Native Habitat:

Moist forests, forest edges, and coastal slopes.

Bloom Time:

April – June

Growth Habit & Mature Size:

Evergreen shrub, typically 6–15 feet tall (occasionally up to 20 feet), with large leathery leaves and upright branching. Produces showy clusters of pink to rose-purple flowers at branch tips.

Light & Soil Requirements:

Partial shade to full sun; thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soils high in organic matter. Prefers consistent moisture and protection from extreme heat.

Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:

Polystichum munitum, Holodiscus discolor, Gaultheria shallon, Corylus cornuta, Adiantum pedatum.

Urban Garden Function:

Adds year-round evergreen structure, lush foliage, and striking spring flowers to urban woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized landscapes. Works well as a specimen shrub, in foundation plantings, or as part of layered native plant communities designed for shade and habitat value.

Wildlife Supported:

Flowers attract native bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Evergreen foliage and branching provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects.

Historical Use:

Traditionally valued by Indigenous peoples for medicinal uses. Highly prized ornamentally for its dramatic blooms and evergreen presence in woodland gardens and restoration plantings.