- 1. Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Lewis\u2019 Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of Native Plants<\/a><\/li>
- Where to Plant Natives in Your Idaho Yard<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ <\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Arrowleaf-Balsamroot.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lunar Magpie<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Arrowleaf balsamroot is popular along the trails of the Boise Foothills. It’s a showy plant that grows in mid to upper elevations in mixed conifer forest openings with Douglas fir and pinyon-juniper nearby. <\/p>
Biologists say its presence is a sign of suitable habitats for the sage grouse, a beautiful bird native to the western US that the National Audubon Society<\/a> reports is in the process of losing its natural habitats to development, invasive grasses, and wildfire. <\/p>
Also known as the Oregon sunflower, arrowleaf balsamroot is the perfect plant for your garden’s arid areas and dry slopes. It develops deep, extensive taproots, stabilizing the soil, and has excellent drought tolerance. <\/p>
All its parts are edible and have been used as food and medicine for centuries by Native Americans. <\/p>
Note:<\/strong> It’s a slow grower and blooms after 2-3 years from seeding. Be patient. It’s worth it!<\/p>
Type:<\/strong> Long-lived perennial wildflower.<\/p>
Size: <\/strong>1 to <\/strong>2 feet tall<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone: <\/strong>4 to 8.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> It prefers dry to moist, well-drained, silty to loamy soils, acidic to neutral (pH range of 6.5 to 8.0).<\/p>
Light:<\/strong> Full sun, but also tolerates partial shade.<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High. <\/p>
Use in landscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- In flower beds or as a border.<\/li>
- Understory for taller shrubs and trees.<\/li>
- Excellent for pollinator and butterfly gardens, cottage and wildflower gardens, and restoration projects.<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Water it during dry spells to promote blooming.<\/p>
Shop arrowleaf balsamroot seeds online:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>2. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii<\/em>) <\/h2>
![\"blue](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Blue-Flax.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blue flax is the perfect view to wake up to if you’re grumpy in the morning. It’s a cheerful shrub covered in friendly pale-blue flowers from May to July. They bloom on delicate, thin stalks that wave in the softest breeze, shine through the day, and fall off in the evening. The next morning, new buds open up to say, “Hi!” <\/p>
Also known as Lewis flax or wild blue flax, it’s a vigorous plant native to the foothills and mountain meadows of the Western U.S. It doesn’t need much pampering. Plant it in a corner with full sun, and remember to water it during dry spells to keep it in full bloom. On the other hand, it enjoys the cooler areas of the state and might be less suitable for gardens in Bruneau and other southern Idaho cities.<\/p>
Type:<\/strong> Annual or perennial wildflower.<\/p>
Size:<\/strong> 12 to 30 inches tall and 8 to 18 inches wide.<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone<\/strong>: 5 to 9.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> It thrives in various soil conditions.<\/p>
Light requirements:<\/strong> Full sun.<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate.<\/p>
Use in landscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- In flower beds, single, or in groups.<\/li>
- In mountain meadow landscapes.<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Cut back flower stalks when the flowering period ends.<\/p>
Shop blue flax seeds online:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome Depot<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>3. Lewis\u2019 Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii<\/em>) <\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/wp.wikilawn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/7283693140_bf740f092e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> This beauty wins over all the green-thumbed folks in the Gem State in a second. It is no wonder it bears the title of Idaho\u2019s state flower. The mock orange is covered in showy, delicate snow-white flowers resembling orange and lemon blossoms from May to June. <\/p>
Mock orange flowers spread an intense, fresh, citrus-like scent. Find a place for them under your home windows, near a patio, or along walkways to enjoy its aroma. <\/p>
It\u2019s also a must-have in sensory gardens<\/a>, along with the bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata<\/em><\/a>) and nettleleaf giant hyssop (Agastache urticifolia<\/em>)<\/a>.<\/p>
Type<\/strong>: Deciduous shrub.<\/p>
Size:<\/strong> 8 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide.<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone<\/strong>: 4 to 8.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> It tolerates a wide range of soils if drainage is good.<\/p>
Light requirements: <\/strong>Full sun and part shade.<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate.<\/p>
Use in landscaping: <\/strong><\/p>
- Accent plant or specimen in flower bed or border.<\/li>
- Privacy screen.<\/li>
- Near shrubs or small trees.<\/li>
- Close to living or leisure areas where you can enjoy the fragrance.<\/li>
