Pahove Native Plant Sale List

Our Pahove Chapter holds an annual Native Plant Sale every year. The sale is open to Members and the Public. Please Note: previous year’s lists will give you an idea of some of the species available, but NOT all species are offered every year. We make every attempt to have a wide variety of plants to choose from plus some new and interesting ones each year.

Previous years’ sales lists

 The list below contains some plant descriptions from previous sales.

Shrubs/Trees

Acer glabrum (Rocky Mountain Maple) — This attractive deciduous shrubby tree reaches a heighth of 8 to 25 feet. It can be planted in moist protected areas or in the shade of other trees, especially in warm valley sites. They are a perfect hideaway for large game, small mammals, and nesting or roosting birds. It flowers in the spring and produces brilliant fall color. Plant in full sun to partial shade with moderate water use.

Acer glabrum douglasii (Douglas Rocky Mountain Maple) — A native alternative to Japanese Maple. They have a substantial shrub presence with beautiful fall colors of yellow, orange and red. They grow 6-12’ height, and 10’ width at full maturity. Best planted creek side, as green screens, transitional shrub for a forest setting or specimen in a lawn. They should be planted 8-16’ apart when used in group plantings. Requires 20-30” of water annually. Plant in sun to part shade, likes various types of soil. The easily bendable stems were used by various American Indian tribes to make drying racks, drum hoops, snowshoe frames, spears, pegs, toys, and masks. The fibrous bark was woven into mats and rope. The species also provides considerable cover and nesting habitat for many game birds, songbirds, and small mammals.

Alnus incana tenufolia (Thinleaf Alder) — A thicket-forming deciduous shrub or tree that has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air, just like clover does. They can be grown in full sun to partial shade in average to poor soils that are moist to wet. This tree is tolerant of cold, dry soil and moderate drought. It can be used as a fast-growing shade tree or an effective windbreak. Chickadees, goldfinches and pine siskins, eat alder seeds, buds and catkins. Plant in full to partial sun where they will get plenty of water. They can grow 20-60 feet tall.

Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) — This native shrub grows up to 15 feet tall. It has white flowers in spring and produces edible, blue fruits in summer. Plant in full to partial sun, this shrub is moderately drought tolerant.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnickinnick) — A low-growing, spreading, subshrub with evergreen leaves, small pink flowers, and red berries in the fall. It needs a moderately shady or north-facing location. Moderately drought tolerant.

Artemisia arbuscula (Low Sagebrush) — This is a low growing shrub, no taller than 10 inches, with gray-green foliage and light yellow flower stalks. It blooms in late summer and the flower stalks persist through winter. This small shrub likes full sun and tolerates poor soils and low water.

Artemisia cana (Silver Sagebrush) — This is a 3-5 ft. shrub with gray-green foliage and a yellow flower in late summer. It will spread by rhizomes. It is very long lived and likes full sun. Tolerates low water very well.

Artemisia frigida (Fringed Sagebrush) — This is a low growing, mat forming shrub. The feathery foliage is silvery-gray and feathery with a pleasant fragrance. The yellow flower spikes appear in early summer. Cut back the flower stalks after the bloom fades. Drought tolerant, plant in full sun. Tolerates poor soils. Resistant to hungry critters. Good source of seeds for birds in fall and winter.

Artemisia ludoviciana(White / Louisiana Sagebrush) — This is a low growing, mat forming shrub. The feathery foliage is silvery-gray and feathery with a pleasant fragrance. The yellow flower spikes appear in early summer. Cut back the flower stalks after the bloom fades. Drought tolerant, plant in full sun. Tolerates poor soils. Resistant to hungry critters. Good source of seeds for birds in fall and winter.

Artemisia ludoviciana compacta (Fringed Sagebrush) — This is a stiff, aromatic, silvery-white perennial, 1 1/2-3’ tall by 36” wide, which can spread quickly to form large colonies. Its adaptability and tendency to colonize makes it a good choice for a low-maintenance, knee- to waist-high groundcover. Trim back, edge-trim or divide if less spreading is desired. It can even take mowing. They have tiny yellow-green flowers cluster on the ends of the stems in the summer. It spreads by roots to form attractive patches of soft silver texture. They are extremely drought tolerant requiring 15-20” of water per year. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Rabbits and upland birds use.

Artemisia nova (Black Sagebrush) — This is a small shrub with a rounded crown and dwarf growth habit. It only gets 10-18 inches tall. It produces flower stalks with small brownish flowers in late summer-fall. It reproduces easily from seed. The leaves are dark to pale green and often fury. Sage Grouse use Black Sagebrush for nesting.

