Native Plant Gardening

Plants native to the Pacific Northwest are some of the most attractive plants for gardens anywhere in the world. They include plants of all statures, from towering trees to creeping groundcovers. Many of the flowering shrubs are excellent choices for garden borders and wildlife gardens.

Incorporating Pacific Northwest native plants into your water-wise landscapes

If you're planning a water-wise landscape in the Pacific Northwest, you don't have to look far for plants. Many Pacific Northwest native plants have a natural tolerance for summer dry periods.

Linda R. McMahan | Jun 2018 | Article

Native Plant Profiles: Herbaceous Plants (in English)

Fact sheets for several PNW native herbaceous plants.

Linda R. McMahan | Jun 2018 | Educational document

Native Plant Profiles: Woody Trees and Shrubs (in English)

Fact sheets for several PNW native woody trees and shrubs.

Linda R. McMahan | Jun 2018 | Fact Sheet

Growing native plants in the Willamette Valley (in English)

Presentation on growing native plants at home in the Willamette Valley.

Linda R. McMahan | Oct 2011 | Online resource

Northwest native plants for the sunny border

Recommendations for native plants in sunny areas.

Linda R. McMahan | Jan 2010 | Article

Publications

Gardening with Oregon Native Plants West of the Cascades

Growing a garden in western Oregon is easier when you include native plants. That’s because native plants are adapted to our wet winters and dry summers. Native plants also provide benefits to native pollinators...

Linda R. McMahan, Heather Stoven, Erika Szonntag | Oct 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

Selecting Native Plants for Home Landscapes in Central Oregon

If planted in a suitable habitat, native plants are well adapted to Central Oregon soils and climate. When grown in the right conditions, native plants experience less environmental, insect, and disease damage than nonnative plants.

Amy Jo Detweiler | May 2008 | Extension Catalog publication

Native Plant Picks for Bees

Pollinator gardeners grow more than flowers. Increasing numbers of gardeners are supporting struggling insect populations by growing plants attractive to bees. One of the best ways to attract bees native to your ...

Aaron Anderson, LeAnn Locher, Jen Hayes, Mallory Mead, Signe Danler, Diane Jones, Gail Langellotto | Sep 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington

70th Anniversary Edition! For 70 years, people have turned to one book to learn about Northwest trees. This edition expands its scope, covering even more species of trees — including several rare species native...

Ed Jensen | Jan 2021 | Extension Catalog publication

Shrubs to Know in Pacific Northwest Forests

This full-color, simple-to-use field guide makes shrub identification easy and fun. It features complete descriptions of the most common shrubs that grow in and around Pacific Northwest forests —from southern British...

Ed Jensen | May 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

Jul 2018

Extension Service