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Pacific Northwest Native Woodland Ground Covers

Many areas of the Pacific Northwest are covered in lush woodlands composed of tall trees, underbrush and an ample amount of leafy ground covers. The western portions of Oregon and Washington have a strong coastal influence so the air and the soils are often moist, while the eastern portions of the states are dryer and have a little less diversity of plant life. Ground covers are low-growing plants that cover the forest floor and can tolerant the shade and moisture found in many of the woodlands of this region.

  1. Native Herbaceous Perennials

    • Herbaceous perennials die back during the winter and reemerge in spring. The bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 6, bears creamy white flowers and later in the season sports bright red berries. Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) produces glossy green leaves and unusual, three-petaled flowers, and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. False lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum dilatatum), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, produces glossy heart-shaped leaves with tiny white flower spikes.

    Native Ferns

    • Ferns can create luxurious, tall carpets of green, adding texture and interest to the woodland vista. One of the most common ferns is the sword fern (Polystichum munitum), which forms 4-foot arching mounds and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. Deer fern (Belchnum spicant) is shorter at 2 feet tall but is slightly hardier, growing well in USDA zones 5 through 8. Maidenhair (Adiantum aleuticum) has delicate fronds that grow on black stems and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.

    Native Evergreens

    • Native evergreen ground covers look great year-round. These ground covers are more suitable to the edge of woodland areas, since they need a bit more sun than other ground covers. Kinnickinnick (Arctostaphylos uva ursii) bears small, glossy-green leaves and pink, urn-shaped flowers in spring. It's hardy in USDA zones 2 through 6. "Point Reyes" Ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus) produces small, dark-green, holly-like leaves and in spring, it's covered with powdery blue flower clusters. It grows well in USDA zones 8 through 10.

    Native Edible Plants

    • Woodland ground covers are beautiful but they can be useful as well. Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), for example, has minty-tasting leaves and berries and is uses to flavor foods and drinks. The leaves are glossy and dark green, the red berries are large and attractive, and it's hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. Oregon wood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) resembles shamrocks, produces nodding white flowers and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. Its leaves are sour and used in drinks, stir-fry dishes or salads. Dwarf blueberries (Vaccinium caespitosum) bear pink urn-shaped flowers that turn into tasty blue berries that can be eaten fresh or used in baking. They are hardy in USDA zones 2 through 7.

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Groundcovers & Vines
  1. List of Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers
  2. What Are Good Vines to Grow on a Trellis in the Pacific Northwest?
  3. Flowering Ground Cover Perennials in Orange
  4. When to Prune a Honeysuckle in the Pacific Northwest
  5. Shrubs to Make Mazes
  6. Mediterranean Courtyard Design
  7. Pacific Northwest Native Streamside Plant Identification
  8. Ground Cover Perennials
  9. Shade Groundcover That Can Be Mowed
  10. Evergreen Ground Covers for Zone 8
  11. Types of Native Plants
  12. Pollution-Tolerant Shrubs

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