Plants - Portland Botanical Gardens

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What’s a botanical garden without plants? Learn about what plant collections we feature on our campuses and where. Explore our database for more information about the specimens planted in our displays.

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Plant of the Week - Gentiana asclepiadea Gentiana

Plant of the Week - Gentiana asclepiadea

Gentiana asclepiadea, commonly known as the willow gentian, is a species of gentian native to Europe and parts of western Asia. Primarily found in mountain woodlands, it produces strikingly blue to purple flowers in late summer and early fall.

A hardy species, G. asclepiadea thrives in moist, partly shady areas of the garden and is resistant to deer browsing, making it wonderful for late season color.

📸: iNaturalist: 1 & 2. wbettighofer 3. jgazz124

Plant of the Week - Cyanicula gemmata Cyanicula

Plant of the Week - Cyanicula gemmata

Cyanicula gemmata, also known as the blue China orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to Southwestern Australia, which can be seen flowering between August and November.

While being seen flowering without wildfires, it flowers much more profusely in years following bushfires. A small leaf with pubescent hairs adorns the base of this lovely species.

📸: @the_humble_orchid_hunter

Join us for Portland Plant Strolls this weekend at

Join us for Portland Plant Strolls this weekend at Overlook Park and the Portland Memory Garden! We still have a handful of spots open for both Plant Strolls, so be sure to use the link in our bio to register while spots are available!

📍 Overlook Park Plant Walk 🗓️ August 26th, 10am - 12pm
📍 Portland Memory Garden Exploration 🗓️ August 27th, 10am - 12pm

We can’t wait to see you there!

📸: @embracesomeplace

Get ready for a weekend of natural wonder and gree

Get ready for a weekend of natural wonder and greenery galore in Portland! Join us for a botanical adventure this Saturday and Sunday!

📍 Overlook Park 🗓️ Saturday, August 26th, 10am - 12pm
📍 Portland Memory Garden 🗓️ Sunday, August 27th, 10am - 12pm

Led by our expert guides, these curated walks will unveil the mesmerizing world of plants that we have right here in Portland! Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the mysteries and stories behind each botanical wonder.

To reserve your spot and ensure you're part of this adventure, just tap the link in our bio. Hurry, spots are vanishing fast, and you won't want to miss out on spending a beautiful morning outside!

Feeling extra inspired? Extend your love for plants and PBG by adding an optional donation during registration. Your generosity will help us nurture the dream of the Portland Botanical Garden, making plant discovery accessible to all, regardless of financial barriers.

See you soon! 🌲🌼🌳

Plant of the Week - Welwitschia mirabilis Welwit

Plant of the Week - Welwitschia mirabilis

Welwitschia mirabilis, often just referred to as Welwitschia, is a living, yet ancient, species native to the Namib Desert of southwestern Africa. Growing from a deep taproot that can extend as deep as 30 meters (100 feet), Welwitschia produce only two leaves that elongate throughout its life. A slow grower, this living fossil has been found to live in the wild for nearly 2,000 years!

A diecious species, there are separate male and female Welwitschia plants. The female plants produce no flowers, but rather cones with papery seeds that can blow in the wind. While other cone-bearing plants are often wind pollinated, Welwitschia are pollinated primarily by insects, likely beetles or wasps.

📸: iNaturalist - 1. Chantibo 2. Ehreneksteen 3. Frank375 4. Annekevet

🌿 Mark your calendars, plant enthusiasts! 🌱

🌿 Mark your calendars, plant enthusiasts! 🌱 Join us for an enchanting botanical journey as we explore the captivating world of flora right here in Portland. Get ready to stroll through nature's wonders with us at two splendid locations this month:

📍 Overlook Park Plant Walk 🗓️ August 26th, 10am - 12pm
📍 Portland Memory Garden Exploration 🗓️ August 27th, 10am - 12pm

Immerse yourself in the beauty of these curated walks, led by our expert guides who will unravel the secrets of the plant kingdom. To secure your spot, simply tap the link in our bio and choose the plant stroll that speaks to your green soul. Hurry, spots are filling up fast, and you won't want to miss out on this botanical adventure!

