Plant Information:

The genus Alnus includes about 30 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in NorthAmerica, Europe, Asia, and parts of South America.  The leaves are simple,
alternately arranged, and most often serrated.  Male and female catkins appear in the spring before the leaves emerge.

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Oregon State University Landscape Plants 

Plant Information:

This plant...

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Elisabeth Miller Library
• Oregon State University Landscape Plants 

Plant Information:

The genus Prunus is comprised of nearly 200 species of five subgenera:  plums and apricots, almonds and peaches, umbellate cherries, deciduous racemose cherries, and the evergreen racemose cherries.  The species of this genus range from shrubs to trees over 90 ft. tall.  Over 100 species have been cultivated as either ornamentals or as food crops.  Trees for fruit production and many ornamentals are generally propagate by budding or grafting, while seed propagation is reserved for generation of rootstocks and breeding programs.  The most common rootstock:scion combinations are:  almond:almond and plum; apricot:apricot; mazzard cherry:sweet cherry; mahaleb cherry:sweet and sour cherry; peach:peach, almond, apricot, plum; American plum:plum in cold regions; Bessey cherry:dwarf peaches. 

•  Oregon State University 

Plant Information:

The genus Fraxinus is comprised of about
70 species worldwide, 16 of which are
native to North America.  Ashes are easy
to identify because they are one of a few
groups of trees that are both opposite and
pinnately compound.  The fruit of these
trees is a single-winged samara resembling
a canoe.  The bark is crisscrossed with ridges and resembles a woven net.

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plant Information:

Asparagus is a cool season perennial grown for its young shoots which are one of the first vegetables to harvest in the spring.  Asparagus cultivars can be grouped according to spear color - dark green, whitish-green or purple.  Asparagus can be planted from seed or 1-year old crowns.  If your soil is heavy plant on slightly raised beds. Asparagus is very hardy and grows best at elevations up to 5,500' on sites that have moist soil and full sun.  Asparagus prefers a light, deep, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.7, but will tolerate a pH over 7.0.  Asparagus requires high levels of phosphorus and potassium.

Do not harvest new plantings until they are at least 2 years old.

• Montana State University Extension MontGuide

Plant Information:

Populus tremuloides or quaking aspens,
are one of the most widely distribute tree
in North America  This is a broadleaf deciduous small tree with roundish leaves, white
undersides, and flat petioles that cause the
leaves to flutter in the wind.  This tree can
grow in sun or part shade, adaptable to
nearly all types of soil, is fast growing, and relatively short lived.

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plant Information:

The genus Tilia consists of about 40 species of large or medium-sized deciduous trees.  Trees of this genus thrive in loamy, moist, fertile soil, but will tolerate poor soils and adverse conditions.  Trees of this genus vary greatly in size, shape, leaf, and growth rate.  Lindens are primarily used as ornamental shade and street trees.  The wood of Linden is generally not suitable for lumber as it is soft and rots readily.  The name "basswood" or "bastwood" is dervided from the word bast (inner bark) that consists of long, tough fibers once used in the production of mats and clothing.

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plant Information:

Snap beans come in various shapes and colors and are eaten in the immature stage.  Dry or field beans also come in assortment of shapes and colors and are harvested for storage in the mature form.  There are two kinds of snap beans:  pole or bush types.  Pole types produce later harvests over longer periods, but must be supported.  Bush types have a more concentrated maturity and come on earlier.  Beans should be planted when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees F.  Beans prefer a pH of 5.5-7.0, and need adequate phosphorus and potassium for a good crop.

• Purdue University Extension

Plant Information:

Beets can be either be directly sown into the garden once the soil has warmed to 45 degrees or can be sown into containers for later transplanting.  For a continuous supply of greens and small beets, sow seed at two week intervals until two months prior to first heavy frost.  Beets should be sown at a depth of 1/2-1 inch, with 2 inch spacing between plants, and 15-24 inches between rows.  Beets are generally ready to harvest within 60 days, or two-three weeks sooner if transplanted.  

• Purdue University Extension

Plant Information:

The genus Betula is comprised of nearly 50 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, 14 of which are native to the United States.  Flowers of this genera are monoecious and borne in catkins.  Male catikins are formed late in the season, persist through the winter, and open in the spring.  Female catkins appear with the leaves on terminal spurs-like branches.  Birches are known to hybridize readily in the wild and in cultivation.  

