The Power of Native Plants

Native plants are outstandingly beautiful, abundantly productive, and are the simple solution to an increase in biodiversity and restoration of the environment all at the same time. 

The great part about the use of native plants is that they are powerful and individuals and communities can make meaningful impact in a relatively short period of time. When we add native plants to our landscape they bring life with them. Native bees, pollinators, and insects quickly follow along with a myriad species of birds. The process amplifies over time in increasingly complex ways. 

We can add native plants to existing and new landscapes. We can remove portions of lawn and replace with natives. We can plant native plants in community endeavors and activities. 

Below are readily available native plants in our area specific to Western Washington. Many are considered keystone species that have dramatic impact on our landscapes and bring an abundance of life. This list accounts for plants we can find at local nurseries and thus also support the growing of more native plants. Cultivars of native plants may have mixed benefits. 

Trees 

1. Western Red Cedar (Tree of Life)

2. Douglas Fir 

3. Vine Maple

4. Bigleaf Maple

5. Western Dogwood

6. Pacific Madrona 

7. Alder 

8. Western Hemlock 

9. Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)

Shrubs and Groundcovers

1. Evergreen Huckleberry

2. Western Sword Fern

3. Deer Fern

4. Red Flowering Currant 

5. Potentilla fruticosa 

6. Oregon grape 

7. Kinnickinnick 

8. Rhododendron macrophyllum 

9. Oval leaf blueberry 

Local Nurseries with Native Plants Nearby. 

1. Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery (Essentially Devoted to Native Plants)

2. Brothers Greenhouses

3. Salish Trees Nursery

4. Northwest Meadowscapes (Online Orders for Native Seeds for NW Native Plants and Wildflowers)