Pacific Ninebark

Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), also known Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim. var. tomentellus (Ser.) Boivin and Spiraea capitatus Kursh. It grows in riparian and coastal areas. It is not very common in Idaho and only grows in the Clearwater and Snake River drainages. It provides good cover and nesting for birds and small mammals but is not very palatable for browsing. The reddish, papery bark peels off in long layers. Leaves are alternate along the stem, 3-10 cm long, 3-5 lobes and doubly toothed at the margin. They are shiny dark green above and lighter beneath with fine, star-shaped hairs and deeply veined. Fun fact, capitatus stands for headlike flower clusters.

Height: 6' to 12'

Solar Exposure: Prefers part-shade, tolerates full-sun

Bloom Color: Creamy-white with pink stamens

Bloom Time: April through July

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_phca11.pdf

Drummond Willow

Drummond Willow (salix drummondiana), is also sometimes known as Beautiful, Handsome, or Blue Willow. It can be found along the edges of water and prefers moist, heavy soil. It is found East of the Cascades in Washington, Montana, and in the Wallowa and Steens Mountains in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, California, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. It also grows in the Yukon Territory, Alberta, and British Columbia. It grows in open form with widely spreading branches. Fun fact, Drummond Willow is preferred by moose in the winter.

Height: 6' to 20'

Bud: Catkins appear before or with new leaves

Bark: Yellowish-green to reddish, with white to blue waxy/powdery coating

Leaves: 3"; narrowly lancate to oblanceolate; edges curled under slightly; wooly underside

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sadr.pdf

Pics from USDA Plant Database: https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SADR

Columbian Monkshood

Columbian Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum) is a forb that is native to Western United States and Canada. It can grow in fine, medium, or coarse soil but requires a moist environment and can be found in wetland, wet meadow, and riparian areas. It spreads by seed only, and is tolerant of some shade.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Color: Blue

Bloom Time: Early Summer

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACCO4