Lawn by Season

Washington Native Plants by Layer

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47 native species are verified for Washington across the three planting layers, and this page ranks them by the wildlife they support. Washington sits in the Northwestern Forested Mountains ecoregion, so every count below is the figure published for Northwestern Forested Mountains rather than a national average. The idea is not to remove your lawn. It is that a canopy tree, a shrub layer along a border and a flowering ground layer do the ecological work a garden can actually do, while the turf stays turf.

Canopy for Washington

The tree layer. This is where most of the caterpillars that birds feed their nestlings are produced, which is why a single tree choice outweighs everything else in the yard.

23 verified canopy options for Washington. Oregon white oak leads on published wildlife value.

Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana
  • The genus Quercus hosts 445 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Quercus garryana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use low, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms mid spring, slow growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

American Plum

Prunus americana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus americana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 24.0 ft, blooms mid spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: None.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Bitter Cherry

Prunus emarginata
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus emarginata alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms mid spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus serotina alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus virginiana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - AK, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in Washington.

Resin Birch

Betula glandulosa
  • The genus Betula hosts 385 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula glandulosa alone.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - GL, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis
  • The genus Betula hosts 385 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula occidentalis alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera
  • The genus Betula hosts 385 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Betula papyrifera alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 70.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in Washington.

15 further verified canopy species for Washington are in the dataset behind the native plant finder.

Understory for Washington

Shrubs and small trees beneath the canopy. This layer carries the shoulder-season fruit and cover, and it is the easiest layer to add along an existing fence line or bed edge.

13 verified understory options for Washington. peachleaf willow leads on published wildlife value.

Peachleaf Willow

Salix amygdaloides
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix amygdaloides alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 60.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Narrowleaf Willow

Salix exigua
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix exigua alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 10.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix interior alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, mature height 30.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Arroyo Willow

Salix lasiolepis
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix lasiolepis alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 35.0 ft, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: None.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Black Willow

Salix nigra
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix nigra alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 100.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Scouler'S Willow

Salix scouleriana
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix scouleriana alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use high, mature height 50.0 ft, blooms early spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Sitka Willow

Salix sitchensis
  • The genus Salix hosts 397 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Salix sitchensis alone.
  • 12 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Salix. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use high, mature height 23.0 ft, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: None.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in Washington.

Lowbush Blueberry

Vaccinium angustifolium
  • The genus Vaccinium hosts 276 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Vaccinium angustifolium alone.
  • 6 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Vaccinium. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 2.0 ft, blooms early summer, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in Washington.

5 further verified understory species for Washington are in the dataset behind the native plant finder.

Ground layer for Washington

Flowering perennials at ground level. This is the layer that keeps pollen and nectar available from spring through fall, and it is what specialist bees depend on.

11 verified ground layer options for Washington. Canada goldenrod leads on published wildlife value.

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago altissima
  • The genus Solidago hosts 120 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago altissima alone.
  • 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 5.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - HI, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis
  • The genus Solidago hosts 120 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago canadensis alone.
  • 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 3.5 ft, blooms late summer, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - HI, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Giant Goldenrod

Solidago gigantea
  • The genus Solidago hosts 120 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago gigantea alone.
  • 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use medium, mature height 8.2 ft, blooms indeterminate, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Missouri Goldenrod

Solidago missouriensis
  • The genus Solidago hosts 120 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago missouriensis alone.
  • 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance medium, moisture use low, mature height 3.0 ft, blooms late summer, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Rocky Mountain Goldenrod

Solidago multiradiata
  • The genus Solidago hosts 120 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Solidago multiradiata alone.
  • 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Solidago. Genus-level figure.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, mature height 1.0 ft, blooms late summer.

Drought tolerance: Low.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Western Aster

Symphyotrichum ascendens
  • The genus Symphyotrichum hosts 108 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Symphyotrichum ascendens alone.
  • 16 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Symphyotrichum. Genus-level figure.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Eaton'S Aster

Symphyotrichum eatonii
  • The genus Symphyotrichum hosts 108 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Symphyotrichum eatonii alone.
  • 16 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Symphyotrichum. Genus-level figure.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Smooth Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve
  • The genus Symphyotrichum hosts 108 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Symphyotrichum laeve alone.
  • 16 pollen specialist bee species rely on the genus Symphyotrichum. Genus-level figure.

USDA lists no drought tolerance value for this species.Nativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

3 further verified ground layer species for Washington are in the dataset behind the native plant finder.

Washington natives for a watering restriction

16 of the 47 verified species carry a USDA drought tolerance of High or Medium. That matters in Washington because a drought tolerant native border is the constructive answer to a watering restriction: once established it holds up on local rainfall, while a cool season lawn browns out and stays brown. If restrictions are in force where you are, the Washington water restrictions tracker has the current stage, and the Washington xeriscape guide covers the wider low water approach for the parts of the yard you are converting.

Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana
  • The genus Quercus hosts 445 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Quercus garryana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use low, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms mid spring, slow growth.

Drought tolerance: HighNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Bitter Cherry

Prunus emarginata
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus emarginata alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms mid spring, moderate growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus serotina alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 80.0 ft, blooms late spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Native - CAN, Native - L48. Recorded in Washington.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana
  • The genus Prunus hosts 409 caterpillar species in the published keystone list for this ecoregion. Genus-level figure, not a count for Prunus virginiana alone.

Growing conditions: shade tolerance high, moisture use medium, mature height 25.0 ft, blooms mid spring, rapid growth.

Drought tolerance: MediumNativity per USDA PLANTS: Introduced - AK, Native - AK, Native - CAN, Native - L48, Native - SPM. Recorded in Washington.

How to read these numbers

Every caterpillar and specialist bee figure on this page is published by plant genus, not by species. When the page says the genus Quercus hosts a given number of caterpillar species, that is the claim the research supports; attaching the same number to one particular oak would not be. The counts come from the National Wildlife Federation keystone plant sheets, which draw on Dr Doug Tallamy's work at the University of Delaware for Lepidoptera and Jarrod Fowler's work for specialist bees. Nativity, distribution and every growing condition come from the USDA PLANTS Database. Where USDA publishes no value, this page shows none rather than an estimate. The full sourcing, the selection criteria, and the honest case against treating yard scale planting as restoration are all on the methodology page.

For the lawn itself, seasonal timing and grass selection for this state are in the Washington lawn care guide, and if you are converting an area rather than edging it, the lawn alternatives guide covers ground layer substitutes in more depth.

Common questions

What should I plant first in Washington?

The canopy layer. Oregon white oak is the highest value verified option, because the genus Quercus carries 445 caterpillar species in the Northwestern Forested Mountains keystone list. That is a genus level figure. One tree does more ecological work than any other single choice in a yard.

How many native plants are verified for Washington?

47 species across the three layers: 23 canopy, 13 understory and 11 ground layer. Each is recorded in Washington by the USDA PLANTS Database and classified native to this region. Anything USDA flags as introduced here is excluded.

Which Washington natives handle a watering ban?

16 of the verified species carry a USDA drought tolerance of High or Medium, including Oregon white oak, bitter cherry, black cherry. Where USDA publishes no drought value for a species, none is shown rather than an estimate.

Do I need to remove my Washington lawn to plant natives?

No. The edges, borders and tree layer carry nearly all of the ecological value available to an ordinary yard, and none of that requires changing how the turf itself is used. Adding one canopy tree and one planted border is the realistic version of this for most homeowners.

Sources: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database for nativity, distribution and growing characteristics, read 2026-08-18. National Wildlife Federation Keystone Native Plants for genus level caterpillar and specialist bee counts.