Region profile

Cascades

Cascades: This mountainous ecoregion is characterized by steep ridges and river valleys in the west, a high plateau in the east, and both active and dormant volcanoes, underlain by Cenozoic volcanics and affected by alpine glaciations.

Zone

Interior

Common Name

Cascades

CEC Level III Code

6.2.7

CEC Level II Code

6.2 Western Cordillera

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Cascades region boasts diverse ecosystems vital for pollinators, from alpine meadows to temperate rainforests. However, these essential insects face increasing challenges. Factors such as climate change, altering bloom times and habitats, and habitat loss due to development and wildfires are major threats. Pesticide use and the introduction of non-native species also impact native bee and butterfly populations, including the Arctic blue butterfly. Protecting the Cascades’ unique flora is crucial for securing a future for its pollinators.

Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Cascades
Geographic Range	The Cascades region stretches from west-central Washington State through the spine of Oregon, and includes a disjunct area around Mt. Shasta in northern California.
Climate Snapshot	The Cascades ecoregion has a mild to severe, mid-latitude climate that varies by elevation, featuring mostly dry, warm summers and relatively mild to cool, very wet winters, with a mean annual temperature ranging from approximately -1°C to 11°C and mean annual precipitation of 1,824 mm.
Terrain Profile	This mountainous ecoregion, underlain by Cenozoic volcanics and affected by alpine glaciations, is characterized by steep ridges, river valleys, a high plateau, and both active and dormant volcanoes, with elevations ranging from about 250 masl upwards to 4,390 masl.
Vegetation Cover	The vegetation consists of extensive, highly productive coniferous forests dominated by Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar at lower elevations, transitioning to Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, and subalpine fir at higher elevations, with subalpine meadows and rocky alpine zones at the highest points.
Wildlife Habitat	The Cascades ecoregion is home to notable species such as Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bear, cougar, and various fish like chinook salmon and bull trout.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Climate pattern notes are being added.

Vegetation profile

The vegetation consists of extensive, highly productive coniferous forests dominated by Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar at lower elevations, transitioning to Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, and subalpine fir at higher elevations, with subalpine meadows and rocky alpine zones at the highest points.

Wildlife profile

The Cascades ecoregion is home to notable species such as Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bear, cougar, and various fish like chinook salmon and bull trout.

Why pollinators matter here

Pollinator impact notes are being added.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Seasonal timing notes are being added.

Quick seasonal checklist

Seasonal checklist notes are being added.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.

Season	What pollinators need most	What you can do
Late winter / early spring	Early nectar/pollen; safe shelter as insects “wake up”	Plant/keep early bloomers; avoid spring pesticide use; leave some leaf litter and stems a bit longer
Spring	Steady bloom; nesting sites starting up	Add a mix of native flowers and at least one shrub; keep some bare soil and hollow stems; provide shallow water
Summer	Reliable nectar during heat/dry spells; diverse flowers	Plant “bridge” blooms; water young plants; aim for sunny patches; keep blooms coming (no big gaps)
Late summer / fall	High-energy nectar for overwintering and migration; seed/cover	Prioritize late bloomers; avoid heavy fall cleanup; let some plants go to seed
Winter (or dormant season)	Protected shelter in stems, leaf litter, and soil	Leave stems standing; keep logs/brush in a corner; plan next season’s additions

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

A simple way to plan a pollinator patch is to think in three layers that cover the whole season.

Spring starter

Spring starter: early bloomers (often including early perennials and shrubs) to feed emerging bees.

Summer bridge

Summer bridge: mid-season flowers that keep nectar/pollen steady through the main growing months.

Fall finisher

Fall finisher: late bloomers (like asters/goldenrods in many areas) to prevent end-of-season food shortages.

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

Get a Bloom Kit View Bloom Map

Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Alders

Alders are fast-growing trees in the genus Alnus that are especially useful in damp spots and along edges where you want quick cover and early-season pollen for insects.

View plant profile

Asters

Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.

View plant profile

Birches

Birches are graceful trees in the genus Betula, known for their often light-colored bark and early-season pollen and catkins that support springtime insects.

View plant profile

Blueberries & huckleberries

Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

View plant profile

Clovers

Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.

View plant profile

Fireweed

Fireweed is a tough, fast-growing wildflower in the genus Chamerion that brings bright pink blooms and lots of pollinator activity to sunny, open spaces.

View plant profile

Fleabanes

Fleabanes (genus Erigeron) are easygoing wildflowers with daisy-like blooms that can brighten gardens, schoolyards, and balcony pots while offering steady nectar and pollen for many small pollinators.

View plant profile

Goldenrods

Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.

View plant profile

Kinnikinnick

Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.

View plant profile

Manzanitas

Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.

View plant profile

Poplars, aspens & cottonwoods

Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods (genus Populus) are fast-growing trees best known for their fluttering leaves and soft “cottony” seeds. They can support early-season pollinators with spring catkins, but they’re also big, thirsty, and often short-lived in small yards—so they’re best chosen with space and roots in mind.

View plant profile

Rushes

Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.

View plant profile

Sedges

Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.

View plant profile

Willowherbs

Willowherbs (genus Epilobium) are easygoing wildflowers that pop up in sunny, open spots and offer simple, nectar-rich blooms that many small pollinators can use.

View plant profile

Willows

Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.

View plant profile