LEWIS AND CLARK PLANTS, PART II

Celebrate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition by planting some of the fruits they discovered, collected, or described. These native plants are wonderful for the edible landscape.

BLUE ELDERBERRY (Sambucus caerulea)

Hardy to zone 5, the blue elderberry is a 6-9' tall shrub. It is native from British Columbia to northern California and Mexico.

This plant is tolerant of seasonal flooding. So far as soil is concerned, it does best with a pH of 6 to 7.

Choose a spot in partial to full sun for best results.

Besides the edible landscape, this species is well suited to butterfly gardens.

The blue elderberry features large, flat clusters of yellowish-white flowers in late spring, typical of most elderberries. Ripe, bluish fruits follow these.

Though elderberry fruits are edible, be sure and cook them first. They can have a strong laxative effect if eaten unripe or raw.

BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Though it is really a prostrate, evergreen shrub this plant is often used as a ground cover. This petite ornamental is only 2-8" tall. It has trailing short stems. The dark green leaves, up to 1" long, are attractive even during the winter months. The bell-shaped, rose to white flowers occur in terminal clusters. These are followed by bright red berrylike fruits, about ½" in diameter.

Give this plant a spot in full sun, and it should thrive. It is tolerant of dry, poor soils.

The fruits are used for sauces, jellies, and jam. Some consider them as tasteless and dry. Yet the Native Americans ate them cooked, and dried them for use in pemmican.

This plant has many common names, including kinnikinnick, and upland cranberry.

CURRANTS

Lewis and Clark collected four species of currants that were new to science.

Lewis referred to the golden currant (Ribes aureum) as the "yellow currant of the Missouri." This species is found in the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. Less than 9' tall, it lacks spines. Hardy to zone 2, the golden currant is extremely adaptable. It tolerates drought, and flooding. It prefers full sun or partial shade. The fragrant, bright yellow blooms appear April to May. Hummingbirds favor them.

The fruits, ranging in color from yellow to red or purple, are very flavorful.

Lewis had nothing but praise for the pink winter currant, also known as the red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum). Hardy to zone 5 or 6, this plant is native from coastal California to British Columbia. About 6-12' in height with an equal spread, this plant tolerates partial shade to full sun. It has some resistance to drought.

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