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Starflower Image Herbarium & Landscaping Pages Evergreen Flowering Shrubs – pg.1

Starflower Image Herbarium Evergreen Flowering Shrubs

© Starflower Foundation, 1996-2007 Washington Native Plant Society

These species pages has been valuable and loved for over a decade by WNPS members and the PNW plant

community. Untouched since 2007, these pages have been archived for your reference. They contain valuable

identifiable traits, landscaping information, and ethnobotanical uses. Species names and data will not be updated.

To view updated taxonomical information, visit the UW Burke Herbarium Image Collection website at

http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php. For other useful plant information, visit

the Native Plants Directory at www.wnps.org.

Compiled September 1, 2018

http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php

http://www.wnps.org/


Contents

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Kinnikinnick, Bearberry ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Ceanothus velutinus ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

Snowbrush .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Gaultheria shallon .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Salal ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Mahonia aquifolium ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

Tall Oregon Grape ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

Mahonia nervosa ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Dull Oregon Grape .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

Myrica californica ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Pacific Wax Myrtle .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Penstemon davidsonii ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Davidson's Penstemon ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Penstemon fruticosus ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

Lowbush Penstemon ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Rhododendron macrophyllum ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Pacific Rhododendron ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

Vaccinium ovatum ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Evergreen huckleberry ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13

About Ann Lennartz

Founded in 1996 by Ann Lennartz, Starflower Foundation assisted with the

creation, rehabilitation, and stewardship of Pacific Northwest native plant

communities in Seattle, Washington, by supporting community-driven restoration

and education projects. Having met the founder’s expectations, Starflower Foundation ceased operations in

December 2007.

Resources developed by Starflower Foundation included an array of educational materials, plant ID cards,

project case studies, and this image herbarium. All resources contain Western Washington native plant

information and images for use in education, restoration and landscaping projects. As mutually agreed upon

with Starflower Foundation, Washington Native Plant Society has made Starflower's learning and education

materials available on our website.


Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Kinnikinnick, Bearberry

At a Glance: A mat-forming evergreen shrub producing lovely pink flowers that

later turn into red berries.

Height: Can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: The velvety red-brownish branches are long, flexible and

rooting. Pure stands of kinnikinnick can grow to be very dense.

Leaves: Leaves are alternate, oval in shape, dark green, shiny above and

paler beneath with a leathery texture; size: up to 3 cm (1 in) long.

Flowers: Small pink bell-shaped flowers in few-flowered drooping

terminal clusters; size: 5 mm long.

Flowering Period: March, April.

Fruits: Kinnikinnick berries are called drupes and ripen late, continuing

to stay on plants into winter. Each drupe contains 1 to 5 large very hard

seeds. Drup size: 7-10 mm across; color: red.

Soil Preferences

Prefers coarse, well-drained soils.

sandy soils

gravelly soils

well drained soils

Habitat Preferences

Saltwater Areas: Coastal dunes or beaches

Rocky or Gravelly Areas: Cliffs

Rocky slopes

Glacial outwash

Forests and Thickets: Open forests

Forest edges, openings, or clearings

Wildlife Value

Berries

Birds: The berries are consumed by ruffed grouse, band-tailed pigeons, evening

grosbeaks, sparrows, and other ground-feeding birds.

Insects: The flowers attract bees and brown elfin butterflies.

Mammals: The berries are browsed by bears, foxes, and coyotes. The twigs are

browsed by deer.

Landscape Uses: Good groundcover for dry places, banks. The berries persist

into the winter.

Sun/Shade Tolerance full sun > 80%

mostly sunny 60%-80%

Hydrology dry

Elevation Range low elevation

mid elevation

sub-alpine


Ceanothus velutinus

Snowbrush

At a Glance: A tall shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of white

flowers.

Height: Up to 10 feet (3 meters).

Growth Form: Shrub.

Leaves: Alternate arrangement. The broadly oval leaves are shiny

and sticky on top and velvety beneath; finely toothed with three

major veins. Leaves are aromatic. Size: 3-6 cm (1-2.5 in) long.

Flowers: Flowers are arranged in pyramidal clusters 5-12 cm long

along the length of side branches. EAch flower is tiny, white.

Flowering Period: May, June, July.

Fruits: three-lobed and three-chambered; size: 4-5 mm long.

Habitat Preferences

Saltwater Areas:

Rocky or Gravelly Areas: Cliffs

Rocky slopes

Outcrops

Forests and Thickets: Open forests


Disturbed Areas: Burned areas

Disturbed sites

Wildlife Value Host for insect larvae

Insects: The flowers are pollinated by many flying insects, especially

bees. Ceanothus silk moth larvae eat the leaves. Butterflies associated

with the plant include the pale swallowtail butterfly, the brown elfin

butterfly, and the hedgerow hairstreak butterfly.

Mammals: Deer and elk browse on the twigs and leaves.

Sun/Shade Tolerance


Hydrology moist

dry


mid elevation

Soil Preferences sandy soils

gravelly soils


Gaultheria shallon

Salal

At a Glance: Creeping to erect shrub with hairy branching stems and dark

leathery leaves.

Height: Up to 16 feet (5 meters) in exceptional cases but typically 3-7

feet (1-2 m) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: Hairy, branched.

Leaves: Alternate, evergreen, leathery, shiny dark green, sharply and

finely toothed, egg shaped, 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long; color: dark leathery

green.

Flowers: Occur in racemes of 5-15 urn-shaped flowers, all oriented in

same direction; primary color: white-pinkish; size: 7-10 mm long.

Flowering Period: May, June.

Fruits: The "berries" are actually the fleshy sepals, edible, the true fruit

is a capsule surrounded by the fleshy calyx; shape: round; size: 6-10

mm broad; color: reddish-blue to dark purple.

Habitat Preferences

Saltwater Areas: Seashores

Rocky or Gravelly Areas: Coastal bluffs

Rocky slopes

Forests and Thickets: Forests and woods

Coniferous forests

Old growth forests

Birds: Grouse, band-tailed pigeons, towhees, and other ground-feeding

birds.

Insects: Brown elfin butterfly larvae eat the twigs.

Mammals: Bear, foxes, coyotes, and other smaller mammals eat the

berries. Deer and elk eat the twigs.

Material Uses: Haida used the berries to thicken salmon eggs. Leafy

branches used in pit cooking and as flavoring for fish by the Saanich

and other Vancouver Island Salish groups. The Nuu-chah-nulth made a

purple stain from the berries. Leaves can be rolled into a cone to form a

makeshift cup.

Medicinal Uses: Young leaves chewed by the Ditidaht to suppress

hunger. The leaves were chewed and spit onto burns by the Klallam.

Food Uses: Berries eaten fresh and dried by most Northwest Coast

peoples. Kwakwakawakw ate the berries ripe and dipped in oolichan

grease at feasts. Berries were mixed with others in cakes and traded

Berries have been made into jam and preserves.

Landscape Uses: Used as garden ornamental in Britain. Spreads easily

once established.

Name Info: "Salal" is the native peoples name for the species.

Interesting Facts: Long lasting leaves are used by florists. Raised

commercially by some growers.



partial sun and shade 40%-

60%

mostly shady 60%-80%

full shade > 80%

Hydrology moist dry


mid elevation

Soil Preferences nutrient poor soils

Wildlife Value Berries

Host for insect larvae

Thickets and shelter


Mahonia aquifolium

Tall Oregon Grape

At a Glance: Erect, stiff-branched shrub with holly-like leaves and clusters of

yellow flowers.

Height: 2.5 - 6.5 feet (0.8 meters - 2 meters).

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: Bark and stems are yellowish due to an alkaloid berberine.

Leaves: Leaves are alternately arranged, turn red/purple in winter, 5-11

leathery leaflets per leaf, leaflets are spiny toothed margins with a

glossy topside and prominent red central veins; shape: oblong to elliptic;

size: 8-24 cm (3-10 in) long.

Flowers: Many in erect clusters that are up to 20 cm (8 in) long, flower

parts in sixes; primary color: bright yellow; size: about 0.5 cm (0.25

inches) long.

Flowering Period: April, May.

Fruits: Berries are 4-7 mm diameter, ovoid; dark blue with a white

bloom; contain a few large seeds 4-5 mm long; flowers are born in an

elongated cluster.

