Native Plant Program

Native Plant Program Overview

Growing native plants helps preserve endangered species and discourage invasives, supports bees and other pollinators, and creates beautiful natural spaces. It’s also fun to get to know the plants you see in natural areas.

Taylor at the 2014 Native Plant Sale. © H. Crosson

Native Plant Sales

Consider native plants your allies in saving water, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies, and adding curb appeal to your home and garden.

Benton SWCD’s annual Native Plant Sale is accepting orders online now through February 1, 2023. Order your bare root and potted plants online today for pickup at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

Having trouble identifying your plants after the sale? Click here to view our key to native plant codes

To stay informed about our plant sales and other events, please subscribe to our electronic newsletter.

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An image of this small evergreen shrub with cluster of small, bring white flowers. Photo by Matt Lavin.CC BY SA 2.0

Native Plant Database

We have a large searchable data base of plants that are native to the Willamette Valley and other parts of Benton County. View images and filter the list by plant characteristics

Native Plant Database

swallowtail butterfly drinking from a pink flower while in flight

Using Native Plants to…

Create Prairie Habitat
According to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, only 7% of historic oak woodlands and 4% of oak savanna and upland prairie habitats still exist, and most of it is in private ownership. Learn more about prairies and how to create prairies and meadowscapes.
Meadowscaping
Support Pollinators
60% of all flowering plants species are suffering from a lack of pollination. We can all provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for our native pollinators. Join us in learning about the important insects and birds that pollinate crops and native plants in the Willamette Valley!
Support Pollinators
Support Birds
Our informative brochures and bird-friendly landscape designs will help you give birds the four basic things they need.
Learn More
Support Ecosystem Services
- Explore regenerative landscaping to build climate resilience.
- Explore our free garden/landscape/hedgerow designs.

Caring for Bareroot Native Plants

In this video, Nick Cavagnaro discusses where he purchases native plants, how he prepares new garden beds for planting, and how he cares for young, bare root plants until their roots are developed enough for out-planting.

We also have two handouts to help you care for and plant your native plants.