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata (Basin Big Sagebrush) — This is the tallest of the A. tridentatas. It grows 3-5 ft. typically but can reach 12 ft. under favorable conditions. The foliage is gray-green and semi-evergreen. About one third of the leaves will drop in late summer. It has pendulous flowers and an uneven growth pattern. The yellow flowers come on in fall and are inconspicuous. Plant in full sun and provide even moisture. Do not overwater! This is an excellent choice for a wildlife friendly landscape and many animals use it for food and cover.

Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush) — Mountain big sage grows 4-5feet tall. This subspecies typically occurs above 4,000 feet, where precipitation is slightly higher than in the Treasure Valley. Mountain big sage requires full sun. It can flower and produce seedlings by the 3rd year.

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomoingensis (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) — This sagebrush is very drought resistant once established. It grows to about 3 ft. tall, has grey-green hairy foliage and upright yellow flower stalks. It blooms in the fall. It is semi-evergreen. About 1/3 of the leaves drop in late fall. Plant in full sun. Tolerates shallow soils. This is an excellent choice for a wildlife friendly landscape as many animals use it for food and cover.

Atriplex canescens (Fourwing saltbush) — This 4-6 foot tall shrub has grayish-white deciduous leaves and non-showy flowers. It is grown primarily for wildlife, for its drought tolerance, and as a firewise species.

Atriplex confertifolia (Shadscale Saltbrush) — This plant is unique, flourishing in poor, alkaline soils in dry, sunny areas. It has rounded silver blue-green leaves clumped up and down upright branches growing from a low base. In the fall the whole bush turns rosy yellow. Winter shows a twiggy structure, awaiting spring’s new leaves it adds self-protection with 1/2 inch spines. They require less than 10” of water annually, reaching 2-4’ height and 36’width at full maturity. Shadscale growth is greatly related to seasonal precipitation. They are not fully deciduous, retaining the majority of its leaves through winter. A small proportion of leaves are shed in the fall, with new leaves produced in March or April. The fruits provide food for game birds and songbirds.

Berberis aquifolium (Tall Oregon grape) — Tall Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub with leathery compound leaves. It can grow to over ten feet tall (usually < five feet) and has 5-9 leaflets with one central vein. Flowers are dark yellow, clustered, and bloom April through May. Fruits are waxy blue berries in grape-like clusters. Plant in sun or partial shade.

Berberis repens (Creeping Oregon grape) — A low-growing, evergreen subshrub or ground cover with holly-like leaves. Drought and shade tolerant, it is native to the forest understory. Grows 1 foot tall and flowers are a bright yellow in April and May.

Betula occidentalis (Water birch) — This multi-stemmed tree grows 15-25 feet tall, producing decorative catkins in April and May. It grows well on moist sites, especially near a pond or stream. Native to the Rocky Mountain states from 3,000-9,000 feet elevation.

Celtis reticulata (Netleaf hackberry) — This drought tolerant shrub to small tree can grow to nearly 30 feet tall. Slow-growing unless regularly watered, it is tolerant of pruning, a variety of soil types, and provides excellent cover for wildlife. The purplish-red drupes it produces in fall are favored by a variety of wildlife species.

Cercocarpus ledifolius (Curl-leaf mountain mahogany) — A 10-15 foot tall evergreen shrub with narrow, entire leaves. Drought tolerant, it prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Tolerant of pruning. Preferred deer browse.

Cercocarpus montanus (Birchleaf mountain mahogany) — Native to Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and California, this deciduous shrub grows to about 10 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide. It prefers medium to well-drained soils, and provides good cover for birds. Drought tolerant, it grows best in full sun.

Chamaebatiaria millefolium (Fernbush) — This shrub grows 6-8 ft. tall and 4-6 ft. wide. It has a very upright growth pattern. The fern like foliage resembles that of Yarrow. It is deciduous in this area, but will get its foliage back in early winter. The flowers are elongated clusters of white that appear in summer. An excellent choice for hot dry exposure. It is very drought tolerant once established. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Gray rabbitbrush) — This 3-6 foot tall, yellow flowering shrub is extremely drought tolerant. It flowers in late summer/early fall, and performs best if pruned each spring prior to regrowth.

Cornus sericea (Red-osier dogwood) — Showy, bright red stems make this a favorite shrub for landscaping. It grows to about 8 feet and spreads by layering. Produces white berries in fall. Deciduous, large leaves w/prominent venation.

Clematis columbiana (Blue or Rock Clematis) — This semi-woody perennial vine can grow 10-12 ft. long. Flowers are blue to reddish-purple and appear from May to July. Flowers are followed by fuzzy plumed seed heads. Needs partial shade and tolerates dry to moist soils.

Crataegus douglasii (Douglas hawthorne) — This thorn-bearing shrub can grow to 15 feet tall. It is moderately drought tolerant and produces a purple-black fruit in summer that is favored by birds.

