🌿 Native Plants for Pacific Northwest Landscapes

Native plants are the backbone of a healthy, low-maintenance garden. They’re adapted to the Pacific Northwest’s wet winters, dry summers, and mild climate—meaning they need less water, fewer fertilizers, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife.

Whether you’re creating a shady woodland retreat, a pollinator-friendly border, or a drought-tolerant front yard, here are some of the best trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, and groundcovers to plant in Seattle and beyond.

🌲 Native Trees

• Grand Fir (Abies grandis): A tall evergreen with soft, fragrant needles often used as a classic Northwest Christmas tree.
• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum): A small, shade-loving tree with brilliant fall colors and delicate branching.
• Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): Recognizable for its peeling white bark and golden autumn leaves.
• Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens): A drought-tolerant evergreen with aromatic wood and upright form.
• Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis): A hardy, slow-growing cedar ideal for cool, wet climates.
• Shore Pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta): A rugged coastal pine that thrives in sandy or rocky soils.
• Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides): Famous for its fluttering leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in fall.
• Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii): A towering conifer and one of the most iconic trees of the Pacific Northwest.
• Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana): A native oak with strong branches and deep wildlife value.
• Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Revered for its rot-resistant wood and cultural significance to Native peoples.
• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla): The Washington state tree, thriving in moist, shaded forests.
• Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana): A high-elevation evergreen with graceful, dense foliage.

🌿 Native Shrubs

• Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia): A berry-producing shrub beloved by both people and wildlife.
• Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Known for its striking red stems that brighten winter landscapes.
• Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor): Features cascading clusters of white summer blossoms.
• Twinberry (Lonicera involucrata): Produces pairs of shiny black berries surrounded by showy bracts.
• Oregon Grape (Mahonia species): Evergreen shrubs with spiny leaves, yellow blooms, and edible blue berries.
• Pacific Wax Myrtle (Myrica californica): A coastal evergreen with aromatic leaves and excellent screening ability.
• Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis): One of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with delicate white flowers.
• Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum): The state flower of Washington with vibrant pink blossoms.
• Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale): A fragrant, summer-flowering native rhododendron.
• Wild Rose (Rosa species): Hardy shrubs with pink flowers and wildlife-friendly rose hips.
• Elderberry (Sambucus species): Produces clusters of berries and is widely valued for pollinators.
• Douglas Spiraea (Spiraea douglasii): A wetland shrub with tall, pink, feathery blooms.
• Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): Easily recognized by its clusters of white berries.
• Flowering Currant (Ribes species): Early-blooming shrubs with dangling clusters of colorful flowers.
• Huckleberry (Vaccinium species): Evergreen and deciduous shrubs prized for their edible berries.

🌸 Native Perennials

• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A tough groundcover with ferny leaves and flat white flower clusters.
• Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla): A woodland plant with trifoliate leaves and a sweet fragrance.
• Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa): A red and yellow native wildflower that attracts hummingbirds.
• Columbine (Aquilegia saximontana): A smaller alpine columbine with striking blooms.
• Goat’s Beard (Aruncus sylvester): A tall perennial with feathery white flower plumes.
• Camas Lily (Camassia quamash): Known for its starry blue flowers and cultural food history.
• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa): A spring perennial with delicate, heart-shaped pink flowers.
• Fairy Bells (Disporum species): Woodland perennials with bell-shaped blooms beneath arching stems.
• Shooting Star (Dodecatheon species): Distinctive wildflowers with backward-swept petals.
• Sulfur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum): A drought-tolerant groundcover with bright yellow blooms.
• Fawn Lily (Erythronium species): Woodland lilies with mottled leaves and nodding flowers.
• Pacific Coast Iris (Iris douglasiana & cultivars): Elegant irises native to coastal regions.
• Oregon Iris (Iris tenax): A purple-flowered iris found in meadows and open woods.
• Lewisia (Lewisia cotyledon): Rock garden favorites with bright, starry flowers.
• Blue Lupine (Lupinus rivularis): Tall spikes of blue flowers beloved by pollinators.
• Monkey Flower (Mimulus species): Cheerful blooms often found near moist soils.
• Penstemon (Penstemon species): Hardy perennials with tubular flowers in vivid colors.
• Checker Mallow (Sidalcea species): Pink-flowered perennials resembling hollyhocks.
• Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium species): Small iris relatives with grass-like leaves and blue flowers.
• False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa): Shade-loving perennials with arching stems and white blooms.
• Trillium (Trillium species): Iconic woodland flowers with three petals and three leaves.

🌱 Native Ferns

• Five-Fingered Fern (Adiantum species): A delicate fern with graceful, finger-like fronds.
• Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A lush, moisture-loving fern with soft fronds.
• Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant): Evergreen fern with two distinct frond types.
• Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris): A small, shade-loving fern with triangular fronds.
• Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum): The classic large fern of Pacific Northwest forests.
• Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza): Grows on logs and trees, with roots that taste sweet like licorice.

