36 US Pacific Coast native plants: native gardening from Redwoods to Chaparral

Your complete guide to the spectacular US Pacific coast native plants that thrive from the misty redwood forests to the sun-baked chaparral hills of the West Coast

The Pacific Coast of North America hosts some of the most diverse and spectacular plant communities on Earth.

It includes fog-shrouded groves of coast redwoods that tower 300 feet above the forest floor, drought-adapted chaparral that cloaks California’s hills in silver and green, wildflower meadows that paint entire mountainsides in spring and rugged coastal plants that thrive in salt spray and constant wind.

Wit this diversity, there is no doubt that the region offers gardeners an unparalleled palette of native plants.

This is a land shaped by the Pacific Ocean, where Mediterranean climates create conditions found nowhere else in North America. Wet, mild winters give way to long, dry summers.

Coastal fog provides life-giving moisture during the driest months. Microclimates change dramatically within miles, from cool, moist coastal areas to hot, dry inland valleys.

If you’re gardening anywhere from British Columbia to Baja California, you have access to plants that have evolved to thrive in these unique conditions. These are plants that can survive months without rain, that celebrate the return of winter moisture, and that have adapted to everything from coastal fog to interior heat.

Featured image: Penstemon palmeri by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

See also: The ultimate guide to gardening with native plants: why location matters

Understanding the Pacific Coast Growing Region

Climate Zones and Characteristics

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6a-11 (with significant microclimate variations)

Coastal Northern California/Oregon/Washington:

• Zones 8b-10a
• Climate: Cool, moist, fog-influenced
• Rainfall: 30-80+ inches annually (mostly winter)
• Features: Redwood and Douglas fir forests, coastal prairies, salt-tolerant communities

Coastal Southern California:

• Zones 9a-11
• Climate: Mediterranean with marine influence
• Rainfall: 10-25 inches annually (winter concentrated)
• Features: Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, beach and dune communities

Inland Valleys (Central Valley, Inland Southern California):

• Zones 8a-10b
• Climate: Hot, dry summers; mild, wet winters
• Rainfall: 8-20 inches annually
• Features: Oak woodlands, grasslands, chaparral transitions

Mountain Regions (Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Coast Ranges):

• Zones 6a-9b (varies by elevation)
• Climate: Alpine to Mediterranean depending on elevation
• Rainfall: 20-80+ inches, often as snow at elevation
• Features: Coniferous forests, alpine meadows, montane chaparral

Regional Ecosystems

Redwood Forest

• Cool, moist, fog-dependent
• Towering canopy with unique understory
• Ferns, sorrels, and shade-adapted shrubs

Coastal Sage Scrub

• Drought-deciduous shrubs
• Aromatic plants adapted to dry summers
• Fire-adapted communities

Chaparral

• Dense, drought-adapted shrublands
• Fire-dependent ecosystem
• Deep-rooted, sclerophyllous plants

Oak Woodland

• Scattered oaks with grassland understory
• Winter-wet, summer-dry pattern
• Rich wildlife habitat

Coastal Prairie

• Grasslands influenced by marine climate
• Native bunch grasses and wildflowers
• Fog-dependent moisture supplementation

Alpine and Subalpine

• Short growing seasons
• Snow-adapted plants
• Spectacular wildflower displays

US Pacific Coast Native Plants: Iconic Native Trees

Giant Forest Trees (100+ feet mature)

Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

• Zones: 9-10
• Size: 200-350+ feet tall, 15-25 feet diameter
• Features: World’s tallest trees, fibrous red bark, fog-dependent
• Wildlife value: Ecosystem foundation; supports countless species
• Growing conditions: Cool, moist, fog-influenced climate; well-drained acidic soil
• Best for: Large properties in fog belt, specimen trees, living legacy
• Native range: Coastal Northern California and Southern Oregon
• Note: Requires summer fog for optimal growth

Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

• Zones: 6-8
• Size: 150-280 feet tall, 15-30 feet diameter
• Features: World’s largest trees by volume, massive trunk, fire-resistant bark
• Wildlife value: Ancient ecosystem keystone species
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, cold winters, dry summers; mountain climate
• Best for: Large properties, parks, memorial plantings
• Native range: Sierra Nevada mountains (75 groves total)
• Note: Requires winter chill, summer drought, and fire-free establishment period

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 100-250 feet tall, 4-8 feet diameter
• Features: Distinctive cones with three-pronged bracts, straight trunk
• Wildlife value: Important timber species; seeds feed wildlife; nesting sites
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, moderate moisture, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Large properties, windbreaks, timber plantings
• Native range: Pacific Coast mountains
• Note: Extremely important timber species and wildlife habitat

Large Canopy Trees (50-100 feet mature)

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)

• Zones: 9-11
• Size: 40-80 feet tall, 50-100 feet wide
• Features: Evergreen, spreading crown, holly-like leaves
• Wildlife value: Supports 300+ species of butterflies and moths; acorns feed wildlife
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established, full sun
• Best for: Large shade trees, wildlife habitat, Mediterranean gardens
• Native range: Coastal California
• Note: Extremely long-lived, some specimens over 500 years old

Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 60-100 feet tall, 70-100 feet wide
• Features: Massive spreading crown, deeply lobed deciduous leaves
• Wildlife value: Produces large, sweet acorns preferred by wildlife
• Growing conditions: Deep, well-drained soil, full sun, drought tolerant
• Best for: Large properties, parks, wildlife habitat
• Native range: California Central Valley and foothills
• Note: California’s largest oak species

Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata)

• Zones: 9-10
• Size: 80-120 feet tall, 25-40 feet wide
• Features: Fast growth, distinctive needles in clusters of three
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nesting sites for raptors
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, coastal climate, full sun
• Best for: Coastal windbreaks, fast-growing screens, erosion control
• Native range: Very limited – Monterey Peninsula, two other small areas
• Note: Globally planted but native range extremely restricted

Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa)

• Zones: 9-10
• Size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-60 feet wide
• Features: Distinctive wind-sculpted form near coast, scale-like foliage
• Wildlife value: Dense nesting sites; seeds feed small birds
• Growing conditions: Coastal conditions, salt tolerance, well-drained soil
• Best for: Coastal gardens, windbreaks, sculptural specimens
• Native range: Very limited – Monterey Peninsula only
• Note: Iconic wind-sculpted trees of Monterey coast

Medium Trees (25-50 feet mature)

California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 30-80 feet tall, 30-60 feet wide
• Features: Aromatic evergreen leaves, yellow-green flowers, purple fruits
• Wildlife value: Fruits feed birds and mammals; host plant for butterflies
• Growing conditions: Adaptable, drought tolerant, full sun to deep shade
• Best for: Specimen trees, culinary use, wildlife habitat
• Native range: Coastal ranges California and Oregon
• Note: Leaves used as bay seasoning, stronger than Mediterranean bay

Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

• Zones: 7-9
• Size: 40-100 feet tall, 25-50 feet wide
• Features: Smooth red bark that peels, white flower clusters, red berries
• Wildlife value: Berries feed many bird species; flowers attract pollinators
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Specimen trees, wildlife habitat, four-season interest
• Native range: Pacific Coast from British Columbia to California
• Note: Distinctive peeling bark reveals smooth green underneath

California Black Walnut (Juglans californica)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 30-60 feet tall, 30-40 feet wide
• Features: Compound leaves, edible nuts, yellow fall color
• Wildlife value: Nuts feed squirrels and other mammals
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Shade trees, nut production, wildlife habitat
• Native range: California foothills and valleys
• Note: Smaller nuts than eastern black walnut but good flavor

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)

• Zones: 7-9
• Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
• Features: Magenta flowers before leaves emerge, heart-shaped leaves
• Bloom time: February-April
• Wildlife value: Early nectar source; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Spring color, small gardens, naturalized areas
• Native range: California foothills and mountains

Pacific Coast Native Shrubs

Large Shrubs (6+ feet mature)

Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 8-15 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide
• Features: White flower clusters, bright red berries, evergreen leaves
• Bloom time: June-July
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 20+ bird species; flowers attract pollinators
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Wildlife habitat, holiday decorations, fire-resistant landscapes
• Native range: California chaparral and oak woodlands
• Note: “Christmas Berry” – red berries ripen in December

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos species)

• Zones: 7-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 2-20 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Smooth red bark, pink or white urn-shaped flowers, berries
• Bloom time: December-April depending on species
• Wildlife value: Berries feed birds and mammals; early nectar source
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Specimen shrubs, wildlife habitat, fire-resistant landscapes
• Native range: Pacific Coast states
• Note: Over 60 species, from groundcovers to small trees

Ceanothus (California Lilac)

• Zones: 7-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 2-25 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Dense clusters of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers
• Bloom time: February-May depending on species
• Wildlife value: Excellent pollinator plant; nitrogen-fixing; host plant for butterflies
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Spectacular spring display, pollinator gardens, erosion control
• Native range: Primarily California, some Oregon species
• Note: Over 50 species from groundcovers to large shrubs

Fremontodendron (Flannel Bush)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 8-20 feet tall, 8-15 feet wide
• Features: Large yellow flowers, fuzzy heart-shaped leaves
• Bloom time: March-June (sometimes fall)
• Wildlife value: Nectar for native bees; drought demonstration plant
• Growing conditions: Excellent drainage essential, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Specimen shrubs, dry gardens, slope plantings
• Native range: California mountains and foothills
• Note: Spectacular but requires perfect drainage

