Encyclopedia of Northwest Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes
Gardening with native plants is growing across the country. The authors included 530 species found in the Pacific Northwest, from California to Alaska and inland to Idaho. Many of these species (or similar ones) are also found in other parts of North America, where they may be native or were introduced. The authors emphasize that they are only including plants native to the region though the climate has favored garden escapees and introduced species that became naturalized “wildflowers.” This is not a field guide but a set of notes for the gardener, landscape designer, or land manager who may be selecting plants for specific settings or habitats or to produce a particular artistic effect.   The entries are divided into five categories (ferns, conifers, annuals, perennials, and shrubs and trees) and include scientific and common names, hardiness zones, descriptions, cultivation and propagation tips, native range(s) in the Northwest, and, frequently, notes about the plant. Entries are accompanied by color photographs and, in some cases, drawings. With all its differences in elevation, moisture, temperature gradients, and aspects, the Pacific Northwest requires a complex climate-zone map, found in the introductory section along with remarks on the ecosystems. In addition to the individual descriptions, there are lists of suggested plants for drought tolerance, shade, meadows, rock gardens, hummingbirds, sandy areas, erosion control, and other specific situations and purposes.   This large, handsome, easy-to-use reference book is recommended for libraries in the region or serving patrons interested in native plant gardening. --Linda Scarth