![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
While enjoying the scenic splendor of Puget Sound is great, it’s a long drive. Bringing the natural beauty that the water and native trees provide closer to home is even better. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for Tacoma to use in your yard to help you go native. […]
\n","content":"\nWhile enjoying the scenic splendor of Puget Sound is great, it’s a long drive. Bringing the natural beauty that the water and native trees provide closer to home is even better. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best native plants for Tacoma to use in your yard to help you go native.
\n\n\n\nWhether it’s native perennials, ornamentals, or wildflowers, growing plants native to Pierce County has many benefits:
\n\n\n\nThis article will cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDon’t let the name fool you, wild ginger is not the same spice you use in recipes. It has been used for medicinal purposes and even used as a deodorant, but ingesting large quantities of this ginger can be toxic.
\n\n\n\nThis groundcover has striking leaves and flowers. In late spring and early summer, strong, dark-red colored three-pronged petals blossom. The glossy green leaves look like hearts.
\n\n\n\nWith all of the precipitation Tacoma experiences, it’s no wonder wild ginger is a favorite. It grows best when it remains moist. If your yard has a good irrigation system, it will provide a good home for wild ginger.
\n\n\n\nA property with a lot of trees or buildings blocking the sunlight is exactly what wild ginger is seeking. It thrives in full or partial shade and is adamant about avoiding the sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen ground cover
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full or partial shade, no direct sunlight
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves when crushed have a lemon-ginger smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Must stay moist
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Caution is advised. Ingesting large quantities can be toxic.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape has beautiful, bright yellow flowers that are eye-openers. A cluster of tiny petaled flowers emerges in the spring, cradled by dark green leaves. The shrub’s leaves turn a purplish glow in the winter, bringing wonderful color to the colder Tacoma months.
\n\n\n\nPollinators nibble on tall Oregon grape’s flowers, and birds, wildlife, and humans enjoy the purplish-blue berries. This ornamental shrub has been used to treat skin ailments and for other medicinal purposes.
\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to see why tall Oregon grapes are a Tacoma native. The plant thrives best in partial to full shade, so it’s right at home in the multiple months of mostly cloudy days of Tacoma. If you think your yard has too much shade and not enough sunlight, consider adding tall Oregon to your flower bed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27035188264_f232e288e8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon camas, also called by its common name, camas, is another plant that has shared its nutrients with animals and humans. The bulbs were a food source for indigenous people. And common camas is still consumed by many people in present times, including western North American natives and people living in certain parts of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
\n\n\n\nThe common camas sprouts uncommonly lovely sky-blue flowers between spring and summer. Fall is the best time to plant this wildflower. So, if you’re looking for fall planting, add camas to your plant list. Be ready to give it a lot of water while it’s developing.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas attracts beetles and bumblebees and works well when planted in groups in cottage gardens and borders. If you’re interested in low-maintenance landscaping like rain gardens or xeriscaping, you’ll be happy to know common camas is also well-suited for rain gardens. Although camas needs plenty of water while growing, it tolerates both wet soil and drier conditions once established.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVine maple, also called Oregon vine maple, is well adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate. The plant thrives best in cooler weather or areas that have a lot of shade and moisture, making it ideal for Tacoma.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub highlights homes in a magnificent array of colors. Vine maple’s bark is reddish-green with bright green leaves that turn orange and red in the fall. The spring ushers in small purple and white flowers. Songbirds and mammals are attracted to the red berries that soon follow the flowers.
\n\n\n\nVine maple is suitable for nearly any Tacoma home. It tolerates most soils and adjusts to the shadiness of your property, growing upright in sunny areas, and taking on a horizontal habit in shady locations. Vine maple is a shrub that sometimes grows into a tree.
\n\n\n\nThis plant may suffer in hot, dry weather. Fortunately, Tacoma summers are more warm than hot. Vine maple can grow as tall as 30 feet and up to 20 feet wide, so a home with a lot of room in the front or backyard is best. Like common camas, vine maple is well suited as a native tree or shrub in a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pink_Flowering_Currant_closeup_Ribes_sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant, also called blood currant, grows brightly along the Cascades. Once you see this beauty, you’ll know it derived its name from its flashy small red petals that blossom in the spring. You can also find the shrub showing off-white or pink flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe currant is most at home in rocky, well-drained soil, but if your soil is poor, rest assured. You can still give this fiery plant a good home, because it tolerates poor soil, too.
\n\n\n\nThis is a great starter plant if you’re new to gardening; it’s easy to grow. It needs supplemental water in its first season and possibly in the second season, too. After it’s established, it’s drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThe red flowering currant attracts more than butterflies and hummingbirds. Humans use the dark blue berries in pies, jams, and juice. Red flowering currant is a tasty addition to rain gardens, and would also make delicious hedges.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7283693140_bf740f092e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nLewis’ mock orange is also called wild mock orange. This spectacular-looking shrub has creamy white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, with each flower containing four lush petals. If you take a deep breath when you’re around this plant, you’ll understand why it’s called mock orange. It has a sweet scent that reminds you of orange blossoms.
\n\n\n\nWild mock orange accommodates most soil types, but it prefers soils rich in nutrients. If your property gets some shade but is mostly covered in sunlight, Lewis’s mock orange will be happy to join your family and improve the health of your property. Its fibrous root system helps improve the soil structure and prevents erosion. Wild mock orange attracts butterflies and is a shelter for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers gravelly and nutrient-rich soils, but tolerates a variety of soil types, like chalk, loam, and sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Orangey scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low-medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to cats
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nootka_rose_and_hip_5984947163.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leslie Seaton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-2.0
\n\n\n\nIn late spring to mid-summer, nootka rose brings forth pretty pink flowers that can be a sight for sore eyes after the cold Tacoma winters. Yellow stamens with red rose hips sit in the middle of the flower. Homeowners may see birds come by to eat the red rose hips in the winter if the hips are left on the shrubs.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a quick-spreading plant, look no further. To control nootka rose from roaming so freely, pruning regularly is required, with winter pruning recommended. Nootka rose works well as hedges and in wildlife gardens. Nootka rose is a true northwest native plant – it grows best in well-drained soils but can tolerate seasonal flooding.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, or clay; well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Subtly Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPacific red elderberry blooms small, white flowers that cluster near the branch tips. It maintains its color in Tacoma’s cooler fall weather.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a creek on your property, Pacific red elderberry will thrive if planted next to it. It’s natively found in moist woodlands and stream banks. A moist native plant garden is a good place for this deciduous shrub. Although Pacific red elderberry grows in partial shade, its growth is stifled if it doesn’t get enough sun. So a yard with trees that block the sun is not well-suited for this plant.
\n\n\n\nButterflies are attracted to elderberry and birds can’t wait to eat the red berries from the shrub in the fall. But humans must not follow suit. The seeds and raw berries are toxic.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Skunk smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 10 feet in a garden (up to 18 feet in the wild)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The seeds are poisonous. Berries are poisonous if eaten raw.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\nYou want plants that will thrive in Tacoma’s mostly cloudy, high-precipitation climate. Plants should also be able to tolerate the cold winters. Choose plants that are in your area’s hardiness zones, which is 8b.
\n\n\n\nSelect plants that your yard has the space to accommodate and that fit well with other vegetation. For example, native trees like douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are very large. They may also be so big they block sunlight from getting to other plants. This can compromise the growth and lifespan of other vegetation.
\n\n\n\nBeing familiar with your property’s characteristics is also important. You want to pick plants that thrive in your soil type and the amount of shade or sun your yard has. Also, consider your irrigation system. If you are the irrigation system, you may discover plants that require a lot of water are too time-consuming. Selecting plants with maintenance needs aligned with how much time you want to spend taking care of them will be best for the plants and you.
\n\n\n\nInvasive plants are introduced to an area by humans, or by animals that bring the seeds after eating them. Invasive plants compete with native plants for space and nourishment. These non-native plants alter the soil physically and chemically and change the ecology of a plant community, which can establish new populations that outcompete and eliminate food for local insects and wildlife.
\n\n\n\nInvasive plants can spread aggressively. Invasive plants that are also labeled as noxious weeds can even destroy native plants and cause erosion. Some Tacoma invasive plants are:
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant native plants in Tacoma is in the fall or early spring. In the fall, the weather is cooler, there’s usually more rain, and the soil is still warm from the summer. These conditions encourage root growth and help the root system to establish itself before winter.
\n\n\n\nIn the spring, the weather and soil are warming up. Planting at this time allows plants to develop their roots before the summer heat and dryness.
\n\n\n\nMany plants are native to Washington, including:
\n\n\n\nYou could go to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden to see a plethora of Pacific Northwest native plants. Or, you can take note of the plants that are around you whenever you’re outside or looking out of a window.
\n\n\n\nThe Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is a valuable resource for information pertaining to native plants. WNPS has information on invasive plants, resources for identifying plants, and local venues hosting plant sales.
\n\n\n\nNative plants take less time, money, and resources than non-native plants because native plants are adapted to the environment. You can make your life even easier by considering other low-maintenance landscaping ideas.
\n\n\n\nGive yourself more time to enjoy fishing on the Puyallup River. Call a local lawn care professional to keep your yard lush, green, and healthy.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Wild ginger / born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tacoma, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1789c/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/107df/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/293e9/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/f2cbb/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1789c/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/c26c2/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1dd6e/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/67b76/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/8df11/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/98a65/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/1dd6e/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4a276e60fe4d7ca9be2f21f5d9c11bd9/3cc96/9224501459_19a2bd1cc4_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Tacoma, WA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the best native plants for Tacoma, including the benefits of native plants and frequently asked questions."}}},{"node":{"id":"49a82bdc-8852-588c-bf48-9617af3cf01b","slug":"best-grass-types-seattle","path":"/lawn-care/wa/seattle/best-grass-types-seattle/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"c6d9bd8a-28b0-5293-8a0f-89910712d2d9","name":"Seattle","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/seattle/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"March 25th, 2023","excerpt":"To survive in Seattle, you must tolerate its high humidity. The same rule applies to your turfgrass. After enjoying the wooded trails in Discovery Park and communing with native plants that thrive in Seattle’s maritime climate, you probably want to return home to a yard that is just as adaptable to the weather. That’s why […]
\n","content":"\nTo survive in Seattle, you must tolerate its high humidity. The same rule applies to your turfgrass. After enjoying the wooded trails in Discovery Park and communing with native plants that thrive in Seattle’s maritime climate, you probably want to return home to a yard that is just as adaptable to the weather. That’s why we’ve gathered the four best grass types that thrive in Seattle’s dry summers, wet winters, and overall humid and rainy conditions.
\n\n\n\nWhether you have a yard with a lot of shade or you prefer a low-maintenance grass, you’ll find grass with properties that work best for your home and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type for your lawn, your options include warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Here in Seattle, you’ll have the most success with cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive when temperatures are warm and enter dormancy from late autumn through early spring as temperatures cool. Cool-season grasses grow best in climates with cool to mild weather, when temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While warm-season grass is green in summer, you can expect your cool-season grass to be brown and dormant in summer.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are right at home in Seattle, where the warm season is only about three months long. These grasses will survive their summer dormancy during Seattle’s average daily high of 72 degrees and they’ll withstand the winter chills too.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses enter their green up period in early spring, enter dormancy in summer, return to green in autumn, and enter winter dormancy if soil temperatures consistently fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nLet’s take a close look at the 4 best cool-season grasses for your Seattle yard:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Festuca_arundinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a Seattle favorite. It begins growing early and blends well with other grass types. So if you’re overseeding an existing lawn or filling in blank patches, fine fescue is a good choice. It’s also great if you don’t mind standing out a bit–– It has a blue-green tint and can also have a green color lighter than other grasses.
\n\n\n\nAs the most shade-tolerant of all the cool-season grasses, fine fescue is an ideal choice for properties with a lot of trees or don’t get a lot of sun. If that sounds like your home, the chewings variety will be the best option, as it is the most shade-tolerant fine fescue species.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue’s fine texture provides a soft cushion for somersaults and tumbles, but its traffic tolerance is low to moderate. It can withstand a few walks across the grass, but it won’t tolerate routine soccer or baseball games in the yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you enjoy an impressive lawn without a lot of work, you’ll appreciate fine fescue’s low fertilizer, mowing, and watering requirements.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fine fescue has many different fine-textured species. The most commonly used varieties are chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, creeping red fescue, and slender creeping red fescue.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grass distinguishes itself from other grass types with its wide leaves. It has a dark green, glossy color. It thrives in Seattle’s climate of short, dry summers and wet winters because it’s drought-tolerant and well-adapted to cold, heat, and shade.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue requires frequent mowing and needs plenty of water to prevent damage and stress during long dry spells. But its moderate to high drought tolerance means that when it’s not drought season, you won’t have to water it as often as some other grasses, like perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nIf you like walking barefoot, you may want to stay clear of this coarsely-textured grass type. With its moderate foot-traffic tolerance, it’s also not the optimal choice for frequent lawn parties or regular games of hide-and-seek.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Grows vigorously in spring and fall. Stays green during winter months, depending on species. Falcon, Houndog, and Olympic are some of the varieties that retain green color year round.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lolium_perenne_TK_2021-06-26_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T. Kebert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNow, perennial ryegrass is the grass for those who like to entertain outdoors. With its high foot-traffic tolerance, children can run and play as often as they like. Its fine texture means somersaults and tumbles are welcome, as the grass provides a soft landing. If your lawn is home to children sliding into third base a few days a week, you’ll love perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nThis grass has more wear resistance than other grasses adapted to the greater Seattle area. It also mixes well with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrasses, and fine fescues. If you’re in the middle of establishing a lawn and run out of bentgrass seeds, you can always finish off with perennial ryegrass and still end up with a beautiful yard. Compared to fine fescue and tall fescue, it requires moderate maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is distinguishable by its reddish-purplish colored stem base. Its blades have a rich green color with a glossy look on one side of the leaf. A lawn with lots of sunlight is a good home for perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It germinates quickly, which helps with weed containment. Mixing it with Kentucky bluegrass makes it more traffic-resistant and disease-resistant. (It’s recommended that Kentucky bluegrass be used only as a mixture with other grasses for the western Washington area. Seattle homeowners are advised not to use Kentucky bluegrass as monostands, meaning it should not be planted as the only grass type).
\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass stands out with its light green color and dense covering. It grows best on properties with partial shade that allow the grass to take advantage of the morning sun and the shade in the afternoon.
\n\n\n\nIf you like spending time outside and working in the yard, this cool-season grass may be best for you. It requires mowing at least once a week, needs frequent dethatching and watering, and has high fertilizer needs.
\n\n\n\nAs colonial bentgrass sunbathes in the morning, you may want to join it. It has a welcoming soft texture and can withstand average traffic, but it won’t tolerate heavy wear. In other words, it’s not the best choice for regular badminton challenges.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Short rhizomes that may bring about short stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nTraffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high. Best when mowed short, at least once weekly.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1 inch.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate. Susceptible to Fusarium patch in the winter. Vulnerable to Take-all patch when young but severity decreases as turf develops.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates poor soil conditions, but prefers moist and fertile soil.
