Our Favorite Native Water Plants

The broad array of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants we can grow in the Willamette Valley, and locally here in Corvallis, Oregon, includes a number of native plants.

These plants are suited for tough streamside conditions, or wetland sites, but they can also be used in man-made ponds and bogs.

It is quite possible to develop an attractive water feature for the native landscape that uses only native flora. And even for the gardener that is not a native plant fanatic, these PNW native water plants offer great appeal and reliable growth.

Top 9 PNW Native Water Plants

Here are a few PNW native plants to add interest and local flair to a bog, stream, pond, or other water feature:

Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern) – Grows in moist soil at pond edge, or in-stream.  About 2 ft. tall.  Prefers shade.

Allium validum (Swamp Onion) – Grows in moist soil, bog, in-stream or very shallow water.  Pink flowers early summer, up to about 2 ft. tall. Likes sun.

Arnica amplexicaulis (Streambank arnica) – Grows in moist soil at pond edge.  Yellow flowers in summer, to 2-3 ft. tall.  Likes sun.

Darmera peltata (Indian Rhubarb) – Grows in bog, in-stream, or shallow water.  Flowers before leaves emerge in spring, pink clusters up to 2-3 ft. tall; foliage is large and lush to about 4-5 ft.  Good fall color.  Likes sun or partial shade.  Spreading by rhizomes, may need to thin or divide every few years.

Mimulus (Monkey Flower) – Grows in moist soil, bog, or in-stream.  18″ tall but spreads. Plants bloom in summer: yellow flowers for Mimulus gutatus, pink for Mimulus lewisii.  Both are adaptable from full sun to substantial shade. May spread by both roots and seeds.

Sagittaria latifolia (Wapato, Broadleaf Arrowhead) – Grows in moist soil, bog, or shallow water. White flowers on spikes 2-3 ft. tall in summer.  Arrowhead foliage up to 3-4 ft. tall.  Prefers sun, will tolerate some shade. Spreads by tubers.

Saxifraga oregana (Oregon saxifrage) – Grows in moist soil, bog, or in-stream.  White spring flowers on a stalk 1-3 ft. above cluster of leaves at base.  Likes sun.

Sidalcea cusickii (Cusick’s Checkermallow) – Grows in moist soil at pond edge, or just barely in-stream.  Dramatic pink flowers 3-4 ft. tall in late spring and early summer.  Large and lush foliage mass, also up to 4 ft. tall. Prefers full sun.

Sisyrinchium (Blue-eyed/Yellow-eyed Grass) – Grows in moist soil, bog, in-stream, or very shallow water.  Several varieties native into our region: Sisyrinchium idahoense has bluish-purple flowers about a foot tall from mid-spring to early summer; Sisyrinchium bellum has the same form and color – they aren’t easily told apart.  Sisyrinchium californicum is similar, but flowers are bright yellow.  All have slender iris-like leaves, and may be evergreen in our mildest years.  All prefer full sun, but will tolerate a little shade.

Reviving Plant Roots | We Can Help Re-Pot Your Plant!

How Should Roots Look?

Healthy roots look like noodles, and the ideal coloring you want to see is white or green. When plants are overwatered, or have been in a pot for far too long, then roots start to suffocate and die, turning dark, smelly and mushy. Under watering also kills roots by drying them out and making them feel rubbery, brown and brittle.

Does this Look Normal?

Here are common growth types of indoor plant roots to help understand what normal looks like:

Aerial – Roots develop above the surface of the soil. Aerial roots help some plants to climb, provide support, or absorb moisture from the air. They should not be removed.

Bulbous – The primary storage system of the plant where growth emerges from.

Tuberous – A root that has swelled into a nutrient and water storage organ for a plant. Seeing a few rise to the surface of the soil should not raise any concern. However, if many tubers are highly visible above the soil line, then it may be time for a new pot.

Rhizome – Fleshy stems that grow horizontally, or at or just below the soil level and resembles a tuber.

Common Plants & Their Roots

Here are 5 plants that we commonly get questions on regarding their roots. This is what you want to see in these plants:

1. Orchids – Aerial roots reaching out into the air. Roots are firm to the touch, and white to green in color.
2. ZZ Plants – Rhizome, bulbous-like roots are thick, white and firm.
3. Cacti – Thin delicate roots are whitish or gray.
4. Philodendrons such as Monstera grow aerial roots ranging in color from green, white and possibly brown. Older roots get darker in color. Their ariel roots can grow long, and are an indication that the plant is happy.
5. Spider Plants or Calathea grow thick tuberous roots spreading in all directions. They should feel firm and springy. Root color varies from white to brown; older roots being darker.

In-store Potting Service

Have a houseplant that’s 20 years old, and is long overdue to be repotted in a bigger container?

Have your own pot from home, and would like help with getting your newly purchased plant potted into it?

Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor plant, we can do the dirty work for you and help plant your plants into their container homes.

Potting fees are based on pot size.

4” pot – $2.00
6” pot – $3.00
8” pot – $4.00
10” pot – $5.00
12” pot – $6.00
13” pot and larger is $1.00 per gallon of soil

All planting charges listed include soil and labor.

Spring and Fall Planting Days

Twice a year we offer free potting services to all customers who purchase plants during our Planting Days weekend. Sign up for our newsletter so you will know when the next Planting Days weekend is happening!

During these events we encourage you to bring in your own containers, 14 inch or smaller, and we will pot your purchased plants using a premium organic potting soil at no extra charge.

Great Deal! Landscape Materials Available While Supplies Last

Pennsylvania Bluestone, Holland pavers, and various rocks are available while supplies last, and marked below retail value.

The selection consists of material left over from our landscape construction designs. These are excellent hardscape materials that help to define paths, create borders, and ultimately add value to your landscape.

Materials are organized by *pallets, and are sold as is. Upon your completed order, we will contact you as soon as we can to coordinate pick-up. Items are not able to be delivered. We will help to load the pallet into your trailer or truck. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@shonnards.com.

*Pallets are for pick-up only in Philomath, Oregon; pallets are not located at our garden center.

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