Soil Preferences

gravelly soils nutrient poor soils

Habitat Preferences

Rocky or Gravelly Areas: Rocky slopes Gullies

Forests and Thickets: Open forests Coniferous forests

Mixed forests Forest edges, openings, or clearings

Disturbed Areas: Roadsides

Wildlife Value

Nectar for butterflies

Birds: The berries are eaten by many birds including grouse, pheasants, robins,

waxwings, juncos, sparrows, and towhees.

Insects: Orchard mason bees and painted lady butterflies use the nectar.

Mammals: Foxes, raccoons, and coyotes eat the berries. Deer and elk will

occasionally browse the leaves and flowers.

Food Uses: Fruits are edible.

Landscape Uses: Use as a hedge or individually; prune lightly.

Photo © Heidi Bohan

Photo © 2003, Heidi Bohan

Sun/Shade Tolerance


partial sun and shade 40%- 60%

Hydrology

moist

dry

Elevation Range

low elevation

mid elevation


Mahonia nervosa

Dull Oregon Grape

At a Glance: Low-growing creeping shrub with dark green holly-like

leaves and slender spikes of yellow flowers.

Height: Up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Leaves: Leaves are in long clusters (pinnately compound) with

numerous dark green, glossy, holly-like leaves; leaf margins are

slightly prickly.

Flowers: Small bright yellow flowers in elongated clusters at tops

of stems.

Flowering Period: April, May.

Fruits: Small rounded dark blue berries with a whitish bloom.

Sun/Shade Tolerance partial sun and shade 40%- 60% mostly shady 60%-80% full shade > 80%

Hydrology moist dry

Elevation Range low elevation mid elevation

Habitat Preferences Forests and Thickets:

Forests and woods Coniferous forests Deciduous forests Mixed forests


Birds: Birds eat the berries. Mammals: Mammals eat the berries.

Ethnobotanical Uses and Other Facts Food Uses: The blue fruits are edible. Landscape Uses: Low maintenance ground cover or low hedge.

Photo © Heidi Bohan




Myrica californica

Pacific Wax Myrtle

At a Glance: Tall shrub with small evergreen leaves.

Height: Up to 15 feet (5 meters) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Flowering Period: May, June.

Fruits: Purplish, waxy fruits are produced in the fall.

Sun/Shade Tolerance full sun > 80% mostly sunny 60%-80% partial sun and shade 40%- 60% mostly shady 60%-80%


Soil Preferences peaty soils well drained soils acidic soils

Habitat Preferences Aquatic and Wetland:

Forested wetlands Bogs, fens

Shorelines and Riparian: Bog margins



Birds: Birds eat the fruits.


Penstemon davidsonii

Davidson's Penstemon

At a Glance: Low mat-forming perennial with small evergreen leaves and large blue-purple tubular flowers.

Height: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: Creeping, forming small mats.

Leaves: Oval-shaped, 8-20 cm long, dark green and glossy, sometimes slightly toothed at tips.

Flowers: Large blue-purple tubular flowers 1-3 cm long.

Flowering Period: June, July, August.

Fruits: Dry capsules.

Habitat Preferences Rocky or Gravelly Areas:

Cliffs Rocky slopes Outcrops Crevices

Sub-alpine and Alpine: Tundra

Ethnobotanical Uses and Other Facts Landscape Uses: Suitable for dry banks or rock gardens.

Photo © Ben Legler

Sun/Shade Tolerance full sun > 80% mostly sunny 60%-80% partial sun and shade 40%- 60%

Hydrology moist dry

Elevation Range sub-alpine


Penstemon fruticosus

Lowbush Penstemon

At a Glance: Spreading shrub with numerous tubular purple flowers.

Height: Up to 40 cm (1.5 ft) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: Slender, erect, woody near base.

Leaves: Lanceolate to elliptic, to 4 cm (2 in) long with slightly toothed margins

Flowers: Large tubular purple flowers are produced in late spring or early summer, in spikes of 3-10 at tops of stems.

Flowering Period: June, July.

Fruits: Small dry capsules.