Ericamera nauseosa (Rubber Rabbitbrush) — This shrub grows to 5 ft. tall. It has silvery-grey evergreen foliage. In late summer it explodes in intensely golden flowers. It makes and excellent contrast plant with sagebrush. It likes dry, well drained soil. Once established it is very drought tolerant. Good forage for deer and sheep and it provides cover for small rodents and jackrabbits. The flowers are attractive to birds, butterflies and bees..

Fallugia paradoxa (Apache plume) — A drought tolerant 4-6 foot tall shrub native to the Colorado Plateau, Apache plume grows well in the Treasure Valley. It is in the rose family and produces simple white flowers through the summer. Its showy, pink-tinged, feathery-plumed fruits persist on the plant from fall through winter.

Frangula purshiana (Cascara) — This plant has deeply embossed veins and glossy dark green color. The leaves give the tree/shrub great ornamental value. It grows in full sun to semi-shaded, dry to moist areas. They have graceful open branching, reaching 12 to 25’ height and 12’ width. Distinct blue-blackberries in small clusters punctuate the branches in late summer and provide food for birds (non-edible for humans). Cascara will develop a fuller, more shrub-like form if pruned yearly, or prune to a central trunk. It can be planted on banks of a pond or river, in a forest setting or standing alone in a dry corner. They require 20-30″ water per year.

Grayia spinosa (Spiny Hopsage) — This is a long-lived, woody shrub that reaches 1-5 ft. tall. It is deciduous in our area. It flowers April to July. The blossoms are green and male and female flowers usually form on different plants. Leaves are spatula shaped, gray-green and ½ – 1 ½ inch long. There are spines on the stems. It is very drought tolerant once established and well adapted to alkaline, clay soils.

Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray) — Ocean Spray is a many-stemmed, spreading shrub that grows 4-5 feet tall. The stems are slender and often arching, bearing deeply lobed and tothed, deciduous foliage. It flowers May-August completely covering the shrub in a mass of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in large, plumed clusters. Plant in full sun to part shade in rocky course soil. This plant likes water! Attracts butterflies and birds.

Krascheninnikovia lanata (Winterfat) — This is a low-growing, long-lived (up to 130 yrs) subshrub with a woody base and numerous annual branchlets, growing 1-3 ft. tall. The foliage is hairy giving the plant a silvery white appearance. It flowers from spring to early fall. The blossoms are wooly and white with a green stripe. It likes well drained soils and is very drought tolerant once established. Flowers/Inflorescence: The flowers are inconspicuous with no petals and clustered in the leaf axils. They are wooly and white, with a green stripe. Male flowers are found in the axils of spikes, in clusters at the end of the branches. Female flowers are in a pair of silky bracts.

Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) — This is a large tree growing up to 200 ft tall at maturity if the growing conditions are favorable. The bark is scaly and cinnamon colored. The deciduous needles are pale green turning a deep gold in fall. Plant in full sun. It will tolerate a wide variety of soils and the water use is low. Grouse like to eat the new needles.

Lonicera involucrata (Twinberry Honeysuckle) — This plant has lush foliage with leaves in pairs showing off yellow flower twins in late spring, followed by shiny black twin berries, each with its own raspberry-red bract “cape.” They reach 12-14’ height and 36” width, often growing in thickets. This plant is not drought tolerant and needs to be watered regularly. They can be planted in low-lying marshy areas or stream/pond banks, naturalized shrub areas. They prefer moist soil in sun, part-shade and shade. Wild birds enjoy eating the berries. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to them.

Mahonia repens (Creeping Oregon grape) — A low-growing, evergreen subshrub or ground cover with holly-like leaves. Drought and shade tolerant, it is native to the forest understory. Grows 1 foot tall and flowers are a bright yellow in April and May.

Paxistima myrsinites (Mountain Boxwood/Oregon Boxleaf) – This low-growing evergreen shrub grows up to 2 ft. high with small, glossy, dark-green leaves in pairs along ascending branches. Inconspicuous maroon-colored flowers appear April-June. Grows in sun to shade, with low to moderate water, and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Adapted to open woodlands and rocky glades.

Physocarpus malvaceus (Mallow Ninebark) – Mallow Ninebark is a vase-shaped deciduous shrub with exfoliating bark and foliage that resembles small grape or currant leaves. Tiny white flowers occur in loose rounded clusters
and are very fragrant. Fall foliage ranges from intense red to subtle rose-brown. It is very drought tolerant and likes dry rocky soils. Plant in part shade.

Philadelphus lewisii (Syringa) – Idaho’s state flower, this deciduous shrub grows up to 10 feet tall and has showy, 4-petaled white flowers in early June. It has opposite branches and leaves that are ovate with entire to serrate margins. Grows best in well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.

