Native Plants / Idaho
Idaho
Idaho Native Plants
A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need less fertilizers, pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitat. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.
Abies grandis (Grand Fir)
One of the tallest firs in the world, Abies grandis (Grand Fir) is a large evergreen conifer of narrow, conical habit becoming round-topped or straggly with age. Its spreading and drooping branches are densely clad with sharp-tipped needles, shiny dark green above with two silver bands beneath. The needles are arranged in 2 distinct, flattened rows. They exude an orange aroma when crushed.
Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow)
Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow) is a graceful perennial wildflower which produces an abundance of huge, flat clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with 20-25 creamy-white flowers.
Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry)
Perfect for shade gardens, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry) is herbaceous perennial forming bushy clumps of finely divided, bright green foliage, enhanced by clusters of small fluffy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Borne on conspicuous red stems which rise above the foliage, they give way to pea-sized glossy scarlet berries in summer.
Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern)
Incredibly attractive, Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial fern with graceful, bright green fronds which open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems. Each finger is further divided into a series of triangular segments (pinnules).
Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)
Great for spicing up salads or edging borders! Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are cultivated both for their culinary uses and their ornamental value.
Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry)
Domesticated for fruit production, Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) is a deciduous, upright, suckering shrub with four seasons of interest. In mid spring, compact clusters of fragrant, white flowers emerge just before the leaves.
Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Bush)
Native to North America, Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Bush) is a vigorous deciduous shrub of upright-spreading habit with bright green leaves composed of up to 35 spiny-tipped, oval leaflets. In late spring to early summer, showy racemes, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), of small, scented, purplish blue flowers with protruding stamens and orange-yellow anthers are on display.
Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting)
Ideal to complement colorful perennials in beds or borders, award-winner Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) is a rewarding bushy perennial topped with bountiful clusters of long-lasting, buttonlike flowers which are perfect for dried floral arrangements.
Antennaria parvifolia (Small-Leaf Pussytoes)
A low-growing western native, Antennaria parvifolia (Small-Leaf Pussytoes) is a stoloniferous, mat-forming perennial forming a beautiful carpet of fine-textured, broad spatulate to oblanceolate, silver-gray leaves that remain attractive year-round.
Aquilegia caerulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine)
Award-winning Aquilegia caerulea features huge, long-spurred, two-tone flowers with star-like, creamy white petals and violet blue sepals and spurs. Bushy yellow stamens add a third color. Irresistible!
Aquilegia formosa (Western Columbine)
Native to Western North America, Aquilegia Formosa, commonly known as 'Western Columbine', features masses of pendant, glowing red and soft yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with straight spurs and bushy golden stamens. They rise elegantly on long, thin stems above a lovely fern-like bluish-green foliage and bloom for weeks from late spring to early summer
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Extremely winter hardy, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) is a slow-growing, creeping, evergreen shrub with trailing red stems studded with small, leathery, shiny, obovate, dark green leaves, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The foliage turns red or purplish in winter before becoming green again in spring. Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from the short red stems in mid to late spring.
Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage)
Grown for its magnificent silver white foliage, Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage) is a fast-spreading perennial that adds light and contrast to the landscape and combines well with almost everything.
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with gnarled branches clothed with highly aromatic, small, silky, silvery leaves, usually tipped with 3 teeth. The foliage emits sweet, pungent aroma when bruised.
Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Winger)
Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Winger) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial boasting shiny, heart-shaped, dark green leaves, 2-5 in. wide (5-12 cm), which exude a spicy ginger fragrance when crushed.
