Flame Grass

The common name of this Miscanthus family member really says it all. Native to the mountain regions of Japan, Miscanthus sinensis Var. purpurascens or Flame Grass sports reddish green foliage until it bursts into bright color in the fall. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall with taller 'blooms' appearing in the late summer. It's a warm season grass so it doesn't show signs of life until late spring after the soil has been consistently warmed. Miscanthus, in general, are hardy and adaptable plants, but do appreciate moderate water and well drained soil.

Winter Landscapes

Ornamental grasses add a lot to our winter landscapes and you'll notice all kinds being used more often around town. The orange winter hue of this mystery grass reflects the tawny color of pine needles and adds a warm punctuation on snowy, dull days. Hardy to zone 4 and a member of a large popular family, it has white fluffy plumes. Specimens have caught my eye along OB Riley Road.

Nursery Mystery Game

As landscape designers, we're always 'plant watching' around town. It's a little like being a bird watcher. Trees, shrubs or flowers seem to catch our eyes for one reason or another at different seasons and we just NEED to know more about their identities. So here's a way for everyone to play along. We'll post some clues on one day and supply the answer in the following days. We'll try to identify Central Oregon plants that are currently showing off around town. Add a comment if you want to guess the answer!

Mystery Tree in Winter

This deciduous tree really stands out in fall and winter with its reddish-orange persistent berries. Hardy to USDA Zone 3, it grows 20-40' tall.
Birds love the berries. It sports white blossoms in spring, yellow orange fall color and has few pest issues. Older trees can sometimes appear gnarly. Can be spotted on Simpson Ave in Bend.

European Mountain Ash Tree

Oh such clever Central Oregonians! Thanks for the comments and the positive feed back. This will be fun. Yes- it's the European Mountain Ash. Sorbus aucuparia (SOR-bus aw-ku-PAH-ree-a) The OSU web site (see the link in the side bar) says that aucuparia comes from the Latin word aucupor 'to go bird catching'. It refers to a way to use a sticky gum-like substance to catch fowl. I know that I've seen a Mt. Ash tree that looked like it was decorated for Christmas it was so filled with blue Pinyon Jays and Cedar Waxwings munching on the berries.