Picea englemanii (Englemann Spruce) – Large tree with dark or blue-green foliage and a dense, narrow, conical crown of short branches spreading in close rows. Engelmann’s spruce is a narrow, spire-like evergreen, growing
75-100 ft. tall. Its branches descend to sweep the ground and conceal the trunk. The coniferous needles are dark blue-green. Grow in sun to part-shade, in moist rich loamy soil. They are native to North America. They produce 3” pinecones and are homes for wild birds, squirrel .

Pinus albicaulis (Whitebark pine) – Grows 20-50 feet tall,
whitebark pine are known from British Columbia to California and east to Wyoming and Montana. They generally grow on south-facing slopes near timberline. There are 5 short (1-3” long) needles per fascicle. Can live more than 1000 years in their natural habitat. Needs well-drained soil and full sun. Unknown how well they will grow in the Treasure Valley (none of us have grown them before).

Pinus flexilis (Limber pine) – Native to eastern Idaho
and other Rocky Mountain states, limber pine is slow-growing and, like whitebark pine, has 5 needles per fascicle. Grows in full sun on well-drained soils.

Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine) — One of the largest
pine trees in the world (up to 130’ tall) and one of the most common trees in western North America. Needles are 6-10″ long and 3 per bundle. Grows best in full sun in well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.

Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby cinquefoil) – Hardy to Zone
2, this 2-4 foot tall deciduous shrub has a rounded habit and slow rate of growth. It has yellow flowers from June until first frost. It is widely used and there are many cultivars. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types but grows best in full sun with moderate amounts of water (not drought tolerant).

Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) — This deciduous shrub
typically grows 8-15 feet tall and spreads vegetatively. It produces clusters of
white flowers on pendulant spikes in the spring. Fruits ripen to a deep purple to black color in summer. Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) — Douglas Fir is
one of our most important lumber species, a magnificent ornamental tree, and one of the most popular Christmas trees in America. Additionally, a large number of bird and animal species find shelter and food in this majestic tree. Douglas fir seeds are used by blue grouse, songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, and other rodents and small animals. Antelope, deer, elk, mountain goats, and mountain sheep eat the twigs and foliage. It prefers full sun with a slight shade tolerance, moderate water (do not over-water)and well drained, acidic or neutral soil. Mature size in a home landscape setting: 40-70 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide.

Purshia tridentata (Bitterbrush) – Typically grows 4-6
feet tall, though can reach heights of 10 feet. Extremely drought tolerant, bitterbrush grows best on well-drained soils in full sun. It produces sweet-smelling, 5-petaled yellow flowers in early May. Preferred deer browse. Do not overwater.

Rhus trilobata (Oakleaf sumac) – A drought tolerant shrub
that obtains a height up to 6 feet and 8 feet across. It has attractive foliage
that is particularly showy in the fall. Also known as lemonade bush due to the lemon flavor of the fruits. However, fruits are best eaten by wildlife rather than humans.

Ribes aureum (Golden currant) — This 4-6 foot tall deciduous
shrub produces bright yellow flowers in late March and early April. It is tolerant of a variety of site conditions, though grows best with regular irrigation and in partial sun. An excellent species for birds due to the small orange-red fruits it produces in summer.

Ribes cereum (Wax currant) — Native at mid-elevations
in Idaho, this 4-5 foot tall deciduous shrub produces a white to pink-tinged tubular flower, followed by a dull to bright red unpalatable berry. Requires regular irrigation.

Ribes sanguineum (Red-flowering currant) – This northern
Idaho native grows 5-10 feet tall and is intolerant of saturated soil. It grows
best in full sun to partial shade. The pink to reddish flowers bloom in early spring (April). Leaves are deciduous, have 3-5 lobes and are a dark green color. Hardy to Zone 5, this is a highly attractive shrub.

Rosa nutkana (Nootka Rose) – This Native plant has attractive
pink bloom and large red fruit (hips) that persist in the winter. Covered with prickles and is an aggressive spreader. They enjoy moist to wet soil in sun to part shade. Often they reach 10’ in height. They are deer resistant and attract wild birds and butterflies. The hips, or fruit, of any wild roses may be eaten and are often used to make jams and jellies.

Rosa woodsii (Wood’s rose) – Native along riparian corridors
primarily, this 3-4 foot tall shrub produced simple pink flowers in late May and
early June. This shrub spreads vegetatively to form thickets, so it must be planted accordingly. Bright red rose hips in fall and winter are showy and attractive to wildlife.

Rubus parviflora (Thimbleberry) – Native to the understory
in many Idaho forests, thimbleberry grows best in partial shade and requires regular water. It spreads vegetatively similar to raspberries, but much more slowly.

Sambucus cerulea (Blue elderberry) – Deciduous shrub to
15 feet tall, it produces small white flowers in summer and powdery blue fruits
in late summer. Blue elderberry has pinnately compound leaves, grows best in well-drained soil in sun to partial shade, requires plentiful water, and is not preferred by deer. Blue elderberry grows from Canada to Arizona. To maintain good form, it is best to prune it back heavily each spring.

