Northwest Flowering Plants
The Pacific Northwest is defined as Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The land west of the Cascade mountains has year-round mild temperatures, while temperatures are more extreme on the eastern side. The geographic diversity of the Pacific Northwest allows for wide diversity in plant species. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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The western columbine Aquilegia formosa grows in damp banks and open woodlands in the Pacific Northwest. Pink mountain heather, Phyllodoce empetriformis, thrives in areas above 5,000 feet in elevation. The Eriophyllum lantanum, or woolly sunflower, lives on coastal bluffs or rocky cliffs, as well as in meadows and forests. Fritillaria lanceolata, the chocolate lily, prefers thickets, pastures and meadows.
Identification
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Western columbines are perennial plants that grow between 2 and 3 feet tall. They have spurred red flowers that hang from the ends of branches. Pink mountain heather shrubs, which grow between 4 and 16 inches tall, have dark evergreen foliage. They produce clusters of lavender or pink blossoms. Woolly sunflowers are perennial herbs that reach approximately 2 feet in height at maturity; they have bright yellowish-orange, daisy-like blossoms. Chocolate lilies are rare herbs, according to the Washington Native Plant Society. They grow around 32 inches tall and produce maroon or deep purple blossoms in April and May.
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Considerations
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Western columbine, which grows best in full sun or partial shade and a variety of soil types, attracts hummingbirds. Pink mountain heather prefers moist sandy or rocky peat soil and partial shade. The woolly sunflower, which attracts butterflies, grows best in dry sandy soil and full sunlight. Chocolate lilies prefer partial sunlight and moist soil.
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References
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Aquilegia Formosa
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Phyllodoce Empetriformis
- Washington Native Plant Society: Eriophyllum Lanatum
- Washington Native Plant Society: Fritillaria Lanceolata
- University of Washington JISAO Climate Impacts Group: Impacts of Climate Variability
