Native plants

Native Plants for Oregon - What to Plant, and When

Oregon spans 3 ecoregions:Marine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American Deserts

185 plants on this site are native to Oregon, 40 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Oregon spans 3 ecoregions (Marine West Coast Forest, Northwestern Forested Mountains, North American Deserts), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 4b to 9b, which is why the list sorts by zone rather than by state.

Start with the keystones (an oak or native cherry if you have room, then goldenrods, asters and milkweeds), and plant in early fall or early spring, at least six weeks before a frost. Pick your zone above and each plant shows its own sowing and bloom window for where you garden.

Every date below moves with your zone.Keystones only · 40
Arrowleaf Ragwort (Senecio triangularis)

Arrowleaf Ragwort

Senecio triangularis

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis)

Arroyo Willow

Salix lasiolepis

Zones 6a–10b · native to 9 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Aspen Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)

Aspen Fleabane

Erigeron speciosus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 8b

Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)

Bigleaf Maple

Acer macrophyllum

Zones 6a–9a · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

Zones 2a–6b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)

Broom Snakeweed

Gutierrezia sarothrae

Zones 4a–9b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus)

Buckbrush

Ceanothus cuneatus

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii)

California Black Oak

Quercus kelloggii

Zones 7a–9b · native to 2 states

California Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)

California Lilac

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Zones 8a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis)

Canyon Live Oak

Quercus chrysolepis

Zones 7a–9b · native to 6 states

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Zones 2a–7b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Coastal Gumweed (Grindelia stricta)

Coastal Gumweed

Grindelia stricta

Zones 7a–10b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)

Curlycup Gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)

Douglas Aster

Symphyotrichum subspicatum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Zones 4a–7b · native to 15 states and provinces

Douglas Spirea (Spiraea douglasii)

Douglas Spirea

Spiraea douglasii

Zones 5a–8b · native to 8 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Edible Thistle (Cirsium edule)

Edible Thistle

Cirsium edule

Zones 5a–8b · native to 5 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 8b

Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)

Evergreen Huckleberry

Vaccinium ovatum

Zones 7a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Geyer Willow (Salix geyeriana)

Geyer Willow

Salix geyeriana

Zones 3a–7b · native to 11 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Nov in zone 8b

Gray Alder (Alnus incana)

Gray Alder

Alnus incana

Zones 3a–6b · native to 44 states and provinces

Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa)

Hairy False Goldenaster

Heterotheca villosa

Zones 4a–9a · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)

Lodgepole Pine

Pinus contorta

Zones 4a–7b · native to 14 states and provinces

Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)

Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana

Zones 6a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Pacific Crabapple (Malus fusca)

Pacific Crabapple

Malus fusca

Zones 5a–9b · native to 5 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera

Zones 2a–7a · native to 32 states and provinces

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)

Pin Cherry

Prunus pensylvanica

Zones 2a–6b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 8b

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Zones 3b–7b · native to 17 states and provinces

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Red Alder (Alnus rubra)

Red Alder

Alnus rubra

Zones 6a–9b · native to 7 states and provinces

Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 8b

Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior

Zones 2a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Zones 6a–8b · native to 5 states and provinces

Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana)

Sugar Pine

Pinus lambertiana

Zones 6a–8b · native to 3 states

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Zones 2a–11b · native to 22 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Velvety Goldenrod (Solidago velutina)

Velvety Goldenrod

Solidago velutina

Zones 4a–9b · native to 10 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

Vine Maple

Acer circinatum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Water Birch (Betula occidentalis)

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Zones 6a–8b · native to 8 states and provinces

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)

Yellow Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides)

Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus airoides

Zones 4a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Alpine Gentian (Gentiana newberryi)

Alpine Gentian

Gentiana newberryi

Zones 5a–8b · native to 3 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Zones 2a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 8b

American Vetch (Vicia americana)

American Vetch

Vicia americana

Zones 3a–9b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

American White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

American White Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata

Zones 3a–11b · native to 56 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 8b

Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)

Antelope Bitterbrush

Purshia tridentata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Balsamorhiza sagittata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 8b

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii)

Baby Blue Eyes

Nemophila menziesii

Zones 2a–11b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)

Beach Strawberry

Fragaria chiloensis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 6 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais')

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'

Zones 3a–8b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big Sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata

Zones 4a–9b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 8b

Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)

Bitterroot

Lewisia rediviva

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 8b

Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)

Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Zones 2a–6b · native to 22 states and provinces

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms May – Nov in zone 8b

Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)

Blanketflower

Gaillardia aristata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Dec in zone 8b

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)

Blue Elderberry

Sambucus mexicana

Zones 6a–10b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Nov in zone 8b

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Zones 3a–10b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)

Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 17 states and provinces

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Bluejoint

Calamagrostis canadensis

Zones 2a–7b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 8b

Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces

Broadleaf Lupine (Lupinus latifolius)

Broadleaf Lupine

Lupinus latifolius

Zones 5a–9a · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Brook Wakerobin (Trillium rivale)

Brook Wakerobin

Trillium rivale

Zones 6a–8b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 8b

California Bay (Umbellularia californica)

