EarthCorps envisions a world where people and nature thrive together. We empower people to become environmental leaders through restoring Puget Sound forests, streams, and shorelines. More than 10,000 youth, business leaders, and community members join us annually, as we work to sustain and restore our public parks for future generations to enjoy. Invasive Trees Found in the Puget Sound Region Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica), an European mountain ash (Sorbus an evergreen tree and is among the most evergreen invasive tree, is often aucuparia) is a deciduous horticultural prevalent invasive species in Seattle’s overlooked as a threat to our urban tree with clusters of orange-red berries parks and open spaces. This popular forests. This plant is able to reproduce in that attract birds. This tree is frequently garden species grows and reproduces in the forest understory in low light found in our urban forests, courtesy of the forest environment, and competes conditions. It competes with and birds dropping seeds. with native species. The seeds are displaces native species when dispersed by birds who eat the berries. established. It is spread by birds who eat the berries. European mountain ash Portugal laurel European hawthorn or one-seed Horse chestnut (Aesculus hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a Cherry laurel hippocastanum) is another commonly deciduous tree which is capable of planted European horticultural plant. reproducing in forest conditions. It is a This deciduous tree has five-lobed common invasive species found in English holly (Ilex aquifolium) leaves and attractive flowers. The nuts Seattle’s forests and often creates dense is another invasive evergreen plant are spread to natural areas by birds and thickets in disturbed areas. It is spread dispersed by birds. This traditional animals. Once established, it competes by birds who eat the clusters of red landscape plant is one of the most with native vegetation for space, light berries produced in the fall. European common invasive species found in and nutrients. hawthorn is a popular horticultural plant. Seattle’s urban forests and can be spread from miles away. Photos courtesy of Nelson Salisbury English holly Horse chestnut European hawthorn To support EarthCorps or for more information, please visit www.earthcorps.org EarthCorps envisions a world where people and nature thrive together. We empower people to become environmental leaders through restoring Puget Sound forests, streams, and shorelines. More than 10,000 youth, business leaders, and community members join us annually, as we work to sustain and restore our public parks for future generations to enjoy. Native Trees for Landscaping Western red cedar (Thuja Bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata) Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga plicata) is a beautiful evergreen is a small tree that can reach a menziesii) is a large evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to height of about 45 feet. It conifer that can grow over 200 200 feet tall. It is usually found in moist produces white to pinkish flowers that will feet tall. It is well-adapted for dry or soils and tends to prefer the shade. This add a splash of color to any native plant moist soil, and can grow in full-sun. It tree is an important part of the culture of garden. Its bright red cherries make this has thick, ridged bark that is rough and the Native Americans in this region, and tree striking, but are quite bitter in flavor. dark brown. Under natural conditions, is held in the highest regard for its Bitter cherry can grow in full sun. this tree can live over 1000 years! healing and spiritual powers. Douglas fir Western red cedar Bitter cherry Cascara (Rhamnus Pacific madrone (Arbutus purshiana) is a small tree menziesii) is a unique evergreen Western hemlock (Tsuga that can grow up to 30 tree with shiny green leaves and heterophylla) is an elegant feet tall. It has egg- orange-red berries. Its most evergreen conifer tree found in shaped leaves and produces blue to distinct feature is the orange to brownish the Pacific Northwest. It has black berries that are edible but not so bark that peels off in large strips down sweeping branches, feathery tasty. Its silver-gray bark was used as a revealing smooth green wood. This tree needles, and reddish-brown bark. It can strong laxative by Native Americans in is found in dry, sunny, and well-drained grow in moist to wet soils, and is the region. Cascara can grow in dry to sites, and is often associated with extremely shade-tolerant. With a high wet soil, and is often found alongside Douglas fir trees. tannin content in the bark, Native vine maples. Americans used it as a tanning agent. Photos courtesy of Nelson Salisbury Cascara Pacific madrone leaves, berries & bark Western hemlock To support EarthCorps or for more information, please visit www.earthcorps.org .