Center for Urban Waters building cutaway: native plants

LEED credit symbol: sustainable sitesNative plants in the landscape

Landscaping has a major impact on the natural resources a building uses. This site incorporates landscape materials that are easier on the environment, restoring natural ecological functions and reducing the effect on surrounding natural resources. Native and adaptive plants:

  • Require less maintenance.
  • Are best suited to provide food and cover for native plants.
  • Require less water, fertilizer and pesticides since they are well-suited to the
    local climate.

Plants with similar water needs are grouped to conserve water. Plants located close to the waterway are tolerant of saltwater spray.

wildlife diagram
Watching Wildlife (clockwise from top left): Rufus Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallows, Cedar Waxwing, Dragonflies, Pacific Treefrog.
Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)
Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Shore Pine (Pinus contorta)
Shore Pine (Pinus contorta)

Red-flowering Currant & Serviceberry photos courtesy of Susan McDougall.