15 Top Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest

Goatsbeard

Name: Aruncus dioicus

Goatsbeard is a native perennial with tall, impressive plumes of white flowers in early summer. It creates a lush backdrop and adapts to a variety of light and soil conditions.

Growing Conditions: Sun or shade; well-drained soil

Size: Up to 5 feet tall

Zones: 4–8

Alpine Strawberry

Name: Fragaria vesca

Alpine strawberry is a groundcover with attractive white flowers and edible red fruits that ripen in late summer. It spreads through runners and can form a dense green carpet. 'Variegata' has attractive creamy variegated foliage.

Growing Conditions: Part shade; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 6 inches tall

Zones: 4–9

Broadleaf Lupine

Name: Lupinus latifolius

Broadleaf lupine is a sturdy, drought-tolerant evergreen perennial with silvery foliage and blue-violet flowers in spring. Its height makes it a good choice for the back of garden beds.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Size: Up to 2 feet tall

Zones: 6–10

Camassia

Name: Camassia leichtlinii

Camassia is a late-spring flowering bulb that produces spikes of star-shaped blue flowers. Planting it in groups creates an especially attractive display.

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist soil

Size: Up to 40 inches tall

Zones: 5–9

Blanket Flower

Name: Gaillardia aristata

Blanket flower is a long-blooming perennial that produces vibrant flowers throughout summer, especially when regularly deadheaded. Traditional varieties have red and yellow flowers, while newer selections include orange and rust shades. The plants are relatively short-lived but readily reseed.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Size: Up to 2 feet tall

Zones: 4–10

Lewisia

Name: Lewisia cotyledon

Lewisia is a striking wildflower with pink, red, and white flowers that appear in spring and summer. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. It performs particularly well in rock gardens.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; very well-drained soil

Size: Up to 1 foot tall

Zones: 6–8

Satin Flower

Name: Clarkia amoena

Satin flower is an annual with silky blooms in lilac, pink, rose, and white that appear throughout summer.

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 3 feet tall

Zones: Grown as an annual

Blue Columbine

Name: Aquilegia caerulea

Blue columbine is a graceful spring-blooming perennial valued for its delicate flowers and easy-care nature. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 18 inches tall

Zones: 3–8

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Name: Dicentra formosa

Pacific bleeding heart is a compact perennial suited to shaded gardens. It produces delicate pinkish-white flowers in late spring and can continue blooming intermittently into fall when kept cool and moist. Its blue-green, fern-like foliage provides additional interest.

Growing Conditions: Part shade; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 1 foot tall

Zones: 4–10

Shooting Star

Name: Dodecatheon pulchellum

Shooting star produces intricate flowers in spring and becomes dormant during summer after flowering. Pair it with other plants to fill the space left during dormancy.

Growing Conditions: Part shade; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 15 inches tall

Zones: 3–7

Broadleaf Sedum

Name: Sedum spathulifolium

Broadleaf sedum is a resilient, drought-tolerant groundcover with silvery foliage and cheerful yellow flowers.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Size: Up to 6 inches tall

Zones: 5–9

Oregon Grapeholly

Name: Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon grapeholly is an evergreen shrub with attractive foliage, clusters of golden-yellow flowers in spring, and blue fruits that attract birds.

Growing Conditions: Full shade; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 4 feet tall

Zones: 6–9

Miniature Hollyhock

Name: Sidalcea oregana

Miniature hollyhock is a compact relative of traditional hollyhocks, producing attractive flowers in pink, red, and lavender. It works well in borders and as a cut flower. 'Brilliant' is noted for its lipstick-red flowers.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; moist soil

Size: Up to 3 feet tall

Zones: 4–9

Fireweed

Name: Epilobium angustifolium

Fireweed is a tall perennial with striking hot-pink flowers that bloom from late spring into summer. Its flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Growing Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Size: Up to 5 feet tall

Zones: 3–6