Sarcobatus vermiculata (Greasewood) – This shrub grows
2-8 ft. tall. It can be erect or spreading. The foliage is small and bright green
and have a layer of salt on them that can be tasted. It will lose the leaves in
winter. Shrubs have either male or female flowers. Blossoms appear July-August. Plant in a sunny location and provide even water. It prefers alkaline soils. Greasewood is an important food source for small mammals and birds.

Sheperdia argentea (Silver buffaloberry) – This deciduous
shrub to multi-stemmed small tree reaches 10-15 feet in height. It has silvery,
narrow, entire leaves. Branches are opposite and somewhat spine-tipped, and its fruits are reddish-yellow and provide an excellent food source for birds. Will spread vegetatively. Drought tolerant and grows best in full sun.

Sorbus scopulina (Mountain ash) — This 10-15 foot tall shrub to small tree is deciduous with pinnately compound leaves. Leaflets are sharply serrated. The small white flowers are borne in large, dense, flat-topped clusters and appear in summer. Fruits are reddish-orange and occur in clusters that ripen in late summer to early fall. Best grown on a northerly aspect in the Treasure Valley. Requires moderate amounts of water and is tolerant of a variety of soils.

Spirea douglasii (Pink spirea) — A deciduous shrub that forms thickets (it spreads vegetatively) and grows to 4-6 feet tall by 3-6 feet
wide, it forms spires of pink to purple flowers in the summer. Grows in partial shade to shade, requires moderate amounts of water, and tolerates a variety of soil types.

Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) — This opposite branching shrub produces pink to white flowers in May or June, followed by a white, berry-like fruit in late summer and winter. It grows to about 6 ft. tall and spreads vegetatively. Tolerant of partial shade, it requires regular irrigation.

Forbs

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – Stems can be single or loosely clustered and are 1-2 ft. tall. The foliage is silvery-green and feathery.
The flowers are in clusters at the top of the stems. They range from white to pink with a yellow center and appear from mid-summer to fall. Will grow a broad range of soils and is very drought tolerant once established.

Agastache urticifolia (Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop) – This
is a perennial subshrub that grows 3-6 ft. tall. Foliage is thick and dark green.
Rose colored flowers appear in June, July and August. Plant in sun to part shade. Likes well drained soil and regular water. Very attractive to butterflies.

Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) – This onion has soft,
grass-like leaves and a 1-2 ft. flowering stalk.  White to pink flowers bloom
July-August.  Flower stem bends so that flowers nod toward the ground.
Prefers full sun, low to moderate water, and humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil. Most effective planted in small groups and benefits from being divided every third year or when 8-10 bulbs appear.

Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly everlasting) – This white-flowered
perennial blooms prolifically from June to September. It grows to 18” tall, is tolerant of poor soils, needs moderate amounts of water, spreads by rhizomes, but is not aggressive. Common in forested habitats of Idaho.

Antennaria microphylla (Rosy pussytoes) — A low-growing perennial that is somewhat mat-forming. Leaves are a silvery gray color. Prefers well-drained soils and low to moderate amounts of water. Flowers cream colored to pink tinged.

Aquilegia coerulea (Rocky Mountain columbine) — This widespread blue and white flowering species is native to most western states. It is Colorado’s state flower. It grows to 24” tall in partial to full sun where well
watered.

Aquilegia formosa (Red Columbine) — An open-branched, 2-3 ft. perennial with delicate, blue-green, lobed foliage and yellow and red, spurred flowers. Blooms May-August. Plant in full sun to part shade. It likes medium moisture
and is adapted to most soil types. Attracts hummingbirds.

Asarum caudatum (Wild Ginger) — This native forb is a
mat-forming groundcover that grows less than 1 ft. tall but up to 3 ft. wide. The main stem creeps along the ground with two leaves growing from each stem node. The large, heart-shaped, dark-green, persistent leaves hide the unusual, fuzzy, reddish-brown to greenish-yellow flowers borne from lower leaf axils. The bizarre brown-purplish to yellowish or greenish flower is hidden by heart-shaped leaves growing in pairs from trailing, rooting stems that form dense patches. They are an evergreen perennial reaching only 7-10” tall. Blooms April-August and requires moist rich soil, full shade.

Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker’s Balsamroot) – Leaves are deeply segmented, appearing in basal tufts from a woody taproot with 4-12 inch tall leafless flowering stems. The flower is 2-3 inches wide and yellow, resembling a
sunflower. Blooms April-June. Plant in full sun in dry rocky soils. Prefers medium moisture.

Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf balsamroot) – A long-lived, drought tolerant native perennial that emerges in April and flowers in May around
Boise. Doesn’t flower until it is 4-7 years old. Flowers are sunflower-like. Goes
dormant in summer until the following spring.

Camassia quamash (Blue camas) – Six dark blue petals and 6 bright yellow stamens characterize this species of wet meadow habitats. Grows about 1 foot tall from a bulb. Dormant through the summer. Edible bulb.

Castilleja integra (Whole-leaf Indian Paintbrush) – This Native forb has been described as a crudely formed paintbrush dipped in paint. This Native plant gets orange blooms similar in look to snapdragon. The Indian paintbrush
has woody roots, which will grow until they touch and penetrate the roots of nearby plants, usually grasses, allowing it to feed off a portion of the host plant’s water and nutrients. Plant close to other shrubs, forbs or grasses in well drained soils and full sun. They grow 2-3’ tall and can be planted on dry hills, woodlands, mesas, plains, high prairies, on gravelly or rocky soil. Requires 20” of water annually. They are very attractive to pollinators.

Castilleja miniata (Giant Red Indian Paintbrush) – An erect perennial, 12-30 inches tall, with stems either unbranched or somewhat branched above. The flower cluster resembles a ragged, crimson or scarlet paintbrush. Blooms
May-September. Most Indian paintbrushes are partial parasites on other plants, their roots establishing connections with roots of other species. Disturb roots as little as possible when transplanting. Plant in well drained soils in full sun. Prefer even moisture.

Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Beeplant) – Annual with erect stems. Palmately compound leaves appear in threes at the base of the stems
and pink or reddish-purple flowers appear at the top. They bloom July to September. The Stems are 3-6 ft. tall. Flowers produce a lot of nectar that attract bees. Plant in full sun to part shade with well drained sandy soil. Likes medium moisture. Seeds are an important food for doves and other wild birds.

Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium (Zauschneria latifolia) (Firechalice) – This spreading, perennial herbaceous plant features scarlet, fuchsia-like
flowers that rise 6-12 in. above a low-growing mat of gray-green, leathery leaves. Flowers appear June-August.  Needs full to part sun and low to moderate water. Spreads by root sprouts and rhizomes.  Adapted to rocky slopes and canyons.

Erigeron compositus giabratus (Cut-Leaf Daisy) — Round yellow button flowers form above muted green lacy leaves. They grow 10-15 inches tall. Plant in full sun, prefers well drained soils. Very drought tolerant once
established. Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Erigeron linearis (Desert Yellow Fleabane) — This low-growing perennial with linear leaves produces a profusion of yellow, daisy-like flowers on single stems May-July.  Needs full sun and very low water.  Adapted to dry, open rocky areas.

Erigeron speciosus (Aspen Fleabane) — Clusters of leafy stems, ½ – 2 ½ ft. tall, rise from the woody rootstock of this perennial. Each stem bears several showy, nearly 2 in. wide flower. They have bright blue rays and a yellow center. The lower leaves of this plant tend to fall off as the season advances. Blooms June-August. Plant in full sun in any soil type. Likes even moisture.

Erigeron subtrinervis (Threenerve Fleabane) – This spreading perennial with leafy stems grows up to 30 in. tall and is topped with small, purple, daisy-like flowers in July-August Needs full sun and low water. Adapted to moderately dry, open areas in the mountains.

Eriogonum compositum (Cut-Leaf Daisy) – Branched, prostrate, stems form a mat-like clump up to 1 ft. wide. Leaves, on long, slender stalks, are oval to heart-shaped. Creamy-white to deep yellow, tubular flowers are borne in rounded clusters on leafless stalks about 1 ft. tall. Blooms May to June. Plant in full sun. Liked rocky, well drained soil. Drought tolerant.

Eriogonum heracleoides (Wyeth buckwheat) – Woody, long-lived buckwheat that reaches a maximum height of 18”. Unusual garden plant with creamy
white flowers in the summer. Best if grown in partial to full sun. Moderately drought tolerant.

Eriogonum microthecums (Slender Buckwheat) — This is a lovely, dainty shrub. It grows about a foot tall and two feet across at the top. Leaves are narrow, rolled inward and sparse. Flowers have a raggedy beauty as they
dangle at the end of the stems with their cute little stripe on each petal. Plant
in full sun. Very drought tolerant once established.

Eriogonum umbellatum (Arrowleaf Buckwheat) — This long-lived, creeping perennial requires good drainage and full sun. Its deep yellow flowers
appear in early summer and can be dried for flower arrangements. It has attractive, evergreen, round leaves. Drought tolerant.

Eriophyllum lanatum (Wooly Sunflower) — A grayish, woolly, leafy plant with several branched stems ending in short leafless stalks and golden-yellow
flower heads. Flowers are 2 inches across and appear June to September. Plants may be erect or sprawling and from 4-18 inches tall. It is a shrubby perennial with a woody base. Plant in full sun, very drought tolerant, prefers dry sandy soil. Attractive to butterflies.