California Bay

Umbellularia californica

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)

California Buckeye

Aesculus californica

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

California Fescue (Festuca californica)

California Fescue

Festuca californica

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Zones 8a–11b · native to 8 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

California Grape (Vitis californica)

California Grape

Vitis californica

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

California Gray Rush (Juncus patens)

California Gray Rush

Juncus patens

Zones 7a–10b · native to 3 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

California Meadow Sedge (Carex pansa)

California Meadow Sedge

Carex pansa

Zones 8a–10b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

California Pitcher Plant (Darlingtonia californica)

California Pitcher Plant

Darlingtonia californica

Zones 6a–8b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Zones 6a–10b · native to 7 states

Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 8b

California Wild Rose (Rosa californica)

California Wild Rose

Rosa californica

Zones 5a–10b · native to 4 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 8b

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms May – Nov in zone 8b

Canadian Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis)

Canadian Burnet

Sanguisorba canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Nov in zone 8b

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Jul in zone 8b

Cascade Oregon Grape (Berberis nervosa)

Cascade Oregon Grape

Berberis nervosa

Zones 5a–9b · native to 5 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora)

Checkerbloom

Sidalcea malviflora

Zones 5a–9b · native to 3 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis)

Clustered Field Sedge

Carex praegracilis

Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

Coast Redwood

Sequoia sempervirens

Zones 7a–9b · native to 2 states

Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica)

Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica

Zones 7a–10b · native to 5 states

Common Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza)

Common Bladderwort

Utricularia macrorhiza

Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 8b

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

Zones 2a–7b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Common Camas (Camassia quamash)

Common Camas

Camassia quamash

Zones 4a–9b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms May – Nov in zone 8b

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Common Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)

Coyote Brush

Baccharis pilularis

Zones 7a–10b · native to 3 states

Blooms Oct – Feb in zone 8b

Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa)

Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Creeping Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium var. repens)

Creeping Oregon Grape

Berberis aquifolium var. repens

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – May in zone 8b

Cusick's Camas (Camassia cusickii)

Cusick's Camas

Camassia cusickii

Zones 4a–8b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Cusick's Serviceberry (Amelanchier cusickii)

Cusick's Serviceberry

Amelanchier cusickii

Zones 4a–8a · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Mar in zone 8b

Desert Purple Sage (Salvia dorrii)

Desert Purple Sage

Salvia dorrii

Zones 5a–9b · native to 7 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)

Douglas Iris

Iris douglasiana

Zones 8a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Explorer's Gentian (Gentiana calycosa)

Explorer's Gentian

Gentiana calycosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia amoena)

Farewell-to-Spring

Clarkia amoena

Zones 2a–11b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Foothill Sedge (Carex tumulicola)

Foothill Sedge

Carex tumulicola

Zones 7a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)

Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Zones 4a–10a · native to 18 states and provinces

Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Ghost Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Zones 3a–9b · native to 47 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 8b

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

Golden Currant

Ribes aureum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 8b

Great Camas (Camassia leichtlinii)

Great Camas

Camassia leichtlinii

Zones 4a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Great Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium carneum)

Great Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium carneum

Zones 5a–8b · native to 3 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Mar in zone 8b

Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis)

Idaho Fescue

Festuca idahoensis

Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 8b

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

Incense Cedar

Calocedrus decurrens

Zones 5a–8b · native to 3 states

Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides)

Indian Ricegrass

Achnatherum hymenoides

Zones 4a–9b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Inside Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra)

Inside Out Flower

Vancouveria hexandra

Zones 6a–9a · native to 3 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 8b

Juniper Bush (Juniperus communis)

Juniper Bush

Juniperus communis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Zones 2a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states

Blooms Mar – Nov in zone 8b

Leopard Lily (Lilium pardalinum)

Leopard Lily

Lilium pardalinum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 2 states

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 8b

Lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus)

Lupin

Lupinus polyphyllus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 7 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Direct-sow ~4 wks before your last spring frost

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

Zones 3a–8a · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Nov in zone 8b

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 8b

Mat Rock Spiraea (Petrophytum caespitosum)

Mat Rock Spiraea

Petrophytum caespitosum

Zones 4a–7b · native to 11 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 8b

Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)

Miner's Lettuce

Claytonia perfoliata

Zones 6a–10b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)

Mock Orange

Philadelphus lewisii

Zones 4a–9b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)

Moss Campion

Silene acaulis

Zones 1a–6b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Mountain Coyote Mint (Monardella odoratissima)

Mountain Coyote Mint

Monardella odoratissima

Zones 4a–8b · native to 10 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides)

Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus betuloides

Zones 6a–9b · native to 5 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus)

Mountain Snowberry

Symphoricarpos oreophilus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 11 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Narrow-leaf Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis

Zones 6a–10b · native to 10 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 8b

Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

Nodding Bur Marigold

Bidens cernua

Zones 3a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana)

Nootka Rose

Rosa nutkana

Zones 4a–9b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor)

Oceanspray

Holodiscus discolor

Zones 4a–9b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Orange Honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa)

