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Encyclopedia of Northwest Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes

By Kathleen A. Robson, Alice Richter, and Marianne Filbert

Loaded with good suggestions on how best to use natives in our gardens.

Seattle Times

This comprehensive reference describes garden-worthy ferns, conifers, and flowering plants (annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs) native to the Pacific Northwest. Featured are some 530 subject species that occur naturally from southwestern Alaska to Oregon's border with California, and from the coast east to Idaho. Illustrated throughout with nearly 600 eye-popping color photographs and original pen-and-ink drawings, the book is smartly separated by plant type into five encyclopedic sections. Detailed descriptions include temperature hardiness zones, flowering and fruit-ripening times, and recommendations for cultivation and siting. Whatever their motivation, gardeners and conservationists alike will find much of value and interest in this impeccably presented and illustrated regional resource, which is sure to become a classic on the subject.

Filed under: encyclopedia, native plants, pacific northwest, annuals, evergreen, perennials, shrubs, trees

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 532 pp.
Book dimensions: 8½ x 11 in. (215 x 280 mm.)
Images: 564 color photos, 62 line drawings, 2 maps
ISBN-10: 0881928631
ISBN-13: 9780881928631

Media reviews

"This large, handsome, easy-to-use reference book is recommended."

—Linda Scarth, Booklist

"Whether looking to create a low-maintenance garden that requires little water in summer or to create a haven to attract birds, butterflies, and other native animals, gardeners and conservationists will find much value and interest in this impeccably presented publication."

—Kathleen A. Welton, Library Journal

"Features over 500 species of native plants that can be incorporated into Northwest gardens, with the aim of restoring some of the biodiversity that has been ripped out. ... Gorgeous photographs by Master Gardener Alice Richter and pen and ink botanical drawings by Marianne Filbert enhance this inspiring resource."

—Barbara Lloyd McMichael, Kitsap Sun

"This massive volume is a must-have for those serious about growing native plants."

—Richard A. Brown, Pacific Horticulture

"Loaded with good suggestions on how best to use natives in our gardens."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times

"Gardeners and conservationists alike will find much of value and interest in this impeccably presented and illustrated regional resource, which is sure to become a classic on the subject."

—Scott Conner, Gardening in the Northwest

About the authors

Kathleen A. Robson

Kali Robson has been attracted to plants since childhood, when she first gardened with her father. Her deepest interests involve the philosophy of science and evolutionary theory, and she wrote monthly columns on gardening with northwest natives for The Columbian in Vancouver, Washington.