• Oregon State Landscape Plants
• USDA Plants Database

Plant Information:

Boxelder or ash-leaved maple is a deciduous multi-stemmed tree that grows 30-50 ft. in height.  The opposite leaf arrangement is characteristic to the maple family, but this species is compound (ash-like), usually 3-5 leaflets.  The tree is extremely hardy, is native to riparian areas, but is adaptable to other sites.  

• USDA Forest Service Silvics
• USDA Plants Database

Plant Information:

 Broccoli is a hardy vegetable in the Brassicaceae (crucifer or cabbage) family.  This plant can provide two crops a year as it grows during the cool seasons of the year.  Transplants are recommended to give the best start for spring planting, but direct sowing can produce succesful plants.  Plant seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep or transplants slightly deeper than originally grown.  The edible portion of the broccoli are the unopened, compact, inflorescences and the attached stem.  When harvesting, removing the central head will stimulate the growth of side shoots to develop for later harvests. 

Plant Information:

Brussel sprouts is one of the most hardy members of the cabbage family.  It can tolerate a lower temperture (<40 F) and pH (5.5-6.8) than any of the other brassicas. Brussel sprout plants become about 2 1/2' tall, bearing may 1-2" ball-like sprouts resembling minature cabbages.  Plant brussel sprouts 18" apart in rows 3' apart.  Jade Cross Hybrid and Prince Marvel do well in our climate.

Plant Information:

Cabbage is a hardy, cool season crop.  There are green, red and savoy types shich come in early, midseason and late varieties. All need cool moist conditions.  Most early varieties weigh about 3 pounds, miseason and late varieties weigh 4-6 pounds.  Cabbage does well in fertile well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.  Cabbage is a heavy feeder requiring nitrogen and phosphorus in high levels.  Cabbage has shallow roots and thus needs an abundance of water.  Plant seedlings out a couple weeks before the last frost date 2' apart in rows 3' apart.  Mulching will help conserve moisture and control weeds.  Uneven moisture after heads are formed will cause splitting.

Plant Information:

Carrots are a cool season crop, hardy enough to be undisturbed by light frosts in the spring and fall.  A multitude of carrot cultivars exists; from short, stumpy cultivars adapted to more shallow soils, to long and thin cultivars requiring more exacting carrot growing conditions.  Carrots perform best in well-aerated, deep, loose sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.5-6.8.  Carrots require moderate to high levels of potassium and phosphorus, but only a moderate level of nitrogen.  An abundant and even water supply is necessary for good root development.  Misshapen carrots are more often a result of hard, compact soil than any pest problem.

Plant Information:

Cauliflower is a cabbage relative grown for its flowerbuds,which are clustered together in a head.  Cauliflower is not as cold tolerant, temperatures below 45 F can initiate flowering or bolting.  Cauliflower is a heavy feeder of nitrogen and phorphorus, requiring well-drained soils with a pH of 6.4 to 7.4.  Cauliflower has shallow roots requiring an abundance of water.  Do not grow cauliflower where any member of the cabbage family have grown in the past 3 years.  Set out transplants about the time of the last frost 18-24" apart in rows 3' apart.

Plant Information:

Celery is a moisture-loving cool season crop, with heavy fertilizer requirements.  Celery prefers a pH of 6-7,with a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure.  Celery seedlings are set out after night time temperatures are above 40 F.  If the temperture is to cold it may cause seed stalk formation.  Space plants 6-8" apart in rows 21/2' apart.  Keep plants moist but do not mound up dirt around plants as they may rot in warm weather.  Celery likes some shading in the heat of summer.

Plant Information:

Chard, better known as 'Swiss' chard is a type of beet developed for its green tops, which grow vigorously from late spring through to fall frost.  Chard prefers sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.  To keep leaves tender, provide plenty of water and nitrogen.  The prominent central ribs may be cut away from the rest of the leaf to be cooked and served like asparagus.  The remainder of the leaf can be eaten as greens.

Plant Information:

The genus Prunus is comprised of nearly 200 species of five subgenera:  plums and apricots, almonds and peaches, umbellate cherries, deciduous racemose cherries, and the evergreen racemose cherries.  The species of this genus range from shrubs to trees over 90 ft. tall.  Over 100 species have been cultivated as either ornamentals or as food crops.  Trees for fruit production and many ornamentals are generally propagate by budding or grafting, while seed propagation is reserved for generation of rootstocks and breeding programs.  The most common rootstock:scion combinations are:  almond:almond and plum; apricot:apricot; mazzard cherry:sweet cherry; mahaleb cherry:sweet and sour cherry; peach:peach, almond, apricot, plum; American plum:plum in cold regions; Bessey cherry:dwarf peaches. 

•  Oregon State University 

Plant Information:

The genus Prunus is comprised of nearly 200 species of five subgenera:  plums and apricots, almonds and peaches, umbellate cherries, deciduous racemose cherries, and the evergreen racemose cherries.  The species of this genus range from shrubs to trees over 90 ft. tall.  Over 100 species have been cultivated as either ornamentals or as food crops.  Trees for fruit production and many ornamentals are generally propagate by budding or grafting, while seed propagation is reserved for generation of rootstocks and breeding programs.  The most common rootstock:scion combinations are:  almond:almond and plum; apricot:apricot; mazzard cherry:sweet cherry; mahaleb cherry:sweet and sour cherry; peach:peach, almond, apricot, plum; American plum:plum in cold regions; Bessey cherry:dwarf peaches. 

•  Oregon State University 

Plant Information:

The genus Prunus is comprised of nearly 200 species of five subgenera:  plums and apricots, almonds and peaches, umbellate cherries, deciduous racemose cherries, and the evergreen racemose cherries.  The species of this genus range from shrubs to trees over 90 ft. tall.  Over 100 species have been cultivated as either ornamentals or as food crops.  Trees for fruit production and many ornamentals are generally propagate by budding or grafting, while seed propagation is reserved for generation of rootstocks and breeding programs.  The most common rootstock:scion combinations are:  almond:almond and plum; apricot:apricot; mazzard cherry:sweet cherry; mahaleb cherry:sweet and sour cherry; peach:peach, almond, apricot, plum; American plum:plum in cold regions; Bessey cherry:dwarf peaches. 

•  Oregon State University 

Plant Information:

Sweet corn is challenging to grow, but is well worth the fresh picked rewards.  It loses sweetness soon after picking.  Temperature and moisture are vital to growing corn.  Plant corn when soil temperatures are > 50 F, with rich light soils in a pH range of 6-7.  Corn is a very heavy feeder and does well with compost worked into the soil before planting and side dressing of nitrogen rich fertilizer when its 12" tall and when it begins to silk.  Plant corn in four rows so it is easily pollinated by the wind.  Irrigate corn consistantly and well, especially when plants are young.  Corn kernals can be white, bicolor or yellow.  Cultivar groups are classified as normal sugary, sugar enhanced, and supersweet.  Supersweet cultivars must be isolated by 25' from all other sweet corn or cross-pollination may result in starchy, tough kernels.  Warming the soil before planting with clear plastic will increase germination.

Plant Information:

Populus 

Cottonwood trees are all known for rapid growth. They grow best with regular deep watering, ensuring roots grow deeply to become drought tolerant.  Do not plant near water lines or sewers as their roots are invasive.  There are 30-35 species of poplars and numerous hybrids and named cultivars.  Cottonwoods are commonly used in windbreak and fence row plantings. 

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plant Information:

Members of the Rosaceae family that are deciduous trees, rarely shrubs.  Flowers that can be white, pink or red and fruit which is edible, showy or sometimes both.  Most are between 10-30' in height.   Good well drained soils are best but will tolerate some clay and wet soils.  Most are hardy to zones 4-7 and should be planted in full sun for best development of flowers and fruit. There are over 700 varieties of crabapples and 7500 of apples nationwide.   Most are propagated by budding, grafting from softwood cuttings or tissue culture.

• USDA Plants Database
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Elisabeth Miller Library
• Oregon State University Landscape Plants

Plant Information:

Cucumbers are members of the cucurbit family, which are a warm weather, sun requiring vegetable.  Types of cucumbers include long, smooth, green slicing types; small pickling types; and roundish, yellow, mild-flavored lemon cucumbers.  Novelties include oriental(long, slim, very mild), Armenian(actually long, curving, pale green, ribbed melon with cucumber look and mild flavor) and English.