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Highland Colonial Bentgrass is a cultivar that’s slightly more heat and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to plant between April and May. This allows the grass to flourish while it’s still cool. The next best time to plant is in the fall up until mid-October. Summer planting is not advised.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass are among the most common cool-season grasses. They are usually mixed.
\n\n\n\nIf you need to fertilize, do so in mid-May. Use an organic fertilizer between September and October if you find you need to fertilize in the fall. Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the fall up until November.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Washington State include:
\n\n\n\nBeing located west of the Cascades, Seattle experiences the humidity and cool temperatures of the Pacific Northwest. Fungal lawn disease spreads in this type of climate. It’s best to select grasses that have a natural immunity to the diseases that thrive in these conditions, like perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also want a grass that fits your property’s demographics. If you have a lot of shade, perennial ryegrass is not your best option, no matter how disease-resistant it is. You’ll want to gravitate towards fine fescue varieties.
\n\n\n\nIf you have children, perennial ryegrass’s soft texture and high traffic tolerance will provide the ideal surface for kickball games and tag.
\n\n\n\nAnd remember, you can always mix grasses to make your lawn more sunny, shade, or traffic-tolerant. And to maintain its health and beauty, contact a Seattle lawn care professional who will keep your yard manicured and inviting.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Wonderlane / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Seattle","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/1789c/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/107df/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/293e9/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/f2cbb/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/1789c/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/c26c2/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/1dd6e/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/67b76/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp 320w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/8df11/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp 500w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/98a65/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp 800w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/1dd6e/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp 960w,\n/static/c308fd2a0f9ad67a0d9b6853cd6c09f3/3cc96/5698089553_bbfc6aa186_k-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Seattle | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article gives the properties of the best four grass types for Seattle. Keep reading to select the grass that best fits your yard and lifestyle."}}},{"node":{"id":"3b81bd36-8155-58a5-944f-cba74714aff9","slug":"best-grass-types-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/best-grass-types-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"April 29th, 2023","excerpt":"After enjoying the rainforests at Olympic National Park or the stunning waterfall at Snoqualmie Falls, you may want to return home to a landscape just as beautiful and inviting. That’s why we’ve gathered the best grass types for Washington that thrive in the state’s cool weather and rainy conditions. It doesn’t matter if you live […]
\n","content":"\nAfter enjoying the rainforests at Olympic National Park or the stunning waterfall at Snoqualmie Falls, you may want to return home to a landscape just as beautiful and inviting. That’s why we’ve gathered the best grass types for Washington that thrive in the state’s cool weather and rainy conditions.
\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t matter if you live in the rainier, milder climate of western Washington or the drier, colder temperatures of eastern Washington, you’ll find grass with properties that work best for your home and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type for your lawn, your options include warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Washington has a diverse climate and is broken down into several major regions. Even with the differences in weather, cool-season grasses thrive best in all areas of the state.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates. They go dormant during the cold winter months, from late autumn through early spring, as temperatures cool. The grass turns brown when the temperatures drop below freezing.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass thrives best in areas with hot summers and short, mild winters, so most grasses in the southern regions of the country are warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWhile warm-season grass is green in the summer, cool-season grass is brown and dormant during this time of year. Like warm season-grasses, freezing temperatures send cool-season grasses into dormancy. But cool-season grasses go dormant later in the season than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass thrives when air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Another characteristic of cool-season grasses is that they are well-adapted to areas that experience wide variations in temperatures. Because they grow best in cool to mild weather, most grasses in the northern regions of the United States are cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nThe climates in western Washington and eastern Washington are different. Because different climates, soil types, and other factors affect grass health and growth, we identify which grass types are best for each major region:
\n\n\n\nThe most prevalently used grass in the United States is Kentucky bluegrass. It is well adapted to eastern Washington’s soil and extreme temperature fluctuations. However, it’s not well-suited for the soil and mild, cool, and moist climate of western Washington.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass requires a lot of maintenance, like frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization, but the hard work may be worth the benefits. Bluegrass quickly fills in bald patches after a lawn is established. So, if you have bare spots, you may want to consider bluegrass. This grass type also helps prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nIt has a dark green color and establishes into a lush, dense lawn. Kentucky bluegrass prefers properties that get a lot of sun. If trees or buildings block out the light on your property, fine fescue or tall fescue have more shade tolerance and are better options.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is soft, has moderate foot-traffic tolerance, and recovers quickly from damage. These characteristics have made it a common choice for sports fields in adapted areas. Therefore, Kentucky bluegrass is right at home on properties with homeowners who love to have lawn parties or host play dates full of children playing hide-n-seek across the lawn a few times a month.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and high fertilization needs
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2.5 to 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 – 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Used in most pastures in the northeastern part of the country because it tolerates heavy grazing. Varieties developed for lawn use need more watering, dethatching, and fertilization than varieties used for animal feeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is an excellent choice for Washington because it thrives in both eastern and western Washington. If you live in the dividing zone of the Cascade range, you’ll have the comfort of knowing this grass is well-suited for both sides of the line.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass mixes well with other grass types like bentgrass, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrass. Although Kentucky bluegrass is a good choice for quickly filling in bare spots, ryegrass may be a better option for bald spots or if you need to overseed or start a new lawn. Ryegrass germinates and establishes more quickly than some other grass types, including Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass’s blades are a glossy sheen on one side, and the stem base is reddish-purplish. Perennial has the least shade and drought tolerance of all the grasses on this list. With all of the rain the Cascade range and western Washington receive, a home in these regions will be a good place for this grass variety.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is ideal for those who like to entertain outdoors. It has more wear resistance than other grasses adapted to the Pacific Northwest area. Its fine texture provides a soft landing for falls. If your lawn is host to hide-n-seek games a few days a week, you’ll love perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Helps with weed suppression. Lawns are made more traffic-resistant and disease-resistant when perennial ryegrass is mixed with Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bildoj / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is another grass type that homeowners gravitate towards because it grows early and mixes well with other types of grass, like Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, and turf-type perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners overseeding an existing lawn or filling in blank patches may choose fine fescue over perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass because fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant of all the cool-season grasses. It’s a better option if your home is significantly shady and plants don’t get much direct sunlight. The chewings variety is the most shade-tolerant fine fescue species.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a blue-green tint. Its fine texture provides a soft cushion for bare feet, but its traffic tolerance is low to moderate. It won’t tolerate routine kickball games or lawn parties.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has low fertilizer, mowing, and watering requirements, so it’s possible to have an immaculate lawn without a lot of work. Its moderate to high-drought tolerance makes it a good selection for the drier Rocky Mountain Region, Plateau Region, and Eastern Cascade Range.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue thrives across the entire Washington area.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Sheep fescue, hard fescue, creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and chewings fescue are the most commonly used varieties.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue has wide leaves and a dark green, glossy color. It’s well-adapted to cold, heat, and shade. To prevent damage and stress during long dry spells, homeowners need to mow and water tall fescue often.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it won’t need as much irrigation as some other grasses in non-drought conditions, like perennial ryegrass. This is because tall fescue has moderate to high-drought tolerance, making it ideal for the drier eastern Washington area.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue grows well in both eastern and western Washington.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Some varieties remain green year-round, like Falcon, Olympic, and Houndog.
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/27944336965_d3cbf50ee2_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andreas Rockstein / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass has a light green color and dense covering. It grows best when it gets sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon and when nights are cool.
\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass has moderate to high maintenance needs. In addition to requiring mowing at least once weekly, bentgrass also needs to be dethatched, watered, and fertilized often. Although it’s adapted to both the east and west sides of Washington, its high watering needs make it ideal for the heavier rainfall in western Washington and the Cascade region.
