Best Native Plants for Seattle Landscape Design
Designing with native plants is one of the smartest and most sustainable choices Seattle homeowners can make for their landscapes. Native plants are adapted to the Pacific Northwest’s unique climate, thrive in our soil and rainfall conditions, and support local pollinators and wildlife. At Seattle Sustainable Landscapes (SSL), we frequently incorporate native plants into our designs to create low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Here’s a guide to some of the best native plants for Seattle-area landscapes—from trees and shrubs to groundcovers and flowers.
Are native plants good for landscaping?
Yes, native plants are excellent for landscaping because they are resilient, low maintenance, and environmentally responsible. They support local wildlife and reduce the need for irrigation and chemicals.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, native plants generally require less water, fertilizer, and pest control.
- Better Adapted: They thrive in Seattle’s cool, wet winters and dry summers.
- Wildlife-Friendly: Native flora provides essential food and habitat for local birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Environmentally Responsible: Native plants support biodiversity and reduce the need for chemical inputs.
What native plants grow best in Seattle?
Native plants that grow best in Seattle include vine maple, sword fern, salal, evergreen huckleberry, red-flowering currant, and camas. These plants are adapted to the Pacific Northwest’s climate and thrive with minimal maintenance.
Here’s a selection of the ones we prefer and select the most when designing a lanscape:
Top Native Trees for Seattle Landscapes
- Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) A beautiful small tree or large shrub with brilliant fall color and a graceful structure. Great for partial shade.
- Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) An iconic evergreen tree with a towering presence and cultural significance in the Pacific Northwest.
- Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) Stunning white blooms in spring, followed by red berries that attract birds.
Native Shrubs
- Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) Showy pink to red blooms in early spring. A magnet for hummingbirds.
- Salal (Gaultheria shallon) Evergreen with leathery leaves and edible berries. Great for shade and woodland gardens.
- Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) A versatile, drought-tolerant shrub that produces tasty berries and year-round interest.
- Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) Delicate white plume-like flowers in early summer. Thrives in a variety of conditions.
Perennials and Groundcovers Native from PNW
- Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) A shade-loving evergreen fern that adds lush, architectural texture to any space.
- Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) Graceful pink flowers and delicate foliage. Perfect for dappled shade.
- Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra) A great groundcover for shady areas with unique white flowers and soft foliage.
- Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Low-growing evergreen groundcover with red berries and great erosion control.
Native Grasses and Meadow Plants
- Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) Adds a natural, soft movement and texture. Ideal for rain gardens and meadow-style plantings.
- Camas (Camassia quamash) A spring-blooming bulb with rich blue flowers. Historically significant and visually stunning.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Tough, drought-tolerant, and great for pollinators.
If you want to see more photos of native plants, the Washington Native Plant Society owns this cool media gallery.
FAQs About Native Plants
What are the easiest native plants to grow in Seattle?
Some of the easiest native plants to grow in Seattle are sword fern, salal, kinnikinnick, yarrow, and evergreen huckleberry. Once established, they require little watering and minimal upkeep.
Do native plants require less water?
Most native plants require less water than non-native species once established. Many Pacific Northwest natives are adapted to dry summers and thrive with minimal supplemental irrigation.
What native plants are good for pollinators in Seattle?
Native plants that support pollinators in Seattle include red-flowering currant, yarrow, camas, Oregon grape, and Pacific dogwood. These plants provide nectar, pollen, and habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds.
Tips for Designing with Native Plants
- Mix structure and bloom times: Combine trees, shrubs, and perennials for seasonal interest.
- Don’t overwater: Many natives prefer dry summer conditions once established.
- Design with habitat in mind: Layer plant heights and types to support birds and insects.
- Use in combination: Native plants can blend beautifully with non-invasive ornamental species.
Why SSL Uses Native Plants
At Seattle Sustainable Landscapes, we love working with native plants not just because they perform well, but because they align with our values. They support soil health, conserve water, and create resilient landscapes that stand the test of time.
Whether you’re looking to create a low-maintenance garden, a pollinator haven, or a naturalistic woodland retreat, we can help you integrate native plants into a cohesive, beautiful design.
Want to see how native plants can transform your Seattle landscape? Let’s talk!