DESCRIPTIONS OF COMMON TREES AND SHRUBS back to top CASCARA (Rhamnus purshiana) Description: Cascara typically grows as an upright tree, occasionally reaching 30 feet tall.  It forms clusters of dark blue-black berries. The unusual leaves provide beautiful fall color. Habitat: Cascara is adapted to grow in a wide range of conditions throughout its range at low to mid-elevations. It can be found growing in soils that range from wet to dry and sites that vary from shady to exposed. Most typically however, Cascara is found growing in moist soils, with some shade present.  Historical demand for Cascara bark as a medicinal laxative has resulted in a considerable reduction in the native Cascara population. It was once commonly found growing as a riparian species  and is considered an outstanding species for riparian restoration. Its berries are a favorite food of several species of birds and leaves/stems provide browse for deer and elk.                                              RUSSET BUFFALO BERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) Description: Spreading, deciduous shrub with a growth habit of 4 to 6 feet. Dark green leaves on top and rust colored below. The oval berries are red and translucent; juicy but bitter and soapy to touch.  Habitat: Widespread and common at low to subalpine elevations in dry to moist open forests, openings and clearings. This is a good restoration and wildlife species. Russet Buffalo Berry has bacterial nodules in its roots that capture nitrogen from the air, eventually releasing this nutrient to the soil.                     BLUE ELDERBERRY (Sambucus cerulea) Description: A small deciduous shrub or small tree, 1'-50' tall, it is fast-growing and spreading but can be controlled by pruning. Blooms with white or creamy flowers in flat-topped clusters in April throughout August, leading clusters of blue or red berries from August throughout October. The berries are edible by humans as well as providing food for birds, deer, and elk. Conservation uses include habitat and streambank restoration. Habitat: Elderberries are widespread, found in a variety of well-drained soils, and can do well in full sun to partial shade. Take cuttings from June to July, clean seeds in fall. Plant cuttings 4 or more feet apart.                                                                                                  DOUGLAS SPIREA (Spiraea douglasii) Description: Douglas Spirea is a deciuous shrub with an upright growth habit. It can grow from 3 to 8 feet tall, with an approximately equal spread. Spikes of pink flower clusters bloom in the summer and the brown seed heads remain through winter.  Habitat: Douglas Spirea will grow in a wide range of sites and conditions. It grows in sun or shade, in damp, marshy sites, or open upland areas. This is an excellent restoration species and is adapted to a wide range of sites. Douglas Spirea can spread by underground runners, creating large thickets for wildlife habitat and good soil stabilization.                                                          photo by: Chuck Koenig SERVICEBERRY  (Amelanchier canadensis) Description: Serviceberry grows as a small deciduous tree or upright shrub from 6 to 15 feet tall.  White flower clusters produce edible dark blue berries which ripen in late summer. Habitat: Serviceberry grows in a wide range of conditions. The sites vary from full sun to shade with good drainage.  The berries provide important forage for a variety of wildlife including birds, rodents and bears.      BLACK HAWTHORN (Crataegus douglasii) Description: Black Hawthorn grows as a deciduous upright tree or spreading shrub. It can reach 12 - 15 feet tall, and equally wide. Plants can grow together creating dense thickets, that are quite impenetrable due to the long thorns. The clusters of white flowers are lovely and fragrant, turning to edible, dark purple berries. Habitat: Black Hawthorn can be found growing in moist, open places, forest edges, thickets, riparian areas, and upland sites. It is an excellent soil and streambank stabilizer.  Black Hawthorn is an important wildlife species as the berries provide food and thickets provide nesting and brooding cover.                   