Another Mystery Plant


I have another unknown plant to submit for help with identification.  This one grows out of the high bank that borders the west shore of Similk Bay.  The habitat is continuous, deep shade under overhanging trees with constant seepage of springs out of the clay bank.  It must also tolerate the splashing of salt water during storms and high tides.  Large, palmate leaves grow more than 18 inches (46 cm) wide on thick stems from a common origin forming a rosette.  Leaves and stems are smooth, almost waxy, hairless and shiny.  I have never seen any flowers.

They grew in great numbers out of the exposed clay low along the beach amid constant seepage.  Recently, I was startled to discover that much of the bank had collapsed.  Very few of these plants remain at the moment.  This little specimen with 6 inch leaves was the only one I could reach for a photo.

Searching through Pojar and the internet have not been productive.  If anyone can identify it, I would appreciate hearing from you.  It may not seem important, but I do like to know what the things are that I see around me.

Meanwhile, I still have not been able to identify another plant submitted previously:


These are slow-growing evergreens that have come up voluntarily in part shade under Douglas Firs in one of the driest parts of my yard.  One bush is now about 7 feet (2 m) tall after more than 10 years.  I have another that is more sprawling and a third in full shade that has remained only about a foot tall for several years.  New growth is reddish, but quickly turns green.  The 3 inch (7.5 cm) leathery leaves do not change color in the winter.  Leaf tops are deep green and shiny, while the undersides are a lighter green.  The leaves have a sweet smell when crushed and deer like to browse on them.  I have never seen blossoms, fruit or seeds of any kind.  I am unsure if this shrub is a native or a nursery plant that escaped a nearby garden.  I have searched the Kalmias, Bays and Laurels but none found match this plant.  Again, any help with an ID would be appreciated.