Part Of The American Meadows Meadowscaping Learning Center
Washington Native Plants, State Flowers & State Bird
Native plants are adaptable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. They are the best choice for habitat-friendly gardens and thriving ecosystems. Find top picks for native plants in your state - and learn about your state bird and state flowers!
Follow Along With More Of Our Guides
Hello native plant enthusiasts! In the list below, you will find popular native plants and wildflower seeds, available from American Meadows, that have a native distribution in your state. You’ll also find information about your state bird, state flower, and state wildflower!
About Our Native Plant Lists For Each State
- The links will take you to a single plant or seed selection for the plant listed -- but in many cases, we offer multiple cultivars for each plant, and we may offer both seeds and potted plants to grow the plant on your list. This list is a work in progress as we expand our native plant educational resources.
- The list for your state is a great place for getting started with native plants - but it is by no means a comprehensive listing of the hundreds of native plants growing in each state.
Washington Native Plants
Washinton is split in American Meadows regions. We recommend our Native Pacific Northwest Wildflower Seed Mix for Coastal/Western Washington, and our Native West Wildflower Seed Mix in Eastern Washington.
Black Eyed Susan or Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)
Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella)
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Washington State Bird, State Flower & State Wildflower
American Goldfinch ~ Spinus tristis
Love of life is the immediate quality of this striking and colorful bird. Small flocks of Goldfinches are forever cavorting in tree tops, playing and chattering, warbling a tuneful canary rhythm or calling each other in sweet, musical notes. Long after the other birds have settled down to their staid family life, the Goldfinches continue their merry club life. They are among the last birds of the season to nest, delaying the raising of their young to late summer.
Rhododendron ~ Rhododendron macrophyllum
Found in Washington, this Rhododendron grows to some twenty feet in height and is the western counterpart of the eastern Rhododendron. Though the eastern species thrives in cold weather, Washington’s Rhododendron bears leaves that droop in freezing temperatures. In early summer, flowers nearly cover this variety. They are borne in clusters that grow at the end of the branch. Its long shining leaves are dark green on top. They form a handsome frame for the delicate pink flowers which have five petals, flecked with golden spots. The Rhododendron is one of America’s loveliest blossoms.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
About Native Plants
- Native plants are essential for healthy ecosystems and habitat. They have evolved over time with local wildlife and climate conditions. Many pollinators have special relationships with native plants that they rely on for survival. For instance, some bees are specialists and require nectar and pollen from specific native plants to survive; and butterflies and moths often have specific host plants needed to nourish their caterpillars. For example, Asclepias (Milkweed or Butterfly Weed) is the host plant required for Monarch caterpillars to survive and grow into Monarch Butterflies!
- It’s OK to grow native plants in your yard that may not be native to your state or region. Remember – just because a plant is not native, does not necessarily mean that it is invasive or harmful. In fact, growing well-behaved introduced plants that are suited to your growing conditions can still provide many benefits to your yard (especially when compared to a traditional turf lawn).
- Know before you grow – It's always a good idea to learn what plants are native, well-behaved, and invasive or aggressive in your region before digging in.
- Learn More: All About Native Plants
Explore our full selection of native plants and seeds
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