nativeplantfoodgarden stspring2014 np...looking for new landscaping ideas this spring? plant a...

BESTPRACTICES

It is the mission of Stream Team to protect and enhance water resources and associated habitats and wildlife in Thurston County through citizen action and education. Stream Team is funded and jointly managed by the stormwater utilities of the Cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater and Thurston County. www.streamteam.info

Lookingfornewlandscapingideasthisspring?Plantanativefoodgarden,andfillyouryardwiththeediblebeautyofthePacificNorthwest!Atthesametime,youwillhelpprotectwaterquality,addwildlifehabitat,decreaseyourneedtowaterandeliminatetheneedforherbicidesandpesticides.Manyoftheplantslistedbelowareavailableatlocalnurseriesspecializinginnativeplants.Hereisashortlistofspeciesthatwilltickleyourtongueandnourishyourbody.

ThankstoEliseKrohn,NativeFoodsEducator,whoprovidedmuchoftheinformationforthisarticle.Shemaybecontactedatelise@cwis.org

EvergreenHuckleberry(Vacciniumovatum)

Habitat: Fullsuntofullshade.Coniferousforests,edges,clearings.

PhysicalDescription: Evergreenshrub.3-5ft.tall.Ovalshapedleaveswithbellshapedflowersthatbecomecolorfulberries.

PartUsed: Berries

Season: Summer

CulinaryUse: Eatfresh,oraddtopancakes,salads,desserts,ormakeintojamandjellies.

NativeRoses(Rosaspp.;R.gymnocarpa,R.nutkana,R.pisocarpa)

Habitat: Fullsuntopartialshade.Woodlands,moistareastoopenanddryareas.(Dependsonspecies.)

PhysicalDescription: Deciduousshrub.Upto8ft.tall.Flowershave5petalsgrowingonbrancheswiththorns.Flowersturnto“hips”thatarescarletinthefall.

PartUsed: FlowerPetalsandHips

Season: SpringandSummer

CulinaryUse: Salads,flavoringdesserts,saucesandjellies.Deseedthehips,dryanduseforteas.

NativePlantFoodGarden

CREDIT:USFISH&WILDLIFE

CREDIT:WALTERSIEGMUND

BESTPRACTICES:NativePlantFoodGarden 2of2

It is the mission of Stream Team to protect and enhance water resources and associated habitats and wildlife in Thurston County through citizen action and education. Stream Team is funded and jointly managed by the stormwater utilities of the Cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater and Thurston County. www.streamteam.info

Salal(Gaultheriashallon)

Habitat: Prefersparttofullshadeandsoilswithgooddrainage.

PhysicalDescription: Evergreenshrub.Growsinlowthicketswithwaxyovalleaves.Flowersarebell-shapedandwhite-pinkish.Berriesaredarkblue.

PartUsed: Berries

Season: Latesummer

CulinaryUse: Eatfreshordehydrateforfruitleather

ServiceberryorSaskatoon(Amelanchieralnifolia)

Habitat: Fullsuntopartialshade.Verydroughttolerant.Likeswell-drainedsoilinmoisttodryareas.

PhysicalDescription: Deciduoustree.10-12ft.tall.Spectacularautumnfoliage.Flowersareshowywithwhiteclustersthathang.Fruitisdarkpurplewhenripe.

PartUsed: Berries

Season: Latespring

CulinaryUse: Dryintocakes,fruitleatheroreatwhole.

Thimbleberry(Rubusparviflorus)

Habitat: Fullsuntopartialshade.Doesnotlikesaturatedsoils.Growsinclearingsandopenareas.

PhysicalDescription: Deciduousshrub.2-10ft.tall.Fuzzyleaveswith3-7lobes.Whiteflowersareinclusters.Berriesarered.

PartUsed: YoungshootsandBerries

Season: SpringandSummer

CulinaryUse: Eatraworsautéedaftertheyhavebeenpeeled.Eatfreshorinsalads,dipsanddesserts.

Source:StreamTeamNews,Spring2014

CREDIT:WALTERSIEGMUND

CREDIT:WALTERSIEGMUND

CREDIT:WALTERSIEGMUND