Cucumbers grow best in soils with a pH of 5.5-7.0 and 60°F.  Set transplants out or plant seeds when all danger of frost is past.  In small gardens they can be trained to climb a fence.  Provide plenty of moisture and harvest fruits while they are dark green, if they turn yellow the plant quits producing.

Plant Information:

Currants and Gooseberries belonging to the Ribes species, are a multi-stem shrub grown for their fruit used for pies, preserves or sauces.  Yellowish flowers are in drooping clusters are formed in the spring followed by  red or white fruit in summer.  They are easily grown; tolerant of any good soil; full sun to light shade. Their height ranges within the varieties from 4-8'.  Propagate from softwood cuttings taken in June-July.

Plant Information:

Dogwoods are deciduous trees and shrubs preferring a moist well drained soil in full sun or shade.  Some varieties can grow to 20 in height.  Dogwoods have a fibrous root system and grows rapidly.  Some cultivars have yellow or red twigs adding landscape interest in the winter months.  Propagation by seed or softwood cuttings.  Some species are used as hedges, for erosion control and the fruit is utilized by wildlife.

Plant Information:

Douglas fir have a sharply pyramidal form when young; widely grown and cherished as a Christmas tree.  Grows 70-130'  height with densely set, soft dark green or blue-green needles 1-1½" long, radiating out in all directions from twigs and branches.  Sweet fragrance when crushed.  Reddish brown cones are oval, about 3" long, and have obvious pronged bracts, that hang down.  Douglas fir prefers neutral to slightly acid, well drained moist soils.  At one time the most important lumber tree in the US.

http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_psme.pdf 

Plant Information:

Eggplants, widely grown as a meat substitute in the Mediterranean region, are less common here because they require very warm weather - optimum growing temperatures of 70-85°.  Eggplants come in various shapes from thin and long to short and blocky, and colors, white to purple.  The plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall, with each plant bearing four or more fruits.

Eggplants prefer well-drained, fertile sandy loams, high in organic matter.  Eggplants require more nitrogen than tomatoes, with moderate amounts of phosphorus and potassium.  Eggplant does best at a pH of 6.0-6.8, but will tolerate a pH as low as 5.5.  Eggplants have a high moisture requirement.  Set out plants when night temperatures are above 55°, 2½ feet apart.  They will perform better with a plastic mulch to hold in heat and moisture.  Pick all fruit before they mature; otherwise they will stop producing.

Plant Information:

Deciduous fast growing trees easily grown in most soils.  Best with normal watering, but will tolerate low moisture conditions at expense of good growth, plant health.  Root systems are aggressive and close to surface.  Branch crotches often narrow, easily split.

The elms are subject to many pests, which are fatal and control measures are not effective or available.  Elms were once used extensively as street and lawn trees.  The American elm was overplanted and when Dutch elm disease struck it devastated the elm populations.  The species of elms grow between 50-100' tall.  Some species have a weedy nature with their papery winged seedpods dispersing over a wide area.  Once used in windbreaks and shelterbelts, new cultivars have been developed for resistance to Dutch Elm disease.

 http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ULMUS

Plant Information:

Euonymus are evergreen or deciduous shrubs that are valued for their foliage, texture and form.  Many uses as a landscape plant in hedges, specimen and border plantings.  It's interesting foliage color and interesting stem character are best seen when planted in full sun to light shade.  Requires only moderate watering after establishment.  The best growth is seen in well-drained soils, is pH adaptable, with a fibrous root system.  Easily propagated from seeds.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants

/landscape/shrubs/hgic1063.html 

Plant Information:

Firs are evergreen trees in nature that are tall, erect, symmetrical with uniformly spaced branch whorls.  The needlelike leaves are linear, long flattened and blunt-tipped.  Female seed cones produced erect at the tips of last season's growth.  Firs are slow growing especially when planted outside their native habitats.  Firs require moist, well drained acidic soils and high atmospheric moisture with cooler temperatures.  There are many landscape cultivars among the various species including prostrate, compact, pendulous, contorted, fastigiate, yellow-foliaged and blue-foliaged types.  Native to Montana are the grand and subalpine firs.

http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_abgr.pdf