Native plants don't know anything about state lines—they grow in distinct communities based on climate, as shown on this map of the continental U.S. However, within each zone there are numerous microclimates as well—for example, the central prairies and plains province includes shortgrass prairie in the drier west and tallgrass prairie in the moister east. So when making selections from this plant list, determine your zone, then select plants from your zone that are adapted to drier conditions for the hottest part of your garden and that need more water for the areas where the soil naturally stays moist.
1. North Pacific Coastal and Cascade Mountain Forests
Shrubs:
• Indian plum Oemleria cerasiformis: Very early bloomer. Fruit draws birds. Sun or shade. Slightly dry to moist. 15 feet.
• Tall Oregon grape Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium: Holly-shape leaves. Edible blue fruit. Sun or shade. Little to moderate water. 10 feet.
• Red flowering currant Ribes sanguineum: Early pink flowers draw hummingbirds. Sun or shade. Dry soil. 12 feet.
• Red osier dogwood Cornus stolonifera (sericea): Prized for winter twig color. Berries draw birds. Sun. Dry to wet. 15 feet.
• Pacific Nine Bark Physocarpus capitatus: Interesting bark and seeds in winter. Sun to part shade. Moist to moderate soil. 12 feet.
Wildflowers:
• Western columbine Aquilegia formosa: Red and yellow flowers draw hummingbirds. Sun or partial shade. Dry to moist. 3 feet.
• Bleeding heart Dicentra formosa: Pink, heart-shape flowers. Shade to partial shade. Dry soil. 1½ feet.
• Piggyback plant Tolmiea menziesii : Grows new leaves on top of old. Shade. Moist. 1 foot.
Ferns:
• Deer fern Blechnum spicant: Unusual form, with erect fertile fronds and low sterile fronds. Dry shade or moist sun. 2½ feet.
• Western sword Fern Polystichum munitum: Lance-shape fronds. Sun or shade. Moist or dry. 4 feet.
Resource:
Washington Native Plant Society
