Gardening Guides
What to Plant Under Native Redwood Trees
Find out which ground covers, ferns, perennials and shrubs will thrive under the canopies of these West Coast giants
Native redwoods can be particularly challenging trees to incorporate into the landscape, both for their sheer size and for the difficult growing conditions that occur beneath their canopy. Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) grow naturally in the coastal forests of Northern California and southern Oregon, and thrive in gardens with little summer water and in soils that stay moist but never too damp.
The vigorous root system, soil acidity and shade cast by the branches can significantly limit your options on what to plant beneath redwoods. For plants that will thrive, it’s best to turn to those that are native to California coastal woodlands, as well as those adapted to dry-shade environments with a tolerance for slightly acidic soil.
Here is a selection of ground covers, ferns, perennials and shrubs that would work well planted under redwoods.
Here is a selection of ground covers, ferns, perennials and shrubs that would work well planted under redwoods.
Ground covers. Underplant redwoods with low-growing species that thrive in dry shade. Pictured here, low-growing mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus, zones 7 to 10) and perennial cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior, zones 7 to 11) form an attractive planting for a path.
Mimic the look of the coastal forest with a carpet of redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana, zones 7 to 9) and yellow-flowering evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens, zones 6 to 9), both native to West Coast forests.
Mimic the look of the coastal forest with a carpet of redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana, zones 7 to 9) and yellow-flowering evergreen violet (Viola sempervirens, zones 6 to 9), both native to West Coast forests.
Both golden sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, zones 5 to 10), pictured here on the left, and black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, zones 5 to 10), on the right, grow well under redwoods. The chartreuse grasslike leaves of golden sweet flag would brighten the dark area beneath the tree.
Ferns. Woodland ferns are an excellent underplanting choice for redwoods. Many varieties naturally grow well in dry shade, and their feathery fronds mimic the soft needles of the trees above. A few to choose from include western natives giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata, zones 8 to 10), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina, zones 4 to 8) and western sword fern (Polystichum munitum, zones 3 to 10), as well as tassel fern (P. polyblepharum, zones 5 to 8).
For stunning fall color, plant autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora, zones 6 to 9) beneath redwoods. The golden-bronze of the fronds would look dramatic against the rich warm brown of the redwood bark.
Perennials. Mix ferns with flowering perennials for a colorful woodland garden. Here, ferns combined with purple-flowering foxglove (Digitalis purpurea, zones 4 to 9) and magenta coral bells (Heuchera sp.) make a particularly attractive partial-shade planting. Clivia (Clivia miniata, zones 9 to 11) also grow well under redwoods and have long-lasting flowers in orange or pale yellow.
Caution: Foxglove is toxic if ingested.
Caution: Foxglove is toxic if ingested.
Native to woodlands in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest and Canada, western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa, zones 4 to 8), pictured here, has clusters of nodding blossoms and lacy blue-green foliage. All bleeding heart species thrive in the dappled light under trees.
Other options for western natives that grow well under redwoods include crevice alumroot (Heuchera micrantha, zones 5 to 10), island alumroot (H. maxima, zones 8 to 11) and Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum, zones 5 to 8).
Other options for western natives that grow well under redwoods include crevice alumroot (Heuchera micrantha, zones 5 to 10), island alumroot (H. maxima, zones 8 to 11) and Pacific trillium (Trillium ovatum, zones 5 to 8).
Shrubs. Most shrubs grow best at least 10 feet from the base of the redwood trunk, where there is less root competition and more light. Shown here, California native flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum, zones 6 to 9) has delicate pink flowers and bright green leaves. For areas in partial to full sun, consider native manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) or native Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium, zones 5 to 9).
Pictured here, West Coast native evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum, zones 6 to 9) grows well in partial sun and tolerates the slightly acidic soils beneath redwoods. The dark fruits are more tart than blueberries but make excellent jams and jellies.
Skip underplanting altogether. Leave the ground natural and allow the needles to fall and form a soft carpet beneath the trees. With any luck, native ferns, redwood sorrel and evergreen violets will sprout on their own accord to naturally fill in the forest floor.
More
8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree
Discover more ground covers for your garden
More
8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree
Discover more ground covers for your garden
These mighty West Coast natives have captured the hearts and minds of authors, poets and pioneers for good reason. With elegantly fluted trunks and fernlike foliage, the beautiful coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) are among the tallest trees in the world and oldest living organisms on Earth. These ancient giants truly are, as Steinbeck puts it, “ambassadors from another time.”