🌿 Native Groundcovers

• Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum): A low, shade-loving groundcover with heart-shaped leaves.
• Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): A tough evergreen with trailing stems and red berries.
• Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis): A miniature dogwood with showy white flowers.
• Coastal Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis): A hardy groundcover with edible red berries.
• Wood Strawberry (Fragaria vesca): Produces small, sweet fruits in woodland settings.
• Twinflower (Linnaea borealis): A creeping groundcover with pairs of pink bells.
• Sedum (Sedum species): Succulent groundcovers that thrive in dry, rocky soils.
• Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora): A shade perennial with tiny, fringed blossoms.
• Wood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana): Clover-like leaves and delicate white to pink flowers.
• Salal (Gaultheria shallon): Evergreen groundcover with leathery leaves and edible berries.
• Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra): A woodland plant with curious, reflexed petals.
• False Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum): Forms lush carpets of heart-shaped leaves in moist shade.

🌲 Native Trees

• Grand Fir (Abies grandis):

  • Height: 200–250 ft max
  • Spacing: 30–40 ft apart
  • Shade Tolerance: Partial shade to full sun

• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum):

  • Height: 15–25 ft
  • Spacing: 10–15 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (thrives in shade or dappled light)

• Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera):

  • Height: 50–70 ft
  • Spacing: 20–25 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low (prefers full sun, light shade tolerated)

• Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens):

  • Height: 70–90 ft
  • Spacing: 20–30 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

• Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis):

  • Height: 60–90 ft
  • Spacing: 20–25 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (very shade tolerant)

• Shore Pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta):

  • Height: 30–50 ft
  • Spacing: 15–20 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low (full sun best)

• Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides):

  • Height: 40–60 ft
  • Spacing: 20–25 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low (prefers sun, some partial shade)

• Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii):

  • Height: 200–250 ft
  • Spacing: 25–40 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (tolerates shade when young)

• Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana):

  • Height: 50–80 ft
  • Spacing: 20–30 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low (needs full sun)

• Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata):

  • Height: 150–200 ft
  • Spacing: 15–25 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Very high (thrives in deep shade)

• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla):

  • Height: 120–150 ft
  • Spacing: 15–20 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Extremely high (one of the most shade-tolerant conifers)

• Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana):

  • Height: 40–60 ft
  • Spacing: 15–20 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (prefers cool, shady slopes)

🌿 Native Shrubs

• Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia):

  • Height: 6–15 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

• Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea):

  • Height: 6–9 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (grows well in shade, tolerates sun)

• Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor):

  • Height: 6–15 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

• Twinberry (Lonicera involucrata):

  • Height: 6–12 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (best in part shade, tolerates sun)

• Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium):

  • Height: 3–10 ft
  • Spacing: 3–5 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (thrives in shade but tolerates sun)

• Pacific Wax Myrtle (Myrica californica):

  • Height: 10–30 ft
  • Spacing: 6–10 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low (prefers full sun)

• Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis):

  • Height: 10–18 ft
  • Spacing: 6–8 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

• Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum):

  • Height: 6–20 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (loves dappled to deep shade)

• Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale):

  • Height: 5–12 ft
  • Spacing: 3–5 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (prefers part shade, tolerates sun with moisture)

• Wild Rose (Rosa nutkana & others):

  • Height: 3–10 ft
  • Spacing: 3–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Low to moderate (best in sun, tolerates light shade)

• Elderberry (Sambucus species):

  • Height: 10–20 ft
  • Spacing: 6–10 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

• Douglas Spiraea (Spiraea douglasii):

  • Height: 4–7 ft
  • Spacing: 3–5 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (best in sun but tolerates partial shade)

• Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus):

  • Height: 3–6 ft
  • Spacing: 3–4 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (tolerates deep shade, also grows in sun)

• Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum & others):

  • Height: 6–12 ft
  • Spacing: 4–6 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: Moderate (best in sun, tolerates partial shade)

• Huckleberry (Vaccinium species):

  • Height: 1–12 ft (varies by species)
  • Spacing: 2–4 ft
  • Shade Tolerance: High (thrives in shade, some need sun for fruiting)

Got it 👍 Here’s your Native Perennials, Ferns, and Groundcovers fully expanded with Height, Spacing, and Shade Tolerance so the guide matches your Trees and Shrubs sections:

🌸 Native Perennials

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A tough groundcover with ferny leaves and flat white flower clusters.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Low (full sun, tolerates light shade)

Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla): A woodland plant with trifoliate leaves and a sweet fragrance.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (thrives in shade, moist soils)

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa): A red and yellow native wildflower that attracts hummingbirds.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

Columbine (Aquilegia saximontana): A smaller alpine columbine with striking blooms.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 1 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade, well-drained soils)

Goat’s Beard (Aruncus sylvester): A tall perennial with feathery white flower plumes.

• Height: 3–6 ft
• Spacing: 2–4 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (prefers shade, moist soils)

Camas Lily (Camassia quamash): Known for its starry blue flowers and cultural food history.

