Selected Cuttings from the Home of Joanna Long, Pacific Connections Horticulturist
Native Ground Covers in Bloom
1) Trillium ovatum Pacific Trillium
Joanna Long
- The three white petals of Trillium are always a sign of spring. As they age, the petals turn pink.
- These native wildflowers are common under-story plants in our woods.
- The seeds of Trillium contain a substance attractive to ants who act as seed dispersers.
- Scattered populations of Trillium bloom throughout the native areas of the Arboretum.
2) Dicentra formosa Pacific Bleeding Heart
Joanna Long
- These native wildflowers boast lovely pink heart-shaped blossoms.
- The foliage is reminiscent of a fern and provides a delicate ground cover in shady areas.
- This rhizomatous perennial can be seen spreading from new plantings along Arboretum Creek.
3) Asarum caudatum Wild Ginger
Joanna Long
- The shiny heart-shaped leaves of this native ground cover have a strong gingery scent when crushed.
- The unique tri-lobed flowers are usually hidden beneath the foliage and can range from maroon to light green in color.
- You can find Asarum caudatum in the Cascadia Entry Garden.
4) Lewisia cotyledon Siskiyou Lewisia
Joanna Long
- This Siskiyou native has fleshy basal leaves and a burst of bright flowers in spring.
- The flowers range in color from white, a range of pinks to salmon, or yellow and sometimes have pink stripes.
- Lewisia cotyledon performs well in rock gardens and has the potential to be added to the collection in the Cascadia Forest.
5) Iris tenax Oregon Iris
Joanna Long
- This evergreen iris is native from southwestern Washington to northern California.
- The lavender-to-dark purple flowers are just beginning to open.
- The specific epithet, tenax, means tenacious and refers to the strength of the leaves.
- A selection of native iris and their cultivars can be viewed in the Cascadia Forest and the Cascadia Entry Garden.