Species Selection Guide
Which plants do you want for your project?
Selecting plants for your restoration, green stormwater infrastructure, or landscaping project can be difficult! There are numerous options, sources, and opinions. We want to help simplify the process.
Below, you will find lists of native plants organized by their ecosystem services, site condition needs, or material type.
These species lists are not comprehensive of the incredible native diversity of our Pacific Northwest region. Instead, they detail some plants that we have found to have great value in restoration. For more complete databases, we recommend visiting our friends at the University of Washington Burke Herbarium or Washington Native Plant Society.
Plant Selection Notes to Remember
Setting Matters
Be mindful of placement.
All on-site variables such as sun exposure, soil moisture, salt influence, etc. are important conditions to consider! Note that these lists indicate site conditions for successful transplanting. The conditions where you would find established plants can be different. Unless specified, these lists exclude plants that need shade since cover is rare at most restoration sites.
Form & Function
A hardy strategy is key.
Plants are not created equal when it comes to surviving transplant shock and adapting to a harsh site. Success may depend on choosing species that are not only suited to site conditions but are also hardy and adaptable, capable of handling nutrient-poor soil, scarce water and shade, and competitive weeds. See our Restoration Superstars list that highlights our favorite hardy fellows.
Consider a Consultant
Webpage ≠ Practitioner.
No matter how well informed, information on a webpage simply does not replace a site visit by a ecology practitioner. We do not intend this guide to replace site-specific recommendations from an experienced restoration ecologist. If you are interested in a consultation, visit our Consultations webpage.
New Blog Series: Species Selection Guide
There are native plants for every niche in your project, selection is the challenge!
Whether you are restoring a clearcut and need some Restoration Superstars, have wet soils, or are interested in utilizing cutting materials, these guides can help. We've made this plant species selection guide to make your project a bit simpler. We hope that these posts will inspire and inform, readying folks to install more native plants.
In 2026 we are working to modernize our education resources!
Part of this effort includes expanding our categorized species selection lists into full blog posts, packed with information, photos, and links to further information. This effort is ongoing, so be sure to check back regularly for updates!
Information a Different Way
There are many ways to process information.
Amongst our team at SNP, we know that very well! So we've created PDF and spreadsheet Species Selection Guide resources. These resources hold much less information than our blog series, but act as abbreviated reference sheets.
Check out the PDF Abbreviated Guide (opens in new tab)
View the Spreadsheet
This spreadsheet is designed to easily cross-reference the ecosystem services, growth conditions, and moisture preferences of different plants.
Next Steps
Once you know which plants you want...
Check out our Where & How to Buy Native Plants webpage. We've listed our favorite vendors around the southern Salish Sea region to get you going! Notes on Portland-area vendors are coming soon.