Soil Preferences gravelly soils well drained soils

Habitat Preferences Rocky or Gravelly Areas:

Cliffs Rocky slopes Outcrops

Wildlife Value Nectar for hummingbirds Nectar for butterflies

Birds: Hummingbirds visit the flowers. Insects: Bees, butterflies and night moths visit the flowers.

Ethnobotanical Uses and Other Facts Landscape Uses: Suitable for dry banks or rock gardens.

Photo © Ben Legler

Sun/Shade Tolerance full sun > 80% mostly sunny 60%-80%

Hydrology dry

Elevation Range mid elevation sub-alpine


Rhododendron macrophyllum

Pacific Rhododendron

At a Glance: Showy shrub that can grow very large, with clusters of large

pink flowers.

Height: Up to 26 feet (8 meters) if grown in shade; shorter and

bushier in sunlight.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Leaves: Alternate, evergreen, leathery, thick, not hairy, oblong-

elliptic, 8-20 cm (3-8 in) long; color: deep green.

Flowers: Pink to rose-purple, bell-shaped, 5-lobed (the lobes have

wavy edges), 2-4 cm long; few to many in showy terminal

clusters.

Flowering Period: May, June, July.

Fruits: Capsules woody, reddish-brown, to 2 cm long.

Soil Preferences well drained soils

Habitat Preferences

Forests and Thickets: Forests and woods

Open forests

Coniferous forests

Mixed forests


Thickets

Disturbed Areas: Burned areas

Wildlife Value Nectar for butterflies

Thickets and shelter

Birds: Songbirds nest in large specimens.

Insects: Bumblebees and swallowtail butterflies are attracted to the

flowers.

Mammals: Deer will eat the flowers and flower buds.



partial sun and shade 40%-

60%

Hydrology moist

dry


mid elevation


Vaccinium ovatum

Evergreen huckleberry

At a Glance: Bushy shrub with small shiny green evergreen leaves and small clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers.

Height: Up to 4 meters (13 ft) tall.

Growth Form: Shrub.

Stems: Young twigs are slightly hairy.

Leaves: Small evergreen, dark glossy green, egg-shaped with finely toothed margins, 2-5 cm long. Young leaves are red-tinged.

Flowers: In small clusters along branches; flowers are bell-shaped, pink, to 8 mm long.

Flowering Period: April, May, June, July.

Fruits: Dark purplish-black berries to 7 mm diameter; edible.


Soil Preferences well drained soils

Habitat Preferences Saltwater Areas:

Seashores Coastal dunes or beaches


Forests and Thickets: Forests and woods Coniferous forests Forest edges, openings, or clearings Thickets

Wildlife Value Berries Nectar for hummingbirds Nectar for butterflies

Birds: Birds eat the berries. Insects: Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.

Ethnobotanical Uses and Other Facts Food Uses: The delicious berries last into late fall.


Sun/Shade Tolerance mostly sunny 60%-80% partial sun and shade 40%- 60% mostly shady 60%-80%

Hydrology moist dry


References

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Suggested References

Jacobson A.L. 2001. Wild Plants of Greater Seattle. Published by author. Page 124.

Link, R. 1999. Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Page 271.

Lyons, C., W. Merilees. Trees and Shrubs to Know in Washington and British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing. Page 119.

Pojar, J., A. Mackinnon. 1994. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing. Page 67.

Ceanothus velutinus Suggested References

Alden, P., D. Paulson. 1998. National Audubon Society, Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest. Chanticleer Press. Page 110.





Gaultheria shallon Suggested References


Cooke, S.S. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwetern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Native Plant Society. Page 25.

Gunther, E. 1973. 2nd ed. Ethnobotany of Western Washington. University of Washington Press. Page 43.

Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Page 560.

Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist. 1973. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Page 343.





Turner, N.AJ. 1975. Food Plants of British Columbia Indians: part 1, Coastal Peoples. British Columbia Provincial Museum. Page 212.

Mahonia aquifolium Suggested References




Lyons, C., W. Merilees. Trees and Shrubs to Know in Washington and British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing. 9.


Rhododendron macrophyllum Suggested References


Brockman, F.C. 1968. A Guide to Field Identification: Trees of North America. Western Publishing Company. Page .

Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Page 566.






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