• Height: 12–28 in
• Spacing: 6–8 in
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa): A spring perennial with delicate, heart-shaped pink flowers.

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (thrives in shade, moist woodland soils)

Fairy Bells (Disporum species): Woodland perennials with bell-shaped blooms beneath arching stems.

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade)

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon species): Distinctive wildflowers with backward-swept petals.

• Height: 8–18 in
• Spacing: 6–12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

Sulfur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum): A drought-tolerant groundcover with bright yellow blooms.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Low (full sun, dry sites)

Fawn Lily (Erythronium species): Woodland lilies with mottled leaves and nodding flowers.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 6–12 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade)

Pacific Coast Iris (Iris douglasiana & cultivars): Elegant irises native to coastal regions.

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

Oregon Iris (Iris tenax): A purple-flowered iris found in meadows and open woods.

• Height: 8–16 in
• Spacing: 1 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

Lewisia (Lewisia cotyledon): Rock garden favorite with bright, starry flowers.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 6–12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Low (full sun, very well-drained soils)

Blue Lupine (Lupinus rivularis): Tall spikes of blue flowers beloved by pollinators.

• Height: 2–4 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Low to moderate (sun best, tolerates light shade)

Monkey Flower (Mimulus species): Cheerful blooms often found near moist soils.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade, prefers moisture)

Penstemon (Penstemon species): Hardy perennials with tubular flowers in vivid colors.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Low to moderate (best in sun, tolerates part shade)

Checker Mallow (Sidalcea species): Pink-flowered perennials resembling hollyhocks.

• Height: 2–4 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium species): Small iris relatives with grass-like leaves and blue flowers.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 6–12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to partial shade)

False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa): Shade-loving perennials with arching stems and white blooms.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, moist soils)

Trillium (Trillium species): Iconic woodland flowers with three petals and three leaves.

• Height: 12–18 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (deep shade, moist forests)

🌱 Native Ferns

Five-Fingered Fern (Adiantum species): A delicate fern with graceful, finger-like fronds.

• Height: 12–18 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (moist, shaded woodland settings)

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A lush, moisture-loving fern with soft fronds.

• Height: 2–5 ft
• Spacing: 2–3 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, moist soils)

Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant): Evergreen fern with two distinct frond types.

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spacing: 1–2 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (prefers shade, tolerates sun in wet soils)

Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris): A small, shade-loving fern with triangular fronds.

• Height: 8–12 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Very high (deep shade, moist forests)

Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum): The classic large fern of Pacific Northwest forests.

• Height: 3–6 ft
• Spacing: 3–4 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, drought tolerant once established)

Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza): Grows on logs and trees, with roots that taste sweet like licorice.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (moist shade, often on mossy trees or rocks)

🌿 Native Groundcovers

Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum): A low, shade-loving groundcover with heart-shaped leaves.

• Height: 4–8 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: Very high (deep shade, moist forest soils)

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): A tough evergreen with trailing stems and red berries.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 18–24 in
• Shade Tolerance: Low to moderate (prefers full sun, tolerates light shade)

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis): A miniature dogwood with showy white flowers.

• Height: 4–8 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, cool moist soils)

Coastal Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis): A hardy groundcover with edible red berries.

• Height: 4–8 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Moderate (sun to part shade)

Wood Strawberry (Fragaria vesca): Produces small, sweet fruits in woodland settings.

• Height: 4–8 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (part shade, tolerates sun with moisture)

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis): A creeping groundcover with pairs of pink bells.

• Height: 2–4 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, moist forests)

Sedum (Sedum species): Succulent groundcovers that thrive in dry, rocky soils.

• Height: 3–8 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: Low (full sun, drought tolerant)

Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora): A shade perennial with tiny, fringed blossoms.

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade)

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana): Clover-like leaves and delicate white to pink flowers.

• Height: 4–8 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Very high (deep shade, moist woodland soils)

Salal (Gaultheria shallon): Evergreen groundcover with leathery leaves and edible berries.

• Height: 1–5 ft (can grow shrub-like)
• Spacing: 2–4 ft
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade, drought tolerant once established)

Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra): A woodland plant with curious, reflexed petals.

• Height: 8–16 in
• Spacing: 12–18 in
• Shade Tolerance: High (shade to part shade)

False Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum): Forms lush carpets of heart-shaped leaves in moist shade.

• Height: 6–12 in
• Spacing: 12 in
• Shade Tolerance: Very high (deep shade, cool moist soils)

🌎 Why Plant Natives?

• Low Maintenance: Thrive in local soils and weather with little extra care.
• Wildlife Support: Provide food and habitat for birds, bees, and pollinators.
• Water Smart: Many are drought-tolerant once established.
• Sustainable Beauty: Create natural, regionally authentic landscapes.

🌱 Want help designing a Seattle garden with native plants?
Neat & Tidy Landscaping can recommend, source, and install the right mix of natives for your yard.

📞 Contact us today for a consultation:
neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
206-538-9344
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm

🔒 Licensed • Bonded • Insured