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Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos OR Myrica

15 years ago

I really need some help on this one. I want to plant a barrier between my house and the street, about 20 feet deep and 50 feet long. I don't want a solid straight-line hedge, but an area of native plants that will include Oregon grape, Salal and sword fern. I want one more shrub that will get a bit taller than all these. My main focus is NATIVE to willamette valley and I want it to have WILDLIFE benefits. Mainly birds, squirrels, bees, butterflies etc. I am torn between these three species: Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Myrica californica (California wax-myrtle) and Arctostaphylos columbiana (hairy manzanita). I do not know if my soil has good drainage, it seems pretty wet. The site is mainly in the shade for the first half the day and then sun for last half. I would also like it to "FIX" NITROGEN which ceanothus and myrica do, but I think the arctostaphylos is more common here. I think the myrica mainly grows on the coast. I think all three of these are more common to dry sites. Does anyone have any other possiblities or suggestions as to which one of these I should plant?

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Comments (4)

terrestrial_man
15 years ago
For information about suitable plants I think that you may to check out Wally Hansen's website. Lots of info and even has a native plant journal that is very interesting to read and filled with lots of info on the native plants of your region. Check the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wally Hansen
fairyslipper
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the reply! That is actually the same website I have been looking on. It's the best one I've found for this area, but I still don't know which one of those plants would be the best or if there's another one that I'm missing.

Oh yah, one more major criteria that I forgot to say above.... it has to be evergreen because it's a barrier.

Any more suggestions?

Thanks!!!
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terrestrial_man
15 years ago
I would contact Wally and tell him about your needs. If anyone knows what would work for you in your area he would!
fairyslipper
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks a lot! Good idea, I'll do that!

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