Cascara False Buckthorn Cascara False Buckthorn, or simply Cascara, is a deciduous shrub or tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall with a short trunk and stout branches. It produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by purplish black, cherry-like fruits that attract birds and mammals, but are mildly toxic to humans.
Cascara tolerates shady conditions and a variety of moist soils.
Birds they attract: Orioles, waxwings, mockingbirds and thrashers, woodpeckers, crows and jays, thrushes, and nuthatches.
Common Yarrow Also known as Western Yarrow and Milfoil, this spreading, perennial herb has feathery compound leaves and grows to 3 feet tall. Its flower heads are arranged in large, flat, compact clusters at the top of the stem.
There is some confusion over the categorization of this species in North America, as substantial hybridization has occurred between native and Eurasian strains. Common Yarrow forms spreading colonies and may be best suited for naturalized areas, growing in full sun to partial shade, and in dry soil.
Birds they attract: Woodpeckers, chickadees and titmice, orioles, waxwings, sparrows, mockingbirds and thrashers, wood warblers, finches, cardinals and grosbeaks, crows and jays, and vireos.
These plants are key resources for birds and are relatively easy to grow. Perhaps just as importantly, many are available at local native plant nurseries, which the organization also lists.
Here are the Audubon locations in Puget Sound:
Tahoma Audubon at Adriana Hess Audubon Center
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