- Best in less formal landscaping<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance: <\/strong>Prune this flowering shrub<\/a> periodically to create a rounded crown. <\/p>
Shop mock orange (also known as Western Syringa) online:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome Depot<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>4. Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"rubber](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rubber-Rabbitbrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andy Blackledge<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Have an arid, hot, bare spot in your yard? We bet the rabbitbrush can make it work! Its graceful silver leaves and fluffy flowers make it look delicate and fragile, but it’s one of the most hardy and drought-resistant native plant species in Idaho. <\/p>
Rubber rabbitbrush is a treasure for the local ecosystem. Its tiny bright yellow flowers blooming in ball-like clusters are precious for local pollinators. Sometimes, hundreds of tiny insects fly off it. When this happens, it looks like the entire flower takes flight.<\/p>
Type: <\/strong>Upright woody shrub.<\/p>
Size: <\/strong>3 to 5 feet tall and wide.<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone<\/strong>: 4 to 9.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> It thrives in well-drained, shallow, poor, or standard garden soil.<\/p>
Light requirements: <\/strong>Full sun.<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High.<\/p>
Use in landscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- Perfect for xeriscaping gardens and dry spots in your garden, exposed to heat and full sun.<\/li>
- Plant it in pollinator gardens<\/a> mixed with beardtongue (Penstemon spp.<\/em>) with striking blue, lavender, and purple flowers, hummingbird mint (Agastache cana<\/em>), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>), beebalm (Monarda didyma<\/em>), and Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis<\/em>).<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance:<\/strong> Cut it back to 6-12 inches in early spring to keep it compact and neat.<\/p>
5. Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Redtwig-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This dogwood keeps a low profile during spring and summer and only takes the stage in the fall. But, oh, boy! When it does, it’s all fireworks! The leaves turn a firey red all over its canopy as if the phoenix rose from its ashes and made a nest in your backyard. You can’t take your eyes off it! <\/p>
Then the leaves fall. Its red branches remain in full view, making for a perfect winter accent plant. Your garden will never seem bare in the cold season again. While it’s a superstar, it doesn’t mind staying in the shade. It’s top of the list for understory options that look great under your garden’s shade trees.<\/p>
Redtwig dogwood is also an invaluable support for local wildlife. It offers dense shelter and edible berries as food. Plant it in a low spot in your yard or as part of a rain garden. <\/p>
Type:<\/strong> Deciduous shrub.<\/p>
Size at maturity:<\/strong> 6 to 8 feet tall, over 12 feet wide.<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone<\/strong>: 2 to 7.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> Thrives in heavier soils with high water holding capacity.<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate. It grows best in consistently damp or regularly irrigated locations but can also tolerate drought with some minimal watering.<\/p>
Light:<\/strong> Full sun to moderately heavy shade.<\/p>
Use in landscaping: <\/strong><\/p>
- Privacy screen or low layer in windbreaks.<\/li>
- Specimen plant.<\/li>
- Understory for tall trees.<\/li>
- It is a valuable addition to wildlife habitats, offering dense cover and edible berries for birds and small mammals.<\/li> <\/ul>
Maintenance:<\/strong><\/p>
- Water every 10 to 14 days during hot summer months.<\/li>
- Trim old branches occasionally.<\/li>
- Prune in the spring to the desired size and shape (if you want a neat look).<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy redtwig dogwood seeds and cuttings online:<\/strong><\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalmart<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLowe’s<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>6. Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum<\/em>)<\/h2>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Rocky-Mountain-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Also known by the common names of Douglas maple and rock maple, this shrub is not a huge presence but is undoubtedly a big head-turner. <\/p>
The rocky mountain maple has impressive colors. It sprouts all red in the spring and hides under soft, green foliage in summer. In Autumn, its leaves turn an unusual bright yellow to dark pink-golden shade. <\/p>
Acer glabrum<\/em> naturally grows in wetlands and stream banks and needs extra water during dry spells. It\u2019s also an excellent option for shaded gardens.<\/p>
Type: <\/strong>Deciduous shrub or small tree.<\/p>
Size at maturity:<\/strong> 15 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide.<\/p>
USDA hardiness zone:<\/strong> 4 to 8.<\/p>
Soil:<\/strong> Prefers deep, loamy, slightly acidic soil but tolerates alkaline. <\/p>
Light:<\/strong> Grows in moderately deep shade to full sun. It thrives in moderately dry, shady sites.<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to high.<\/p>
Use in landscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- Specimen tree.<\/li>
- Understory for taller, larger trees.<\/li> <\/ul>
- 2. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>