Pacific Northwest Native Streamside Plant Identification

Red Alder

• The Red alder is an unusual tree because it tends to spring up and thrive in creekside soils that have been disturbed in one way or another. It falls into a generic grouping of trees known as "weed trees," partly because of their reputation for springing up like weeds in a plowed field and partly because of their thin spindly branches that are filled with medium-size broad leaves. Because of their penchant to spread, they are found widely along streams that commonly flood, disturbing the banks and providing nestling spots for seeds.

Pacific Yew

• The Pacific yew is found in abundance along the Western seaboard. In drier interior forest climes, the Pacific yew prefers moist areas near streams and springs, but it likes well-drained soil. It usually reaches a height of only 10 feet, unlike other yews that grow as high as 50 feet. Yew needles are shorter than pine needles---usually less than an inch long---and are flat and darker green on top with grey-green undersides. The bark of Pacific yew contains taxol, which is being studied extensively for its anti-cancerous properties.

Thimbleberry

• The thimbleberry bush is a member of the rose family. It thrives on stream banks that are often disturbed. It features a delicate white five-petaled flower. It is related to the raspberry and more distantly related to another native moisture-loving plant, the salmonberry. In addition to streams, the dense shrub likes the shady edges of clearings. It's fruit closely resembles raspberries both in looks and taste. The leaves are soft, small to medium in size and resemble a small oak leaf in shape.

Devil's Club

• Devil's club is known for its painful spiny leaves and stems. It is related to ginseng, and its root---like ginseng---is the part of the plant most often associated with its medicinal qualities. It is an upright plant whose thin branches bear alternating flat palmate leaves. It is commonly found near springs and streams and in drainage, seepage and wet bottom areas. It prefers soils that are sandy, loamy or silty in texture.

Wild Cascade Huckleberries

• Huckleberries grow wild in the Pacific Northwest and prefer deep, acidic, moist soils near streams, lakes and rivers. The several varieties of huckleberries range in color from red to deep purple and are about the size and shape of blueberries. The fruit grows in clusters and the darkest berries are the sweetest. The leaves are a dull green, growing from a reddish-brown stem. Huckleberries prefer moist alpine meadows as well as streamside habitat. The berries mature in late summer and early fall and are popular food for bears and raccoons.