Exploring the Native Plant Treasures of Seattle: A Guide to Our Natural Heritage
Have you ever stopped to truly appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds you? Seattle is a city blessed with an abundance of native plants, each with its own unique story to tell. From towering trees to delicate wildflowers, our city’s flora is a vibrant tapestry of life.
In this article, we will delve into the heart of Seattle’s native plant wonders, exploring the iconic trees that define our skyline, the enchanting wildflowers that paint our landscapes, and the hidden ecological gems that play vital roles in our ecosystem. We will also discover how you can bring the beauty of native plants into your own garden and learn about the importance of preserving these precious resources for generations to come.
So, let’s embark on a journey of discovery and uncover the hidden wonders that lie just outside our doorsteps.
Key Insights: Uncover the Significance of Native Plants in Seattle’s Ecosystem
- Seattle is blessed with an abundance of native plants that define its unique ecosystem, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers.
- Iconic tree species like the Douglas fir and western red cedar are symbols of the Pacific Northwest and provide vital ecological functions.
- Native wildflowers, such as trillium and camassia, add vibrant hues and attract pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Native shrubs and grasses, like salal and sword fern, play crucial roles in providing food and habitat for wildlife while preventing erosion.
- By incorporating native plants into our gardens and supporting conservation efforts, we can actively contribute to preserving Seattle’s irreplaceable native flora.
1. Delve into the Heart of Seattle’s Native Flora
Seattle is a city blessed with a unique and diverse ecosystem, home to a wide variety of native plants that thrive in its temperate climate and abundant rainfall. From towering trees that define our skyline to delicate wildflowers that carpet our forests, Seattle’s native flora is a vibrant tapestry of life, providing essential food and habitat for wildlife, cleaning our air and water, and contributing to our overall well-being.
One of the most iconic symbols of Seattle’s native flora is the majestic Douglas fir, a towering evergreen that can reach heights of over 300 feet. These giants are an important part of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, providing habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. Their long, graceful needles and massive cones are a familiar sight in our forests and parks.
Another iconic Seattle native is the western red cedar, known for its fragrant wood and cultural significance. The Coast Salish people have used western red cedar for centuries to build canoes, totem poles, and other important cultural objects. Its wood is also prized by woodworkers for its beauty and durability.
In addition to these iconic trees, Seattle is home to a wide variety of other native plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. Our city’s forests are carpeted in spring with delicate trillium and vibrant camassia. Salal, an evergreen groundcover, provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. And sword ferns, with their graceful arching fronds, are a symbol of the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Exploring the native flora of Seattle is a journey of discovery, a chance to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity that surrounds us. Whether you’re hiking through our forests, strolling through our parks, or simply admiring the trees and flowers in your own backyard, take a moment to appreciate the wonders of Seattle’s native plants.
2. Unveiling the Beauty of Iconic Trees
Seattle is a city defined by its trees. From the towering firs that grace our skyline to the stately maples that line our streets, our trees are an integral part of our landscape and our lives. They provide us with shade, clean our air and water, and provide habitat for wildlife. They are also a source of beauty and inspiration, adding to the livability and character of our city.
One of the most iconic trees in Seattle is the Douglas fir, a majestic evergreen that can reach heights of over 300 feet. These giants are an important part of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, providing habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. Their long, graceful needles and massive cones are a familiar sight in our forests and parks.
Another iconic Seattle tree is the western red cedar, known for its fragrant wood and cultural significance. The Coast Salish people have used western red cedar for centuries to build canoes, totem poles, and other important cultural objects. Its wood is also prized by woodworkers for its beauty and durability.
In addition to these iconic trees, Seattle is home to a variety of other stately maples, such as the bigleaf maple and the vine maple. These trees are known for their large, showy leaves and their vibrant fall colors. They are a popular choice for landscaping and provide shade and beauty to our parks and gardens.
Seattle’s trees are a precious resource, and we are fortunate to have such a diverse and beautiful collection of trees in our city. Whether you’re admiring the towering firs in our forests, the stately maples in our parks, or the cherry blossoms in our neighborhoods, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these giants and all that they contribute to our city.
Douglas Fir: The Evergreen Sentinel
The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a majestic evergreen tree that is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is one of the most iconic trees in the region, and is known for its towering height and ecological significance.
