Last Ditch

With temperatures in the Pacific Northwest warming ever so slightly, I thought I would share a few native plants to be scouting out at your local nursery this spring. Especially in urban settings, where large concrete surfaces concentrate large amounts of water in small spaces, these plants are tough, hardy, and made to grow here. Most of these suggestions include edible options (at least when prepared) and those that are beneficial to the Pacific Northwest ecosystem:

1. Salal (Gaultheria shallon): Edible berries and evergreen foliage.
2. Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.): Produces tasty berries and supports local wildlife.
3. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Edible berries and attractive evergreen leaves.
4. Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis): Delicious berries and provides habitat for birds.
5. Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana): Edible rose hips and a source of nectar for pollinators.
6. Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum): Edible berries and vibrant flowers.
7. Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum): Berries and evergreen foliage.
8. Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus): Edible berries and useful ground cover.

These native plants could not only contribute to a productive and edible sidewalk but also promote biodiversity and support the local ecosystem.