MT HOOD NATIVE PLANTS
A Friendly Sight in Winter
The Licorice Fern
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) gets its name from the taste of its rhizomes. You can find it growing as an epiphyte on many bigleaf maples around the northwest.
They have the licorice chemical in their rhizomes, and the Northwest tribes used it for sore throats. The ferns are "summer deciduous", which means they emerge in the fall as the rain moistens the moss which awakens the rhizomes.
Their green fronds are often seen clustered on maple trees and other mossy spots. They are seen all winter long — lasting through snow and freezing, until the end of early summer when their mossy areas are no longer moist. Licorice fern can be found on hardwoods--oak, maple, alder, ash.
Growing Native
There are numerous benefits to growing native plants in your own landscaping. Cost and maintenance often costs much less for native gardens. Natural landscaping minimizes the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Because natural landscaping does not typically require frequent mowing, it can also reduce noise and air pollution. It virtually eliminates the need to use water for irrigation. You can also attract local wildlife to your yard.
You can now download this award-winning guide to creating your own native plant landscape. The 10-page brochure contains information about preparing your planting site, choosing the right plants, proper planting techniques and maintenance tips. It also includes sample planting plans, a native plant list and resources for more information.
Download the Going Native Brochure [Acrobat, 2.56MB]
January/February 2008
Our stories are written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist..