Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - October 17, 2011
From: Walla Walla, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Edible Plants, Herbs/Forbs, Vines
Title: Blueberries & Raspberries for Walla Walla WA
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Which blueberry and raspbery plants grow best and suvive winter in Walla Walla WashingtonANSWER:
A couple old Whitties just had to grab this question as we have fond memories of traipsing off into the mountains in search of huckleberries! Keep in mind that Mr Smarty Plants only recommends species that are native to your area!
We were in search of huckleberries as folks we respected as being knowledgeable told us that blueberries don't grow in the Eastern Washington, but that huckleberries did. My search of the Wildflower Center database found similar information. Vaccinium membranaceum (Mountain huckleberry) can be found growing naturally, in Eastern Washington, including Walla Walla County. Other varieties can be found close, such as thriving in the Cascades or in Northern Idaho. These include Vaccinium deliciosum (Cascade bilberry), Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry) and Vaccinium ovalifolium (Oval-leaf blueberry).
As per raspberries, you have a choice of varieties that should grow there. Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry) is a classic and should grow well in Walla Walla. Two varieties that thrive close include Rubus leucodermis (Whitebark raspberry) and Rubus pedatus (Strawberryleaf raspberry)
Finally, rather than trust much in what a couple of Texas transplants tell you, WSU has an Extension Office in Walla Walla, and they may well be of assistance!
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Stumps of fallen oaks in Hurricane Irene from Newton PA
September 03, 2011 - Two large red oaks fell in the woods in our yard in Newtown PA due to Hurricane Irene. The trees have been removed, but the stumps remain. Please can you recommend some fast-growing, attractive, nativ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of a vine with 3 leaves and a red trunk
January 02, 2014 - What is a vine with 3 leaves that has a red trunk?
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with large leaves and blue-black berries
January 15, 2013 - I visited a creek with a limestone seep spring that supplies it. Around the creek is growing some kind plant that has leaves that are very similar to a briar, or snailseed. However, the leaves of the ...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on pruning Clematis
August 26, 2005 - I would like to know about pruning clematis. The one I have is getting very large. Should I cut it back, and if so, in the Spring or Fall? I live in Michigan. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Flowers for monarch butterflies in Bastrop, Gonzales and Travis Counties of Texas
March 05, 2013 - Hi Mr./s. Smarty Plants,
What are some flowers that grow naturally on a Bastrop, Travis, or Gonzales county riverside that monarch butterflies commonly feed on?
Thank you
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |