While they may have been relegated to only the most intensive of eco-friendly gardens in the past, native plants have so many wonderful qualities to recommend them to the average gardener.
Pacific Northwest native plants are climate-adapted to our region, are ideal for facilitating and creating a habitat garden for pollinators and wildlife, and they typically require fewer inputs than their ornamental counterparts. But one often overlooked key feature of PNW native plants is their undeniable beauty, offering gardeners interesting and sustainable options when it comes to form in addition to ecologically important function.
Here we’ve compiled the seven best native plants to grow in the Pacific Northwest—these selections are beautiful, resilient, and provide critically important support to native wildlife including pollinators. Whether you have an established ornamental garden, or are starting on your own rewilding adventure, these are the native plants that deserve a place in your garden.
1. Flowering Currant – Ribes sanguineum
Clusters of bright pink blooms hang from the branches of this deciduous, vase-shaped shrub in Springtime. Native hummingbirds find the flowers irresistible and are guaranteed visitors wherever Ribes is planted. Flowering Currant is perfect for part sun or part shade environments where scorching afternoon sun can be avoided; grows to 6–8′ high and 6–10′ wide.
2. Oregon Grape – Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon Grape is the ultimate tried-and-true, tough shrub for Pacific Northwest environments. It grows well in dry shade, requires no maintenance, and has the bonus of being evergreen, sporting lovely maroon leaves in the Winter. But the best feature of Mahonia is the electric yellow blooms that light up the garden in late Winter and early Spring, just when overwintering native pollinators need them most! Grows to 3–6′ high and 2–5′ wide.
3. Evergreen Huckleberry – Vaccinium ovatum
The sweet and addictive flavor of native huckleberries is the greatest reward when hiking through wooded areas in late Summer. And luckily, Pacific Northwest gardeners can easily grow this fantastic evergreen shrub in their own gardens, where it blends seamlessly into landscapes and brings its irresistible bounty each season. Best in dappled light, these can be left to form natural low-lying hedges or trimmed for a tidier look. Grows to 2–8′ tall and 3–10′ wide.
4. Vine Maple – Acer circinatum
Vine Maple is the perfect tree for Pacific Northwest urban gardens. If your landscape is dominated by towering Douglas Firs, Vine Maples will fit right in and add critical mid-level structure and privacy. Or if you have a tiny lot and are looking for a small-scale tree, Vine Maples are the perfect choice. Their open, airy multi-branched canopy adds a serene and enchanting look to gardens of any size. Grows to 15–25′ tall and 15–20′ wide.
5. Western Sword Fern – Polystichum munitum
There is perhaps no more iconic Pacific Northwest plant than the Western Sword Fern. With its gorgeous green symmetry and effortless growth habit, this is a plant that is at home in both unstructured, woodland PNW gardens as well as modern, intentional landscapes. It is the epitome of a low-maintenance plant, providing year-round interest and helping to anchor and improve soils in any shady location where it grows. Grows to 3–6′ high and a 3–6′ wide.
6. Coastal Strawberry – Fragaria chiloensis
Shiny evergreen leaves, darling white and yellow flowers, and button-sized red fruits make this native groundcover a total all-star. The Pacific Northwest has several native strawberry species, but Frageria chiloensis is particularly well-suited to dry, well-draining locations and is ideal for using as a lawn replacement in sandy soils where turfgrass struggles to grow. Grows to 3–10″ tall and spreads widely, forming a dense ground cover.
7. Camas Lily – Camassia quamash
Striking periwinkle purple flowers overtake patches of Camassia quamash during May in the wet, open areas where they naturally grow. This native bulb is perfect for bringing into gardens to add some Springtime sparkle, and looks wonderful woven into perennial borders. Plus, the native bees will be equally delighted and grateful that you planted Camas Lily! Grows to 2–3′ tall and 6″ wide.
No matter the size or style of your garden, there is a Pacific Northwest native plant that can easily be added into your landscape. Visit our Garden Centers to see our robust selection of PNW natives in person, or browse our current inventory online.