Posts by Ben Alexander
Western Hemlock – Tsuga heterophylla
PLANT OF THE MONTH Tsuga heterophylla (Western hemlock) The Western hemlock is easily identifiable by its drooping, conical top and similarly drooping branches. It ranges from 165 to 230 feet in height, and can reach up to 9 feet in diameter. Western hemlock needles are flat, short, and rounded. Their dark green top surfaces contrast…
Read MoreGrand Fir – Abies grandis
PLANT OF THE MONTH Abies Grandis (Grand Fir) Grand fir is native to the Pacific Northwest from Montana to the Pacific coast and southern British Columbia to northern California, and it inhabits altitudes from sea level to 1800 meters. Unlike Douglas-fir, Grand fir is a “true fir” of the genus…
Read MoreSNP featured in Spokesman-Review
Sound Native Plants was featured along with several other Western Washington growers in a Spokesman-Review story on trends in the nursery trade. We took the opportunity to promote restoration of native species.
Read MoreKing County cottonwood study
King County recently published a 2-year study evaluating the effects of spraying grass versus irrigating on cottonwood live stake survival in a sunny, sandy loam site. The thought-provoking study found no benefit from applying one gallon of water per plant 5-6 times per season, but the grass-spray treatment had a positive effect. On this site,…
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