Native California Plants for Shade

Aug 19

If you're looking to add lush, vibrant greenery to the shaded areas of your garden, California native plants are an excellent choice. These shade-loving species, like the Western Sword Fern, California Hazelnut, and Douglas Iris, are perfectly adapted to local conditions, requiring minimal water and care once established. Not only do they thrive in low-light environments, but they also support local wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a sustainable landscape. Whether you're aiming for a tranquil woodland vibe or a burst of color in the shade, these plants provide beauty and ecological benefits to any garden.

1. Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Sun: Full shade to partial shade.
Water: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soils but can tolerate some drought once established.
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

2. California Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; prefers moist conditions but is drought-tolerant once established.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates a variety of soil types.

3. Coast Silktassel (Garrya elliptica)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, can tolerate poor soils.

4. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; prefers regular watering but can tolerate some drought.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils with organic matter, but can grow in a variety of soils.

5. Wood Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; prefers moist soils but can tolerate dry conditions once established.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, particularly sandy or loamy soils.

6. Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soils.
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with high organic content.

7. Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Moderate; prefers moist to dry soils, drought-tolerant once established.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, especially sandy or clay loam.

8. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, tolerates clay and sandy soils.

9. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but prefers some moisture.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types.

10. California Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Moderate; prefers moist conditions but can tolerate some drought once established.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, particularly loamy or sandy soils.

11. Bush Anemone (Carpenteria californica)

Sun: Partial shade.
Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established but prefers occasional watering.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils, but can tolerate various soil types.

Andrew Strautman