Mini Mixer - Weavers Wish: Apocynum cannabinium + Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani + Typha latifolia

This mix of plants gives you Hemp dogbane, Soft stem bulrush, and Common cattail. These species do best in moist areas with low draining soil. They are commonly found in riparian areas next to streams and lakes. All three produce weaving materials that can be used for a myriad of projects. 

Hemp Dogbane: This perennial herb is medium sized with long stems that are vary from a yellow to red in color. The pinnate leaves are smooth on the edges with a hair along the bottom of the leaf. When broken they exude a sticky milky white sap. Their flowers tend to be a light green or white and turn into long pods that produce many seeds attached to silken threads. Their primary way to reproduce is through seed and rhizomatic action that can create thickets. This plant is very poisonous to humans and other animals including dogs and cats, so those interacting with it should be closely monitored. 

Height: 3' - 6'
Width: 3' - 6' 
Sun: Full to Part Sun 
Soil: Moist to Wet 
Portland Plant List: No 

Ecosystem Benefits: This plant spreads readily through underground rhizomes that help to keep soils loose and reduce erosion. Their flowers are particularly important for some adult butterflies and other beneficial insects. 

Soft Stem Bulrush: Soft stem bulrush is a water loving native that thrives in many wetland areas and stream banks. Their attractive green fronds grow long, straight, and primarily upright that end in brownish seed heads that droop. They propagate through seed distribution and rhizomatic action. Their fronds are hollow, soft, and spongy making them excellent weaving material. 

Height: 1' - 10' 
Width: 2' - 4'
Sun: Full to Part Sun
Soil: Wet poor draining silty soil
Portland Plant List: No

Ecosystem Benefits: This species is a caterpillar host plant providing habitat for a large assortment of insects and mammals that feed on them. Their fibrous roots are great for erosion control along streambanks and lake edges. 

Broadleaf Cattail: Named for their flower heads, broadleaf cattail has brown inflorescences that resemble a cattail. When broken open, they expose many seeds that are attached to a kind of silken thread that expand from the compact flower head. They prefer wet areas and can tolerate their roots being under shallow water. They are highly resilient to toxins and harsh environmental conditions making them common in highway ditches and contaminated water bodies. 

Height: 3' - 6' 
Width: 4' - 6' 
Sun: Full to Part Sun
Soil: Wet poor draining silty soil
Portland Plant List: No

Ecosystem Benefits: Due to their rhizomes these plants are great for erosion control along slow moving streams, lakes, and wetland areas. Their dense growing pattern makes excellent habitat for waterfowl and nursery fish.