Written by Judi Sanders, Native Plant Society of Oregon Vice-President and Native Plant Appreciation Month Coordinator
Stephanomeria malheurensis, Malheur wirelettuce, by Melissa Carr, ODA
Why Native Plants Matter:
Oregon’s native plants are vital to the state’s natural beauty and ecological health. With over 3,400 native vascular plant species, Oregon ranks fifth in the U.S. for plant diversity. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge alone is home to more than 250 native plant species.
These plants provide essential habitat and food for insects, birds, and wildlife, supporting a balanced ecosystem. They also play a crucial role in cleaning the air, filtering water, and stabilizing soil. Gardens and landscapes featuring native plants thrive in Oregon’s climate with minimal fertilizers, pesticides, and water use. As a key part of Oregon’s natural heritage, these plants have cultural, economic, and ecological significance. Native American communities have long relied on native plants for food, clothing, medicine, and tools, and native species have been recognized as state symbols since 1899.
The Threat to Native Plants:
Despite their importance, Oregon’s native plants are at risk. The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center has classified 633 native vascular plant species as uncommon, threatened, vulnerable, imperiled, or critically imperiled. One example is the local Stephanomeria malheurensis (Malheur wirelettuce), an endangered species found only in Oregon. Clearly our native plants need our help.
Take Action – Support SB 547:
A proposed bill, SB 547, seeks to establish April as Oregon’s Native Plant Appreciation Month. This designation would raise public awareness and encourage conservation and restoration efforts across the state. The bill passed the Oregon Senate unanimously (28-0) on February 20, 2025, and is now pending in the Oregon House of Representatives.
How You Can Help:
- Contact Your Representative – Send an email urging them to support SB 547. You can find your State Representative here and their contact information here.
- Submit a Public Statement – When the bill is scheduled for a public hearing, you can submit a statement expressing why native plant conservation is important. The Native Plant Society of Oregon has provided a helpful guide here.
By supporting SB 547, you can help ensure a healthier future for Oregon’s native plants. Thank you for taking action to protect our natural heritage!
Judi Sanders, Vice-President and Native Plant Appreciation Month Coordinator, Native Plant Society of Oregon
Email at [email protected]