CHOKECHERRY (Prunus virginiana) Description: This is a very hardy, large shrub or small tree which grows fast to a mature height of 10-25 feet. A broadleaf, deciduous plant, it bears white flowers clustered in hanging spikes. Later, it produces dark purple fruits, suitable for pies, jams and jellies, and wine. The fruits are also eaten by wildlife such as chipmunks and many songbirds in the fall. Habitat: Chokecherries are extremely hardy, suited for drier conditions, riparian areas, and draws. Because of its dense form, this species is a good choice for outer rows of multi-row windbreaks. Livestock Warning: Chokecherry leaves contain cyanide-producing materials. They are more toxic under abnormal conditions, such as when they have been wilted, frozen, stunted, or affected by drought. Death can occur within minutes to hours after a horse has eaten the leaves. The animal appears to have trouble breathing and will have flared nostrils. The tail may be lifted and the horse may loose control of elimination. They may be uncoordinated an trembling, with muscular contractions and signs of agitation. The animal eventually falls to the ground and kicks its legs for a few minutes before it dies. If treatment is undertaken rapidly, some animals may be saved; however death comes so rapidly that most poisoned horses die.                                                          back to top   COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE    (Picea pungens) Description: The Colorado Blue Spruce tree, Picea Pungens, is a pyramidal shaped evergreen with steel blue foliage. It prefers heavier soils, full sun, and clean cultivation. Colorado Blue Spruce trees will reach a height of six feet in eight years on a good site, starting with a 2 year old seedling. The Blue Spruce is probably the most drought tolerant of all spruce trees. This evergreen conifer is widely used in windbreaks or as an ornamental yard tree. Not all plants will be blue. Each bundle will contain a mixture of blue, blue-green and green seedlings. A handsome ornamental specimen for use as a dense, colorful screen or windbreak. Space 6 ft. apart when used as a screen or windbreak. Habitat: The Colorado Blue Spruce tree is one of our most popular ornamental conifers. It has many attributes that make it suitable for yards: magnificent color, conical shape when young, adaptability to soil conditions, and a root system that makes it more wind firm than any other western Spruce. It is an excellent border tree that provides year 'round screening as well as a protective summertime nesting opportunity for many songbirds. The Colorado Blue Spruce provides food and shelter for siskins, nuthatches, and crossbills. Browsers such as deer will often eat the foliage.                                           OCEANSPRAY (Holodiscus discolor) Description: Oceanspray is a tall, many stemmed shrub that can reach 13 feet in height.  It has long arching branches that have beautiful flower cluster on the end of them in the the summer.  The flowers for dense clusters of creamy white that can be up to 12 inches in length.  These clusters turn brown and stay on the branch through the winter.  Oceanspray grows in both sun or shade and can handle many types of soils.  It is very drought tolerant and can even handle salt spray from the ocean (hence, the name). Habitat:  Oceanspray can, and should be used almost everywhere.  It handles both sun and shade, almost all types of soils either moist or dry.  It handles drought well and above all, it is a beauty to look at.  It has good erosion preventing qualities, so it can be used on disturbed sites that may have erosion problems. Every yard should have an Oceanspray or two in it.  Its arching form and large clusters of creamy white flowers make it a showpiece. It grows in most types of soil and needs very little water to do quite well.  It also grows in sun or shade, with shade producing a longer branch structure.  Birds will be drawn to the plant in winter since the large seed clusters stay on the plant all winter.          back to top GOLDEN CURRANT    (Ribes aureum) Description: Golden Currant is what is known as a dual use species.  That means that it is both a valuable ornamental species and a good conservation plant as well.  Its qualities as an ornamental are all too obvious in April when it is in bloom.  Established plants are covered with bright yellow flowers.  Some flowers will have a slight reddish or purplish tinge.  It also has attractive yellowish-green foliage that turns bright yellow in the fall.  Golden Currant also has many attributes as a conservation species.  The plant produces small berries that attract many species of birds and small mammals.  The berries are also considered to be edible for people, but as with many members of this genus, the berries may prove to be quite tart.  Golden Currant is also a good soil stabilizer for both up slope sites and damp bottom land areas. Habitat: Golden Currant can be found growing in a variety of sites.  It occurs from damp brushy sites to exposed rocky hill sides.  It generally grows best with good sun light.                      Flowering Golden Currant   back to top MACKENZIE WILLOW      (Salix rigida mackenzieana) Description:  Mackenzie Willow grows into a medium sized multi-stem shrub.  It can grow to over 12’ tall and 15’ wide.  Mackenzie Willow is useful in streambank stabilization, riparian and wildlife habitat improvement, shelterbelts, and other uses requiring a moisture tolerant species.. Habitat:  Mackenzie Willow was originally collected along the Tucannon River near Starbuck , Washington , at approximately 800 feet elevation.  It was evaluated and selected at the NRCS Plant Materials Center in Pullman , WA .  It has proven well suited throughout Eastern Washington , and prefers moist soils that are coarse to medium in texture.                      Mackenzie Willow Branch Photo By: Judziewicz, Emmet J. Robert W. Freckman Herbarium - University of Wisconsin. http://wisplants.uwsp.edu   MOCK ORANGE (Philadelphus lewisii) Description: This shrub, also called the Western Syringa, is the Idaho state flower. It is about 6'-9' in height and is a deciduous plant. In early summer, it is covered with showy, white, delicate flowers that emit a citrus scent. It has wildlife benefits; chipmunks and birds eat the seeds. Habitat: It is found in a variety of settings from low to middle elevations. It's very tolerant of drought conditions, often growing on rocky hillsides and in cracks in basalt fields. Mockorange could be used in outer rows of multirow windbreaks. back to top   PACIFIC NINEBARK  (Physocarpus capitatus) Description: Pacific Ninebark has long been used as a restoration species. It’s dense, matting root system make it useful in stream-side stabilization.  It provides forage and habitat for many species of birds and animals.  It also has ornamental value.  Its long, arching branches are covered with clusters of small, white flowers in late spring.  The peeling layers of cinnamon bark provide attractive winter interest. Habitat: Pacific Ninebark prefers moist soils.  It is often found growing along streams, lakes, bogs, and other moist sites.     NOOTKA ROSE (Rosa nutkana) Description: Probably the most common bush rose, the Nootka Rose grows to 10' high and has showy large pink flowers up to 2". Habitat: Prefers rich soils with plenty of light and water. Conservation uses include food and cover for birds and stream enhancement projects.     SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos albus)  Description: Snowberry is readily identified by its white berries that develop in late summer and persist through winter. It is an outstanding conservation species and is adaptable to a wide range of sites, its rhizomatous root system make it a good soil stabilizer, provides wildlife habitat, and is a common riparian species.  It is important to note that the berries are considered to be poisonous.  Habitat: Snowberry is adaptable to a wide range of conditions.  It grows in sun or shade, in damp, marshy sites, or rocky open upland areas.  It is found growing at sea level to mid elevation forests.        PISOCARPA ROSE (Rosa pisocarpa) Description: Pea Fruit Rose usually has several smallish light pink flowers per stem.  The fruit is smallish or ‘pea-sized’ (hence its common name). The fruits provide an important food source for many species of birds and mammals.  It is a good species for riparian restoration, erosion control, shelterbelts, and wildlife habitat improvement. Habitat: Pea Fruit Rose is most commonly found growing in riparian and other moist areas.  It is also found occasionally growing in drier upland sites.  It grows well in both open sites, and in thickets.     PONDEROSA PINE (Pinus ponderosa) Description: Very large tree in both height and diameter. Also known as bull pine or black jack pine. Needles in bunches of 2 or 3. Longest needled pine in Washington; they can be 5-8' long. Cones are prickly, yellow-brown in color. Habitat: Grows best in direct sunlight, on moist well-drained soils. It is extremely drought-resistant.   QUAKING ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) Description: Important characteristics include simple and alternate leaves that quiver in the slightest breeze, making the tree appear to be moving, and bark that is pale greenish-white. Habitat: Grows best on moist sites; sandy loam or mineral soil; used by deer, moose, porcupine, grouse, rabbit, and beaver. It grows well on exposed sites, often found in dense stands on areas logged or burned off. It is intolerant of shade. We find it scattered over the entire state but it is more common in the northeastern portion.   Aspen Grove   Photo By: Henderson, James.  Gulf South Research Corp.  www.forestryimages.org       DRUMMOND WILLOW (Salix drummondiana) Description: ‘Curlew’ Drummond Willow grows as a medium sized spreading shrub.  It can grow 6’ to 15’ tall, spreading over 15 feet wide.  Its leaves are elliptical with a pointed tip. They are light green on top with a silvery pubescence coating the lower surface.  The younger stems are strikingly yellow, making them noticeable in winter.  Drummond Willow is well suited for streamside and wetland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, erosion control, and shelterbelts. Habitat: Drummond Willow is suited to lower and mid-elevation areas of Eastern Washington , Oregon , and Northern Idaho .  