\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass has a soft texture and average foot-traffic tolerance. It’s not the best choice for regular get-togethers on the lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Short rhizomes that may bring about short stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nTraffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high. Best when mowed short, at least once weekly.
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1 inch.
\n\n\n\nPotential for Disease: Moderate. Susceptible to Fusarium patch in the winter. Vulnerable to Take-all patch when young but severity decreases as turf develops.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates poor soil conditions, but prefers moist and fertile soil.
\n\n\n\nOther Notes: Highland Colonial Bentgrass is a cultivar that’s slightly more heat and drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types to grow in Western Washington include:
\n\n\n\nThe mild, cool, and moist climate of western Washington, which includes cities like Tacoma and Seattle, is what cool-season grasses crave. Summer temperatures usually remain at 79 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Although winter days typically don’t fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures can drop into the low 20’s. Cool-season grasses have the necessary hardiness to survive these freezing lows.
\n\n\n\nThe Cascades are somewhat ambiguous, as they separate or sit between eastern and western Washington. The Cascade Mountains divide the state into two major provinces: eastern Washington and western Washington.
\n\n\n\nThe northern part of the mountains is in eastern Washington and includes most of the Columbia River Plateau. The western part of the Cascade range has the greatest population and includes cities like Vancouver, Seattle, Bellingham, Olympia, and Tacoma. The mountains get a lot of snow and rain, making it a wet area.
\n\n\n\nThe following regions are located in western Washington:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types to grow in eastern Washington include:
\n\n\n\nEastern Washington does not have the wet reputation of western Washington because the Cascades thirstily drink up most of the rain. The eastern side of Washington, which includes cities like Ellensburg, Wenatchee, and the Tri-Cities, has a dry climate and experiences summers and winters with more extreme temperatures. It’s usually between 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the upper 30s in the winter, compared to western winter days that rarely go lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nSummer temperatures average between the high 80s and mid-90s. Although warm-season grasses thrive best in higher temperatures, eastern Washington needs grass types that can withstand its freezing winter days, too. Cool-season grasses grow best in extreme temperatures, so it is best suited for an area like eastern Washington, which battles both extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
\n\n\n\nThe best types of grass for Seattle are the cool-season grasses discussed in this article, except for Kentucky bluegrass. It’s recommended that Kentucky bluegrass be used only as a mixture with other grasses for the western Washington area.
Seattle homeowners are advised not to use Kentucky bluegrass as monostands, meaning it should not be planted as the only grass type. So, fine fescue, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and colonial bentgrass are the best grasses for Seattle.
According to Washington State University, warm-season grasses like Zoysia, St. Augustine, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass are not adapted to Washington’s climate and should not be used.
At the time of that publication, buffalograss was being evaluated for use in the area. A more recent article reported it should not be used in western Washington. It can be used in central Washington, but only in areas that are low to moderately maintained.
Kentucky bluegrass will work for you if you live on the eastern side of the Cascade range. But Kentucky bluegrass is not recommended for western Washington. If you’re not quite sure what side you’re on, or you’re closer to the middle, avoid bluegrass and stick with perennial ryegrass, the fescues, and colonial bentgrass.
There’s not much difference between the grasses that thrive in the different regions of Washington, except for Kentucky bluegrass and colonial bentgrass. Nevertheless, if you live in drier regions like the Rocky Mountain Region and Plateau Region, you may want to choose grasses with the highest drought tolerance, like fine fescue or tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nFungal lawn disease spreads in the humidity and cool temperatures in the Pacific Northwest area west of the Cascades. If you live in this area, opt for grasses that are immune to diseases these conditions cause. For example, perennial ryegrass has good immunity.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to choose grass that is well-suited for your yard’s characteristics and your family’s lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Washington lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and many more cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: House Seattle Washington / Wonderlane / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Washington","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/1789c/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/107df/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/293e9/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/f2cbb/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/1789c/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/c26c2/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/1dd6e/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/67b76/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/8df11/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/98a65/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/1dd6e/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/dcc5705fee323b99d10f2f84d9205b49/3cc96/5846283977_2b596e7bdd_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Washington | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a new lawn in The Evergreen State? This article explores the best grass types within eastern and western Washington."}}},{"node":{"id":"4117cfd1-d2b9-5ebc-934a-8c3d719d4601","slug":"native-trees-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/native-trees-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 29th, 2023","excerpt":"Within the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant […]
\n","content":"\nWithin the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant culture that thrives throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nFrom the towering forests of Olympic National Park to the urban arboreal havens of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington’s native trees add a distinct flavor to each cityscape, infusing the air with a crisp freshness that invigorates both body and spirit.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"Douglas](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the magnificent forests of Washington, the douglas fir reigns supreme as a true giant among trees. Standing tall and proud, it boasts an impressive stature, earning its reputation as one of the largest trees on our planet. This majestic conifer is one of the most important timber species in the United States.
\n\n\n\nAs a young evergreen tree, douglas fir has a narrow and spired pyramidal shape. Its lower branches gracefully droop while the upper ones ascend with determination. When mature, it undergoes a stunning metamorphosis. The once conical form gives way to a cylindrical silhouette, shedding its lower branches until only the top third of the tree remains adorned with verdant foliage.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, clay, loam. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: A delightfully sweet scent fills the air when the Douglas fir needles are gently crushed.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: All year.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Keep it well watered since it is intolerant to drought. It is easy to transplant when it is small.
\n\n\n\n![\"Western](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeep within the lush forests of Washington, the western red cedar stands as a living testament to the passage of time. With a lifespan that stretches across centuries, some of its elder brethren boast an astounding age exceeding a millennium, proudly bearing the weight of history upon their sturdy branches.
\n\n\n\nThe Western Red Cedar showcases a silhouette that ranges from narrow to broad, resembling a pyramidal shape. This resilient giant may develop a buttressed base. Trees in compact spaces find an elegance in their narrower shape, while those gifted with abundant room embrace a broader form.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: When crushed it emits a distinctive, sweet pineapple or pear drop-like smell.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. It does not tolerate drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sitka](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce.jpg\")
Photo Credit: born1945 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the beautiful woodlands of Washington, the Sitka spruce stands tall. This noble native tree is a sight to behold, with an open crown that reaches towards the sky, adorned with branches that sway and dance. Its vibrant foliage showcases stiff, four-sided needles in a mesmerizing blue-green hue.
\n\n\n\nThe Sitka spruce’s ever-transforming bark changes from smooth and silvery gray in its youth to purplish-brown hues when mature.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sitka spruce essential oil’s piney, earthy, woodsy scent can offer relief and relaxation during the cold season.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: All year
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 250 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe mighty ponderosa pine is a true icon of the Western United States. This magnificent pine stands tall and proud and is known for its dominance and value as a timber resource. Its dark yellowish-green needles, arranged in bundles of three, create a lush and vibrant canopy that captivates the eye.
\n\n\n\nAs we venture closer, we can admire the tree’s fascinating transformation. Young trees boast a striking dark brown to black bark. Yet, as the ponderosa pine matures, its bark evolves into a warm orangish-brown hue adorned with intricate furrows and large scaly plates. Truly a spectacle to behold, this tree embodies strength and resilience.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The bark, stems, and needles emit a resinous or turpentine scent when broken or crushed.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 125 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Induces abortion in cattle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. No tolerance for shade. Established trees tolerate some dry soil conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis deciduous tree exudes grace and elegance in the forests of Washington. Standing tall with a straight trunk and crowned with pointed or rounded branches, the red alder is a sight to behold. Its bark, adorned in a mottled pattern of light gray to whitish hues, is remarkably smooth to the touch.
\n\n\n\nBut what truly sets this tree apart is its ability to nurture its surroundings. Beneath the surface, they develop intriguing swellings or root nodules housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nature’s very own soil enrichers. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into valuable chemicals that act as natural fertilizers, nourishing the surrounding plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist, but well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous Perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The bark has a strong aromatic smell similar to cottonwood.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 66 to 98 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. The growth rate of this tree is quite rapid, and it spreads through the dispersal of its seeds. It favors the combination of cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers for optimal growth and development.
\n\n\n\n![\"Paper](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis tree tells a story with its ever-evolving shape and captivating features. When young, the paper birch takes on a loosely pyramidal form. As it matures, its silhouette transforms into a charming irregular oval to a rounded shape, often retaining low branches.
\n\n\n\nThe paper birch can be trained to grow with multiple trunks, creating a picturesque display. But what steals the show is its exquisite bark. Cloaked in a pristine white coat, it exfoliates gracefully, unveiling strips of papery wonder that reveal a beautiful orange-brown inner bark. Over time, as the tree matures, black markings emerge, painting a stunning contrast on its snowy canvas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance:It has a sweet woody sappy green fragrance.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 50 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate.It is better to prune during its dormant season. It is important to avoid pruning during winter or spring when the sap is actively flowing, as it may result in bleeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pacific](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pacific madrone is a tree that dazzles the senses with its splendid display of springtime elegance. As the season blooms, this tree adorns itself with white bell-shaped flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle. But the magic doesn’t end there, for these blossoms give way to round fruits that mature into a striking shade of red, adding a vibrant burst of color to the forest landscape.
\n\n\n\nThe bark sheds its old skin to reveal its true beauty. From its stunning flowers to its fiery fruits and the captivating spectacle of its peeling bark, the Pacific madrone invites us to celebrate the ever-changing nature and find joy in the vibrant tapestry of life.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It exudes a strong honey smell that attracts bees and fruit-eating birds like waxwings and robins.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 80 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. They are difficult to transplant and can be slow to establish.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pacific](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul Schultz from Kenmore, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pacific dogwood tree presents itself with a dense, conical, or rounded crown. Its branches, arranged in a graceful, horizontal-tiered fashion, create a picturesque display that evokes a sense of serenity and harmony. The Pacific dogwood has delicate, white flowers.
\n\n\n\nAs the seasons shift, the Pacific dogwood continues to delight. It adorns itself with orange to red fruits, adding a touch of autumnal splendor to the landscape. And when the foliage begins its transition, the tree’s leaves transform into a captivating shade of yellow-orange, painting the surroundings with a vibrant burst of color.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It has a strong but pleasant floral scent similar to sweet honeysuckle.
\n\n\n\nSeason of interest: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. Established plants have some drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIn the vast landscapes of Washington, the western red cedars claim the title of the state’s towering giants. These majestic evergreen conifers dominate the coastal regions, reaching impressive heights of 100 to 200 feet and boasting 9 feet or more diameters.
Here’s a list of other native tree species in Washington:
• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
• Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
When embarking on a backyard landscaping project in Washington, tapping into the expertise of local nurseries becomes crucial. Opting for native trees and plants from these nurseries ensures they are well-suited to the region’s climate and soil conditions, enhancing their resilience and long-term maintenance.
\n\n\n\nRemember that Washington State predominantly falls under USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, selecting suitable plants or trees is the first step in creating a thriving landscape. Ongoing care and maintenance are vital for its sustained health and vitality.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure the best results for your yard, consider hiring a lawn care pro near you to handle the mowing, trimming, and edging. We can connect you with trusted pros in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and many other cities throughout the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: The Washington State Capitol Building / Pastajosh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/107df/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/293e9/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/f2cbb/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/c26c2/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/67b76/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/8df11/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/98a65/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/3cc96/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 8 trees native to Washington State, boosting aesthetics and supporting local ecosystem preservation."}}},{"node":{"id":"9d256264-8504-58ac-af46-368e0f705194","slug":"native-plants-seattle","path":"/lawn-care/wa/seattle/native-plants-seattle/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"c6d9bd8a-28b0-5293-8a0f-89910712d2d9","name":"Seattle","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/seattle/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Some may say Seattle has two seasons: wet and dry. You can enjoy the multiple walking trails at Washington Park Arboretum, or, when the relentless drizzles kick in, duck inside and explore the retail shops at Pike Place Market. But unlike you, your yard cannot duck inside to avoid the humidity, rain, or summer drought-like […]
\n","content":"\nSome may say Seattle has two seasons: wet and dry. You can enjoy the multiple walking trails at Washington Park Arboretum, or, when the relentless drizzles kick in, duck inside and explore the retail shops at Pike Place Market. But unlike you, your yard cannot duck inside to avoid the humidity, rain, or summer drought-like conditions that define Seattle. You need plants that can handle these conditions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Seattle.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll want a yard full of plants that are adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of plant types native to Seattle.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-marek-kupiec-10178701-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart’s trademark is its delicate-looking, heart-shaped pink or white flowers. It’s also called fern-leaf bleeding heart because of its fern-like foliage.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is visited by local forest dwellers, these hearts are a good idea; they’re rabbit and deer resistant. Pacific bleeding hearts are a great choice for borders and cottage or shade gardens. But be careful if you have skin allergies, the leaves can cause irritation.
\n\n\n\nWith that caveat in mind, cover up with gloves and other protective gear, plant these bleeding hearts, and watch as they attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full shade, but less flowers will bloom.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals. Causes sickness when ingested and is a possible skin irritant.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets or small children, the toxic properties of the pacific bleeding heart may cause concern. No worries. The tall Oregon grape is not only deer-resistant and low maintenance like the bleeding heart, it’s non-toxic and has medicinal uses, too. It treats skin diseases and is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
\n\n\n\nThe tall Oregon grape, also called the Oregon grape holly, adds color to any home. Its bright yellow flowers greet you in the spring and its purplish-blue berries beckon you in the summer. Pollinators feast on the flowers, while wildlife and birds come around for a taste of the edible berries that look like small grapes. Plant the tall Oregon grape in groups in woodland or shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAre you undecided on whether you want a bushy shrub or a small tree? Vine maple is a people-pleaser. On one hand, it can be a large spreading shrub. On the other, it sometimes develops into a moderately-sized tree. Remove branches close to the ground to promote tree-like growth.
\n\n\n\nThe vine maple will even offer you a variety of colors. Its bark is reddish-green with bright green leaves. The fall ushers in orange and red-hued foliage. Small purple and white flowers arrive in the spring. The berries that soon follow draw mammals and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nVine maple thrives in moist and cooler climates like that of Seattle. If your yard is shaded, vine maple will be a loyal companion. This shrub is a wonderful choice for a shady border or patio tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a Seattle favorite because it thrives in wet winter conditions. It has glazed, heart-shaped leaves and deeply red-colored, three-pronged flowers that emerge around late spring and early summer. The flower’s end forms a tail. Although wild ginger smells like ginger when crushed, it’s not the spice you find on the racks at the grocery store.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger loves shade, so it will work well on a property that doesn’t get much sun – that is, if you don’t mind a few extra creepy crawlers in your yard. Wild ginger is pollinated by ground beetles and ants. This ground cover is often used in woodland gardens and under shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen ground cover
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full or partial shade, no direct sunlight
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves when crushed have a lemon-ginger smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Must stay moist
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Caution is advised. Do not ingest.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48267568732_29cdb6a664_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSalal is also called Shallon, and is a great choice if you love to see color in your plants in the winter. The leaves turn a red-purplish color when it’s cold. Salal is an attention-seeker, as it is high maintenance and needs pruning immediately after it flowers. But its edible and medicinal properties may make it well worth the effort.
\n\n\n\nHumans and birds can eat the deep blue berries that emerge near the end of summer. And although salal’s medicinal uses are not well known, it has been used for medicinal purposes. It has anti-cramping and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves can be applied externally to soothe insect bites and stings. Salal has been used in jams, baked goods, and as a sweetener.
\n\n\n\nUse this attractive shrub as a ground cover or border, along slopes, or in rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Smells like wintergreen
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Grows up to 5 feet in shade and up to 3 feet in full sun.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30284962355_651a2441c9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon camas is usually called by the short version of its common name, camas. The leaves are long and grass-like. Around the end of spring to the beginning of summer, sky-blue petaled flowers blossom. For best results, plant camas in the fall and give it plenty of water while it’s growing.
\n\n\n\nThis wildflower attracts beetles and bumblebees, and is perfect when planted in groups in cottage gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry showcases reddish leaves that emerge in the spring, and white flowers that sit underneath the leathery foliage. The blue or black colored berries come around in the late summer, bringing with them wildlife and birds that nibble on them for nourishment. One of the best things about this evergreen is that the berries serve as a buffet for humans, too. The berries have been used in pies, jellies, and syrups.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry makes a great shrub border or hedge. It’s also a good choice for rain gardens. It’s considered high maintenance, but it may save you a trip to the grocery store.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/52704209231_8c892efc77_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Knight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou may have noticed these growing alongside the Cascades. The red flowering currant is also called the blood currant. Drooping, small red-petaled flowers appear and take over the shrub in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThe red flowering currant produces dark blue berries that are appreciated by humans and animals alike. The fruit has been used to make juice, pies, and jam. The red flowering currant shrub thrives well in yards with lots of sun or a little shade. This sweet, sage-rosemaryish-smelling plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAll plants are not created equal. Some may look and sound attractive, but not be suitable for most homes even if they are native plants of the Pacific Northwest, like the douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Others should not be planted close to your home because they’re highly flammable, like the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Make sure you’re aware of the potential hazards of a plant before purchasing it.
\n\n\n\nThe best plants are those that fit well with your property’s conditions, your maintenance expectations, and your family’s lifestyle. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
\n\n\n\nAlso, consider whether you want to spend your time pruning shrubs or if you have the budget to pay someone. If you’re too busy for high-maintenance plants, salal may be a deal breaker, while the pacific bleeding heart may be a must-have.
\n\n\n\nIf you have small children or pets that may get into the vegetation, you may want to stay clear of pacific bleeding heart and indulge in a medley of red flowering currants or evergreen huckleberry.
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets, you may have concerns about plants that will make them sick. According to the Washington Native Plant Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA) lists several plants that can be harmful to pets. Here are five native plants harmful to dogs and cats that are most commonly found in the Seattle area:
\n\n\n\nMany plants are native to Washington, including:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones identify which plants grow best in which areas of North America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides zones by average lowest winter temperatures. Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you identify the right plants that will thrive in Seattle.
\n\n\n\nKing County is a bit confusing, as it’s in two zones. Most of the county is in zone 8. The eastern part of the county is in zone 7. If you don’t know which zone you’re in, ask your local nursery.
\n\n\n\nUsing native plants can make your life easier. These plants already thrive in their current environment, so they take less maintenance. This saves resources and money.
\n\n\n\nNative plants need less water and require fewer pesticides and fertilizers if any. This means fewer hazardous chemicals running off into creeks and other water-supply sources.
\n\n\n\nBy choosing Seattle native plants, you can enjoy bonding with nature as you see a beautiful display of various insects, butterflies, and native wildlife flocking to a diverse buffet of vegetation.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been to Carkeek Park, you’ve seen some native plants. You’ve probably also seen plenty of native plants while you were out walking in your neighborhood or driving around the city. Adding native plants to your home will create a colorful and diverse environment that gives back to the ecosystem. The Washington Native Plant Society highlights community events and sites where you can see native vegetation and take advantage of plant sales.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Seattle area recommended by the King Conservation District:
\n\n\n\nSoaking in the sunshine and fresh air by spending time working in the garden or around the yard can be calming. But everyone deserves a break. When you’re ready to let someone else do the work, call your lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Oregon Grape / Kirt Edblom / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"8 Native Plants for Seattle, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5113350125944585,"src":"/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/1789c/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/107df/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/293e9/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/f2cbb/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/1789c/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/c26c2/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/1dd6e/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/67b76/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/8df11/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/98a65/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/1dd6e/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/f8e48998021ef21c1623d52fec262680/3cc96/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Native Plants for Seattle, WA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out the best native plants for Seattle that thrive in the PNW’s wet winters and dry summers, plus information on where to buy native plants."}}},{"node":{"id":"c9823f97-ffdc-5126-9dc9-12c32d2658b7","slug":"best-native-plants-spokane","path":"/lawn-care/wa/spokane/best-native-plants-spokane/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9a1d6289-f5f9-5fd2-aa9f-f9fe36bdb658","name":"Spokane","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/spokane/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane. In this article: Advantages of Native Plants Over Non-Natives Native plants belong to a specific […]
\n","content":"\nYou can enjoy a fantastic garden in Lilac City by planting native plants that are adapted to the city’s warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Need a guide? Let’s take a look at the 10 best native plants for Spokane.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNative plants belong to a specific region and have been growing there for several years. They are well-adapted to a region’s weather and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere’s why native plants are better than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon camas is beautiful with its star-like violet-colored florets. It blooms from April to June and goes dormant for the rest of the year. When in full bloom, this flower attracts pollinators such as mason bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas prefers full sun and grows best in moist, humus-rich soil. Plant the camassia bulb with the pointy end facing up. Also, leave a 6-inch gap between each bulb.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2.5 feet tall and a foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, with violet blooms
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Sierra](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sierra-Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSierra shooting star earns its name from the tiny “shooting stars” that appear to shoot flames from the end. Sierra shooting star blooms from April to June and looks attractive with lavender or bluish flowers. Bumblebees love this flower, and they are its primary pollinator. Sierra shooting star grows best in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green, with purple flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, and well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-Ribes-sanguineum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson from Williton, UK / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant grows best in full sun and blooms from May to June. The red flowers are a treat to hummingbirds and butterflies and have a distinctive sweet, spicy, and resinous scent.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, red flowering currant produces small dark blue fruits that songbirds love. These berries are edible, and you can use them to make jam or syrup.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green, with red flowers
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Salal-Gaultheria-shallon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalal has shiny dark green leaves with bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers that appear in spring. Once the blooming season ends, the flowers transform into dark edible berries that you can use to make jellies. Birds love these berries, too, so, make sure you get them before the birds do.
\n\n\n\nSalal grows best in partial to full shade, reaching heights up to 6 feet. It has a deep root system and can grow in most soil types. Salal can spread up to 5 feet over time, creating a thicket that birds love.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Indian](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS – Pacific Region / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndian plum has a delicate appearance with pale green leaves. It blooms during early spring, displaying white flowers that attract native bees, hummingbirds, and moths. Indian plum grows best in partial shade and can reach up to 15 feet in height.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum produces fruits during summer that are edible for humans. They have a bitter taste even when fully ripe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/28535744074_4feede8509_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kirt Edblom / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape blooms in spring, producing bright yellow flowers that are lightly scented. These flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flower matures into fruits during summer. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate almost all soil types.
\n\n\n\nOregon grape berries are edible for humans, but they have a sour taste to them. The shiny green leaves of this shrub look unique with its wavy spine-tipped edges.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green. Turns hues of red and purple in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry blooms in spring, producing pinkish-white flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. These flowers mature into edible, tasty berries during fall.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry grows best in shady conditions and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. It can also grow in sunny conditions, but the growth rate will be slower and limited to 6 feet. Evergreen huckleberry is an attractive shrub with oval to lance-shaped glossy green leaves.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is an attractive shrub that grows best in full sun. It grows quickly and can reach up to 9 feet tall. Red-osier dogwood blooms during late spring, producing clusters of small white flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub stands out among other plants during winter with its bright red stems. The leaves look simple, with a dark green appearance on top and a paler appearance below.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 9 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium to dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loam, clay, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is a small deciduous, multi-stemmed tree that grows up to 30 feet in height. It grows best in full sun and prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nVine maple blooms during late spring, producing red and whitish-green flowers. It features distinctive bright green leaves during spring, but they become red, orange, and yellow during fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a good ground cover for shady areas. It blooms from April through July, producing cup-shaped, brownish-red flowers that specifically attract pipevine swallowtails. Wild ginger prefers humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It can’t tolerate direct sun. In fact, the leaves can even burn when exposed to the summer sun.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger doesn’t produce ginger as you’d imagine. But, when you crush the leaves, they release a ginger-like odor, thus the reason behind its name.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Ground cover
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 10 inches tall and 24 inches wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deep green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans
\n\n\n\nNative plants naturally thrive here, so they require little maintenance and are more eco-friendly than non-natives.
\n\n\n\nSpokane’s hardiness zone is 6, meaning the summers are warm, and the winters are cold and snowy. All plants listed here are native to Washington and can thrive in Spokane’s climate. So now it’s a matter of choosing the ones that suit your taste and your maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nAlso, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity, especially if you have kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nNow that you have chosen the best native plants, it’s time to work on other factors to make your landscape look the best in your neighborhood. Also, don’t forget to select a grass that thrives here.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to experience a lush, green, and healthy lawn without breaking a sweat, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros can help.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Riverside, Spokane / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/107df/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/293e9/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/f2cbb/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1789c/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/c26c2/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/67b76/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/8df11/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/98a65/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/1dd6e/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/e207d30a00566e44261142ed05e46b73/3cc96/Riverside-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can enjoy a fantastic garden in Spokane by planting native plants that adapt easily to the city's warm summers and cold, snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cff5cf2-5a80-5ebf-8a91-9f1bc539adb6","slug":"best-grass-seeds-spokane","path":"/lawn-care/wa/spokane/best-grass-seeds-spokane/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"9a1d6289-f5f9-5fd2-aa9f-f9fe36bdb658","name":"Spokane","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/spokane/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 3rd, 2023","excerpt":"One of the great things about Spokane is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot to cold and snowy. So if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our […]
\n","content":"\nOne of the great things about Spokane is its natural diversity and distinct seasons. But all that diversity has a price: Not all grasses thrive in conditions that swing from hot to cold and snowy.
\n\n\n\nSo if a beautiful lawn is a must-have, it pays to know what kinds of grasses do well in our unique climate. Here are the four best grasses for your Spokane lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThere are two primary types of grasses.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are your go-to choice for Spokane’s warm summers and cool snowy winters.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Red fescue, a type of fine fescue
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a highly versatile grass that does well in shade but also tolerates full sun. The leaves appear medium green with thin grass blades and a soft texture. Fine fescue is a low-maintenance grass but is susceptible to red thread. You can minimize the damage with proper nutrients and fungicides.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue can survive with minimal watering. However, if you plan on hosting many events in your yard, we don’t recommend this grass as it doesn’t tolerate high foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is a popular grass type across Washington. However, we recommend you mix it with other cool-season grasses, as fine fescue takes a long time to recover from damage.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a coarse-textured grass that’s medium to dark green in color. It tolerates shade really well and needs just four hours of dappled sun a day to survive. Tall fescue has a deep root system, making it drought-tolerant, too.
\n\n\n\nWhile tall fescue can endure kids and pets playing, it doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic because it doesn’t contain stolons or rhizomes to repair itself. So, you have to overseed your tall fescue lawn to fill the damaged spots.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue requires little maintenance and can grow in almost all types of soils, but it prefers fertile, well-drained soil. It also resists diseases and insects.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (KBG) is one of the most popular grass types in the United States. It looks beautiful with its dense and medium- to dark-green appearance. KBG is smooth-textured but can tolerate high foot traffic and recovers quickly from damages.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass prefers full sun and requires regular watering. It’s a high-maintenance grass that requires frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass can be a good option for your Spokane lawn only if you mix it with other cool-season grasses. You can use a grass blend of 75% KBG and 25% fine fescue or another cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is among the fastest-growing grass types, requiring only about 10 days or less for the seeds to sprout. It’s a fine-textured grass that looks beautiful with its dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is soft on bare feet and tolerates high traffic. In fact, it’s so durable that it’s popular for golf courses in many parts of the country. On the downside, perennial ryegrass doesn’t quickly recover from damage.
Perennial ryegrass grows best in full sun and requires regular watering. It’s susceptible to red thread. But you can avoid it with proper maintenance.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue and turf-type tall fescue are the best options for a low-maintenance lawn.
In Spokane, the best option for a shady lawn is perennial ryegrass.
Fine fescue and turf-type tall fescue have low watering needs.
Any of these cool-season grasses will thrive in your Spokane lawn, so choose one that best suits your needs.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want to enjoy your free time with your family instead of doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Spokane lawn care pros are here to help. We can also transform your ordinary lawn into a beautiful garden to create a better living environment for your family.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Manito Park / Roman Eugeniusz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Spokane, WA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.593625498007968,"src":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1789c/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/107df/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 320w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/293e9/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 500w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/f2cbb/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 800w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1789c/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 960w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/c26c2/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1dd6e/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/67b76/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 320w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/8df11/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 500w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/98a65/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 800w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/1dd6e/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 960w,\n/static/7f4160c0296f03cc076ff9edee536b79/3cc96/Manito-Spokane-WA-USA.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Seeds for Spokane, WA","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want a great lawn with minimal effort? It starts with choosing a cool-season grass that thrives in Spokane’s warm summers and snowy winters."}}},{"node":{"id":"1547c1c6-04a3-55e2-8c5a-b4f8eb47a627","slug":"best-native-plants-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/best-native-plants-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"After seeing the beautiful native trees and other native Washington plants at the Washington Park Arboretum or North Cascades National Park, you may wish to recreate the organic landscape in your own yard. This list of the best native plants for Washington will help you accomplish that goal. Why grow native plants? Native plants can […]
\n","content":"\nAfter seeing the beautiful native trees and other native Washington plants at the Washington Park Arboretum or North Cascades National Park, you may wish to recreate the organic landscape in your own yard. This list of the best native plants for Washington will help you accomplish that goal.
\n\n\n\nWhy grow native plants? Native plants can reduce the time you spend growing and maintaining your vegetation. These plants are also beneficial to the environment. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach of the five regions within Eastern and Western Washington has multiple counties. Some plants may be listed as native in a region and not listed as native in every county of the region.
\n\n\n\nHowever, counties within a region have the same general climate. The following plants are native to all regions of Washington, but may not be documented as native to all counties within the region. Your local nursery should have more detailed information on these native plants and your specific county.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Knight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed flowering currant, also known as blood currant, boasts red flowers that sprout in the spring. It’s native to Washington and surrounding areas like Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. This shrub produces edible berries that have been used to make pies and juice. Red flowering currant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis plant grows best in rocky, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor soil. Once it’s established, it’s drought tolerant. But it needs plenty of water in its first one to two seasons.
\n\n\n\nBlood currant’s drought tolerance makes it ideal for rain gardens or xeriscape designs. This shrub is also a good idea for hedges. Prune it after flowers bloom to ensure the blossoms continue to sprout.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Western Washington, and parts of the Rocky Mountain, East Cascade, and Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart is great for Washington homeowners who want to start a garden quickly. This flower grows fast. It has heart-shaped white flowers and leaves that resemble ferns, which explains why it’s also known as fern-leaf bleeding heart.
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart prefers full sun to partial shade. If your property has a lot of trees or buildings blocking the sun, bleeding heart will still grow, but it won’t blossom as many flowers.
\n\n\n\nButterflies and hummingbirds flock to this plant. Pacific bleeding heart adds a delicate look to shade gardens and borders. This flower is also great for cottage gardens and slopes. Bleeding heart is toxic and can cause stomach and skin irritation, so be careful when handling it.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and parts of Rocky Mountain and the Eastern Cascades
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full shade, but fewer flowers will bloom.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Bureau of Land Management / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see common camas growing on the eastern and western sides of the Cascades. Lovely light blue flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. The petals grow at the top of long blades that resemble grass.
\n\n\n\nCommon camas is highly disease and pest tolerant. It needs full sun and requires constant moisture while growing, but adapts to drier conditions after the flowers sprout.
\n\n\n\nThis wildflower is best when planted in groups. If you plan on planting in the fall, common camas is for you. It yields the best results when planted in the autumn. It compliments cottage gardens and shrubs or roses as an underplanting. Bumblebees and beetles can’t get enough of the grass-like wildflower.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and Rocky Mountain Region; native to most of the Plateau Region and Eastern Cascade.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is best described as a small red twig. It’s a Washington favorite because it adds color late in the season when it turns red in the fall and winter. Butterflies and pollinators enjoy the flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Birds partake of the berries that follow.
\n\n\n\nRed-osier adds a wonderful splash of color to shrub borders and alongside ponds. It’s also great for rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nA benefit of this shrub is that it’s adaptable to many soil types. A drawback is that it’s vulnerable to many diseases, like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. However, it has no known pest problems in the Northwest region, making it a good choice for Washington homeowners. Another benefit is that its roots help reduce erosion.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western and Eastern Washington; native to most of the Puget Sound Lowlands
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop it from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTall Oregon grape is low maintenance, making it a great choice for homeowners without a lot of time. It thrives in shade or full sun and a variety of soil conditions. Oregon grape is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties.
\n\n\n\nIt has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and edible, bitter-blue berries that appear in the summer. This shrub attracts birds, wildlife, and pollinators. Tall Oregon grape makes a delicious hedge or addition to shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Most of Western Washington and Eastern Washington, except for some parts of the Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVine maple grows well in open areas and is natively found with the Pacific dogwood and the Douglas-fir. Vine maple is said to be one of the best native trees for residential yards.
\n\n\n\nIt has purple and white flowers. Mammals and songbirds enjoy the red berries that appear after the flowers bloom in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is best for yards with full sun to partial shade. It grows well in multiple soil types. Vine maple grows up to 30 feet tall and is classified as a shrub or tree. It’s low-maintenance and deer-resistant, but it may be affected by honey fungus and aphids.
\n\n\n\nVine maple provides a great visual appeal in cottage gardens. If you’re looking for a larger addition to a rain garden, give vine maple a try.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and parts of Eastern Cascade and the Plateau Region closest to Western Washington
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet tall, 15 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSalal is another native plant, like tall Oregon grape, that is known for its medical value. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cramping properties. The blue berries that appear in late summer have been used as a sweetener and in baked goods.
\n\n\n\nSalal spreads and eventually makes an appealing ground cover, making it well-suited for a low-maintenance landscaping scheme where you’re replacing some or most of your grass. Salal is also great for shade gardens and on slopes. For best results, prune after the flowers bloom. If your property gets a lot of shade, salal is an ideal choice. It thrives in full to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington, and limited counties in Eastern Cascade and the Rocky Mountains
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Smells like wintergreen
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Grows up to 5 feet in shade and up to 3 feet in full sun.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry has a magnificent display of white flowers and reddish leaves that appear in the spring. Wildlife and birds are attracted to the berries that arrive in the summer. These berries are edible and have been used in syrups and pies.
\n\n\n\nHuckleberry requires high maintenance, but it will grow well on your property whether your yard is shady or sunny. It makes a tasty hedge or shrub border. If you’re looking to add some edible character to a rain garden or xeriscape design, this evergreen is an optimal choice.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Parts of Western Washington; No parts of Eastern Washington
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Serviceberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nServiceberry, also known by its common name, Juneberry, adds spectacular fall color as its leaves turn red-orange. Pollinators are attracted to the white flowers that sprout in the middle of spring. Birds enjoy the edible berries that taste like blueberries. The berries have been used to make jellies and jams.
\n\n\n\nServiceberry grows in shady yards, but the berries grow best when the plant receives full sunlight. If the root suckers the plant develops are permitted to grow, serviceberry will grow as a shrub. Otherwise, you’ll have a taller, fruit-bearing tree in your landscape.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is great for an edible garden, pollinator garden, or planted on a lawn or near patios.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam (silt), clay, well-drained and moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indian-Plum-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Wsiegmund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIndian plum has clustered white flowers that hang downward and appear in late winter through early spring. It’s natively found in moist and dry areas like stream banks, hillsides, and along roads.
\n\n\n\nThe berries start out orange and turn a bluish-black when they ripen in the summer. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators are attracted to the flower’s nectar. The berries attract bears, small mammals, and birds.
\n\n\n\nA yard that gets full sun and some shade is best for this shrub. It tolerates dryish soil but does not adapt to wet soil.
\n\n\n\nIndian plum looks great in shrub borders, city gardens, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative regions: Western Washington and limited areas of the Plateau Region
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 6 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acidic, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Almond
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nEastern Washington’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nWestern Washington’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nChoosing plants in your region’s USDA hardiness zone is the best way to pick native plants that will thrive with the least amount of effort. There will still be some work involved, but you’ll have fewer watering, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks because the plants have adapted to your area.
\n\n\n\nYour yard’s characteristics are also important. You don’t want to choose plants that thrive in specific soils if your property is not of that type. On the other hand, some plants adapt to multiple soil conditions and pH levels. If you’re not sure about your soil, it may be best to choose more adaptable plants.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also want to consider your lifestyle. If you’re constantly pulling children away from the garden and shrubs, you may want to make sure you only plant non-toxic plant varieties.
\n\n\n\nDo your research to make sure your plant selection fits in well with your home’s conditions, maintenance preferences, and family composition.
\n\n\n\nSeattle’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nTacoma’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIt can be difficult to distinguish which plants are native. Some non-native plants have parts of their name that are the same as native plants. Here are a few examples of non-native plants:
\n\n\n\nFollowing are some native Washington plants with common or scientific names similar to the non-native plants listed earlier:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are everywhere. They’re in your neighborhood, at parks, and even in commercial landscapes at malls and business parks. To find native plants you can take home with you, the Washington Native Plant Society is a great resource. You can learn about gardening events, native plant programs, and local nurseries.
\n\n\n\nThe sooner you’re done planting your attractive array of native perennials, dogwoods, and hemlocks, the sooner you can make it to the Washington State Fair. Let a lawn care pro near you do the mowing and edging. We have trusted lawn care pros in Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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