Medium Shrubs (3-6 feet mature)

California Sage (Artemisia californica)

• Zones: 8-11
• Size: 3-5 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Features: Silvery-gray aromatic foliage, small inconspicuous flowers
• Wildlife value: Host plant for butterflies; aromatic oils deter some pests
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Fragrant gardens, butterfly gardens, natural landscapes
• Native range: Coastal California
• Note: Excellent fire-resistant plant for chaparral gardens

Coffeeberry (Frangula californica)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 4-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Features: Small white flowers, berries that turn from red to black
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 30+ bird species; host plant for butterflies
• Growing conditions: Adaptable, drought tolerant, full sun to shade
• Best for: Wildlife habitat, naturalized areas, low-maintenance landscapes
• Native range: Pacific Coast states
• Note: One of the best all-around native shrubs

Salvia (Native Sages)

• Zones: 8-11 (varies by species)
• Size: 2-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Aromatic foliage, spikes of colorful flowers
• Bloom time: Variable, many bloom multiple seasons
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird and butterfly magnets; bee plants
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Pollinator gardens, fragrant gardens, Mediterranean landscapes
• Native range: Primarily California, extending into Oregon
• Note: Many species available from groundcovers to large shrubs

Monkey Flower (Mimulus species)

• Zones: 7-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 1-4 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Bright flowers in yellow, orange, red, or pink
• Bloom time: March-October depending on species and water
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird plants; some species attract butterflies
• Growing conditions: Moist to dry depending on species; partial shade tolerant
• Best for: Hummingbird gardens, seasonal color, stream plantings
• Native range: Pacific Coast states
• Note: Wide variety from desert species to stream-side plants

Small Shrubs and Subshrubs (Under 3 feet)

Woolly Blue Curls (Trichostema lanatum)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 3-5 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Features: Woolly blue flower spikes, aromatic foliage
• Bloom time: June-September
• Wildlife value: Excellent bee plant; attracts butterflies
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Pollinator gardens, fragrant gardens, difficult slopes
• Native range: California chaparral
• Note: Spectacular but can be challenging to establish

Bush Anemone (Carpenteria californica)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 4-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Features: Large white flowers with prominent yellow stamens
• Bloom time: May-July
• Wildlife value: Flowers attract beneficial insects
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, some summer water helpful
• Best for: Specimen shrub, white gardens, fragrant plantings
• Native range: Sierra Nevada foothills (very limited)
• Note: California’s rarest shrub, spectacular in bloom

Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)

• Zones: 8-11
• Size: 2-12 feet tall (very variable), spreading
• Features: Small leaves, white fluffy seed heads on female plants
• Wildlife value: Late-season nectar; seeds feed birds; nesting sites
• Growing conditions: Extremely adaptable, salt tolerant, any exposure
• Best for: Erosion control, coastal gardens, revegetation
• Native range: Pacific Coast states
• Note: Male and female plants separate; choose based on desired characteristics

US Pacific Coast Native Plants: Wildflowers and Perennials

Spring Wildflower Spectaculars

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 8-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
• Features: Brilliant orange cup-shaped flowers, blue-green foliage
• Bloom time: February-September (peak in spring)
• Wildlife value: Pollen for native bees; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Wildflower gardens, annual color, naturalized areas
• Native range: California (state flower)
• Note: Self-sows readily; comes in color variations

Lupine (Lupinus species)

• Zones: 6-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 1-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers; palmate leaves
• Bloom time: March-July depending on species
• Wildlife value: Host plants for endangered butterflies; nitrogen-fixing
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Wildflower gardens, butterfly gardens, slope plantings
• Native range: Throughout Pacific Coast region
• Note: Essential for endangered butterfly conservation

Clarkia (Farewell-to-Spring)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 1-4 feet tall, 6-12 inches wide
• Features: Cup-shaped flowers in pink, red, purple, or white
• Bloom time: April-July
• Wildlife value: Native bee plants; some species attract hummingbirds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, cool-season annual
• Best for: Annual color, cutting gardens, naturalized areas
• Native range: Pacific Coast states
• Note: Easy from seed, blooms as spring transitions to summer

Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide
• Features: Bright yellow daisy flowers, creates solid golden carpets
• Bloom time: February-May
• Wildlife value: Important early nectar source; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Clay soils, winter moisture, full sun
• Best for: Naturalized areas, vernal pool edges, spring displays
• Native range: California and Oregon
• Note: Creates spectacular mass displays in good years

Summer-Blooming Perennials

Penstemon (Beard Tongue)