Douglas firs are fast-growing trees, and can reach heights of over 300 feet. They have straight, slender trunks and dark green needles that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The cones of the Douglas fir are also distinctive, and are long and narrow with pointed bracts.
Douglas firs are an important part of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. They provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The trees also play a role in the water cycle, and help to prevent erosion.
In addition to their ecological importance, Douglas firs are also a valuable timber resource. The wood of the Douglas fir is strong and durable, and is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, and paper.
The Douglas fir is a truly remarkable tree, and is an important part of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Its towering height and ecological significance make it a symbol of the region, and a reminder of the importance of our forests.
Western Red Cedar: The Fragrant Giant
The western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is an iconic tree of the Pacific Northwest, known for its aromatic wood and cultural importance. It is a large evergreen tree, with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. The leaves of the western red cedar are arranged in flat sprays, and are a dark green color. The cones of the western red cedar are small and oval, and are a reddish-brown color.
The western red cedar is an important part of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The trees also play a role in the water cycle, and help to prevent erosion.
The wood of the western red cedar is strong and durable, and is resistant to decay. It is also lightweight and easy to work with, making it a valuable timber resource. The wood of the western red cedar is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, and musical instruments.
In addition to its economic importance, the western red cedar also has cultural significance for the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The wood of the western red cedar is used to make canoes, totem poles, and other important cultural objects. The trees are also considered to be sacred by many indigenous peoples.
The western red cedar is a truly remarkable tree, and is an important part of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Its aromatic wood and cultural importance make it a symbol of the region, and a reminder of the close relationship between the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and the natural world.
3. Uncover the Enchanting World of Wildflowers
Seattle is a city blessed with an abundance of native wildflowers, which add a splash of color and beauty to our landscape from early spring to late fall. These wildflowers can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and meadows to wetlands and roadsides.
One of the most popular native wildflowers in Seattle is the trillium, which blooms in early spring. Trilliums are delicate flowers with three white petals and a single pistil. They can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.
Another popular native wildflower is the camassia, which blooms in late spring. Camassias are blue flowers that grow in dense clusters. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, wetlands, and forests.
In addition to these popular wildflowers, Seattle is home to a variety of other native wildflowers, including lupines, poppies, daisies, and buttercups. These wildflowers add a splash of color to our city’s parks, gardens, and natural areas.
Seattle’s native wildflowers are not only beautiful, but they are also important for the local ecosystem. They provide food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Wildflowers also help to clean our air and water, and they can help to prevent erosion.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Seattle’s native wildflowers, there are a number of ways to do so. You can visit one of the city’s many parks or natural areas, or you can take a walk along one of the many trails that wind through the city’s green spaces. You can also find native wildflowers for sale at many local nurseries and garden centers.
Trillium: The Harbinger of Spring
The trillium is a beautiful wildflower that is one of the first signs of spring in Seattle. These delicate flowers, with their three white petals and single pistil, can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. Trilliums are a popular flower for gardens, and they can also be found in the wild in forests and meadows.
Trilliums are a member of the lily family, and they are native to North America. The name
Camassia: The Azure Delight
Camassia is a genus of flowering plants in the asparagus family. The genus is native to North America, and is found from British Columbia to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains. Camassias are known for their beautiful blue flowers, which bloom in the spring.
Camassias are bulbous plants, and they grow from a single bulb. The bulbs are typically egg-shaped or round, and they are about 1-2 inches in diameter. The leaves of camassia are long and narrow, and they grow in a basal rosette. The flowers of camassia are blue, and they are arranged in a raceme. The raceme is typically 6-12 inches long, and it can contain up to 50 flowers.
Camassias are a popular choice for gardens, and they are also found in the wild in meadows, forests, and wetlands. Camassias are easy to grow, and they are a good choice for beginners. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, and they will bloom in the spring. Camassias prefer full sun to partial shade, and they need well-drained soil.
Camassias are not only beautiful, but they are also important for the ecosystem. The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the seeds are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Camassias also help to clean the air and water, and they can help to prevent erosion.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of camassia, there are a number of ways to do so. You can visit one of the city’s many parks or natural areas, where you can find camassia blooming in the spring. You can also take a walk along one of the city’s many trails, where you may be able to spot camassia blooming in the forest understory. You can also find camassia for sale at many local nurseries and garden centers.