Orange Honeysuckle

Lonicera ciliosa

Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 8b

Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)

Oregon Ash

Fraxinus latifolia

Zones 6a–9a · native to 4 states and provinces

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Oregon Iris (Iris tenax)

Oregon Iris

Iris tenax

Zones 7a–9b · native to 3 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)

Oregon Sunshine

Eriophyllum lanatum

Zones 5a–10b · native to 11 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 8b

Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 6 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

Pacific Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii

Zones 7a–9b · native to 5 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

Pacific Madrone

Arbutus menziesii

Zones 7a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus)

Pacific Ninebark

Physocarpus capitatus

Zones 5a–9b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 8b

Pleated Gentian (Gentiana affinis)

Pleated Gentian

Gentiana affinis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)

Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

Zones 3a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Zones 3a–9b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia

Zones 1a–6b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Purple Three-awn (Aristida purpurea)

Purple Three-awn

Aristida purpurea

Zones 5a–10b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Zones 3a–7b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

Zones 2a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces

Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)

Red-flowering Currant

Ribes sanguineum

Zones 6a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red-twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea

Zones 2a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

River Beauty (Epilobium latifolium)

River Beauty

Epilobium latifolium

Zones 1a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 8b

Roemer's Fescue (Festuca roemeri)

Roemer's Fescue

Festuca roemeri

Zones 6a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states

Blooms Mar – Nov in zone 8b

Salal (Gaultheria shallon)

Salal

Gaultheria shallon

Zones 6a–9b · native to 6 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 8b

Sandhill Sage (Artemisia pycnocephala)

Sandhill Sage

Artemisia pycnocephala

Zones 8a–10b · native to 2 states

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Saskatoon Serviceberry

Amelanchier alnifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima

Zones 3a–9b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Jun in zone 8b

Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)

Seaside Daisy

Erigeron glaucus

Zones 5a–9b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Aug in zone 8b

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 8b

Showy Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium pulcherrimum)

Showy Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium pulcherrimum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 8b

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Zones 3a–9b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 8b

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa

Zones 2a–7b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 8b

Silver Bush Lupine (Lupinus albifrons)

Silver Bush Lupine

Lupinus albifrons

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 8b

Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

Silvery Lupine

Lupinus argenteus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 17 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 8b

Sky Pilot (Polemonium viscosum)

Sky Pilot

Polemonium viscosum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Slough Sedge (Carex obnupta)

Slough Sedge

Carex obnupta

Zones 5a–9b · native to 4 states and provinces

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Sticky Monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus)

Sticky Monkeyflower

Diplacus aurantiacus

Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)

Sulphur Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 8b

Summer Lupine (Lupinus formosus)

Summer Lupine

Lupinus formosus

Zones 7a–10a · native to 2 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 8b

Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)

Twinberry Honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

Zones 3b–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 8b

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 8b

Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

Utah Serviceberry

Amelanchier utahensis

Zones 4a–8a · native to 11 states

Blooms Mar – Mar in zone 8b

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Virginia Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Western Columbine

Aquilegia formosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 8b

Western Dog Violet (Viola adunca)

Western Dog Violet

Viola adunca

Zones 2a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 8b

Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Western Sword Fern

Polystichum munitum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 7 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Nov in zone 8b

Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)

Western Trillium

Trillium ovatum

Zones 5a–8b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 8b

White Fir (Abies concolor)

White Fir

Abies concolor

Zones 4a–7b · native to 8 states

White Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album')

White Fireweed

Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album'

Zones 2a–7b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 8b

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Zones 3b–9a · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Aug in zone 8b

Direct-sow ~10 wks after your last spring frost

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 8b

Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost

Common questions

What plants are native to Oregon?
Alkali Sacaton, Alpine Gentian, American Cranberrybush, American Vetch, American White Water Lily, Antelope Bitterbrush, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Arrowleaf Ragwort, and 177 more are native to Oregon. Every one links to its own growing page.
When should I plant natives in Oregon?
Timing depends on your hardiness zone. Each plant on this page shows its sowing and bloom window relative to your zone's last spring and first fall frost, so the dates stay correct wherever in Oregon you garden. As a rule, plant perennials and shrubs in early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost, or in spring once the soil drains.
What hardiness zones does Oregon cover?
Oregon runs from zone 4b to 9b. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
Which keystone plants should I start with in Oregon?
Arrowleaf Ragwort, Arroyo Willow, Aspen Fleabane, Bigleaf Maple, Bog Blueberry, Broom Snakeweed, among others. Keystone plants host the most caterpillar species in their ecoregion, which is what feeds nesting birds; one oak or native cherry does more than a bed of showy non-natives. Use the Keystones only toggle to see all 40.

How this list is built

Native ranges follow the USDA PLANTS Database; hardiness ranges follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; pollinator value draws on the Xerces Society. Where a reference almanac would stop at “confirm with your local authority,” we go one step further - every plant here links to its full growing page with frost-relative tasks for your zone.

Nature timing varies year to year. To calibrate to your own yard, the Garden Digest builds a weekly task list around your plants and frost dates.

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