If you're in a position to spread the plant love even further, consider contributing during registration. Your generosity helps us cultivate our vision for Portland Botanical Garden, ensuring that the magic of plant discovery is accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

Plant of the Week - Rhododendron macrophyllum Nat

Plant of the Week - Rhododendron macrophyllum

Native plant 🚨 ! Rhododendron macrophyllum, also known as the Pacific Rhododendron, is a Rhododendron species native to the Pacific Northwest. Its habitat stretches from British Columbia to northern California along the coastal foothills and Cascade Range. Gorgeous clusters of flowers burst with color in mid-spring to early summer. The color can vary from light pink to a rosy-purple and is rarely white.

Despite not yet having the right to vote, the women of Washington state chose Rhododendron macrophyllum to represent the state of Washington for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. In 1959, the State officially listed Rhododendron macrophyllum as its state flower.

📸: iNaturalist - 1. hawnzd 2. dduff 3. ctumer 4. kiemnec-tyburczy

Today is the final day to register for our Plant S

Today is the final day to register for our Plant Stroll tomorrow morning at 10 am! Make sure to visit the link in our bio to register before spots fill up!

Unable to make it tomorrow? No worries! We also have a Plant Stroll this Sunday at 10 am!

We will gather at Cathedral Park, near the "Drawing on the River" metal sculpture, a few minutes before 10 am for a brief orientation. The Strolls will last for two hours, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The route will be short, and our pace will be slow and conversational. Although we adore dogs, we kindly request that you leave your furry friends at home for this event. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

We can't wait to see you there!

Plant walk 🚨 ! PBG is proud to offer our second

Plant walk 🚨 ! PBG is proud to offer our second weekend of Portland Plant Strolls this summer! Guided walks across town will be hosted by passionate leaders in our community this Saturday, July 22nd and Sunday, July 23rd. These strolls are free and open to the public with a suggested $5 donation. Please register by clicking on the link in our bio and choosing which day you’d like to attend!

We will meet at Cathedral Park by the "Drawing on the River" metal sculpture a few minutes before 10am for a brief orientation. Strolls are two hours long, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The route will be short and our pace will be slow and conversational. As much as we love dogs, please leave your furry friend at home for this event. Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome.

If you have the expendable finances to do so, please consider donating when registering. Your donation creates the capacity to build our Plant Stroll program and to ensure that learning about plants is accessible to all, including those experiencing financial hardship or insecurity. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Plant of the Week - Tillandsia usneoides Tillands

Plant of the Week - Tillandsia usneoides

Tillandsia usneoides, commonly known as Spanish moss, is actually not a moss at all! It is a widespread species of flowering plant that grows in tropical and subtropical locations, from the southern United States down into South America. Members of the genus Tillandsia are commonly referred to as air plants in the horticultural trade. This species, like other Tillandsia plants, is epiphytic, meaning it grows on trees and obtains nutrients and moisture from its surrounding environment, rather than from soil.

Throughout history, Tillandsia usneoides has had numerous ethnobotanical uses. It was commercially harvested well into the 20th century and used extensively as stuffing material for items such as car seats, mattresses, and various other products. Additionally, it has been utilized for its medicinal benefits, as well as for making rope, cloth, scrubbers, and more.

Today is the final day to register for our Portlan

Today is the final day to register for our Portland Plant Stroll tomorrow morning at 10 am! Make sure to visit the link in our bio to register before spots fill up!

Unable to make it tomorrow? No worries! We also have a Plant Stroll this Sunday at 10 am!

We will gather at Cathedral Park, near the "Drawing on the River" metal sculpture, a few minutes before 10 am for a brief orientation. The Strolls will last for two hours, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The route will be short, and our pace will be slow and conversational. Although we adore dogs, we kindly request that you leave your furry friends at home for this event. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

We can't wait to see you there!

Interested in a plant walk this weekend? PBG is pr

Interested in a plant walk this weekend? PBG is proud to offer our second summer season of Portland Plant Strolls! Guided walks across town will be hosted by passionate leaders in our community this Saturday, July 8th and Sunday, July 9th. These strolls are free and open to the public with a suggested $5 donation. Please register by clicking the link in our bio and choosing the day that you would like to attend. Only 25 spots per walk are available, so be sure to register before they’re gone!

We will meet at Cathedral Park by the "Drawing on the River" metal sculpture a few minutes before 10am for a brief orientation. Strolls are two hours long, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The route will be short and our pace will be slow and conversational. As much as we love dogs, please leave your furry friend at home for this event. Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome.

If you have the expendable finances to do so, please consider donating when registering. Your donation creates the capacity to build our Plant Stroll program and to ensure that learning about plants is accessible to all, including those experiencing financial hardship or insecurity. Thank you so much for your continued support!