Add an evergreen or thorny hedgerow

A hedgerow is a line of shrubs and/or trees planted closely together, designed to create borders or windbreaks. These hedges provide great hiding places and shelters for a variety of wildlife.

Evergreen and/or thorny hedgerows are especially useful. Year-round foliage means year-round protection from predators and weather. And thorns provide further deterrants for would-be predators.

Evergreen Shrubs  for hedgerows

• Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) – Evergreen and prickly, early flowers for bees, berries for birds
• Low Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa) – Shorter form, shade-tolerant
• Salal (Gaultheria shallon) – dense, edible berries, good for shady areas
• Coast Silk-tassel (Garrya elliptica) – large, drought-tolerant, ornamental catkins
• Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) – Dense, 3-10ft tall, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant
• Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) – gets very large, pollinator magnet, drought-tolerant

thorny shrubs for hedgerows

• Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) – Thorny, pollinator-friendly, spreads into thickets
• Salmonberry (Rubus spectablis) – Large, soft leaves, edible fruit, excellent bird habitat
• Blackcap Raspberry (Rubus leucodermis) – Thorny, excellent fruit, dense growth
• Gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum) – Thorny, pollinator-attracting flowers, edible fruit
• Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) – Thorny, excellent wildlife habitat, fruit and flowers

other great natives for hedgerows

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) – Four-season beauty, edible berries, early flowers for pollinators
• Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) – Tolerates poor soil, winter berries for birds
• Douglas Spiraea (Spiraea douglasii) – Suckering shrub, great for wet areas, pollinator magnet
• Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Vibrant red stems in winter, great for wetter areas
• Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) – Tolerates moist soil, showy flowers and bark, good structure

• Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) – Small tree, attracts birds with berries, fall color
• Western Crabapple (Malus fusca) – Wildlife favorite, beautiful spring flowers, small edible fruits
• Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) – Great for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects
• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) – Small tree or large shrub, brilliant fall color, supports caterpillars
• Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) – Drought-tolerant, attractive blooms, supports pollinators

Tips for a Thriving Native Hedgerow

• Layer heights: Combine tall, medium, and low plants to mimic natural edge habitat.
• Mix evergreen and deciduous species for year-round function and beauty.
• Include nectar, fruit, seed, and shelter resources to support birds, insects, and small mammals.
• Space plants closely (2–6 ft apart) for a dense screen, or more loosely for a wilder feel.