Northwest Hedgerow Native Plant Ideas

Sun Tolerant

• Choose between evergreen and deciduous plants, or mix the two to add depth and interest in your landscape. Evergreen or pine trees that grow over 25 feet tall and are tolerant to sun include the grand fir, ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir and western red cedar. Deciduous trees over 25 feet include big leaf maple, Chestnut, Oregon ash, holly, black cottonwood, Klamath plum, Oregon white oak and black locust. On the edges or in subsequent rows, choose plants that grow under 25 feet, including the apple trees, American persimmon, autumn olive and Hawthorne. Other plants for hedgerows include black gooseberry, black currant, Columbia River willow, blue elderberry and blueberries.

Shade Tolerant

• Shade tolerant trees include the Western flowering dogwood, red-osier dogwood, Indian plumb and the Western yew. Choose evergreen huckleberries, Cascade Oregon grape, Twin berry, mock orange or vine maple for shady areas around the edges. These shrubs and bushes fill in the areas between trees and provide lower protection from wind, erosion and soil and water loss. Leave a space between your individual rows so you can mow to eliminate harmful weeds and unwanted plants.

Hedge Composition

• When you plant, position your hedgerow perpendicular to the wind. Your row should be longer than it is wide. Do not rely on a single row of trees or shrubs, but up to four rows with different plants in each row. Position the tallest plants in the center of the hedge. Do not use plants that are susceptible to harmful insects and disease or are invasive. Mix trees with shrubs and ground covers for full protection.

Planting and Care

• After planting your hedgerow, add a layer of manure or compost. If your row is not too long, add cardboard, then straw or leaves to the compost. If your hedgerow is long, plant a cover crop to reduce weeds, attract good insects and improve the soil under and between your hedge rows. Spring cover crops can include buckwheat and crimson clover. Fall cover crops should include crimson clover or peas. Choose hedgerow seedlings that were grown in containers and are at least 2 to 4 inches tall.