It is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and drainage’s, providing sufficient moisture is present.                                                         ENGLEMANN SPRUCE (Picea englemannii) Description: This spruce is a fairly large tree, 90-120' tall, 11/2-3' in diameter, forming a narrow pyramidal head. The needles, scattered singly, stand out from all sides of the twigs, and are 4-sided, 1-11/8" long, blue-green, with pointed tips, and marked on all sides by white rows of stomata. They give off a rank odor when crushed. Buds are conic, light brown, about 1/8" long, with slightly reflexed scales. The twigs are slender, yellowish-brown, partly hairy for a few years. Bark is reddish-brown, thin, and broken into large loose scales. It has a pendent cone, oblong-cylindric, 11/2-21/2" long, light chestnut brown and shiny at maturity; cone scales are ragged at the tips and papery. The wood is pale reddish-brown, light, and soft. It has not been used extensively as a lumber species, but is suitable for lumber or pulpwood. Habitat: Engelmann Spruce is a slow-growing, shallow-rooted species found mostly in damp to wet bottoms in mountainous areas. At timberline, it is usually a prostrate shrub intermixed with whitebark pine and occasionally subalpine larch. It grows best on deep, rich, moist soils, from 1000-7000' elevation; at high altitudes the tree grows from 2-4' high. It can tolerate temperature extremes from -50-90 degrees Farenheit, even adapting to frost in any month.  Mature Englemann Spruce Photo By: USDA Forest Service-Rocky Mt. Region Archives.  www.forestryimages.org Growing sites include some of the driest, but moist rich soil is best. It is tolerant of shade, but prefers full sunlight. This species is found in all forested areas of the state, but does best in a humid climate with long cold winters and short cool summers.          Englemann Spruce Plantation    Photo By: Powell, Dave. USDA Forest Service. www.forestryimages.org        RED OSIER DOGWOOD (Cornus sericea) Description: A multi-stemmed shrub that grows to 15'. Produces white flowers that are borne in clusters; the fruit is a small white berry. In the fall the stems turn a bright red, which makes it colorful all year. Good for holding soil on steep banks and providing shade for fish. Its leaves and twigs are important winter browse for deer and elk; buds and fruit, as food for birds. Habitat: Wide distribution in wet areas with moist soil. Grows well in flood plain areas and is good for holding soil on stream banks and for shade for fish. Mid to high elevations. Cuttings 2-3" branch tips, less than ¾" in diameter, taken late in summer. Propagation by seeds requires coed stratification after removal of pulp; cold storage from 30-60 days at 35-41 degrees; sow in ordinary loam to start. Plant 2" apart for cuttings; 4' apart for plants. back to top   ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAPLE  (Acer glabrum) Description:  Habitat: This shrubby tree is rarely planted in cultivated landscapes, maybe because it is not very common in nurseries. Plant in moist protected areas or in the shade of other trees, especially in warm valley sites. Should be fairly tolerant of high soil pH. Zones 4(3?)-7     RUGOSA ROSE (Rosa rugosa) Description: This is an extremely vigorous and hardy spreading rose, with deep pink to white flowers followed by red rose hips that last well into fall. Rugosas are the toughest and most long-lived of all roses. They grow into a large shrub. They are excellent for border or hedge plantings. Rugosa roses remain unusually free of diseases and insects. Habitat: Grows well anywhere. Vigorous growers reach 4-8 feet tall. Extremely hardy with 3-4 inch flowers. Conservation uses include wildlife habitat, streambank revegetation, and stability.     PACIFIC WILLOW (Salix lasiandra - Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra) Description:  Nehalem’ Pacific Willow is a vigorous-growing large shrub or small tree.  It can grow up to 30 feet tall.  Its leaves are long and narrow with a pointed tip.  They are a glossy medium green with a whitish bloom on the underside.  Pacific Willow is an excellent species for streambank and riparian area restoration.  Its size and stature can provide shade along streams, reducing in-stream water temperatures.  It has shown to be tolerant of seasonal flooding, which make it suitable for planting in reservoir drawdown zones. ‘Nehalem’ Pacific Willow is a male clone.  It will produce male catkins, but not seed. Habitat:  Nehalem’ Pacific Willow is adapted to grow in lower to mid-elevations of western Washington , Oregon , and northwestern California .  It is tolerant of a wide range of soil and drainage classes.  