4. Discover the Ecological Gems: Shrubs and Grasses
Seattle is home to a diverse array of native shrubs and grasses, which play a vital role in the city’s ecosystem. These plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, help to clean the air and water, and can help to prevent erosion.
One of the most common native shrubs in Seattle is salal. Salal is a low-growing shrub with evergreen leaves and white flowers. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Salal provides food and cover for a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds. The berries of the salal plant are also a popular food for humans.
Another common native shrub in Seattle is the sword fern. Sword ferns are large ferns with long, narrow fronds. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Sword ferns provide cover for wildlife and help to clean the air and water.
In addition to shrubs, Seattle is also home to a variety of native grasses. One of the most common native grasses in Seattle is blue wildrye. Blue wildrye is a tall grass with blue-green leaves. It is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and forests. Blue wildrye provides food and cover for a variety of wildlife, including birds, rodents, and insects.
Another common native grass in Seattle is tufted hairgrass. Tufted hairgrass is a short grass with tufted leaves. It is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and forests. Tufted hairgrass provides food and cover for a variety of wildlife, including birds, rodents, and insects.
Seattle’s native shrubs and grasses are an important part of the city’s ecosystem. These plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, help to clean the air and water, and can help to prevent erosion. By learning more about these plants, we can help to protect them and ensure that they continue to play a vital role in Seattle’s ecosystem.
Salal: The Evergreen Groundcover
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is a versatile evergreen shrub that is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Salal is a popular choice for landscaping, and it is also used for a variety of other purposes, including food and medicine.
Salal is a low-growing shrub, typically reaching a height of 1-3 feet. It has leathery, evergreen leaves that are dark green on the upper side and paler green on the underside. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stems.
Salal flowers in the spring, producing small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flowers are followed by small, dark blue berries. The berries are a popular food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects.
Salal is a valuable food source for humans as well. The berries can be eaten fresh or dried, and they can also be used to make jams, jellies, and other preserves. The leaves of salal can also be used to make tea.
In addition to its culinary uses, salal has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The leaves and berries of salal contain a variety of compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Salal has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, diarrhea, and sore throats.
Salal is a versatile and valuable plant that is an important part of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for wildlife, and it can also be used for food and medicine. By learning more about salal, we can help to protect this important plant and ensure that it continues to play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Sword Fern: The Graceful Giant
The sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is an iconic fern that is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is a large fern, with fronds that can reach up to 6 feet in length. The fronds are arranged in a vase-shaped clump, and they are a deep green color. The sword fern is a popular choice for landscaping, and it is also used for a variety of other purposes, including food and medicine.
The sword fern is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family, which is the largest family of ferns in the world. The sword fern is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It is most common in moist, shady areas.
The sword fern is a relatively easy fern to grow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, and it can tolerate partial shade to full shade. The sword fern is also relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for areas that receive less rainfall.
The sword fern is a valuable plant for a variety of reasons. It provides food and cover for wildlife, and it can also help to clean the air and water. The sword fern is also a beautiful plant, and it can add a touch of elegance to any landscape.
By learning more about the sword fern, we can help to protect this important plant and ensure that it continues to play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest ecosystem.
5. Embrace the Harmony: Native Plants in Your Garden
Native plants are plants that are indigenous to a particular region. They have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, and they provide a number of benefits to the ecosystem. Native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, help to clean the air and water, and can help to prevent erosion.
When you incorporate native plants into your garden, you are not only creating a beautiful space, but you are also helping to support the local ecosystem. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. They are also less likely to be bothered by pests and diseases.
There are many different ways to incorporate native plants into your garden. You can plant them in a dedicated native plant garden, or you can mix them in with your other plants. Native plants can be used to create a variety of different garden styles, from formal to informal.
If you’re not sure which native plants to choose for your garden, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can contact your local nursery or extension office, or you can visit the website of the National Audubon Society.
Once you’ve chosen the native plants for your garden, it’s important to plant them properly. Native plants should be planted in well-drained soil, and they should be spaced according to their mature size. Water your native plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
With a little care and attention, your native plant garden will thrive and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.
Benefits of Native Plants
Native plants are plants that are indigenous to a particular region. They have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, and they provide a number of benefits to the ecosystem. Here are some of the ecological advantages of choosing native plants for your garden:
- Native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife. Many native plants produce flowers that are a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Native plants also provide seeds and berries that are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Native plants help to clean the air and water. Native plants can help to remove pollutants from the air and water. They can also help to reduce erosion and flooding.
- Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants are more likely to survive and thrive in your garden than non-native plants. They are also less likely to be bothered by pests and diseases.
- Native plants can help you save money. Native plants require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. They are also less likely to need pesticides and herbicides.
By choosing native plants for your garden, you can help to create a more sustainable and beautiful landscape. Native plants provide a number of ecological benefits, and they can help you save money and time.
Here are some additional tips for choosing and caring for native plants in your garden:
- Choose plants that are native to your region. You can find a list of native plants for your area by contacting your local nursery or extension office.
- Plant your native plants in well-drained soil.
- Water your native plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Mulch around your native plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
With a little care and attention, your native plant garden will thrive and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.
Native Plant Nurseries in Seattle
If you’re looking to add some native plants to your garden, there are a number of great nurseries in Seattle where you can find a wide variety of plants to choose from. Here are a few of the best places to find native plants in Seattle:
- Seattle Tilth: Seattle Tilth is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable gardening and food systems. They have a large selection of native plants for sale at their garden center in the Ballard neighborhood.
- Swanson’s Nursery: Swanson’s Nursery is a family-owned nursery that has been serving the Seattle area for over 100 years. They have a wide variety of native plants for sale, as well as a knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right plants for your garden.
- Molbak’s Garden & Home: Molbak’s Garden & Home is a large nursery that has several locations in the Seattle area. They have a good selection of native plants, as well as a wide variety of other plants, garden supplies, and home décor.
- Home Depot: Home Depot is a big box store that has a surprisingly good selection of native plants. They also have a garden center where you can get advice from a knowledgeable staff.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s is another big box store that has a good selection of native plants. They also have a garden center where you can get advice from a knowledgeable staff.
When you’re choosing native plants for your garden, it’s important to choose plants that are native to your region. You can find a list of native plants for your area by contacting your local nursery or extension office.
Once you’ve chosen the native plants for your garden, it’s important to plant them properly. Native plants should be planted in well-drained soil, and they should be spaced according to their mature size. Water your native plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
With a little care and attention, your native plant garden will thrive and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.
6. Conservation and Preservation: Our Role in Protecting Native Flora
Seattle’s native plants are a valuable part of our city’s ecosystem. They provide food and habitat for wildlife, clean our air and water, and help to prevent erosion. However, many of Seattle’s native plants are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
We all have a role to play in protecting Seattle’s native plants. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Plant native plants in your garden. Native plants are more likely to survive and thrive in your garden than non-native plants. They are also more likely to attract wildlife.
- Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can harm native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
- Volunteer with a local conservation organization. There are a number of conservation organizations in Seattle that work to protect native plants and their habitats. You can volunteer your time to help with planting, weeding, and other conservation activities.
- Educate yourself and others about the importance of native plants. The more people who understand the importance of native plants, the more likely we are to protect them. You can talk to your friends and family about native plants, and you can also support organizations that are working to protect them.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to protect Seattle’s native plants and ensure that they continue to play a vital role in our city’s ecosystem.
Here are some additional tips for protecting native plants in your garden:
- Choose plants that are native to your region. You can find a list of native plants for your area by contacting your local nursery or extension office.
- Plant your native plants in well-drained soil.
- Water your native plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Mulch around your native plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden.
With a little care and attention, your native plant garden will thrive and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.
Threats to Native Plants
Native plants are facing a number of challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to native plants. As our cities and towns grow, we are encroaching on the natural habitats of native plants. This can lead to the loss of populations of native plants and the fragmentation of their habitats.
Pollution is another major threat to native plants. Air pollution and water pollution can both damage native plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Climate change is also a major threat to native plants. As the climate changes, the ranges of native plants are shifting. Some native plants are able to adapt to the changing climate, but others are not.
Invasive species are another major threat to native plants. Invasive species are non-native plants that have been introduced to an area and have become a threat to native plants. Invasive species can outcompete native plants for resources, such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
These are just some of the challenges facing native plants. It is important to be aware of these challenges and to take steps to protect native plants. We can all play a role in protecting native plants by planting them in our gardens, reducing our use of pesticides and herbicides, volunteering with conservation organizations, and educating ourselves and others about the importance of native plants.
Here are some additional things you can do to help protect native plants from these threats:
- Choose native plants for your garden. Native plants are more likely to survive and thrive in your garden than non-native plants. They are also more likely to attract wildlife.
- Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can harm native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
- Volunteer with a local conservation organization. There are a number of conservation organizations in Seattle that work to protect native plants and their habitats. You can volunteer your time to help with planting, weeding, and other conservation activities.
- Educate yourself and others about the importance of native plants. The more people who understand the importance of native plants, the more likely we are to protect them. You can talk to your friends and family about native plants, and you can also support organizations that are working to protect them.
Conservation Organizations in Seattle
There are a number of conservation organizations in Seattle that are dedicated to protecting and restoring the city’s native flora. These organizations work to protect native plants and their habitats through a variety of means, including habitat restoration, education, and advocacy.
Here are a few of the most active conservation organizations in Seattle:
- Seattle Tilth: Seattle Tilth is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable gardening and food systems. They have a number of programs that focus on protecting native plants, including a native plant nursery and a program that helps people to plant native plants in their gardens.
- The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization that works to protect the lands and waters that are essential for life. They have a number of projects in Seattle that focus on protecting native plants and their habitats.
- Washington Native Plant Society: The Washington Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization that works to promote the conservation and appreciation of native plants. They offer a variety of programs and activities, including field trips, workshops, and plant sales.
- Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth is a non-profit organization that works to protect the environment and promote social justice. They have a number of programs that focus on protecting native plants and their habitats, including a campaign to reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides.
These are just a few of the many conservation organizations that are working to protect Seattle’s native flora. By supporting these organizations, you can help to ensure that Seattle’s native plants continue to thrive for generations to come.
Here are some additional ways that you can support conservation organizations in Seattle:
- Volunteer your time. Many conservation organizations rely on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as planting, weeding, and monitoring native plants.
- Donate money. Financial donations are essential for conservation organizations to continue their work.
- Spread the word. Help to raise awareness about the importance of native plants and the work of conservation organizations. You can talk to your friends and family about native plants, and you can also share information about conservation organizations on social media.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to make a difference for Seattle’s native plants.
What are some of the benefits of incorporating native plants into my garden?
There are many benefits to incorporating native plants into your garden, including:
- Native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife. Many native plants produce flowers that are a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Native plants also provide seeds and berries that are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Native plants help to clean the air and water. Native plants can help to remove pollutants from the air and water. They can also help to reduce erosion and flooding.
- Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants are more likely to survive and thrive in your garden than non-native plants. They are also less likely to be bothered by pests and diseases.
- Native plants can help you save money. Native plants require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. They are also less likely to need pesticides and herbicides.
How can I find out which native plants are right for my garden?
There are a few ways to find out which native plants are right for your garden:
- Contact your local nursery or extension office. They can help you choose native plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions.
- Visit a native plant garden. This is a great way to see what native plants look like and how they grow.
- Do some research online. There are a number of websites that can help you identify native plants and learn about their growing requirements.
How can I help to protect Seattle’s native plants?
There are a number of things you can do to help protect Seattle’s native plants, including:
- Plant native plants in your garden. This is one of the best ways to help native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
- Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can harm native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
- Volunteer with a local conservation organization. There are a number of conservation organizations in Seattle that work to protect native plants and their habitats. You can volunteer your time to help with planting, weeding, and other conservation activities.
- Educate yourself and others about the importance of native plants. The more people who understand the importance of native plants, the more likely we are to protect them.
Table of Key Insights: Unraveling the Significance of Native Plants in Seattle’s Ecosystem
| Key Insight | Description | |—|—| | Seattle’s Native Plant Treasures | The city is home to a diverse array of native plants, including iconic trees, vibrant wildflowers, and essential shrubs and grasses, which define its unique ecosystem. | | Ecological Significance of Native Trees | Towering giants like the Douglas fir and western red cedar provide habitat, clean air and water, and symbolize the region’s natural heritage. | | Wildflowers’ Contribution to Ecosystem Health | Delicate wildflowers, such as trillium and camassia, beautify the landscape, attract pollinators, and support the intricate web of life. | | Vital Roles of Native Shrubs and Grasses | Salal, sword fern, and other native vegetation provide food and shelter for wildlife, prevent erosion, and maintain ecological balance. | | Preserving Native Flora for the Future | By incorporating native plants into our gardens and supporting conservation efforts, we can actively contribute to the preservation of Seattle’s irreplaceable native plant heritage. |