• Zones: 6-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 1-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, blue, or white
• Bloom time: April-October depending on species
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird magnets; specialized bee relationships
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Hummingbird gardens, perennial borders, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout Pacific Coast region
• Note: Many species from coastal to alpine environments

Sticky Monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus)

• Zones: 8-11
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Features: Orange trumpet flowers, sticky aromatic foliage
• Bloom time: March-October (nearly year-round)
• Wildlife value: Hummingbird favorite; attracts butterflies
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Hummingbird gardens, long-season color, slopes
• Native range: California and Oregon
• Note: Blooms almost continuously with minimal water

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

• Zones: 6-10
• Size: 1-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide (spreading)
• Features: Bright red-orange tubular flowers, gray-green foliage
• Bloom time: August-November
• Wildlife value: Critical late-season hummingbird nectar
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Hummingbird gardens, fall color, ground cover
• Native range: Western United States
• Note: Blooms when little else flowers, essential for migrating hummingbirds

Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)

• Zones: 6-9
• Size: 6-8 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide (spreading)
• Features: Heart-shaped leaves, hidden brown flowers
• Bloom time: April-July
• Growing conditions: Moist, rich soil, deep shade
• Best for: Groundcover, woodland gardens, shaded areas
• Native range: Pacific Coast forests
• Note: Excellent groundcover for deep shade under redwoods

Fall-Blooming Natives

Asters (Symphyotrichum species)

• Zones: 6-10 (varies by species)
• Size: 1-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Small daisy flowers in purple, pink, or white
• Bloom time: August-November
• Wildlife value: Critical late-season nectar; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Variable depending on species
• Best for: Fall gardens, wildlife habitat, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout Pacific Coast region
• Note: Essential plants for fall pollinator support

Goldenrod (Solidago species)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 2-6 feet tall depending on species
• Features: Bright yellow flower plumes
• Bloom time: August-October
• Wildlife value: Supports 115+ butterfly and moth species
• Growing conditions: Adaptable, most prefer full sun
• Best for: Fall gardens, wildlife habitat, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout Pacific Coast region
• Note: Does NOT cause hay fever (ragweed does)

US Pacific Coast Native Plants: Native Grasses

California Fescue (Festuca californica)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Blue-green clumping grass, drought dormant in summer
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nesting material
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Naturalized areas, slope plantings, grass gardens
• Native range: California

Purple Needlegrass (Stipa pulchra)

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Purple-tinged seed heads, California state grass
• Wildlife value: Important bird food; historically dominant grass
• Growing conditions: Clay soils, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Restoration plantings, naturalized areas, historical accuracy
• Native range: California
• Note: California’s state grass, once dominated Central Valley

Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens)

• Zones: 8-10
• Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Features: Gray-green clumps, feathery flower plumes
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; cover for small animals
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, drought tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Specimen grass, mass plantings, architectural gardens
• Native range: Southern California

Pacific Reed Grass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis)

• Zones: 6-9
• Size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Tall, graceful, coastal adapted
• Wildlife value: Seeds and cover for birds; dune stabilization
• Growing conditions: Sandy soil, salt tolerant, full sun
• Best for: Coastal gardens, dune restoration, wind barriers
• Native range: Pacific Coast

Regional Plant Combinations

Redwood Forest Understory Garden

Canopy: Coast Redwood, Douglas Fir Understory: California Bay Laurel, Western Azalea Shrubs: Salmonberry, Thimbleberry, Huckleberry Perennials: Wild Ginger, Redwood Sorrel, Trillium Ferns: Sword Fern, Lady Fern, Five-finger Fern

Mediterranean Climate Garden

Trees: Coast Live Oak, Madrone, Western Redbud Shrubs: Manzanita, Ceanothus, Toyon Perennials: California Poppy, Penstemon, Sticky Monkeyflower Grasses: California Fescue, Purple Needlegrass Accent: Agave, native bulbs

Coastal Garden

Trees: Monterey Cypress, Monterey Pine Shrubs: Coyote Brush, Coastal Sage, Coffeeberry Perennials: Seaside Daisy, Beach Strawberry, California Fuchsia Grasses: Pacific Reed Grass, Salt Grass Groundcover: Ice Plant alternatives, Beach Primrose

Chaparral Garden

Trees: California Black Walnut, Interior Live Oak Shrubs: Fremontodendron, Woolly Blue Curls, Mountain Lilac Perennials: California Sage, Penstemon, Monkeyflower Accent plants: Yucca, Dudleya succulents Seasonal: Wildflower annuals

Hummingbird Paradise

Trees: Western Redbud, Flowering Currant Shrubs: Salvia species, Ribes species, Monkey Flower Perennials: California Fuchsia, Penstemon, Cardinal Flower Vines: Honeysuckle species Seasonal: Jewelweed, Bee Balm

More Native Plant Resources