
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/ec-1577
West Multnomah SWCD Article includes information about landscaping and wildfire risk
https://wmswcd.org/2023/04/how-to-prepare-your-family-and-home-for-wildfire/
All stormwater stars recommendations are voluntary. The landowner or project manager is responsible for its own actions and for any damage or third-party liability arising from the their activities related to recommendations provided. It is the responsibility of the landowner or manager to pursue and secure any required permits.