Finding the right shrubs to grow under trees in Oregon can feel tricky with all the shade and root competition.
Luckily, some shrubs actually thrive in those conditions and still look gorgeous year-round. I’ve planted a few myself, and they turned out to be the perfect companions for tall trees.
With the right choices, you can turn those shady spots into some of the prettiest parts of your garden.
1. Salal
Looking for a native plant that loves Oregon’s forest floors? Salal thrives in the dappled shade beneath towering trees, with glossy leaves that shine year-round. Its delicious berries were a staple food for indigenous peoples.
Salal forms a dense evergreen mat that suppresses weeds while providing habitat for wildlife. In Oregon gardens, this adaptable shrub handles dry summer conditions once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes under tree canopies.
2. Oregon Grape
Not actually a grape at all, this state flower of Oregon features spiny holly-like leaves and bright yellow blooms in early spring. Clusters of dusky blue berries appear later, attracting birds while adding visual interest to shady spots.
Hardy and drought-resistant once established, Oregon Grape thrives throughout the state’s varied climate zones. Its architectural form creates structure beneath tree canopies where many other plants struggle, making it a reliable choice for woodland gardens.
3. Red-flowering Currant
Early spring in Oregon woodlands comes alive when these native shrubs burst into cascades of pink blossoms. Hummingbirds flock to the tubular flowers, creating a delightful spectacle in your garden. The blue-black fruits later attract various birds.
Perfectly adapted to the Pacific Northwest’s conditions, this deciduous beauty tolerates dry summers common in Oregon. Its graceful form fits naturally beneath deciduous trees, creating that authentic woodland feel many gardeners throughout the state strive to achieve.
4. Sword Fern
While technically not a shrub, this native Oregon woodland staple deserves mention for its impressive performance under trees. The arching fronds create a lush backdrop that stays green year-round, even during Oregon’s wet winters.
Tough and adaptable, sword ferns handle the root competition from trees with remarkable resilience. Throughout Oregon’s forests, these hardy plants thrive in deep shade, making them perfect for those challenging spots where other plants struggle to establish themselves.
5. Evergreen Huckleberry
Small white bell-shaped flowers adorn this native Oregon shrub in spring, followed by delicious dark berries that rival blueberries in flavor. The glossy, small leaves maintain their deep green color all year, providing constant structure in the garden.
Particularly well-suited to Oregon’s western regions, evergreen huckleberry grows slowly but rewards patience. Many Oregon gardeners appreciate how it thrives in acidic soil beneath conifers, creating a natural woodland ecosystem that requires minimal maintenance once established.
6. Pacific Rhododendron
Wild rhododendrons bring spectacular spring color to Oregon’s forests with their showy pink blooms. These native beauties have adapted perfectly to growing beneath the forest canopy, where they receive filtered light through the trees.
Throughout western Oregon, these shrubs create dramatic displays along forest edges. Their leathery evergreen leaves provide year-round structure while handling the acidic soil conditions typically found under trees in the Pacific Northwest.
7. Vine Maple
Though it can grow as a small tree, vine maple often remains shrub-sized when planted under larger trees. Its delicate, multi-stemmed form creates elegant structure beneath forest giants throughout Oregon’s woodlands. Fall brings spectacular color as leaves turn brilliant red and orange.
Native to Oregon’s forests, vine maple thrives in the dappled shade conditions found under established trees. Many gardeners across the state value this versatile plant for its ability to handle both wet winters and the increasingly dry summers Oregon has been experiencing.
8. Snowberry
Tiny pink flowers appear on this native shrub in summer, but the real show starts in fall when clusters of white berries persist through winter. Birds love the nutritious fruits while deer tend to leave the foliage alone, making it ideal for Oregon’s wildlife-rich areas.
Adaptable to various light conditions, snowberry performs beautifully under deciduous trees throughout Oregon. Its graceful arching branches create natural structure in woodland gardens, while its ability to spread slowly helps stabilize slopes in the state’s hilly regions.
9. Western Azalea
Fragrant white flowers with pink highlights bring incredible spring beauty to shaded Oregon gardens. This native deciduous azalea creates stunning displays beneath tall trees, where its delicate blooms stand out against the woodland backdrop.
Found naturally in Oregon’s coastal regions and mountains, western azalea appreciates the acidic soil typically found under conifers. Many gardeners throughout the state treasure this special shrub for its intoxicating clove-like scent that fills woodland gardens during its impressive blooming period.
10. Mock Orange
Intensely fragrant white flowers fill the air with orange blossom scent in early summer, creating a sensory delight in Oregon gardens. This deciduous native thrives in the dappled light beneath deciduous trees, where its sweet perfume can be fully appreciated.
Throughout Oregon’s diverse regions, mock orange adapts to various conditions once established. Many gardeners across the state appreciate its drought tolerance and deer resistance, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for those challenging spots beneath established trees.