Individual native plants, especially in habitat areas, are part of larger plant communities. Using the right plants in your landscaping project can rebuild or enhance plant communities. Once established these communities become self-sustaining, and provide many benefits to habitat and water quality.
Three common native plant communities found in Clark County’s habitat areas are:
- Red alder, salmonberry, lady fern - This community is typically found in low floodplains, but may extend into the upper floodplain of streams and rivers.
- Red cedar, Douglas fir, big leaf maple, sword fern – Most often located on the side slopes of stream and river valleys.
- Oregon ash, black cottonwood, red osier dogwood, slough sedge – Found in relatively undisturbed and very wet areas of riparian zones.
For more technical information on plant communities, how they can be identified and where they can be found, please visit the Clark County Native Plant Communities Guide. (link to revised draft document.)
Remember your goals and site conditions when selecting your plants. Be sure to identify any plants already established in your area. Enhancing existing plant communities is an easy way to select plants that will grow well together and provide a natural habitat for wildlife.
Clark County’s Riparian (stream side) Vegetation (PDF - 2MB) handout can help you find the right plants for your needs. The handout provides a list of common native plants and the conditions they grow best in. You can also view photos of native plants and sample planting plans by visiting the links provided on our resources page.
After you select your plants, it’s time to head out to your local nursery (PDF - 425K) to purchase your plant materials.