It thrives in moist, well-drained areas.        photo by: David Cavnagvaro   WATER BIRCH   (Betula occidentalis) Description: Due to its smaller stature, Water Birch is not an economically important tree species (unlike Paper Birch).  The value of its wood is limited to use for fuel wood and in some cases fence posts.  It is very valuable though as a riparian species.  Its roots are effective in streamside soil stabilization, providing shade and as shelter and food for many species of birds and mammals. Habitat: Like other Birch species, Water Birch prefers moist sites.  It is most commonly found along streams or other bodies of water, or in damp meadows.  It tolerates some shade, but prefers moderate to full exposure.       Water Birch Stem, Leaves and Catkins     WESTERN REDCEDAR (Thuja plicata)    Description: This is an important lumber species in Washington; practically all of the wooden shingles and shakes made in the United States are made of western redcedar. It is also used extensively for poles, fence posts, boat building, interior finish, and lumber. Wood of this tree resists decay very well. It is also a highly prized ornamental. Its leaves are scale-like, ovate and long pointed, about ¼" long, closely appressed leaves overlap in pairs at right angles, dark yellow-green, and usually without conspicuous glands. Its buds are minute and scaly. The twigs are slender, much flattened, and droopy. The bark is reddish-brown, divided into broad rounded ridged, and broken on the surface by long, narrow, stringy, scales. Its fruit is an erect cone, about ½" long, oblong, and dark brown. The wood is reddish-brown heartwood, nearly white sapwood, soft, light, and brittle, which has a distinctive odor. It is durable when in contact with the ground. The western redcedar is a very large tree, 150'-200' tall, 3'-5' in diameter, and forms a narrow, open conical head with long, pendulous branches. It is usually somewhat smaller east of the Cascades. This species also makes a nice hedge if planted close together and sheared yearly. Habitat: This cedar prefers to grow on moist flats and slopes, and along stream banks and bogs. It grows on wet, low bottomlands, and occasionally on dry slopes, at elevations form sea level to 4000'. It is a fast grower, though it does need plenty of water. It is scattered over most of the state except for the central and southeastern parts. It will continue to grow even if heavily shaded. It is recommended for reforestation and riparian enhancement.   back to top   WESTERN LARCH (Larix occidentalis) Description: Very large tree, 140-180 feet tall. 3-4 feet in diameter, forming a narrow, pyramidal head. Butts are often much enlarged. Needles grow in clusters on raised cushions, and are shed annually at the first autumn frost, the only Washington conifers to do so. New spring needles are soft and light green. It is the most fire-resistant tree in the Pacific Northwest. Habitat: Grows well in moist bottom lands and also on dry, gravelly soils. Trees grow faster in full sunlight. Promotes excellent habitat for deer, elk, and bear. Found on the eastern slope of the Cascade Range, the mountains of Eastern Washington, and the Blue Mountains.           Larch fall foliage            Larch Summer Foliage WHITE PINE (Pinus monticola)  Description: This rapid-growing evergreen has blue-green foliage, with needles in clusters of 5 that are 2-4" long. Its cones are long and pendant-shaped. The wood is soft and valuable for timber. Make sure species is blister-rust resistant. Habitat: This tree grows well in Northeastern Washington. It is recommended as a reforestation tree. White Pine grows best on rich, porous soils in moist valleys and on middle and upper slopes of northerly exposure. It is found in a variety of sites, from dry to wet, sea level to elevations to 5000'. back to top   WOODS ROSE  (Rosa woodsii) Description: Woods Rose has long been used as a restoration species.  Its matting root system makes it useful in stream-side stabilization.  It provides forage and habitat for many species of birds and animals. The leaves are browsed upon by large animals, porcupines, and beavers.  The dried fruits are an important food source for many birds and mammals in winter.   Habitat: Woods Rose is found in a wide variety of sites throughout its range.  It grows in open, sunny sites, or as an understory species in moderate shade.  It is used along streams, lakes and bogs, as well as upland and rocky sites.  It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and sites that are open and exposed.   Photo By: Powell, Dave. USDA Forest Service. www.forestryimages.org   Home Page || About POCD || Grant Programs Cost Share Programs || Education Programs Community Services || Special Links || Contact Us Copyright © 2001 The Pend Oreille Conservation District, All Rights Reserved.