5 California Native Plants for Shady North Bay Gardens

Shady corners are where many Bay Area gardens fall back on begonias and other imports. California natives can do the job better: they’re adapted to our wet winters and dry summers, and they feed local birds and pollinators. Here are five that thrive in part shade across Marin and San Francisco.

Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Nodding red-and-yellow flowers in spring and early summer that hummingbirds can’t resist. Likes part shade and some moisture, and reseeds gently.

Crevice Alumroot (Heuchera micrantha)

A true native coral bells. Airy sprays of tiny white to pink flowers rise above rounded leaves in spring. Give it part shade and good drainage; it’s at home on rocky banks and walls.

Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)

A coastal California native with spring flowers in purple, lavender, cream or yellow. Grows in part shade to sun and tolerates dry summers once established.

Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

Magenta flower spikes in spring and fruity-scented leaves. Spreads slowly into a groundcover, and is one of the best plants for dry shade under oaks.

Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

The evergreen backbone of a native shade garden. Tough once established, it fills space under trees where little else grows.

Planting Tips

Plant in fall so roots establish over the rainy season. Water deeply through the first one to two summers, then cut back. Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping it off the crowns.

Want a native shade garden designed for your yard? Call FYGN at (415) 595-0227 or contact us.