Groundcovers are low-growing perennials that often provide excellent coverage on slopes, aid in erosion control, and provide interesting foliage and beautiful flowers. The plants in this section are generally 12 inches high or less. Be careful not to allow groundcovers to run together. Allow for space in between plants to create natural fuel breaks.
To see the other plants in this guide, visit:
- Fire-resistant plant profiles: Perennials
- Fire-resistant plant profiles: Broadleaf evergreens
- Fire-resistant plant profiles: Shrubs
- Fire-resistant plant profiles: Trees
Or, return to Fire-resistant Plants in Home Landscapes.
Pussytoes or cat’s ears
-
Pussytoes.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Pussytoes flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Antennaria species
A mat-forming groundcover with silvery-gray foliage and tiny flowers. Works well between paving stones and in rock gardens. Native and cultivated varieties available. Attracts painted lady butterflies.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 4–12 inches
Spread: 8–12 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–7
Flowers: pink, white or rose
Bloom time: May–July
Rockcress
-
Rockcress.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
False rock cress flowers.
Credit: Neil Bell, © Oregon State University
Arabis species
Low-growing perennial with dark green or variegated foliage. Produces masses of tiny flowers in spring. Native and cultivated varieties available. Good for rock gardens.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Deer-resistant
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 12–20 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4-8
Flowers: White, pink
Bloom time: April–May
False rock cress
-
False rock cress
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
False rock cress flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Aubrieta deltoidea
Mat-forming, spreading perennial with grayish-green foliage. Attractive masses of flowers in spring. Good for rock gardens.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attracts butterflies
Height: 3–8 inches
Spread: 10–15 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
Flowers: purple, pink
Bloom time: May–June
Basket-of-gold
-
Basket-of-gold.
Photo Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler -
Basket-of-gold.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Aurinia saxatilis
Provides spring color with blooms in shades of gold to light yellow and gray-green foliage. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Excellent in rock gardens or mass plantings.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attracts butterflies
- Deer-resistant
Height: 8–18 inches
Spread: 1–2 feet
USDA hardiness zones: 3–7
Flowers: gold to yellow
Bloom time: April–May
Miniature mat daisy
-
Miniature mat daisy flower.
Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / CC BY -
Miniature mat daisy form.
Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / CC BY
Bellium minutum
Robust evergreen groundcover for shade. Tolerates low water but will be more vigorous with regular watering. Forms mat of small, spoon-shaped leaves and covers itself in small white daises, spring through summer. Great for rock gardens with an extended bloom time of three to four weeks.
- Low water use
- Full shade
- Attractive to pollinators
Height: 2 inches
Spread: 15 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
Flowers: white
Bloom time: May–September
Poppy mallow
-
Poppy mallow flower.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Poppy mallow.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Callirhoe involucrata
Fine, green-leaved foliage with trailing stems; blooms for several months. Unique, cuplike blossoms.
- Low water use
- Full sun to part shade
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
Height: 6–8 inches
Spread: 24–36 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–9
Flowers: magenta
Bloom time: June-August
Mahala mat
-
Mahala mat.
Credit: Neil Bell, © Oregon State University -
Mahala mat flowers.
Credit: Gerald D. Carr, Oregon Flora
Ceanothus prostratus
A low-growing groundcover native to higher elevations (above 4,000 feet). Not adaptable to lower elevations. Has an attractive leathery, evergreen leaf with blue flowers.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attractive to pollinators
- Deer-resistant
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 1–3 inches
Spread: 6–8 feet
USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
Flowers: blue
Bloom time: June–August
Snow-in-summer
-
Snow-in-summer form.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Snow-in-summer flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Cerastium tomentosum
This fast-growing groundcover provides nice contrast in the landscape with silvery-gray, woolly foliage. White flowers in summer. Good for rock gardens. May be invasive in areas of Washington and Idaho. Check the Invasive Plant Atlas (see “Resources”) and avoid planting in areas noted.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Deer-resistant
Height: 6–12 inches
Spread: 2–3 feet
USDA hardiness zones: 3–7
Flowers: white
Bloom time: June–July
Lily of the valley
-
Lily of the valley.
Credit: Liz West / CC BY
Convallaria majalis
A shade plant, good for naturalizing in woodland gardens. Likes rich, moist soil but tolerates dry and clay soils. Has long, attractive green leaves and produces fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers in spring. Orange-red berries follow the flowers, appearing in fall. All parts of this plant are poisonous. May be invasive in areas of Washington and Oregon. Check the Invasive Plant Atlas (see “Resources”) and avoid planting in areas noted.
- Moderate water use
- Full shade
- Deer-resistant
Height: 6–12 inches
Spread: 8–12 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
Flowers: white
Bloom time: April–May
Iceplant
-
'Red Mountain' iceplant.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
'Mesa Verde' iceplant.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Delosperma species
Not to be confused with Carpobrotus edulis (also called Iceplant), which is known to be invasive. Low growing with succulent, green foliage that changes to reddish-bronze in winter. Not suitable for areas with long-term snow cover. Yellow ice plant is one of the most cold-hardy ice plants. Cultivars and varieties include D. cooperi (Purple iceplant), ‘Lavender Ice’ and ‘Mesa Verde®’, among many others. Great for rock gardens.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to pollinators
Height: 1–3 inches
Spread: 24–30 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–10
Flowers: multiple colors
Bloom time: June–September
Sulphur buckwheat
-
Sulphur buckwheat.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Sulphur buckwheat flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Eriogonum umbellatum
This low-maintenance groundcover is one of the more popular native buckwheat plants in the Western U.S. Works well in a rock garden and on slopes with green-leafed, mat-forming foliage. Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 4–12 inches
Spread: 20–24 inches
USDA hardiness zone: 3
Flowers: Yellow
Bloom time: June–August
Wild strawberry
-
Wild strawberry.