Fragaria vesca (Mountain strawberry) — Also known as woodland strawberry, this small plant (4-6 inches tall) is commonly found in meadows, young woodlands, sparse forest , woodland edges and clearings. Spreads fast by runners and can form dense mats. Fruits are much smaller than the commercial variety. Grow in sun to partial shade. Somewhat drought tolerant. Flowers white with 5 petals, from 3-15 on a stem.

Fritillaria pudica (Yellow Fritillary) – The stem of this lily grows 1 ft. high and is topped by a single yellow, hanging, bell-like flower. Flowers fade to red or purple as they age.  Grows in partial shade and needs moisture in the spring, drier in the summer.  Adapted to shrub-steppe and mixed coniferous forests with dry, rocky soils.  Susceptible to damage by rodents and deer.  Plant several to ensure some flower.

Gaillardia aristata (Indian Blanketflower) — Sunshine on the western prairies, Blanket Flower blooms with golden beauty. A member of the Sunflower family, Blanket Flower has red-tinted centers and looks beautiful planted with other wildflowers in a prairie setting. The muted silvery green leaves have varied shapes and stay in a low growth pattern. They reach 1-2’ height and 12’ width
requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming in summer and requiring 15-20” of water annually. They are butterfly forage and pollinator attractor.

Geranium viscossissimum (Sticky geranium) — Grows from 18-30″ tall at low to moderate elevations in the mountains. Pink to lavender colored flowers bloom in the summer. Requires moderate amounts of water.

Geum triflorum (Prairie smoke) — This mountain meadow native requires full to partial sun and moderate amounts of water. It produces interesting reddish flowers from early to mid-summer. Low-growing, evergreen foliage. Flower stalks are 10-18” tall.

Gutierrezia sarothrae (Broom Snakeweed) – This 1-3 ft. tall sub-shrub has many slender, branching stems and fine yellow-green foliage. Tiny yellow flowers appear in tufts at ends of branches August-November.  Flower stems are the same length, producing a yellow-domed, fan-shaped plant when in flower. Needs full sun with low to moderate water.  Adapted to dry, open calcareous plains and disturbed areas.

Hedysarum boreale (Northern Sweetvetch) — A member of the Pea family. Plants have many branches with pinnately compound leaves and compact
to elongated clusters of pinkish-purple to reddish-pink pea-like flowers. Blooms April to August and grows 18-24 inches tall. Likes full sun and sandy to rocky soils. Drought tolerant. Attracts butterflies.

Heuchera rubescens (Pink Alpine Coralbells) – This small perennial plant with low rosettes of grape-like leaves produces flowering stalks 4-12 in. high.  White to pink bell-shaped flowers bloom May-August.  Needs partial shade and low soil moisture.  Adapted to dry, high elevation rocky areas.

Hymenoxys acaulis (Sundancer Daisy) — Like gold coins, the flowers of the Sundancer daisy wave cheerfully in the summer breeze, held above a low-growing cluster of leaves by long (14″), leafless stems. This creates the illusion that the flowers are suspended in mid-air, without any stems at all. It does well in harsh conditions, keeping the leaf profile low, but putting on a good show of flowers to feed native pollinators. Unlike Shasta Daisy, Sundancer keeps its petite size and dainty growth habit without spreading. This Native needs 10-15” water annually enjoying dry soil growing 1-2’ height and 8” width.

Lilium columbianum (Columbia Tiger Lily) – The slender stems of this lily may reach 5-6 ft. and under favorable conditions feature a dozen or more nodding, light-orange flowers, spotted with maroon.  Blooms May-September,
depending on elevation.  Requires partial shade and well-drained soil that dries out in summer.  Adapted to prairies, woodlands and coniferous forests.

Linum perenne v. lewisii (Blue flax) — This 12-24” tall plant produces blue flowers from spring to summer. Each 5-petaled flower lasts just 1 day. Grows best in full sun, is drought tolerant, and stays green through summer. This variety is native throughout most of western North America, while the ornamental var. perenne is of Eurasian origin. It produces a lot of seed and can spread if the site is well watered.

Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf Biscuitroot) – This member of the carrot family features finely dissected leaves and small brownish-purple or yellow compound flower umbels at the end of 1-5 ft. stems between April-July. Needs sun to partial shade and low water.  Adapted to deep soils in shrub-steppe and mountain meadow habitats.  (All plants in this genus contain toxins and should not be ingested.)

Lomatium triternatum (Nineleaf Biscuitroot) – This member of the carrot family features long, narrow, slightly dissected leaves and small yellow flower umbels at the end of 7-30 in. stems between March-July.  Needs sun to partial shade and low to moderate water. Adapted to dry or somewhat moist open areas at low to mid-elevations.  (All plants in this genus contain toxins
and should not be ingested.)

