When most people think of natives, they imagine cacti or ‘water wise’ gardening, which while marketed as drought-tolerant, does not accurately represent the plant community that is native to most of Coastal California. California Natives are, by definition, anything that grew within the boundaries of California prior to European exploration. Planting native heals the ecosystem. Planting native increases fire resistance. Planting native provides a home for wildlife. Planting native returns us to our roots.
Plants whose entire life cycle occurs in one year: it grows from seed, flowers, produces seeds, and dies. Showy flowers with long-lasting seasons that help maintain biodiversity and contribute to the health of the environment.
Miniature Lupine, Purple Owl’s Clover, Red Maids, Elegant Clarkia, Indian Paintbrush, Blue Field Gilia, Farewell To Spring, Coastal Lotus
Woody plants, generally with one trunk and taller than mature shrubs. Often the cornerstone form native wildlife and its surrounding ecosystem.
Coast Live Oak, Big Leak Maple, California Alder, Velvet Ash, Toyon, Fremont’s Cottonwood, Blue Elderberry, Western Sycamore, California Laurel, Pacific Madrone
Non-flowering plants with feathery or fronded leaves that reproduce by spores vs seeds. Ferns provide shelter, shade and erosion protection to the ecosystem.
Western Bracken Fern, California Maiden Hair Fern, California PolyPody, California Lace Fern, Western Sword Fern
Plants characterized by narrow leaves, hollow stems, and small wind-pollinated flowers. Native grasses serve as a larval host plant for many butterflies and moths.
Thingrass, Clustered Field Sedge, Giant Wildrye, Small Flowered Melica, Blue-Eyed Grass, Swamp Carex, Deergrass
California Poppy, Showy Milkweed, Pacific Pea, Coulter’s Matilija Poppy, Chalk Live Forever, California Sunflower, California Fuschia, Royal Penstemon, Hummingbird Sage, Silver Lupine, Many-flowered Snapdragon
Living and producing for more than two years, returning season after season. Many serve as host plants for butterflies and provide essential food and habitat for wildlife.
Western Redbud, Scrub Oak, Ashyleaf Buckwheat, Coyote Bush, Eastwood Manzanita, Toyon, Bush Mallow, White Sage, Sticky Monkeyflower, Showy Penstemon, Bush Poppy
Woody plants with multiple main stems, usually shorter than a tree. Provide nesting and resting places for native wildlife.
California Blackberry, Desert Wild Grape, Chaparral Honeysuckle, Island Morning Glory, Southern California Snowberry, American Vetch
Any plant with the growth habit of trailing or climbing. Rich with nectar for pollinators (hummingbirds!)
*Bonus: Natives more quickly help restore the soil, prevent erosion and need little water once established. They also attract butterflies and birds and are an important piece in the ecological circle. Start small with a butterfly garden for immediate results.