Credit: Neil Bell, © Oregon State University
Fragaria species
A fast-growing groundcover with green foliage and white or pink flowers followed by red, edible fruit. Can be used for erosion control on slopes. Native species is F. vesca. Avoid planting invasive species F. chiloensis (beach strawberry).
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to butterflies and birds
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 8–10 inches
Spread: 24–36 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
Flowers: white or pink
Bloom time: May–July
Sweet woodruff
-
Sweet woodruff.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Galium odoratum
A mat-forming groundcover, good for shady areas and rock gardens. Spreads by creeping roots and has lance-shaped green leaves. Small, white flowers appear in spring and early summer — they’re rich in nectar and pollen. Great for rock gardens. May be invasive in areas of Washington and Oregon. Check the Invasive Plant Atlas (see “Resources”) and avoid planting in areas noted.
- Full shade
- Moderate water use
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 6–12 inches
Spread: 8–18 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–10
Flowers: white
Bloom time: April-June
Dead nettle
-
'Orchid Frost' dead nettle.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Dead nettle flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Lamium species
Variegated foliage and colorful blooms throughout the season. Prefers a north- or east-facing location. Cultivars include ‘Orchid Frost’ and ‘White Nancy’. May be invasive in areas of Washington and Oregon. Check the Invasive Plant Atlas (see “Resources”) and avoid planting in areas noted. Avoid planting the invasive species Lamiastrum galeobdolan (yellow archangel).
- Moderate water use
- Full shade
- Deer-resistant
Height: 4–6 inches
Spread: 15–18 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
Flowers: pink, white or purple
Bloom time: April–June
Silver-edged horehound
-
Silver-edged horehound.
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / CC BY -
Silver-edged horehound leaves.
Credit: Krzysztof Kenraiz / CC BY-SA
Marrubium rotundifolium
A vigorous, mat-forming plant that works well in dry rock gardens. Interesting, soft fuzzy leaves have a silver underside that curl upward, creating the effect of a silver edge.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attractive to pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 10 inches
spread: 18 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–9
Flowers: silver-white
Bloom time: June
Japanese pachysandra
-
Japanese pachysandra.
Credit: Neil Bell, © Oregon State University -
Japanese pachysandra leaves.
Credit: Patrick Breen, © Oregon State University
Pachysandra terminalis
A spreading semi-evergreen with shiny, dark-green leaves and white, spiky flowers. Grows well in shady areas. More compact varieties available.
- Moderate water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 6–8 inches
Spread: 10+ inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–9
Flowers: white
Bloom time: June
Creeping phlox
-
Creeping phlox.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Creeping phlox flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Phlox subulata
A popular, profuse spring bloomer. Linear, green leaves form a low-growing mat. Lots of cultivars are available. P. diffusa is one of the native varieties with pink blooms. Good in rock gardens.
- Low water use
- Full sun
- Attractive to pollinators
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 4–6 inches
Spread: 18–24 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3–9
Flowers: white, blue, pink
Bloom time: April–June
Soapwort
-
Soapwort.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Soapwort flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Saponaria ocymoides
An attractive groundcover with profuse, fragrant, bright pink flowers in late spring. Good in rock gardens. Has a long bloom time. Avoid planting invasive species S. officinalis (Bouncingbet).
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 4–5 inches
Spread: 15–18 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3-7
Flowers: pink
Bloom time: May–June
Sedum or stonecrop
-
'Blue Spruce' sedum.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Sedum flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Sedum species
One of the best choices for fire resistance. Groundcover with succulent foliage in shades of green to blue. Many varieties thrive in hot, dry conditions. Great for rock gardens. Some are an important source of nectar for butterflies and bees. Not all varieties are deer-resistant. S. divergens (Pacific stonecrop) is native with a yellow bloom.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Deer-resistant
- Native species or cultivars available
Height: 2–12 inches
Spread: 6–24 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
Flowers: white, yellow, pinkish-red
Bloom time: May–September
Hens and chicks
-
Hens and chicks.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Hens and chicks flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Sempervivum species
A unique groundcover with green, succulent, rosette-shaped foliage. The parent plant produces star-shaped flowers that rise up on a stalk and also produces smaller plants or “chicks.” Excellent in rock walls.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Deer-resistant
Height: 2–6 inches
Spread: 6–10 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–10
Flowers: pink
Bloom time: June–August
Creeping thyme
-
'Bressingham' creeping thyme.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Creeping thyme flowers.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Thymus praecox
A low-growing groundcover with fragrant leaves in shades of light to dark green, yellow or variegated. You can use several species of low-growing thyme. Works well between pavers and in rock walls.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 1–3 inches
Spread: 12–36 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
Flowers: pink, white or purple
Bloom time: May–August
Speedwell
-
'Royal Candles' speedwell.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Pink speedwell.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University -
Turkish speedwell.
Credit: Amy Jo Detweiler, © Oregon State University
Veronica species
A low-growing groundcover with glossy green or woolly leaves. Showy in full bloom. Good for use in rock gardens. Taller species V. spicata attracts butterflies and bees. V. liwanensis (Turkish speedwell), V. pectinata (blue woolly speedwell) are popular non-invasive species.
- Low water use
- Full sun to partial shade
- Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
- Deer-resistant
Height: 1–6 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
Flowers: blue, pink or white
Bloom time: May–June