Lupinus polyphyllus (Bigleaf lupine) — Plants grow up to 30″ tall and are generally associated with moist areas in the mountains. Summer flowers vary from lavender to blue to pink.

Mimulus lewisii (Lewis monkeyflower) — This moisture-loving plant grows along mountain streams and springs. It grows to about 18” tall in full to partial sun. First discovered by Meriwether Lewis, this stunning plant has large, purplish-red tubular flowers.

Penstemon cyaneus (Blue penstemon) — Large, deep purple tubular flowers grace this native perennial that grows to 2 feet tall. Blooms in May and June when planted in full sun. Drought tolerant.

Penstemon deustus (Hotrock penstemon) — Low-growing perennial forb native to Idaho. Easily grown in full sun, producing lots ofwhitetubular flowers
from May-June. Drought tolerant. Often self seeds. Avoid overwatering.

Penstemon eatonii (Firecracker penstemon) — Perennial forb of the Great Basin (UT, NV; not native to Idaho). Easily grown in full sun, produces many red, tubular flowers from May to June. An excellent hummingbird attractant. Drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering. Relatively long-lived.

Penstemon fruticosus (Shrubby penstemon) — A low-growing (to 18” tall), semi-evergreen subshrub with large, blue to lavender tubular flowers in June and July. Requires well-drained soils and is longer lived than many other Penstemons.

Penstemon palmeri (Palmer penstemon) — Short-lived perennial forb of the Great Basin (Utah, Nevada – not native to Idaho). Easily grown in full sun, producing lots of large pink, tubular flowers from May-June. Drought tolerant. Often self seeds. Avoid overwatering.

Penstemon payettensis (Payette penstemon) — Native to west-central Idaho, Payette penstemon produces light to medium blue flowers in late Mate and June. It is moderately drought tolerant and requires full sun and good drainage.

Penstemon rydbergii (Rydberg’s Penstemon) – This small sub-shrub features pale purple to dark blue-violet flowers in dense whorls at the top or along erect stems reaching 7-24 in tall.  Flowers appear May-July. Needs full to partial sun and low to moderate water.  Adapted to open meadows and drier sagebrush-covered slopes in the foothills and lower elevation mountains.

Penstemon venustus (Lovely penstemon) — Numerous bluish to purple tubular flowers are produced by this 2-3 foot tall plant in May and June. Also a good species for hummingbirds. An Idaho native, this spectacular penstemon requires more moisture than firecracker, hotrock, or Palmer penstemon.

Polystichum munitum (Western Swordfern) – This evergreen fern grows in a massive clump of 75-100, 3-5 ft. long, dark-green fronds resembling a palm tree.  Prefers part to full shade and moist, acidic soils but tolerates dry conditions.  Adapted to damp coniferous woodlands.  Deer-proof and drought-tolerant.

Sidalcea oregano(Oregon checkermallow) — Produces 3 foot tall pale lavender colored spikes of flowers. Grows best in full sun, but is not drought tolerant.

Sisyrinchium idahoense (Blue-eyed grass) — This 10-15” tall member of the Iris family produces blue to reddish-purple flowers in early spring. Native to sites that are moist in spring. Prefers full sun. Becomes dormant in summer.

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (Gooseberryleaf globemallow) — A drought tolerant orange-flowered native of low elevation sites in southern Idaho. Requires full sun and very little water once established. With flower stalks, can grow about 24″ tall.

Sphaeralcea munroana (Munro’s Globemallow) — Perennial forb that produces a showy, salmon-colored, five-petaled flower. Grows to about 2 feet tall. Plant in full sun and avoid overwatering.

Stanleya pinnata (Desert Princesplume) – This graceful desert perennial features towering flowering stalks that reach 5-6 ft. tall and bear racemes of bright-yellow flowers on tall, stout, smooth, bluish-green,  leafy stems.   Blooms April-September. Needs full sun, low water, and well-drained soil. Adapted to dry, stony slopes and sandy washes.

Grasses

Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis h.) (Indian ricegrass) — A native perennial bunchgrass of sandy sites in the western U.S. Flower stalks grow up to 18″ tall and are quite airy and attractive. Drought tolerant and relatively short lived, particularly on soils that are not well-drained.

Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) — This native perennial bunchgrass obtains heights of up to 18″ (with flower stalks). Prefers medium to moderately fine deep soils and moderate amounts of water. Full sun is best.

Pseudoroegneria spicata (Agropyron s.) (Bluebunch wheatgrass) — A large, long-lived bunchgrass that can grow up to 2.5′ tall. Very widespread in the western U.S. This drought tolerant species requires full sun.