From west coast beaches to alpine meadows, the PNW is packed with beautiful flora and fauna. When used in local landscapes, native plants provide many benefits to the maritime gardener. Native gardening is especially eco-friendly and requires less watering and maintenance than typical gardens. The regional vegetation provides shelter for local wildlife and is more resistant to local weather.
Here are some of our favorite native plants for the garden:
Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
One of the most iconic plants in Washington, the Western Sword Fern is one of the most abundant ferns of the Pacific coast. The dark green foliage can grow up to 6ft tall and produces light yellow spores known to have some medicinal properties.
Kinnikinnink
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Kinnikinnick is a particularly hardy shrub with glossy green leaves and lantern-shaped lightly pink flowers in late spring. The spreading shrub performs well in all soil types and sun or shade conditions. The flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds while in bloom.
Western Columbine
Aquilegia Formosa
A fast-growing wildflower that is deer resistant and will draw birds and butterflies into your landscape. This perennial will grow 2-3ft tall and provide a bold yellow and red flower in the spring. The Western Columbine is a beautiful addition to woodland gardens in full sun or shade.
Red Flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum
This deer-resistant deciduous shrub will grow up to 12ft tall with beautiful flowers in the spring. Birds will love the large berries while the florals attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Evergreen Huckleberry
Vaccinium ovatum
Bountiful dark berries and white flowers make the Evergreen Huckleberry a PNW classic. The berries make a delicious jam in the late summer and leaves will keep color all year. This large shrub will grow up to 8ft tall and performs well in full sun or shade.
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