Benefits of safe and native plants to the Pacific Northwest
Benefit of Non toxic landscaping
Non-toxic landscaping refers to the practice of using plants, materials, and techniques that minimize or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in landscaping and gardening. Here are some benefits of non-toxic landscaping:
Improved human health: Non-toxic landscaping can help improve human health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, which have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.
Better air and water quality: By avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, non-toxic landscaping can help reduce air and water pollution, which can have a positive impact on human and environmental health.
Increased biodiversity: Non-toxic landscaping can help support biodiversity by creating a healthy environment for a range of plant and animal species. This, in turn, can help promote the health and resilience of local ecosystems.
Lower maintenance costs: Non-toxic landscaping can often be lower maintenance than traditional landscaping methods that rely on toxic chemicals. This is because non-toxic methods promote healthy soil and plant growth, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Aesthetically pleasing: Non-toxic landscaping can be just as aesthetically pleasing as traditional landscaping methods. In fact, many non-toxic landscaping techniques, such as composting and mulching, can add to the visual appeal of a garden or landscape.
Non-toxic landscaping can have many benefits, including:
Healthier environment: Non-toxic landscaping practices can help reduce the amount of chemicals that are released into the air, soil, and water. This can improve the health of the environment, which can in turn improve the health of people, pets, and wildlife.
Reduced chemical exposure: By avoiding the use of toxic chemicals in landscaping, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. This can help protect your health and the health of your family and pets.
Improved water quality: Many toxic chemicals used in landscaping can end up in waterways, where they can harm aquatic plants and animals. By using non-toxic landscaping practices, you can help improve water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Lower maintenance costs: Non-toxic landscaping practices can often be less expensive than traditional landscaping practices, as they often require less maintenance and fewer inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.
Increased biodiversity: By creating a more natural and chemical-free environment, you can attract a wider variety of plant and animal species to your yard. This can help promote biodiversity and create a more vibrant and healthy ecosystem.
Overall, non-toxic landscaping can offer many benefits, both for your own health and the health of the environment.
Safe Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest
PNW native plants for pollinators
Poisonous Plants for Pets
Trees
- Western red cedar (Thuja plicata).
- Bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata).
- Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii).
- Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana).
- Ponderosa pine, Willamette Valley form (Pinus ponderosa).
Shrubs
- Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus).
- Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum).
- Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).
- Blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana).
- Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa).
- Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum).
- Hairy manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana).
- Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii).
- Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor).
- Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa).
- Tall Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium).
- Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana).
- Western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia).
- Wavy-leaved silk-tassel (Garrya elliptica).
Groundcovers
- Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi).
- Coastal strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis).
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).
- Woods strawberry (Fragaria vesca).
Herbs and ferns
- Douglas aster (Aster subspicatus).
- Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum).
- Camas (Camassia sp.).
- Western red columbine (Aquilegia formosa).
- Goldenrod (Solidago sp.).
- Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana).
- Oregon iris (Iris tenax).
- Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum).
- Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea).
- Cascade penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus).
- Broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium).
- Sword fern (Polystichum munitum).
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Annuals
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica).
- Farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena).
- Globe gilia (Gilia capitata).
The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is home to a wide variety of native plants that are ideal for attracting and supporting pollinators. Here are some examples:
Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.) – This evergreen shrub produces early spring blooms that provide nectar for hummingbirds and bees.
Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) – This deciduous shrub produces bright red flowers in early spring that are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) – This deciduous shrub produces small white flowers that attract bees and butterflies in late spring.
Western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) – This deciduous shrub produces fragrant white or pink flowers in late spring that attract bees and butterflies.
Oregon iris (Iris tenax) – This native iris produces showy purple or white blooms in late spring that are a favorite of bees and butterflies.
Broadleaf lupine (Lupinus latifolius) – This wildflower produces tall spikes of blue or purple blooms in early summer that attract bees and butterflies.
Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum) – This native aster produces clusters of purple or blue flowers in late summer and early fall that are a favorite of bees and butterflies.
Pacific coast penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) – This perennial produces spikes of tubular purple or pink flowers in late spring and early summer that are popular with hummingbirds and bees.
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – This bright orange wildflower blooms in late spring and summer and is a favorite of bees and butterflies.
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – This perennial produces clusters of lavender-pink flowers in mid-summer that are a favorite of bees and butterflies.
These are just a few examples of the many native plants that can attract and support pollinators in the Pacific Northwest region.
Autumn Crocus: Highly poisonous to dogs
Azalea: Highly poisonous to dogs
Chrysanthemum: Less toxic, but still a plant that is poisonous to dogs
Daffodil: Mild to moderately poisonous to dogs
English Ivy: Mild to moderately poisonous to dogs
Lily of the Valley: Moderate to severe toxicity for dogs
Oleander: An outdoor plant that is moderate to severely poisonous to dogs
Sago Palm: Highly poisonous to dogs
Tulip and Hyacinth: Mild to moderately poisonous to dogs
Yew: Highly poisonous to dogs